Recent Blog Entries
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Blessed is the man who doesn't walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the way of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers; But his delight is in Yahweh's law; On his law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree planted by the streams of water, That brings forth its fruit in its se... -
Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you. Don't quench the Spirit. Don't despise prophesies. Test all things, and hold firmly that which is good. Abstain from every form of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:16'22 WEB.While travelin...
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When he came down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. Behold, a leper came to him and worshiped him, saying, "Lord, if you want to, you can make me clean." Jesus stretched out his hand, and touched him, saying, "I want to. Be made clean." Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. Matthew 8...
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- led by Lynn BrownThis is a group for RHM sponsored events like corporate fasts. Everyone is welcome to join and participate in things currently going on in the ministry. We love you and thank you for being a part of Refreshing Hope!
The Lone Ranger
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Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Withstand him steadfast in your faith, knowing that your brothers who are in the world are undergoing the same sufferings. 1 Peter 5:8 WEB
When a pack of lions hunt water buffalo, they follow the herd and watch it a while, then pick a straggler that is off on its own. They are not interested in a fight, but are hungry and looking for an easy meal. The lions do not dare confront the entire herd because they would be trampled to death. There is strength and protection in numbers.
The lone ranger becomes a lonely stranger and a prime choice for lunch. Be sure that you have Christian friends in your life, more than just an acquaintance at church. You need people who will help protect you from attacks, encourage you, add happiness and strength, pray for you, and still are there when the others are gone.
Fellowship with one another is important. During some very dark times in our life, we had friends that prayed for us every day when I no longer had the strength to. Their prayers pulled me through and eventually I got back on my feet.
Try to get involved in activities with other Christians. If you are able, start serving at a local church, join a life group, attend a Bible study, intercessory prayer, soon you will have many friends. If you have no church to go to then participate in our online church here at refreshinghope.org. Make some friends. Know that our adversary seeks out those walking alone and he loves an easy target.
Prayer: Father, help me to find my place in the body of Christ. Put the people in my life that should be there. Bring encouragement and hope back to my life and guide me to where I need to be, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.
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Malissa Birket
Amen!
March 21, 2016
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David and Dianna Wyles
Amen! Thank you:) Pastor's Prayer: Father, help me to find my place in the body of Christ. Put the people in my life that should be there. Bring encouragement and hope back to my life and guide me to where I need to be, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.
March 21, 2016
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Twila Stierwalt
Amen.
March 21, 2016
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Mark Duell
Amen. Thank you Pastor Todd for RHM. The picking out there is really thin. I know for me and my personality, it's really hard for me to find men that have got your back. I had one brother when I was in the service that I could count on for a great one on one, man to man Christian fellowship. We helped each other to where it strengthened our courage when times got tough.
March 21, 2016
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Rebecca Goff
Yes Lord,thank you for this word today and I pray for your direction & as i pray this prayer I thank you for helping me to see clearly good,right,& healthy relationships in my life & to close doors to those who are not. in Jesus name Amen
March 21, 2016
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Twila Stierwalt
Amen.
March 21, 2016
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Deleted Member
Amen
March 21, 2016- Edit- Delete
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Mari Kaufmann
Don't forget me and mine God. Amen.
March 21, 2016
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Linda Cella
Amen. Thank you.
March 21, 2016
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Penelope Rhome
amen
March 21, 2016
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Kath Paro
Dion~
This is awesome! It brings to mind the fellowship I am involved in related to my alcoholism. Being part of the fellowship is what helps me stay sober one day at a time. The other part of that is my belief in my Higher Power who I call God, is with me every step of every day. Today I see that my daily involvement in RHM with prayer and praise keeps my faith and connection with God ever so stronger. Praise the Lord, God almighty! I will not be alone trying to live this life my Higher Power has granted me. Thank you so much!
March 21, 2016
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Twila Stierwalt
God is the only one that can give you the strength you need, and He does send others into your life to support and encourage you.
March 21, 2016
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Deleted Member
Amen, you are not alone, Jesus is always right there when you need to or just want to talk to Him, and you have many friends here at Refreshing Hope that are here for you. Love, hugs and prayers. (Always remember you are never alone)
March 21, 2016- Edit- Delete
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Pam Watkins
Yes God send the right people to my circle. Thankyou Pastor many times I feel like the long ranger it is difficult for me to trust. But I believe God and I trust that he is a present help and he will send the right people. Amen
March 21, 2016
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Twila Stierwalt
He will, and He does.
March 21, 2016
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Janet Clary
PastorDion, you have a great gift to explain what happens to those who become addicts and even those of us who are faced with relaps. Our family here at RHM is the strongest bond of Christian love and support, the strongest that I have found anywhere! Your daily devitonals have saved me from a lot of detroyed blessings and you and our wonderful First lady will always have my unconditional support for this gracious ministry. I am able to stay alcohol and drug free each day becaue of the love of the Lord and my beautiful family here and I am so greatful.
This daily dvotion speaks to all of us and it is encouraged to print this off to help others who might have a loved one that is still suffering in addiction. Satan will "hang " around to watch 99 goods thing to happen to take that 1 moment to create "fire and destruction" within our daily lives. Pray always for those who still suffer. Lots of love and hugs for you and our beautiful First Lady!! In Christ Love, Janet
March 21, 2016
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Twila Stierwalt
AMEN! this is so true, That is why we need encouragement from other Christians.
March 21, 2016
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David and Dianna Wyles
You have a way with words yourself! Amen Sister<3 love and hugs
March 21, 2016
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Deleted Member
God bless you for your wonderful testimony. You are a truly a blessing to everyone.
March 22, 2016- Edit- Delete
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Schalk de Beer
Yes Lord Jesus, amen.
March 21, 2016
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Jeff Franklinedited: March 21, 2016
This link takes you to a you tube video of water buffalos being attacked bu lions. It emphasizes Pastor Dion's point about safty in numbers quite well. You need to watch the whole video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU8DDYz68kM
March 21, 2016
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Twila Stierwalt
Thanks for sharing.
March 21, 2016
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Carol Pady
Amen!
March 21, 2016
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Carol Pady
Amen!
March 21, 2016
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Twila Stierwalt
So true, we need to have a lot of Christian friends and be involved in serving God with others, It is so important for us to lift each other up in the LORD.
March 21, 2016
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Sharon Peterson
That is a good point but easier said than done. When one goes to Church you only seem to make friends if you have enough money to eat out in expensive restaurants with the ladies luncheon or choose to partake in their gossip or badmouthing their husbands. Try to volunteer for something. Even though they claim to be seeking help in that area, you are treated like an intruder.
When visiting my Son for a while, a young man that was his neighbor was depressed, suicidal and lonely. I invited him to Churh with me in that town. He replied, "I already feel lonely and depressed, why would I want to go to Church and be ignored because I don't belong to their little click?" Sadly I could not argure that point or promise it wouldn't happen because any Church I've gone into in the past 10 years or so that is the way it goes.
March 21, 2016
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Rosemary Freitas
Sharon I felt that way in some churches also. But over the years I also found out I didn't belong in that church that made me feel like an outsider. I found a church that welcomed me with open arms the first day it was such a blessing I will never forget. Keep looking God will direct you where you belong. God bless.
March 21, 2016
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Deleted Member
We should all be living examples of Christ and never ever make someone feel like they are less than, because we all were created in God's image and He loves each of us just the way we are. We should always feel welcome in any church we go in, its our responsbility as Christians to show love and give love, even when that person may feel unlovable, if we are truly in Christ no one is unloveable. Lets all strive to be the kind of Christian that welcomes all into God's House, it doesn't belong to us, its His House and we are but mere keepers of it and we are suppose to also help be keepers of the souls of those that are lost in darkness and looking for a lighted path to follow. Sharon, Thank you so much for sharing this with us today, I pray all of our eyes be open to see that there are many lost souls, just wanting someone to show them they care and love them.
March 21, 2016- Edit- Delete
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Janet Marsh-Lord
I'm sorry you've had such negative experiences, and I know this can happen as I have experienced this myself. I have been much happier since I had time out and then found a new church. Its not perfect but I have found some new friends who have been really supportive and kind to me. Pray about it...I wish you well.
March 21, 2016
Comment deleted
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Rosemary Freitas
Amen! These words of wisdom are so true since I have been more involved in my church, Living Word Christian Fellowship Hanford I don't feel as lonely as I did before being single. God is so good. Thank you Pastor Dion for the encouraging wisdom word. God bless
March 21, 2016
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Christina Ocasio
Very true today's word, we weren't meant to be alone and do this walk alone. Where there is two, He is there in the midst of them, and if one falls the other is there to help lift you up. Thank you for this word today. Blessings.
March 21, 2016
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Scott Riegelmann
Pastor this is exactly what we are going through, since we moved in Jan we have been praying for a great local church family and asking for the Lords help at this thanku for serving Jesus pastor Todd cause thats where all of this RHM really starts in my opinion anyways thanx again I hope u have a super blessed week!
March 21, 2016
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Deleted Member
Amen, what an amazing devotion that I so needed today. Have been going through many trials, but Jesus hasn't ever failed me and I know He won't, I could use all your prayers. Thank You Pastor Dion for this message this morning and this beautiful prayer, it was right on target for me. God bless you and Sylvia, Love y'all so much.
March 21, 2016- Edit- Delete
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Wesley Paulus
Amen!
March 21, 2016
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Karen Pasquinelli
AMEN!!!
March 21, 2016
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Janet Marsh-Lord
I have been going to a new Church for 6 months after 2 years of not attending Church after leaving my previous church. I have made some new friends who support and pray for me daily, which is just fantastic. I have also been offered physical help with tasks around my home, which is such a blessing to me. I also attend Womens Aglow a monthly Christian group and over the years I have met some wonderful Christian women from all walks of life and they have become wonderful mentors and friends to me.
I agree we all need to find our niche in the body of Christ. We all need encouragement and support and especially prayer to get us through the difficult times and keep us safe.
I did try not attending church but missed the companionship and spiritual input and guidance.
Thank you for your devotional Pastor Dion. Its right on the mark as usual. Have a great day.
March 21, 2016
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Ticardo Williams
Amen. Praise God! Thanks Pastor Dion! Lord, Help me to trust You with this loneliness.
March 22, 2016
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Daphne Jones
This was such an uplifting read for me today. I LOVE God's way & words when he wants my undivided attention!!! Fellowship needs to become a lifeline for me, there has been so many drastic changes in my life and I find myself waiting for everything to change back, eventhough I truly understand, CHANGE is ENVIABLE. I must trust, believe & accept God's word to be true.
I must LET GO, LET GOD show me the way!!!
I ask you ALL, continue to pray for my strength, as I will pray for yours.
March 22, 2016