Recent Blog Entries

  • 6 hours ago
    Posted by Dion Todd
    Yahweh said to Joshua, "Get up! Why have you fallen on your face like that?" Joshua 7:10 WEB.Joshua lay prostrate before the ark of the Lord all that evening. Yesterday, he had been a mighty warrior. Now Israel had lost the battle at Ai, all because one of the men with him had become greedy and brok...
  • Wed at 3:01 AM
    Posted by Dion Todd
    Now the king of Syria had commanded the captains of his chariots, saying, "Don't fight with small nor great, except only with the king of Israel." When the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said, "It is the king of Israel!" Therefore they turned around to fight against him. But Jehoshap...
  • Tue at 3:01 AM
    Posted by Dion Todd
    But Naaman was angry, and went away and said, "Behold, I thought, 'He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of Yahweh his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leper' " 2 Kings 5:11 WEB.Naaman stared at his new skin with amazement when he came up from the muddy wa...
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  • March 25, 2022 - led by Lynn Brown
    This 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!
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Beast of Burden

  • Jesus answered them, Most assuredly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is the bondservant of sin. A bondservant doesnt live in the house forever. A son remains forever. If therefore the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:34 WEB

    As I dropped the luggage in the hotel lobby it echoed through the room. After carrying it almost a mile in the August heat, I was exhausted. As it turned out, we were guests at the hotel and should have parked in front of the door, but the parking lot attendant had mistakenly made us park far away because he thought that we were part of a conference and not guests of the hotel.

    In times not so long ago, people would load such baggage onto a pack horse or donkey, a beast of burden, and it would carry the load for them. The beast had no choice in the matter, but you do, because you are an honored guest of the Father.

    The enemy will saddle you up with your past baggage and take you out for a ride if you let him. We are all sinners and one is as bad as the other. Remember this, remember that, and soon all the bad things that you have ever been involved in will settle right down on you. Before long you will begin to question what you are even doing here. Look at all that I have done. God could never love someone like me.

    Don't become a beast of burden and start carrying the enemy's luggage around. You will just become exhausted and bitter. Take it to the Lord in prayer and leave your past, in the past where it belongs.

    Prayer: Lord, I am laying my past mistakes down. This is a new day and I will not be a beast of burden any longer. I am a new creation in Christ Jesus and my past, is now in my past. Help me to become steadfast and guard my thought life, in the name of Jesus I pray.

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Social Sharing

64 comments
  • 3
David and Dianna Wyles
David and Dianna Wyles I tend to live in the past or the future too much, often anxious, worried, or remembering past mistakes or hurts. I give my worries to God every morning and by the end of the day when I am tired, I realize I have taken about half my worries back from him. Lord take my cares and worries and dont let me take them back! I lay my past and my future before you. I am yours, & I am ready. I don't want to be a beast of burden, I want to be all yours. Lift me up, guide me, and guard me.Help me to leave my past in the past where it belongs! In Jesus name ~Amen~  Thank you Pastor, may the Lord bless you & keep you always.
August 19, 2015
  • 4
Kealtis "Key" Austin
Kealtis "Key" Austin Good morning Dianna, and, AMEN!  You are not alone when you do that.  I've found myself, as well taking things back that I've given to Him.  But that's the trick of the enemy.  He fills that if we are consumed with self we won't be able to be consumed with the things of God.  We will not even be able to hear Him when He speaks to us.  That's why His Word says to lay aside every weight that so easily besets us.  Let us work together on that my sister.  We can defeat the enemy, by the grace, power, and mercy of God.
August 19, 2015
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David and Dianna Wyles
David and Dianna Wyles Amen :)
August 19, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Thank you so much for sharing. I sure understand how you and Dianna feel, I too many times, pick my worries back up and bring them back to worry some more. I pray each day for the anxieties and depression to be taken away and if not removed, that I will have the strength to handle it.
August 19, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 1
Karen Pasquinelli
Karen Pasquinelli You are not alone Dianna.  I find myself doing the same thing now and then.  I then find myself saying.."In the name of Jesus Christ, Satan leave me alone and he leaves."
August 19, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
August 19, 2015- Edit- Delete
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Dianna, you always bless me throug your beautiful words and prayers. Thank You. Love, Tamara
August 19, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Elena Vasquez
Elena Vasquez Amen
August 19, 2015
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Marisa Jackson
Marisa Jackson Amen!!  Heavenly Father thank you for your son Jesus who is my Savior and friend!  Amen!!
August 19, 2015
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Carolyn  Douglas
Carolyn Douglas Thank you Lord for setting us free! It needs to be a daily reminder that is ever before us because most assuredly ...something will try to drag us back to our past shackles and chains. I hold fast to be intentional about being set free from every weight and burden. May my mind-body'and spirit line up with the truth that Jesus gave us and be forever free.
August 19, 2015
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David and Dianna Wyles
David and Dianna Wyles Amen!
August 19, 2015
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Kealtis &quot;Key&quot; Austin
Kealtis "Key" Austin Amen, amen, and amen again!
August 19, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd Amen, Carolyn!
August 19, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, what a beautiful way to feel, thank you for sharing, may I too line up with Jesus in everyway.
August 19, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 3
Valerie  King
Valerie Kingedited: August 19, 2015 Amen! needed to hear that this morning. Thank you. 
August 19, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member God bless you.
August 19, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 3
Jeffrey Smith
Jeffrey Smith Praise God! Thank you Pastor Todd. This is a great truth.
August 19, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
August 19, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 3
Kealtis &quot;Key&quot; Austin
Kealtis "Key" Austin Thank you Pastor Todd on this lesson today.  God want His people to know that His yoke is so much easier and lighter than ours.  We all carry around a lot of unnecessary baggage, that if we let Him, He's more than willing to carry for us while we carry His Spirit.  God is so good.  All the time.  Thank You Jesus!
August 19, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, may we trust Him to carry our burdens for us.
August 19, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Rachael Burke
Rachael Burke Amen Pastor Todd, this reminds me I've left my burden on the cross , thanks Padtor
August 19, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
August 19, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Penelope Rhome
Penelope Rhome thank you Dion thank you Lord for your powerful wisdom thank you for giving me this day to live Glory
August 19, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
August 19, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Diane Casey
Diane Casey Amen and thanks!
August 19, 2015
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Eddie Marrero
Eddie Marrero Thank you for this I really need it this today, actually I need it everyday, but I'll take it one day a a time.  
August 19, 2015
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Joey Smith
Joey Smith Amen, as usual these are some words I really needed Thanks pastor for the words each day they bring some peace to my day.  
August 19, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, thank You Jesus for the peace that comes from Your loving and caring Words.
August 19, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Kathy Banfield
Kathy Banfield AMEN! This sure has been a traumatic week for me, and I began using that as an excuse to wallow in pity in my hospital bed a few days ago. Ruminating over my past was easy  when aI was alone after visiting hours! Praise God for the supportive family I've found right here at Refreshing Hope--I wish I had convinced my son to let me take my p.c to the hospital but he really thought it would be stolen, so I let it wait right here in my bedroom for me. May God bless everyone here and thanks once again for the prayers!
August 19, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd Praise God, so glad that you made it through that! I'm sure you are sore and all, so thank you for checking in :). I pray that the Lord heals you quickly and completely!
August 19, 2015
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Karen Fletcher
Karen Fletcher So good to hear from you again. Praying for a quick recovery. God richly bless you!  
August 19, 2015
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Beatrice &quot;Raye&quot; Huth
Beatrice "Raye" Huth May God lay his hands on you for quick healing and to keep your mind focused on him.
August 19, 2015
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Deng Tembreza
Deng Tembreza GOD IS GOOD. You are here and healed by OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. Glad you are well. Recovery is fast for your Faith And love of GOD has and will heal you in body, heart, soul and spirit.
August 19, 2015
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Dion Todd
Dion Todd May the Lord bring quick and complete healing to your body, in the name of Jesus Christ.
August 19, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member I pray you are doing better, you have been in my prayers everyday. I pray for a speedy recovery. God bless you and lots of love and prayers being sent your way. 
August 19, 2015- Edit- Delete
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David and Dianna Wyles
David and Dianna Wylesedited: August 20, 2015 Praying daily for full recovery and happy to hear surgery went well! Many healthy blessings to you
August 20, 2015
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Twila Stierwalt
Twila Stierwalt I was just reading Pauls testimony, and what Jesus told him to do was to send out the belivers out to open the eyes of the Jew's and the Gentiles eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light, and from the deminion of satan to God, in order that they may receive forgiveness of their sins, and an inhertance among those who have been sanctified,(set apart for holy use) by faith in Me. Acts 26:16-18. I am so thankful that I have been taken out of satans deminion and put into Gods deninion, and set apart for Gods holy use. Belief is faith in action. I am going to act like the Bible is true!
August 19, 2015
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Shelby Casey
Shelby Casey Amen. We have been set aside for the purpose of letting the Light that is in us to shine so that it may reveal the Glory of the Lord. Lighting the path for others to the Lord our God.
August 19, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, Thank You for sharing Twila, you always bless me.
August 19, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Shelby Casey
Shelby Casey Thank you God for sending your Son to lift the burdens of my past sin, thank you Jesus for being obediant to the call of the Father. Thank you Holy Spirit for your counsel. Thank you Pastor Dion and thank you RHM family for sharing your sorrows, your passions, and your insights into the Word for the good of the Church. Amen
August 19, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Yes, Amen
August 19, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Carol Pady
Carol Pady Amen! We have to push forward , not looking back upon our failures. One day at a time , for each day has its own troubles. If Jesus has paid it all, we have to quit trying to pay more. Our past debts are paid in full!
August 19, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, they are truly paid in full. Thank you for that wonderful reminder
August 19, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Beatrice &quot;Raye&quot; Huth
Beatrice "Raye" Huth Love this spot, love the people, love the praise to God; may we always open our hearts to his light. Amen.  I thank God for leading me here to share.
August 19, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen and we are so happy you are here and share you wonderful blessings and all things with us. God bless you
August 19, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Marilyn DeJongh
Marilyn DeJongh It seems each day, your words touch a place in my heart that needs to heal.  Thank you and thank God for His forging and healing love. 
August 19, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, God is so good. He loves us so.
August 19, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Michael Griffin
Michael Griffin Once again, Pastor Todd, this devotion was right on time!! Thank you! This one really hits home for me and, I'm sure, countless others. We can't change what has already taken place. in stead of continuing to concern ourselves with what has already taken place, we need to keep moving forward...POSITIVELY!!! He is here for us!!! Praise His holy name!!!
August 19, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, We serve an awesome God.
August 19, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Christina Ocasio
Christina Ocasio Amen!!... 
August 19, 2015
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Iris Parlin
Iris Parlin Thank you for this message today! May God bless you all!! Amen
August 19, 2015
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Schalk  de Beer
Schalk de Beer Thank you,  and amen Jesus. 
August 19, 2015
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Conchita Bowman
Conchita Bowman The Devil always tries to put his two cents worth in, whether you want it or not!!!  We must always remember that God is ALWAYS with us and I have read the Bible and know that GOD IS THE WINNER IN THE END!  We just have to keep God 1st in our lives then we will go to our Heavenly home someday.  God's many blessings to you Pastor dion and your family.
August 19, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
August 19, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Cheryl Hepler
Cheryl Hepler I like that thought that I don't want to carry the "enemy's" luggage around.  So cleansing is His blood...nothing but the blood of Jesus.  Put in that way truly puts it where it belongs, thanks Pastor Todd & Sylvia for all the work you do!
August 19, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, we no longer have to carry any burdens when we give them to Jesus, what an Awesome God we serve.Praise His Holy Name.
August 19, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Cheryl Hepler
Cheryl Hepler I love that way of putting it, it is the enemy's baggage/luggage.  Not mine for the cleansing happened by the lord of Jesus!  Thank you Pastor Todd & Sylvia for the work you do!
August 19, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Beautiful message, thank you for sharing. God bless.
August 19, 2015- Edit- Delete
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
August 19, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Connie Astudillo
Connie Astudillo I so needed to read this just now...thank Jesus that He will do a good work in us until His coming and to me it gives me peace because I will never and can never be perfect because only Jesus is perfect which takes a lot of burden and past mistakes off my shoulders...
August 19, 2015
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Deborah Alexander
Deborah Alexander Thank you Father that our sins you remember no more
August 19, 2015
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Celestina Ndunda
Celestina Ndunda Thank you Lord for standing with me even when i do not deserve it. You have protected me carried all my burdens and cared for me. Lord i give you praise.
August 20, 2015
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Lissy Verghese
Lissy Verghese Thank you dear Pastor for the great message!
August 20, 2015
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Ticardo Williams
Ticardo Williams Amen.  Praise God!  Thank you! Lay aside every weight, and the sin.
August 20, 2015