Blog Post
Posted by Dion Todd April 18th, 2025 1,172 Views 28 Comments
You shall seek me, and find me, when you shall search for me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says Yahweh, and I will turn again your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places where I have driven you, says Yahweh; and I will bring you again to the place from where I caused you to be carried away captive. Jeremiah 29:13–14 WEB.
Israel was on a slow downward spiral of backsliding. They were worshipping other gods like asheroth, baal, and chemosh when given a chance. Under King David's rule, Israel had been one nation, united under God Almighty. Then his son Solomon was led astray by his (seven hundred) foreign wives. By the time David's grandson Rehoboam became king, the nation had split into two pieces. The ten tribes that split off were still called Israel, while the two that remained loyal to David's line were called Judah.
Israel immediately set up altars to worship golden calves as their god (1Kings 12:32). Soon, they were overrun and taken into exile by Assyria (2 Kings 18:1). Judah followed the Lord a while longer, but when King Rehoboam became strong (2 Chronicles 12:1), they forsook the Lord as well. So they were carried off into exile by Babylon.
Judah and Israel were both sent into exile because they ignored the word God had sent them repeatedly by His prophets. They continued trying to serve the Lord and the other gods as well. Yet, Jesus warned us that you can't do that:
No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will hold to one and despise the other. You aren't able to serve God and Mammon." (Luke 16:13).
So countries invaded them and carried off the wealth of the land and most of the people. Yet, even after that, God restored them as one nation when the people humbled themselves and sought Him once again.
There is always a fork in the road. In life, there are two paths to choose from: one leads to destruction, and the other to eternal life. We all have to choose. Sin has consequences, and being saved doesn't automatically give you an escape from your actions. Paul wrote: "Don't be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that will he also reap." (Galatians 6:7).
Sometimes we ignore the will and word of the Lord for us. We intentionally go the other way, knowing full well what we are doing. Then consequences come as a direct result of our disobedience. I speak from personal experience. Jesus Himself said: "Why do you call me, Lord, Lord, and don't do the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46). "If you love Me, keep My commandments" (John 14:15).
Still, the Lord is our Redeemer. He will bring you back and restore what has been taken away when we change our course and return to Him. If you ask, you'll be forgiven. So actively seek God, build that relationship. Learn to listen when He is speaking. Include Him in your decisions, and invite Him to be a part of your day. He promised us: "You shall seek Me, and find Me, when you shall search for Me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please forgive me for my sins. Draw my heart to You in a deeper way. Let me live in the fullness of Your grace. Guide me, Lord, and I'll follow. Teach me, and I will learn. Send me, and I will go. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!
Note: We pray that you all have a blessed and peaceful day as we observe Good Friday. For those who may have missed it, here is Pastor Dion's Holy Week message. The final part, for Resurrection Day, will take place this Sunday! As always, 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. If you are interested in joining the prayer team, here is how to get started Prayer Partners.
Post from Liesel aka lisa Wardle
1 day ago
This is a twofold scripture message first of all to the Jews that were carried away into exile, but also to us, thinking of especially me! When I think back at the early years of our marriage, when my husband was still dealing with PTST and so much pain, it was a tough time to say the list! My family had asked me to come back home, but I took the vow, for "better or for worse", and it seemed to worsen every day and increasingly! I remember throwing myself on the bed and calling out to God with all of my heart and soul, beginning my search for Him, following that, we had a visitor, an insurance sales person, who was a believer - the rest is history!! We will be married this year in July for 50 years, having known one another for 52 years!! There is no limit what God can do!!! Praise His holy name forever and ever!!! 🙏
Post from Marisa Jackson
2 days ago
Good morning, Today is Good Friday, a somber day as Jesus our Savior was scouraged, mocked, torchered and crucified. Growing up I did not and do not like the term Good Friday for to me Jesus suffered severely for our sins so that WE can live with Him and God for ALL eternity. While I do understand Good Friday is salvation for us, Christ died and that is the part that pains me the most; however, I do recognize that without Jesus, we would all be doomed to damnation for ever. As I reflect on this Good Friday, I think about Jesus and his disciples and how that Good Friday was a day of pure agony and mourning as they watched Jesus suffer and die on the cross. We as brothers and sister in Christ we are so blessed that God loves us so much that he sacraficed His only Son so that we could be with them through all eternity. As we approach Ressurection Sunday (Easter), let us NEVER forget that Our Father in Heaven and Jesus His most precious Son is the reason we can live a life fiilled with peace, joy and much love when we see Our Savior in Heaven. May you ALL have a wonderful weekend and Happy Easter 🙏🕊️❤️🙏!!
Comment from Marilyn Salter
2 days ago
Amen Marisa. I think we should all live in love while we’re here too!
Comment from Lynn Brown
2 days ago
Amen! God bless you and yours this glorious Easter!✝️🩷
Comment from Laura Clark
2 days ago
Amen, that was so beautifully said, Marisa. Thank you! 🙏
Comment from John Petchonka
2 days ago
Marisa,
This was beautiful to read this morning. Thank you for sharing May God Bless you and your family. Happy Easter 🙏
Good morning, y'all, praying you have a blessed and peaceful Good Friday! ✝️🙏✝️
Comment from Susan Petho
2 days ago
Good afternoon, Sylvia, Pastor Dion, and all RHM family.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for Your sacrifice so that we can be redeemed and forgiven of our sins and have the hope to be with You in glorious heaven forever.
Comment from Dion Todd
2 days ago
May the Lord richly bless you all on this wonderful day. Jesus Christ suffered to restore our relationship with God that Adam had broken. Now we can walk with God in the garden once again... 😀
Comment from Debi Burton
2 days ago
Good Morning to all of you all too! Have a blessed and peaceful Good Friday too! 🤟🏻
Comment from Laura Clark
2 days ago
Good Friday morning, Pastor Dion & Sylvia. 🌼
Post from Marilyn Salter
2 days ago
Amen Pastor. He is always waiting for me. Even when I make mistakes, I know I am forgiven when I pray and He is there to show me the way.
Post from Mari Kaufmann
2 days ago
Amen
Post from Karen Fletcher
2 days ago
Please hold my son-law in prayer. As I write this he is being taken in for brain surgery. Cecil and his wife, Angela know the Lord.
Comment from Susan Petho
2 days ago
I just said a prayer for Cecil and his wife, Angela.
Comment from David Krull
2 days ago
I stand in agreement for total healing in Cecil. Guide the surgeons hands and care for Cecil. I speak Jesus over him and his wife…
Comment from Lynn Brown
2 days ago
Dear Father, I pray that Cecil will be restored to good health. Guide the surgeon's hands and give him wisdom. I pray for strength, peace and comfort for both Cecil and Angela. In the name of Jesus, Amen.🙏
Amen 🙏
Have a blessed Good Friday RHM family.
Post from Wesley Paulus
2 days ago
Amen
Heavenly Father Please Forgive For All Of My Sins And Shortcomings I Really Want To Be More Like You When It Comes To Others Amen Good Afternoon Everyone Enjoy Your Day 😀
Post from Celeste Strenn
2 days ago
Thank you ❣️Amen🙏🏽
Post from Theresa Bright
2 days ago
Amen 🙏🏻
Yes Lord.
Heavenly Father, All I can only say today is, Thank you! Jesus paid a debt, that we can never pay back! In the Holy name of Jesus, Amen!
Post from Bella Colliander
2 days ago
Thank you Lord. Actually, can't thank you enough but I want You to know I love you. My heart is always heavy when I think about what You went through for us but then Resurrection day comes and happiness fills my heart because I know You live, hallelujah 💜🕊️
Comment from Laura Clark
2 days ago
So true Bella! Thank you! Hope you have a beautiful Easter weekend. 🌼
Heavenly Father, please forgive me for my sins. Draw my heart to You in a deeper way. Let me live in the fullness of Your grace. Guide me, Lord, and I'll follow. Teach me, and I will learn. Send me, and I will go. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!
Post from Mark Williams
2 days ago
Heavenly Father, please forgive me for my sins. Draw my heart to You in a deeper way. Let me live in the fullness of Your grace. Guide me, Lord, and I'll follow. Teach me, and I will learn. Send me, and I will go. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
Heavenly Father, please forgive me for my sins. Draw my heart to You in a deeper way. Let me live in the fullness of Your grace. Guide me, Lord, and I'll follow. Teach me, and I will learn. Send me, and I will go. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen! ❤️🤟🏻
Post from Wanda Pennington
2 days ago
Yes Heavenly Father I choose You in Jesus Name, Amen
Amen!! To use a local colloquialism....Aren't we all a "hard-headed bunch"? Thank you, Jesus for forgiving us & loving us anyway!! In Your precious name, Jesus. Amen 🙏
Amen !
Post from Kay Collinsworth
2 days ago
Amen
Post from Jeffrey Green
2 days ago
Father I love you!!
Amen!
Post from Elena Vasquez
2 days ago
Amen
Amen!🙏🏼
Amen
Post from Schalk de Beer
3 days ago
Yes my Lord and Father, I pray this in Jesus's name, amen. ✝️🛐
Comment from Liesel aka lisa Wardle
1 day ago
Jeremiah 29:13-14 has a deep meaning for me and always will!!! The Lord knows our hearts as He knew David's!