August 29th Daily Word and Visions from God

August 29th Daily Word and Visions from God

John 8.1-20-Neither do I...

2 Chronicles 1.1-2.16-What do you want from me? Ask.

Zechariah 14- The Day is coming--the timing is GOD's--when it will be continuous day. Every evening will be a fresh morning. What a Day that will be! ... GOD will be king over all the earth, one GOD and only one. What a Day that will be!

Judges 6.25-40-The LORD's Spirit took control of Gideon, and Gideon blew a signal on a trumpet...

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A playground. A place to run and jump and be in joy. What do you want from me? Ask. I wanna be full of your Spirit. I wanna serve you in your Kingdom. I wanna jump and run and play with you. I wanna love like you love. I wanna see that Day with you. I wanna feel your Spirit take control of me. I wanna laugh with you. I wanna be your friend. I wanna make new friends with you by my side. I wanna walk to your cross. I wanna see you clearly. I wanna hear your voice. I wanna be forgiven. I wanna hear you say that you don't condemn me. I wanna Day like this to last forever. I wanna worship you. I wanna please you. I wanna have you in my heart. I wanna be in your heart. I wanna slide and swing and laugh in your glory. I wanna blow a trumpet announcing your presence. I wanna crown you my King. I wanna... What a Day that will be!

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Jesus, I wanna be with you this day forever. -- Amen

August 28th Daily Word and Visions from God

August 28th Daily Word and Visions from God

John 7.25-52- What is he talking about anyway...

1 Chronicles 29-And here we are, O God, our God, giving thanks to you, praising your splendid Name.

Zechariah 13-They'll say, "GOD--my God!"

Judges 6.1-24-Gideon built an altar for worshiping the LORD and called it "The LORD Calms Our Fears."

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A Sunday of Worship then without a doubt --a Sunday spent at home resting with tissues. Sometimes God makes a day that sets me down. I worship then I am forced to rest. My body was ill enough that the norm would not carry on as usual. Reminds me of the 23rd Psalm--"He makes me lie down..." -- And I think some days -- this is true. Sure it was Sunday - Sure-I worshiped--my God! -- I went to the altar and throughout the day I remembered how God calms fears- how God restores- how God stops me in my tracks and makes time for me to reflect on all his blessings- all his gifts and appreciate all he has given for me. Gideon was about to go into battle- God stopped him and prepared him and received Gideon's worship and praise-- Jesus was in the battle at the Feast in Jerusalem- the crowd was puzzled by him--What is he talking about anyway-- I think maybe Sunday was the day for God to stop me in my tracks and give me some time to hear just what he is talking about. Worship and give thanks to God for all the blessings I have been graciously given-- even when I am sick with the sniffles! Thanks be to God!

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Lord, You are God and I will always praise and bless you -- heal me and return me to play in your Kingdom, when and as you see fit. -- Amen

August 27th Daily Word and Visions from God

August 27th Daily Word and Visions from God

John 7.1-24-It's not the right time for me.

1 Chronicles 27-28-If you seek him, he'll make sure you find him, but if you abandon him, he'll leave you for good.

Zechariah 12-GOD's Message concerning Israel, GOD's Decree--the very GOD who threw the skies into space, set earth on a firm foundation, and breathed his own life into men and women...

John 6.56-69-Lord, there is no one else that we can go to! Your words give eternal life.

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Walmart on a Saturday evening. I think across America now--- this must be the place to be. Or at least so it seems. Any city I go to there seems to be a Walmart that is always busy. Common folk gathering to shop. Common folk coming together. There was a festival about to take place in Jerusalem. But Jesus said it wasn't the right time for him to go there. He did finally go there. But Jesus was aware of all the people. Jesus was aware of the controversy he was causing by his preaching. And Jesus knew that his Father's time was the time table he was on. It wasn't the right time just yet to gather with this mix of people. God's time is always the right time. God who threw the skies into space, set earth on a firm foundation, and breathed his own life into men and women. God's time. I must also be aware of God's time. I must listen to God's voice and follow his call on his time. Not fabricate my own reasons for my own timing. I must be flexible enough to leave my plans for time behind and follow God's time. I must seek God out and he will come to me in his time. When he is ready. This isn't about my plans. This is about God's plans. Peter said it, "Lord, there is no one else we can go to! You have the words of eternal life." On your time, and possibly even on a Saturday evening at a Walmart across America. It's about God's time.

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Lord, I wait for your time- I will listen for your voice and follow your call. I will abandon my plans and timing for your plans and timing. Speak to me this day. Guide me and direct me. And if you want me to wait--I will faithfully wait. It's about your plans and your time. ---Amen

August 26th Daily Word and Visions from God

August 26th Daily Word and Visions from God

John 6.60-71-The Spirit can make life. Sheer muscle and willpower don't make anything happen.

1 Chronicles 25-26-The guards stood shoulder to shoulder...

Zechariah 11-It's dog-eat-dog, survival of the fittest, and the devil take the hindmost.

Ephesians 6.10-20-Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong...And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm.

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A Friday evening in Columbus-High School Football. I love this time of year. I love to watch football. Especially High School and College. Why??- I think it is because of the emotion openly displayed. All emotions from anger to happy to sad. Maybe the battle and the struggle. The injury- the winning and the defeat. All emotion - full emotion with spirit. I think that's the message for today too. My faith life needs to be full of emotion and without a doubt full of Spirit. I can't make anything happen with my sheer muscle and willpower. I must depend on the Spirit to give me life. I can stand shoulder to shoulder with the other guards and tackles on the line. We can have all the muscle in the world but without spirit we are weak as mice. But with Spirit in my life I am willing to do anything. I have life. I can risk it all. I can go full strength, dog-eat-dog, survival of the fittest. But I will only be amongst the fittest if I have the Spirit. The Spirit that lets the mighty strength of God make me strong. And with this Spirit ---when the battle is over--I will be standing firm in the strength of the Lord. I like High School Football on Friday evenings. I love the Spirit of strength given to me in life. With this Spirit I will stand strong. Thanks be to God!

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Father, fill me with you Spirit that I may boldly play this game you have put me in. -- Amen

August 25th Daily Word and Visions from God

August 25th Daily Word and Visions from God

John 6.25-59-I am the Bread--living Bread!--who came down out of heaven. Anyone who eats this Bread will live--and forever!

1 Chronicles 24- They served in this appointed...

Zechariah 10-They'll keep the story alive in their children, and they will come back.

Joshua 24.1-2a, 14-18-Yes, we will worship and obey the LORD, because the LORD is our God.

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A worn out tire. Gave it's life for me. Traveled near and far. All along the way giving itself up and wearing itself out for my safety. God sent Jesus to travel for me. Gave himself up. Wore himself out to forgive my sin. To make sure I had life. Jesus came down from heaven. The Living Bread---not just some manna---but Living Bread. Giving himself for me so that I could live forever. Jesus did what God appointed him to do in service. I too will serve God. I too will give myself freely and joyfully to God. To serve, worship and obey God. Because I know he is God. I too will tell the story of the Bread from heaven to my children. I too will return to God as God comes to me in Jesus. Worn out, but happy to give life and love.

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Jesus, I give my life to you. Use me to serve you and those you send me to this day. ---Amen

August 24th Daily Word and Visions from God

August 24th Daily Word and Visions from God

John 6.1-24-There was a nice carpet of green grace in this place.

1 Chronicles 22.2-23.32- They were on regular duty to serve GOD according to their assignment and the required number.

Zechariah 9-Your king is coming!

John 1.43-51-Did you believe me just because I said that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see something even greater.

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A place to sit and pray. A place to sit and talk. A place to hear the voice of Jesus. There was a nice carpet of green grace in this place. A place where people were fed with bread and fish from their Savior Jesus. A miracle of multiplication from God. A spreading of the gospel and love of God. They heard Jesus give thanks and ate. Then it was time to go. Go, and not be afraid. Filled and refreshed, body and soul, they were on regular duty to serve God. Serve God according to their gifts given to them by God. It's the same today for me. Fed and refreshed, God meets all my needs and I serve him. Serve him knowing that my King is with me and my King is coming again in glory. And I believe it. And I know I will see something even greater in the end. I can't wait. But for now, I'll be fed under this tree and serve in joy according to my assignment.

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Jesus, you have fed me with the Bread of Life. I am renewed and refreshed and in joy serve you this day. -- Amen

August 23rd Daily Word and Visions from God

August 23rd Daily Word and Visions from God

John 5.19-47-These scriptures are all about me! And here I am, standing right before you...

1 Chronicle 20.1-22.1- I have sinned badly for what I have just done, substituting statistics for trust; forgive my sin--I've been really stupid.

Zechariah 8-From now on, you're the good-news people.

Psalm 34.15-22- The LORD saves the lives of his servants. Run to him for protection...

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The back side of a stop sign, bathed in the on-coming light of the sun. The opposite side of a message bathed in light. God is like this. Turning things around. Changing things. Changing my attitude. When I'm down and out and in doubt, he comes in, many times the opposite way of the message I expect and changes things and bathes me in the Light of his Son. Shows me how he redeems me and warms me with salvation. When I sin and depend on my own judgment--don't seek his guidance- act really stupid- God bathes me in his light and comes in from the opposite direction and forgives my sin. In this "opposite" message, I am changed and am now, from now on, a good-news person. I tell others of the good news. Of the backside of the Message. I will run to God for protection, now, knowing that God saves the lives of his servants. From the backside of the Message. Yep, there he is--the Message is all about him, and there he stands before me. Even if I do look at the backside.

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Lord, speak to me this day-let me see and hear and feel your messages today and serve you in your Kingdom. ---Amen

August 22nd Daily Word and Visions from God

August 22nd Daily Word and Visions from God

John 5.1-18-Get up, take your bedroll and start walking.

1 Chronicles 18-19-And GOD will do whatever he sees needs doing!

Zechariah 7-You're interested in religion, I'm interested in people.

Psalm 12-Our LORD, you are true to your promises, and your word is like silver heated seven times in a fiery furnace.

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Phoebe, our chocolate lab. Sarah took this picture while she was still home. I think Phoebe stole Sarah's heart and became her friend. So I put this picture in for Sarah. Since she is away. I can tell Phoebe misses Sarah too. But at some point life goes on. Sarah continues her education and Phoebe continues to grow as a puppy into adulthood. Each taking up and starting to walk in their own way. I am always walking along in life and growing too. That must be why we are called "Child of God"-- In the same way we are always children. Always learning the greatness of God. Always discovering something new. Always getting into trouble and needing discipline and direction and forgiveness. God looks at me as his child and does whatever he sees needs doing. God is interested in people---I suppose precious dogs too. He isn't interested in religion. He knows I will fail. But that's why he sent Jesus. True to all his promises, Jesus took on the heat of my sin and is precious -- way more precious than refined and pure silver. Jesus took the heat for me and as a Child of God, I will be eternally thankful. Growth, learning and moving forward --for "Children of God" and for puppies too.

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Father, teach me this day- send me to your school and make me rich in the people skills of love and compassion---Just like Jesus. ---Amen

August 21st Daily Word and Visions from God

August 21st Daily Word and Visions from God

John 4.43-54-Come down! It's life or death for my son. Jesus simply replied, "Go home, Your son lives." The man believed the bare word Jesus spoke and headed home.

1 Chronicles 17- As if that weren't enough, you've blessed my family so that it will continue in your presence always. Because you have blessed it, GOD, it's really blessed--blessed for good!

Zechariah 6-Look at them go! The ones going north are conveying a sense of my Spirit, serene and secure.

1 Corinthians 12.27-31a-Each one of you is part of his body.

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A rest stop in Virginia. Bryan and I were on the long drive home from Lenoir-Rhyne College in Hickory North Carolina. We had been to a wonderful worship service in the morning, had breakfast with Sarah and left her in God's care. I hear God's word in John. I asked God to come down with us to be with Sarah. And I hear Jesus reply-- "Go home..." I leave trusting Sarah to God's care, believing the words Jesus spoke and headed home. In this trust, my family is blessed. Blessed with the care of Jesus. The compassion and love shown in Jesus' actions and love. My family blessed for good! Sarah blessed for good. A loving brother and a wife and sister waiting at home, blessed for God. God will continue in our presence--for good! And with this, Sarah can also rest assured and "Look at them go! The ones going north are conveying a sense of my Spirit, serene and secure. Go! -- Go south-Go north-Go in the name of Jesus! - Conveying a sense of the Spirit- Each one a part of Jesus' body- Go in Christ--Serve the Lord! -- Thanks be to God!

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Father, I go-- Serving you day after day in hope, trust and faith -- Thanks! ---Amen

August 19th and 20th Daily Word and Visions from God

August 20th

August 19th

August 19^th Daily Word and Visions from God

John 4.1-26-So how are you going to get this "living water"?

1 Chronicles 15.1-16.7-

They brought the Chest of God and placed it right in the center of the tent that David had pitched for it; then they worshiped by presenting burnt offerings and peace offerings to God.

Zechariah 4-

The seven lamps are the eyes of GOD probing the dark corners of the world like searchlights.

Ephesians 5.15-20-

Instead be filled with the Spirit.

My son and daughter, Bryan and Sarah. We stopped for the evening on a trip returning Sarah to Hickory North Carolina to attend Lenoir-Rhyne College. We had traveled the evening from Ohio to southern Virginia. Sarah was providing water for her hamster. A time to rest. A time to reflect. A time to travel in faith that God would be with us. God would guide us. God would bless us. God blesses in so many ways. Blesses with his living water. The same water Jesus promised at the well years ago. Water that brings life. Water that brings a pause to rest. But water that refreshes and brings life and action for me as I Go—They brought the Chest of God and placed it in the center of the tent. The Chest of God on the move. Travelling too. But I must learn to keep God centered for me also when I travel. I must Go where God shows me to go. I must because in great joy, I am glad to Go- to move- Because I know that I can trust in God. Trust in his Spirit and trust in the eyes of God above my own. God leads in life in all my travel. Yea, stop and rest for the night- refreshed by that Living Water- then Go—travel on in God’s plan for life.

Jesus, thanks for that refreshing Living Water of life you freely give- refreshed, I am overjoyed to GO for you today ---Amen

August 20^th Daily Word and Visions from God

John 4.27-42-

I Have food to eat you know nothing about.

1 Chronicles 16.8-43-

Give thanks to GOD, for his love never quits.

Zechariah 5-

What in the world is that!

John 6.51-58-

Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and I will raise him up at the last day.

This is a bottle cap that Sarah found at Drips, a coffee shop in Hickory North Carolina. Drink Cheerwine! Reminds me of Communion. Cheerwine- the body and blood of Christ. Food I can’t understand really. Food I know nothing about. But a Food of blessing. A food that causes be to give thanks to God for his love that never quits. I take in the body and blood of Christ in the bread and wine and have to wonder---What in the world is that! God is amazing. God comes to me in his Son. God comes to me in flesh. God comes to me as a baby. God comes to me as manna from heaven. Bread from heaven. Jesus gives his blood for my sin. Jesus gives his life for me. Cheerwine—the blood and wine of eternal joy. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and I will raise him up at the last day. Cheerwine, in a Coffee Shop in Hickory NC—Thanks be to God for the gift of my Savior and for Cheerwine.

I give eternal thanks to you, Father, for your Son. He gave his all for me. Lead me this day to point to you. ---Amen

August 18th Daily Word and Visions from God

August 18th Daily Word and Visions from God

John 3.22-36- This is the assigned moment for him to move into the center, while I slip off to the sidelines.

1 Chronicles 13-14-God will be two steps ahead of you...

Zechariah 3-Look, I've stripped you of your sin and dressed you up in clean clothes.

Proverbs 9.1-6-If you want to live, give up your foolishness and let understanding guide your steps.

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Lava rock. Used here to decorate and landscape. Used here to enhance the beauty of some planted flowers. Lava rock. Rough and course. Conditioned by heat and fire. Abrasive yet beautiful. A compliment to the beauty of flowers. Lava rock---off to the side and underneath the real focus of beauty. Much like John the Baptist. Course and crude, yet beauty of his own. John moved to the side so that at the assigned moment our Savior Jesus would take the center - the beauty of the flower - the center of focus with John to the side and underneath enhancing the gifts of God given to John in his course and crude beauty. Lava rock. Jesus two steps ahead of me now. Ahead and the focus of my attention. Do I enhance Jesus? Do I proclaim his beauty to all the world? Jesus my God- the one who stripped my of my sin and dressed me up in clean clothes. Just like Lava Rock- to reflect God's beauty in the coarseness and crudeness of my sin. What a gift! I think I'll give up my foolishness and let this new Understanding guide my steps. Yea, guided by the One two steps ahead and the Beauty I focus on.

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Jesus, I'm crude and course, yet you forgive me and make me beautiful. I live in the joy of your grace for you forever. ---Amen

August 17th Daily Word and Visions from God

August 17th Daily Word and Visions from God

John 3.1-21-Anyone who trusts in him is acquainted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it.

1 Chronicles 12-Here are the statistics on the battle-seasoned warriors...

Zechariah 2-Quiet, everyone! Shh! Silence before GOD. Something's afoot in his holy house. He's on the move!

Psalm 34.9-14-Honor the LORD!

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A spot on a tree that identifies where a cut had been made. A branch removed. Perhaps a wild branch. Perhaps a branch that was just in the way. A wound on the tree in any case. But the tree survived this wound. The tree had to trust the person caring for it that it would survive. The tree had no choice. I must trust in God to trim my life as he sees fit. I must trust God and become acquainted with him. If I refuse to trust in him, I surely will die. I can't do anything for myself. I'm like that tree. In God's trimming; I become battle-seasoned. Better in the end to withstand some pain. Better in the end to grow in height and strength. I must trust in God's wisdom here. And in this trust I honor God. I give myself over to him knowing that I exist to please him. I will trust. I feel the wind of the Spirit blowing through my branches in this trust. Quiet, everyone! Shh! Silence before GOD. Something's afoot in his holy house. He's on the move! Trust in God!

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Jesus, trim me as you see fit this day- I trust in your wisdom- Move the wind of your Spirit through me into your kingdom this day. Be on the move. ---Amen

August 16th Daily Word and Visions from God

August 16th Daily Word and Visions from God

John 2- This act in Cana of Galilee was the first sign Jesus gave, the first glimpse of his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

1 Chronicles 10-11-David made a covenant with then in the presence of GOD at Hebron.

Zechariah 1-I looked up and was surprised by another vision...

Psalm 45.10-15-Wearing the finest garments...

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A clover. A common little flower. Overlooked. Sometimes we kill it to eliminate it from the grass. Honeybees move back and forth over it. Produce a life giving food from it's richness. A simple clover. In the simple of life Jesus bursts into his ministry. In the request of his mother. Jars filled with common water change into the best wine of the feast. Something fabulous from something simple. God becomes a man in Jesus. Bursts into his ministry through a common wedding celebration. A promise fulfilled. David makes a covenant in the presence of God. A promise--an agreement. I make agreements and promises to God too. But sometimes I fail and break that covenant. God saves me from my break in relationship through the common. God becomes a common man like myself and bursts into my world in the form of Jesus. Jesus coming in the common flesh to the common flesh. Bursting into my common world. I look up and am surprised by the Common. Common yet extraordinarily fabulous all at the same time. My Savior wearing the finest garments in my surprised vision of Jesus hanging from the cross taking on my sin and broken covenant and giving his life for mine. A common little flower in a fabulous and glorious common world. Jesus my Savior. Thanks be to God!

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Jesus, thank you for all you have done for me-- common as I am-- I praise you in all your glory! ---Amen

August 15th Daily Word and Visions from God

August 15th Daily Word and Visions from God

John 1.35-51- Before this is over you're going to see heaven open and God's angels descending to the Son of Man and ascending again.

1 Chronicles 9-The first Israelites to return from exile to their homes and cities were the priests, the Levites, and the temple support staff.

Haggai 1-2-This Temple is going to end up far better than it started out, a glorious beginning but an even more glorious finish: a place in which I will hand out wholeness and holiness.

Luke 1.46-55-The Lord has used his powerful arm to scatter those who are proud.

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An office building under construction. Noises of hammers and cranes lifting heavy pieces in building. At some point they will be putting on the finishing touches. God builds similar to this. Before this is over there will be a grand opening. The Israelites returning from exile needed to go through a construction project. Haggai had to re-build the Temple. God has me under construction all the time it seems. But I look forward to that day of the grand opening with the return of Jesus. My construction will be complete. Put the cranes away. The powerful arm of the Lord will take control. An office building under construction. Much like life.

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Lord, use your powerful arm in my life this day and use me while under construction. --- Amen

August 14th Daily Word and Visions from God

August 14th Daily Word and Visions from God

John 1.19-34-I watched the Spirit, like a dove flying down out of the sky, making himself at home in him.

1 Chronicles 7-8-These were the chiefs of the families as listed in their family tree.

Zephaniah 3-In the end I will turn things aroung for the people.

Galatians 4.4-7-You are God's children, and you will be given what he has promised.

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Sunlight filtering in and through the leaves of a tree. A view from the bottom up. A view of trunks, branches, leaves and sunlight. A canopy of green light. It reminds me of the dove flying down out of the sky. God comes to me. God comes to me in the Light of Jesus. Filtering down into my world at the ground. Illuminating the green of life in a spectacular way. Causing me to look for the Light of Jesus in my world at the base of the tree. The Light of Jesus making himself at home. At home in my family tree. Jesus is at home and becomes the center of my family tree. The Light of Jesus turning this upside down world all around. Promising life and calling me his child. A canopy of green from the Light of the Son and the Waters of my Baptism. Glowing green in this world.

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Jesus, thank you for giving me the Light in my world and transforming my life into something green and alive. Illuminate me this day. --- Amen

August 13th Daily Word and Visions from God

August 13th Daily Word and Visions from God

John 1.1-18-We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, generous inside and out, true from start to finish.

1 Chronicles 5-6-As they carried out their work, they followed the instructions given to them.

Zephaniah 2-So get yourselves together. Shape up!

John 6.35, 41-51-No one who comes to me will ever be hungry.

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At the Ohio State Fair, I saw a pig race. I've seen this before and, to me, it's always fun and funny to watch. The pigs, who I would expect to be fat and slow, run a small course to the finish line. Well, they are in fact fat, but they really aren't all that slow. I suspect there is some food at the end of this journey. Maybe for fun the handlers feed one, and that pig isn't quite as anxious to get to the feed at the end. But the pigs race to the end of the track and run into a shoot leading back into a trailer. When I reflect on my life of faith, I tend to think of my relationship with God here. I run the race. But I run the race with a different purpose in mind. I run the race because God wants me to run the race. I run the race of this life not to feed my own hunger. But I run the race to please God. I see the goal of life eternal with God in glory. I run the race with the instructions given to me by God. I have to pay attention to what those instructions are. I run the race having faith that God will direct me around the bends he wants me to take. I run the race with the faith that God will supply all my needs. I don't run the race in expectation of reaching the "feed" for myself at the end of the race. Another Pig ahead of me has already done this. So I don't have to concern myself with being fed. I WILL be fed. That other Pig who runs the race ahead of me has already taken care of this. So I run the race knowing that the "feed" is there, now, and in the finality of the race. As long as I come to that other Pig, I will never go hungry. I run the race and pull myself together to be strong for the one directing me in the race. I run the race with joy because the end, the prize, has already been secured for me, no matter what place I come in. I run the race in joy to please the one who placed me in the race to begin with. I run the race however God chooses for me to run the race. And in this is all the victory I will ever need. I win no matter want, thanks be to that other Pig with me who has already taken the prize and freely gives it to me.

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Jesus, thanks for running the race for me and with me. I'm ready to continue in joy to run the race for you this day. Show me the way. --- Amen

August 12th Daily Word and Visions from God

August 12th Daily Word and Visions from God

2 Corinthians 13-Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don't drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups.

1 Chronicles 3-4-...plus Tamar their sister.

Zephaniah 1-Quiet now! Reverent silence before me, GOD, the Master!

Ephesians 4.25-5.2-Say the right thing at the right time and help others by what you say.

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My daughter, Stephanie, at her first presentation in the Middie Flag Corp as a Senior, at the conclusion of bandcamp in a Church of God camp outside of Lebanon Ohio. Yea, it makes me a proud dad to watch. It also makes me reflect on a life lived. I see growth through the years. I see a testing of faith that has produced a solid Christian woman. I see in Stephanie a woman who has undergone the regular checkups. I see a sister. I see a daughter. I see a child of God. I see a plus. In 1 Chronicles all the men seem to be the focus of attention in the bloodlines recited. But I like how they add----plus Tamar their sister. Stephanie is a "plus" also. A "plus" to my life and the lives of those she meets. Here she is part of a group. Working together to combine sight and sound into entertainment. Working together with others. Just like the church. We work together as members in the body of Christ. Each doing our part. Each part different and unique and each part a gift of beauty from God combined together in the universal church to form the beautiful body of Christ. Each part saying and doing the right thing at the right time. Helping each other and reaching out to the world to proclaim that awesome saving power and grace of Jesus, our Lord. Quiet now! Reverent silence before our God, the Master and Savior. A wonderful combination of sight and sound and love and family. Thanks be to God!

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Father, thank you for all the blessings of sight, sound, love, life and family you have graciously provided. You leave me in reverent silence and joyful praise. -- Amen

August 11th Daily Word and Visions from God

August 11th Daily Word and Visions from God

2 Corinthians 12-My grace is enough; it's all you need.

1 Chronicles 1-2- Abraham's family tree developed along these lines...

Habakkuk 3-Work among us as you worked among them.

1 Kings 19.4-8-Finally he came to a large bush and sat down in its shade.

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Everything points to the tree. What is beneath the tree, adorns the tree--praises the tree. The path goes by the tree, the road goes by the tree. Everything points to the tree. Jesus is my Tree of Life. May my life point to this Tree. May my paths go by this Tree. May my road pass by this Tree. For in this Tree is grace. Grace sufficient for me--all I need. And in this Tree I have life. In this Tree I am a descendant of Abraham and of Jesus. Another thing about this Tree is that the roots of this Tree grow among, in, and through the plants, the path, the road beneath the Tree. Jesus takes root in me likewise. Jesus goes to my very core. To my heart, and works his way through me. And in this Tree I can find shade. That shade of grace and everlasting fulfillment of all I really need. Yea--the Tree of Life. Thanks be to God!
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Jesus, your grace is sufficient! - Work your roots in and through me this day. I will tell of your grace and love this day. -- Amen

August 10th Daily Word and Visions from God

August 10th Daily Word and Visions from God

2 Corinthians 11-Will you put up with a little foolish aside from me?

2 Kings 25-Regarding the common people who were left behind...

Habakkuk 2-This vision message is a witness pointing to what's coming.

Psalm 34.1-8-Discover for yourself that the LORD is kind.

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Will you put up with a little foolish aside from me? The Coffee Shop, the Italian Restaurant, the parking lot. Places for conversation. Places for people to come and go. A bar in the restaurant. Places for people to share lives. Places to pray for each other. Places to share lives. Places to share love. Places with people. Ordinary, yet extraordinary places. Places where Jesus walks, where Jesus talks. Common people, maybe even people left behind for one reason or another. People forgotten. People and their lives. Simple, complex, but life all the same. Lives with a vision message pointing to what's coming. In all these lives is Jesus our Savior. Waiting, walking with, enduring for, enduring with, staying with those left behind---Jesus. And in these lives God points all of them to what is to come. Jesus there all the time to fulfill, to forgive, to save. All the lives. But will each life discover that Jesus is kind, that Jesus is Savior? Some will, others will recognize and turn the other way. Go back to selfishness. Seek another savior. Turn and leave. Hop in the car and leave Jesus in the parking lot, leave Jesus in the Coffee Shop, leave Jesus at the bar. But thanks be to God, for some who are left behind, they will recognize Jesus and stay a while. Give their very life to Jesus and live for and with him. In the Coffee Shop, at the bar, in the parking lot. They will follow Jesus lead and be his disciples of love and reach out in love to others, in the parking lot, in the Coffee Shop, at the bar and tell of a wonderful Savior who came for all of us. Even the ones who have turned and left you behind. Then we'll get in our cars or perhaps walk away. We will leave some behind but will also go out into the world God has placed us in to continue the telling of the story. Will you put up with a little foolish aside from me?

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Jesus, it's a joy to be left behind, it's a joy to be sent, it's a joy to talk about you in the Coffee Shop, in the parking lot, at the bar---it's a joy to be a little foolish in your name--it's a joy to be sent forward to new places- but in all it's a joy to proclaim your glory in all places to all people. Thank you. --- Amen

August 9th Daily Word and Visions from God

August 9th Daily Word and Visions from God

2 Corinthians 10-You stare and stare at the obvious, but you can't see the forest for the trees.

2 Kings 23.35-24.20- This should have been no surprise--GOD had said it would happen.

Habakkuk 1-Brace yourself for a shock. Something's about to take place and you're going to find it hard to believe.

Joshua 2.15-24-We're sure the LORD has given us the whole country.

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A sunset through the trees and through the clouds. I look at the brightness of the sun and think of how much brighter the Light of Christ is. How much I don't understand about God. How obvious God is yet how mysterious Christ is. Why would God do what he did? Why does God care like he does? Why would Jesus die for me? I stare and stare but can't see the forest for the trees. I don't have the vision needed to understand. But then I know how God acts in my life. And there are some things and actions of God that seem to be no surprise. Things that occur just like God says they will. Mystery and wonder and awe and glory--oh God! I can feel the Spirit- I can tell it's time to brace for a shock. Something's about to take place that I'm going to find hard to believe. God has blessed me with so much. Random thoughts and mysteries and wonders of God. God in a sunset through the trees and through the clouds. Always present with me but still a mystery. Still wonder and awe fill my heart as I look at the bright light of the sun through the trees and clouds and ponder the greatness of a God beyond all that light I see this evening. How beautiful and wonderful the mystery of God is....Thanks be to God!---something Big!

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Jesus, I thank you for blessing me with your greatness, your mystery, your power and your love. I will look towards the Light this day and follow. --- Amen

August 8th Daily Word and Visions from God

August 8th Daily Word and Visions from God

2 Corinthians 9-I know you're on board and ready to go.

2 Kings 22.1-23.34- He kept straight on the path blazed by his ancestor David, not one step to either left or right.

Nahum 3-You're past the point of no return.

Joshua 2.1-14-Go across the river and find out as much as you can...

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My driveway in the evening. Leads to the street. I can go either right or left. Leads in the evening into the darkness. God leads me through the darkness. God is my light that shines the way into the dark night. Which way will I turn when I reach the road? Will I let God lead and direct? I place all my trust in God knowing he is on board with me and ready to go. God sends me down this driveway day after day. I trust in God to lead me on a straight path blazed by trustworthy ancestors, but most importantly blazed by my Savior Jesus. Once on the road, I'm past the point on no return. I must trust in God for all direction. I must depend on God for everything. I will cross rivers and I will find out as much as I can about how great and awesome my Lord and Savior and Guide is. I'm ready to go!

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Lord, lead me into the dark and light my path this day. -- Amen

August 7th Daily Word and Visions from God

August 7th Daily Word and Visions from God

2 Corinthians 8-They were incredibly happy, though desperately poor.

2 Kings 20-21-I've lived to please you; lived for your approval.

Nahum 2-Get yourselves together, get ready for the big battle.

Joshua 1.1-18-So be strong and brave!

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My dogs do seem to be incredibly happy. They don't possess a thing yet they live a life of ease. Everything is provided for them. Their response is to live to please me and my family. They live for our approval. Even when they do something "bad"--I don't think it is so much out of spite - but more out of instinct. Here, they freely play with one another. A big battle over a sock--strong and brave they battle. I'm not so different from these dogs. God provides for all my needs. I don't deserve a thing. Yet I sin and turn from God. Anger God. And God still takes care of me and leads me to be strong and brave for him. I live to please God and seek his approval. So in one respect I say "Ruff!" to all that. Thanks be to God!

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God, you are mighty and glorious - I praise you now and forever. -- Amen

August 6th Daily Word and Visions from God

August 6th Daily Word and Visions from God

2 Corinthians 6.14-7.16- If only you knew how proud I am of you! I am overwhelmed with joy despite all our troubles.

2 Kings 19-And Hezekiah prayed--oh, how he prayed!

Nahum 1-Worship and recommit to God!

John 6.24-35-They found him on the west side of the lake and asked, "Rabbi, when did you get here?"

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My son and his step-son. All of us together at the beach. How proud I am of them. People who care for one another. Take care of each other's needs. I am overwhelmed with joy despite any troubles. How I pray for them. Every day. How I pray that God may fill their lives. God may lead and direct their footsteps. That they will worship and give their lives to God. They found him on the west side of the lake. Yea---the west side of the lake this day I found Jesus. In some men right before my eyes. In blessings of life and love, I found Jesus. Rabbi, when did you get here?

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Lord, thank you for all the people you have blessed me with and how you make yourself known to me through them. -- Amen

August 5th Daily Word and Visions from God

August 5^th Daily Word and Visions from God

2 Corinthians 5.11-6.13-…we don’t evaluate people by what they have or how they look.

2 Kings 18-Has there every been a god anywhere who delivered anyone from the king of Assyria

Micah 7-But me, I’m not giving up. I’m sticking around to see what GOD will do.

Ephesians 4.1-16-Patiently put up with each other and love each other.

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A picture of some campers. A man and a boy playing horseshoes. Time to relax with one another. Time to sit and talk. Time to be quiet. Even time to put up with each other and love each other. Time to look at the starts at night. Time to see shooting stars. Time to reflect with others in nature about a gracious and awesome God. Time to realize how powerful God is. Time to trust in God and realize that He is the one who can save us from any evils of this life we live. Time to restore my soul and spirit and never give up. Time to be dedicated to sticking around and seeing what God will do in the future and in the present. And time to not look at others as more important or even less important. In camping we all are pretty much put on the same level. With little but also with much. With love and honor and glory. A picture of some campers together as one.

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Lord, renew me this day. Show me all your awesome glory and teach me to love others and how to put up with one another in Your love. -- Amen

August 4th Daily Word and Visions from God

August 4th Daily Word and Visions from God

2 Corinthians 4.1-5.10-Cheerfully pleasing God is the main thing, and that's what we aim to do, regardless of our conditions.

2 Kings17-The exile came about because of sin...

Micah 6-Keep all GOD's salvation stories fresh and present.

Exodus 16.2-4, 9-15-...and the next morning dew covered the ground...This is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat.

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A gas station. A place to fuel a vehicle that transports people and things. Fuel prices go up and down making this transportation sometimes expensive. God is like a gas station too. He provides the fuel for my soul. Transports me here and there. Feeds me with those dew drops of manna from heaven. Gives me all I need to survive in this Bread of Life. Transports me with his fuel of Life from my exile of sin. Provides me with personal salvation stories both fresh and present that I can tell others of as I live with my Lord and Savior in life. Yea, God provides my fuel of Daily Bread--one satchel full a day. And he multiplies that bread--enough for one day to give to those in the world and Kingdom he sends me into.

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Jesus, you have fed me with the fuel of the Bread of Life and given me a satchel, one basket left over out of the multiplication of your blessings. Send me this day with your Food of Life into your Kingdom to spread your Love and Life. -- Amen

August 3rd Daily Word and Visions from God

August 3rd Daily Word and Visions from God

2 Corinthians 2.5-3.18-My counsel now is to pour on the love.

2 Kings 15-16-He did well in the eyes of GOD, following in the footsteps of this father...

Micah 5.2-15-From you will come the leader who will shepherd-rule...

Psalm 78.23-29-God gave his people all they wanted...

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A neighborhood street. A peaceful street. Not even traffic. A place to pour on the love; in the neighborhood. With neighbors, pour on the love. A sidewalk and a street. A path to follow. A way to walk. Walk in the ways of the faithful. If your father, then your father, if your mother then your mother, but especially walk in the ways of Jesus. What would Jesus look like on this sidewalk? Can I picture Jesus walking? I think Jesus has walked this sidewalk, and driven this street. Jesus in my neighbor...Jesus in those I meet. He would walk these streets like a shepherd. Leading me to do and be like him. To pour on the love. And Jesus would give me all I need. And he does. Jesus feeds the body and the soul through the bread and wine...through his body and blood. In the neighborhood...every day...day after day.

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Jesus, let me take a walk this day with you...show me your ways...show me your love...I want to pour out your love on all I meet this day and introduce you as my friend and Savior. --- Amen

August 2nd Daily Word and Visions from God

August 2nd Daily Word and Visions from God

2 Corinthians 1.1-2.4-He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us.

2 Kings 14-Let's have it out face to face!

Micah 4.1-5.1-But when all is said and done, GOD's Temple on the mountain, Firmly fixed, will dominate all mountains towering above surrounding hills. People will stream to it and many nations set out for it...

Numbers 35.1-15, 30-34-I, the LORD, live among you...

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Pine cones in a pine tree. A couple paired together. Some seem to be alone. Others scattered on the ground. They remind me of how Jesus is alongside of me. There through the hard times. Doesn't leave me when it gets tough. Stays with me instead of abandoning me. He knows how it is and is compassionate and loving and not selfish with his own well-being. He teaches me how to be with others through their hard times. How to sacrifice life for another. How to sacrifice love for another. How to even sacrifice communication for another. But he always comes face to face with the issues. Never indirect. I come to Jesus face to face with sin. And Jesus comes face to face with me with love and forgiveness. So obvious. Never through another or around about. Direct communication. No doubt about it...Jesus lives among me. In the pain and through the joy. And when it's all said and done I look forward to walking up that mountainside to his Temple...to that cross which he has left behind and looking up and seeing his glory above everything. But I have a notion that when I get there...I will find him by my side all along. Face to face.

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Jesus, be with me this day, face to face...let me see you in the face of others and give me the compassion and love to stay with my friends through the hard times...to rejoice in the joyful times...and to constantly offer our thanks and praise to you. --- Amen

August 1st Daily Word and Visions from God

August 1st Daily Word and Visions from God

1 Corinthians 16-Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you've got, be resolute, and love without stopping.

2 Kings 12-13-But GOD was gracious and showed mercy to them.

Micah 3-We've got GOD on our side.

Numbers 32.1-6, 16-27-You promised that you would be ready to fight for the LORD.

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A park-- A place to walk in nature. A place for conversation and a place to see God's creation living. A place to rest and talk. A place to renew your spirit. A place to pray. A place to see God. A place. In all the places of life, God asks be to love without stopping. No matter how I feel, I need to be resolute and hold tight to my convictions. See the opportunities to love without stopping. Keep my eyes open to God's lead. God will show me how and when to love. God will be on my side in this and he will be gracious and merciful. As I walk through this playground of God's creation, I will keep my eyes and ears open to God's lead to love without stopping.

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Lord, you have shown me your love-a deep deep love beyond understanding-- send me this day into your Kingdom with even just a dash of this love to give to those I meet so that they may see you. Follow you and praise you. -- Amen