Recent Blog Entries
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The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Matt 23:11 ESVWhen I showed up at a church work day event, the job that got assigned to me was scrubbing all the bathrooms: upstairs, downstairs, and down the hall. I di... -
Do Not Be Dismayed from Refreshing Hope Ministries on Vimeo. Today I want to talk about becoming “Dismayed.” To be dismayed means “to be downcast, disappointed, disheartened, filled with terror.” It replaces hope and will lead you to a dark place. We become ineffective and...
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Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2 WEBMy Dad was born during the great depression in the early 1930s...
Agree to Disagree
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This saying is faithful, and concerning these things I desire that you affirm confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men; but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. Titus 3:8 WEB
Years ago, I thought that everyone needed to believe the same thing that I did, and I could make a convincing argument as to why. In Bible College we often had vigorous discussions about some petty point of doctrine. Yet, not once that I remember did I actually convince anyone of anything except to avoid me when they saw me coming.
Jesus told us to Love God, and to love each other. Yet by large we search out reasons to disagree. It is great to witness but when you reach a point of disagreement, and it is clear that neither party is going to change their mind, move on to the next topic. It is perfectly fine to disagree. We are all wrong about something and no one needs our approval to go to heaven. Be nice, be loving in your conversation.
It has to sadden the Lord to see most of the church busy pointing their fingers at each other while the world is laughing. We argue amongst ourselves like little spoiled children, accusing each other, while the world goes to hell around us. Heresy has become anything that we don't like or agree with.
We don't have to agree on everything. Jesus is Lord, He died for our sins, He was resurrected, and by faith in Him we are saved. If we can agree on this, let us be happy and not seek out reasons to disagree. Some people eat meat, some do not. Some go to church on Sunday, some do not. Some drink wine, some do not.
They don't have to agree with you to be saved because you are not God. In a family, the children may not agree or even like one another, but the parents love them all just the same.
Do yourself a favor today and just let the disagreement go. You do not have to be right, and if you are then you should not be so insecure about what others think. If they are wrong God will fix it sooner or later and adding more words will usually just broaden the gap between you and them, every single time. It is fine to agree to disagree.
Prayer: Father, help me to see the world through Your eyes. Speak to me and through me and give me the grace to keep my mouth shut until the proper time. Give me wisdom in my relationships and guide my every step, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.
Note: Good morning! For those interested, the weekly FAAD chat is happening tonight at 7pm EST. The theme will be "Seeing the Blessing", an uplifting time of seeing life through the eyes of His blessings! It will take place tonight at the RHM chatroom.
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Mark Duell
Amen and amen.
March 17, 2016
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David and Dianna Wyles
Such wise words! We would all be much happier and better off if only we would heed this message! I think agreeing to disagree and moving on is always the best approach... not that I awlays take that approach... but it's always the wiser thing to do:) Thank you Pastor Dion and Sylvia, for all you do here to feed the lost souls and bring them back to God's house. This world is a much brighter place for me, my husband, and many others because of you and this site. May your worries be few and your blessings be overflowing! Pastor's Prayer: Father, help me to see the world through Your eyes. Speak to me and through me and give me the grace to keep my mouth shut until the proper time. Give me wisdom in my relationships and guide my every step, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.
March 17, 2016
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Schalk de Beer
Amen Lord Jesus.
March 17, 2016
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Marisa Jackson
Amen!!
March 17, 2016
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Penelope Rhome
thank you Lord for keep guard over my lips amen
March 17, 2016
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Jim Jarrelledited: March 17, 2016
This is something very close to my heart. It took me a long time to figure out that by trying to prove my point in words, I was causing others not to want to be around me. Jesus said to let you light shine, not your words. When people begin to see God in our actions, they may start to ask how we got there. Disagreements just builds walls!
March 17, 2016
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Michele Smart
You're so right. Someone's actions speak much louder to me than their words.
March 17, 2016
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Joey Smith
Amen, Thank you Pastor Dion for sharing the words of the Lord this fine morning.
March 17, 2016
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Joan Joseph
I believe this is a big issue because everybody wants to be right. Disagreements would provoke a person to become angry and could tear a lot of friendships apart.The enemy wants us to be mad at each other. He wants to take our peace and joy away. We need to be wise and "agree to disagree" then give it to the Lord. Great Message Pastor.
March 17, 2016
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Mari Kaufmann
I agree.
March 17, 2016
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Albert Chau
Very true not just tearing friendship apart but marriage as well.
March 17, 2016
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Mari Kaufmann
Amen. I pray this when I speak to my Grandchildren. Please God make them receptive to me. Help me to make my point without raising my voice. Amen
March 17, 2016
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Dorene Glaze
Amen!
March 17, 2016
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Johanna Myott
Amazing message pastor Dion. I thank the Lord for guiding me to this church. To this, I do not know how I started to receive your daily messages, but I am grateful that it happened. I've been faithfully reading your messages every day for more than a year. It is my wake-me-up message - uplifting and very spiritual, thank you. This is a wonderful church that truly preaches God's word.
March 17, 2016
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Laura B. Martinez
This is so very true. Why cause strife with others when we could have peace. Thank you for the reminder Pastor Todd.
March 17, 2016
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Rosemary Freitas
Amen!Amen! Amen! Everyone do as God commands Love!
March 17, 2016
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Carol Pady
Amen! If we all had the same behavior and attitudes, there would be no need for debates or juries for that matter. We should not judge someone if they act differently or worship God differently or have a different relationship with God. Neither should we judge them if they sin differently. We are simply called to love them and do unto them as we would have them do unto us. Period.
March 17, 2016
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Karen Pasquinelli
AMEN!
March 17, 2016
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Twila Stierwalt
What a great devotion, pastor Dion, I do believe that the Holy Spitit leads us in to all truth. God speaks to each one of us differently. It is best to love others and not be disagreeable. God speaks to their heart and will tell them what He wants them to know. We don't have to disagree just because God has shown us something else. God loves all of us the same. It is the same in serving God We are all different and all have different gifts. We can still be in unity believing doctrine differently.
March 17, 2016
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Michele Smart
So how do you handle the situation when you are fine with agreeing to disagree but the other person wants to hold on to it?
March 17, 2016
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Dion Todd
It always takes two to argue. Well, most of the time. My step-mom would sit up at 2 AM arguing by herself while everyone else was trying to sleep. She was a touch insane, but eventually I did not even hear it. I can watch TV with people arguing on both sides of me and not even hear them, not that I put up with that anymore. Our house has a door. Some people belong on this side of it, others belong on the other side of it. Make use of it :)
March 17, 2016
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Michele Smart
Point taken Pastor Dion. Note to self: go invest in a good lock from Home Depot lol :)
March 18, 2016
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Scott Riegelmann
Amen pastor Todd thank you for your very wise words, I believe alittle wisdom can make all the difference in todays world on how well our relantionships are, how healthy they are is what i mean, Wisdom is a super great thing when applied to my life relationships it really does make all the difference in the world. Gods BEST to all who read this! sincerely ScottR
March 17, 2016
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Dion Todd
Thank you Scott! May you have a great day there.
March 17, 2016
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Christina Ocasio
Amen ♡
March 17, 2016
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Steven Paroedited: March 17, 2016
You are so right, Pastor Dion regarding agreement on fundamentals and not getting caught up in the trifles of our differences. If we believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are saved! The rest doesn't really matter! It is merely our attempt to be right as opposed to being saved by Christ's body and blood! In Jesus' precious and Holy name! Steve Paro
March 17, 2016
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Dion Todd
God Bless You Steve. You are going to make it through this in Jesus name.
March 17, 2016
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Kath Paro
So on target for me today, Dion. Since Monday there has been lots of disagreements here at home. We ask for God's grace to peacefully agree to disagree. Until I read this I was thinking I was just being defiant and not following God's will. As the ashes get settled, I see it wasn't defiance at all. I let the disagreements go into His hands and didn't get all wrapped up in nothing that I can't get fixed but God can! Amen my Higher Power!
March 17, 2016
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Rosemary Marsh
Amen. Praise God for his grace and mercy,and all that he is teaching us.I just want to say Thank you Heavenly Father,for all that you are doing in our lives.Helping us to be the people you want us to be.Thank you Pastor.!and for the prayer.I have prayed this often.
March 17, 2016
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Wesley Paulus
Amen
March 17, 2016
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Celestina Ndunda
This is so true. We fight and quarrel among ourselves yet we believe in the same God,same word of God...it is ashame. May the Lord help us all christians to Love one another in Jesus Name.
March 18, 2016
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Ticardo Williams
Amen. Praise God! Thanks Pastor Dion! Lord, Help me to behave wisely and with love.
March 18, 2016
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Julie Schneider
I absolutely love this!! Thank you Pastor Dion! This is so true for me and such a wonderful reminder for all of us! thank you! I have a sister in law that believes i will burn in hell for not being Catholic and a sister that thinks if she is a good person she will go to heaven. I have finally learned to keep my mouth shut...even when provoked!!...and pray for them.
March 18, 2016
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Heide Garner
yes I do agree my family dose not beliveing kind church go nor do go to church find hard want call up my mom she act thou can careless that called I show respect don,t get angery even if this how I feel I accept I can pray for but she choosing to have this addute hold on to the past so all Do is love and pray for her change her heart .
March 21, 2016
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Cheryl Hepler
Love this msg! Yes, what as witness to the world if we point at each other. Even a new Christian will be confused. Having to be right is insight to say they look to be insecure. Interesting.
i remember in my early walk I attended a Christian Women's Group. They met to sing praises, fellowship & hear speakers telling their testimonies. I went often. Loved the love among them & having a family of God to be part of. They had officers seeing over various tasks that handling getting spearkers, money music, etc. When it was time to elect new ladies that took care of different parts of group they had gotten different ladies's names if they would want to be ahead of one thei openings they would call each one on the phone to speak of serving & what they would be doing. I was called & asked different questions & was to give an answer. All seemed ok until they asked if I had my prayer language...a gift from God thru the Holy Spirit. I said yes. Then when she hung up I became very concerned what if a lady would answer no...would she be turned down? I cried out to the Lord for His thoughts about it. Hours went by & as I was cleaning while I listened to a radio Christian speaker the man was talking about my great concern. Blew my mind! He spoke from 1Cor. 12:27-to end of chapter. Being young in Christ his msg brought such peace & also the truth that if one was asked if she had this certain gift this group would accept her or not all over the gift question. My heart & spirit was grateful for truth yet ...why was this group not going by the whole msg? When it came time to go to the special mtg of elections I knew I could not be part of this way of walking in the Word. I felt so disheartened. I asked the president of this group(and I knew her along time before this meeting I was attended) to explain why the group was was choosing ladies according to gift she said she knew the verse but said the headquarters over this Christian group insisted it was basis of electing the ladies into said positions. I looked at this lady(friend) very confused. The mtg began & when my turn I said I resign in calling the ladies for the scripture does not say that. Many gifts yet not all receiving the same gift. A huge quiet in the room. I was at peace yet new they would continue to believe that way. I went awhile for I loved the ladies I met. I did then never attend again. It is like spiritual profiling. Help them all, Lord....again I walked on pass another area where being with Christ became another teaching of keeping my eyes on Christ & in His Word. It hurt too...big sadness. Not to debate just let this to be with Lord.
March 25, 2016