Refreshing Hope Ministries Online Church: Jesus

The Key Master

Posted by Dion Todd June 3rd, 2024 1,905 Views 25 Comments

The Key Master from Refreshing Hope Ministries on Vimeo.

(Revelation 3:7–8 NKJV) "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, 'These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens": "I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.

I grew up as an outcast—the lowest of the low, the least of the least. My Mom left before my first birthday, and when the Department of Social Services tried to take my two brothers and me away from Dad and adopt us out, he married the first woman he could find. She was special. She had married at thirteen and then had thirteen children. Her first husband died in an asylum, said he preferred it there.

I was the youngest of them all. Each morning, after Dad left for work, my new stepmom would put my brother and me out in the yard, bring her children and grandchildren into the house, lock the door, and have breakfast together. The cereal boxes were locked in a cabinet with a padlock, and there was a lock on the old rotary phone.

Every Friday, she would go and get her hair made into one of those big beehives. After my brother started school and she had no one to watch me, she would occasionally leash me to the huge pecan tree in the yard for a couple of hours. It was much like a dog, except I didn't have a water bowl. Apparently, it was out of the question for her to be seen with "Robert's boy" publicly. Yet, when Dad got home from work, she would deny it ever happened with a big smile. "Oh, he's crazy," she'd say.

One day, my older brother Randy took Ken and me to a revival at Bethlehem Baptist church. At the end of the service, they gave an altar call. Many people went forward, and I went along with them. I was only about six years old, but I wanted to know this Jesus they talked about. If there was a rapture, I certainly wanted to be a part of it. For the first time in my life, there seemed to be hope. But the people at the altar turned me away and told me that I was too young to be saved. I was crushed. I still remember that night, going home with the thought that I couldn't be saved.

Well, I may have been too young in their eyes, but God followed me home that night. From that day forward, I began to pray in my life, whether I was saved or not. After a few summers had passed, a preacher drove up to our yard one Sunday afternoon and talked with my Dad. He owned a farm about forty minutes away and wanted to take me on as a helper. He said that I could live with him and his wife during the week, and they would bring me home on the weekends. To my surprise, Dad said yes.

So when school got out that summer, I spent the weeks living with Preacher Clyde and working in the tobacco fields. It was hard work. We were on the go by 5 AM and were still checking barns at 11 PM. But his wife was the best cook, and I had my own room. I also got to go to church and see a glimpse of what a real family looked like. Though I was still an outsider, a servant, it was a big step up for me, and I could eat all I wanted.

Out of thirteen children, God set me apart that year and began drawing me. When I became old enough to get into trouble, He had me go live with a preacher. He directed my path and began training me. So never believe that your prayers aren't heard, no matter what other people tell you, for He will open a door that no man can shut. It has been a long journey, but here are some things that I have learned along the way:

1. You don't need anyone's approval or acceptance on this earth, for God can raise you up outside of their circle. Seek a relationship with Him foremost, and the doors you need will open. He is the Key Master, and He will open doors for you that no one can shut.

2. No one can stop your destiny except you. As long as you continue to follow God and keep putting one foot in front of the other, you will overcome. You will fulfill your destiny.

3. Never give up! This life isn't over until you are dead and in the grave. While I breathe, I hope. When you fall, get back up and take another step. When you stop getting up, then your journey stalls.

4. It's always you who walks away from Him. Never once will it be Him walking away from you. God will never leave you, nor forsake you, nor imprison you against your will. You are free to leave His house just as the prodigal son left His father's house if that's your desire.

5. God is never mad at you. You can perform the most grievous of sins and break all ten commandments, but when you turn back to Him, He will welcome you back with wide-open arms.

6. God is always right in what He says and does. There were so many times when I wanted something to happen a certain way, and it didn't. Most of the time, the way that it happened was better. When it didn't happen, it was for my own good, and it may have led me away from Him.

7. God never says: "I told you so." He will wash you as white as snow, just as if it never happened, and never bring your past up again. He will remove your sins from you. It's satan that constantly brings up your past, not God.

This is our time, and it's never too late to get started, but the sooner, the better. Just like a wise investment plan, the earlier you begin, the more fruit it can bear. So invest your time, money, talents, and resources in the kingdom of God, and it will have a long-term return that can hardly be measured.

We were brought into this world for such a time as this. Let's make our lives count for Jesus—no fear, no turning back, no breaking down. We will hold it together and press forward, following Him one day at a time. This is real. Though hell breaks loose around us, we will stay the course and see this through to the end. Your prayers will open a door for you that no man can shut.

You can pray this with me if you like:

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I want more of You in my life today. More of You, Lord, is the cry of my heart. Please fill the empty places inside of me with Your glorious presence. Let me feel what You feel and see what You see. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

Note: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.” (Philippians 4:6-7) ~ If you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network

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Sherry Mccosh commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Key Master

4 months ago

Heavenly Father, I want more of You in my life today. More of You, Lord, is the cry of my heart. Please fill the empty places inside of me with Your glorious presence. Let me feel what You feel and see what You see. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen! T
This was one of the most amazing life stories I have ever heard. God is always with us and watching over us, He will lead us in the way that He wants us to go and in the end we will be more blessed than they way we were before we came to Christ!!

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Liesel aka lisa Wardle commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Key Master

5 months ago

Amen and Amen!!! It was such a blessing to attend Sunday's service again, and I was so looking forward to tomorrow's service and prayer meeting, but it looks that I won't be able to attend!! It's been a rough week so far, and I'm asking for prayer for my entire family, starting with my husband, who fell twice and now has all kinds of problems, then our daughter, our grandson and his family, and for me for strength to keep on going!!!

Like (6) Reply

Michele Copley

5 months ago

Praying, Liesel, for your whole family, strength for you, while lifting up your husband, daughter, grandson in prayer, asking God for help through this time. Yes, It IS such a blessing to attend RHM fellowship services, it is a joy! Sorry you were not there, take care and, God's peace keep you.

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Liesel aka lisa Wardle

5 months ago

Thank you dear sister, God bless you!!! 🙏

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Lynn Brown

5 months ago

Continued prayers for you and all your family, Liesel. May God bring healing and strength! In the name of Jesus, Amen.🙏

Like (3) Reply

Liesel aka lisa Wardle

5 months ago

God bless you dear sister, you are such a comfort to me, love you! 🙏❤️

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Sylvia Todd

5 months ago

Praying for all of you, Liesel 🙏!

Like (4) Reply

Liesel aka lisa Wardle

5 months ago

Thank you so much dear sister, thank you from the bottom of my heart!!! ❤️🙏

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Michele Copley commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Key Master

5 months ago

How tender is the goodness of how you were under God's arms of protection, opening doors for you by your older brother taking you to church, to even live in a Pastor's home, learning of God's existence and love through caring brother and adults, and God and saw your every need. True blessings as well, as you acquired work ethics at that age, responsibility, and most of all, your heart was in prayer to God! Such a hard time and, loss and hurt you suffered through, but tender and awesome was God's hand of mercies upon you! Knowing how God hasn't ever given up on anyone, even like me, to fulfill in me, His purpose in my life; He has purposeful plans for my family, and even though a few do not seek Him now, God desires their decision to follow Him again, and I am trying to keep at peace, trusting how God is listening to prayers, how He knows their minds, and will never forget them, nor give up on their renewed relationship with Him.

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Liesel aka lisa Wardle

5 months ago

Amen and Amen, Michele, that's why we have to pray for one another and our families!! 🙏🙏The Lord's plans for us, His children is to live a purposeful life, to seek Him first and keep on trusting, believing and praying!! 🙏 PS: Was very disappointed that I didn't make it in time for the prayer meeting today!

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Wesley Paulus commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Key Master

5 months ago

Amen!

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Lynn Brown commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Key Master

5 months ago

Father, shut the doors in my life that need to be shut and open the ones that You have planned for me, Amen.

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Dan Remley

5 months ago

Amen ❤️

Like (2) Reply

Yvette York commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Key Master

5 months ago

AMEN Good Morning Everyone I Pray Everyone Has A Bless week 😀

Like (9) Reply

Dan Remley

5 months ago

You as well Yvette ❤️

Like (0) Reply

David Krull

5 months ago

You too.

Like (3) Reply

Sylvia Todd

5 months ago

Good morning, Yvette, to you as well 🌞!

Like (3) Reply

Theresa Bright commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Key Master

5 months ago

Amen. Happy Monday everyone!

Like (4) Reply

Dan Remley

5 months ago

Happy Monday ❤️

Like (1) Reply

Dan Remley commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Key Master

5 months ago

Lord I know every step I take in this world you are with me. My life is so peaceful with you in it. Send down your Holy Spirit and fill me with love. In Jesus name I pray Amen ❤️

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Mari Kaufmann commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Key Master

5 months ago

Amen

Like (3) Reply

Deng Tembreza commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Key Master

5 months ago

WE PRAISE YOU LORD. Let us ( my son , his wife and me) feel what You feel and see what You see LORD. In the name of JESUS CHRIST, WE PRAY. AMEN

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Donald Woodard commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Key Master

5 months ago

Thank You for the good word.

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David Krull commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Key Master

5 months ago

Amen Lord. Such a beautiful testimony pastor. Come Lord Jesus. Come quickly and take us from this sinful world. I pray You draw my unsaved family and friends unto You. Father I beseech You to have mercy on them. Convict them of their sins and save them before it’s too late. Restore my relationship with my two daughters who clung to their mother and her ways when she wrongfully divorced me. I have tried so hard. Please Father send the love of Jesus into them regarding our relationships. Nothing is impossible for You. In Jesus Holy Name I pray.

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Scott Riegelmann commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Key Master

5 months ago

Amazing testimony and an amazing relationship with Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior! Thank you pastor Dion for your awesome way of teaching others how to get closer to God.

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Marisa Jackson commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Key Master

5 months ago

Alleluia 🙏🙏!! Alleluia 🙏🙏!! Amen🙏🙏!! Alleluia 🙏🙏♥️♥️!!

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Elena Vasquez commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Key Master

5 months ago

Amen

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Wanda Pennington commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Key Master

5 months ago

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Candy Laventure commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Key Master

5 months ago

Amen!

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Kevin J. Eck commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Key Master

5 months ago

Amen! Today's devotional said it all for me, Thank you Father and thank you Pastor! Amen!

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Brenda F commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Key Master

5 months ago

Amen

Like (6) Reply

Celeste Strenn commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Key Master

5 months ago

Amen❣️

Like (6) Reply

Gloria Nebarez commented on Dion Todd's blog post: The Key Master

5 months ago

Amen, thank you Jesus

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Dion Todd added a new video devotional: The Key Master

5 months ago

The Key Master from Refreshing Hope Ministries on Vimeo. (Revelation 3:7–8 NKJV) "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, 'These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens": "I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and... Read the full post here: The Key Master

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Benjamin Opawale

5 months ago

Amen

Like (6) Reply