October 31st Daily Word and Visions from God

October 31st Daily Word and Visions from God

1 Timothy 2-But this salvation only comes to those who continue in faith, love, and holiness, gathering it all into maturity. You can depend on this.
Isaiah 34-35-Get and read GOD's book...

Psalm 119.65-96-There's smoke in my eyes--they burn and water, but I keep a steady gaze on the instructions you post.

Psalm 46-Nations rage! Kingdoms fall! But at the voice of God the earth itself melts...The LORD All-Powerful is with us. The God of Jacob is our fortress.

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The road traveled. Traveled sometimes late at night. Sometimes with blurred vision. Maybe blurred by tears, maybe blurred by sleepiness. Blurred at times. Life is blurred at times. But when life becomes blurred I must keep a steady gaze on the instructions God posts. Get and read God's book. He guides and directs and leads, even when life is a blur. When the nations rage and kingdoms fall, I know of a powerful, saving God, whose voice melts the earth itself. All a blur. But all is clear to my God and Savior. God, my fortress and strength. Even in the blur of life. You can depend on Him.

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Lord, as my vision fails I look to you to guide and direct me. Direct my road of faith, love and holiness to maturity and salvation in you. ---Amen

October 30th Daily Word and Visions from God

October 30th Daily Word and Visions from God

1 Timothy 1-I Paul, am an apostle on special assignment for Christ, our living hope.

Isaiah 31-33- GOD, treat us kindly. You're our only hope.

Psalm 119.33-64-Your love, GOD, fills the earth!

Mark 10.46-52-Right away the man could see, and he went down the road with Jesus.

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You have made public profession of your faith. Do you intend to continue in the covenant God made with you in Holy Baptism:

to live among God's faithful people,

to hear his Word and share in his supper,

to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed,

to serve all people, following the example of our Lord Jesus,

and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth?

I do, and I ask God to help and guide me.

Jake, my step-grandson and joy.

This was Jakes reply to the statement above. Just like it should be. But before Jake replied, there was a long long pause. Silence for a couple of minutes. The congregation in suspense. God speaking loud and clear through the silence of Jake. Then his response. A response not taken lightly, a response from the heart of a young handicapped blind man, asking God to help and guide him. I was told that during the Confirmation practice, Jake used a different phrase. --- "I do, and I hope God helps me."--- I think Jake's original response is more appropriate than the accepted printed response. Jake has hope in God. I saw Jake at his confirmation sent on a special assignment to the congregation gathered, display a deep deep faith in Christ, the Living Hope. I saw and heard Jake respond to God about how God is our only hope. I saw this young blind man in a wheel chair show his faith in a God whose love fills not only each one of us but the entire earth and universe. All filled with love in some silence and a hope in a God to help us. God through Jake, and in some silence and slow deliberate words, lifted my blindness for my walk with Jesus down the road of life. Confirmation for Jake lifted the blindness and filled eyes with tears of many believers in a brief moment of silence and powerful confession of hope and faith in Jesus. God spoke through Jake yesterday, in silence and faith and hope and opened the blind eyes of our congregation to the glory and hope of what Jesus has done for all. Thanks Jake and thanks be to God for you and the gift you freely gave to all.

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I believe! ---and I hope God helps me! ---Amen

October 29th Daily Word and Visions from God

October 29th Daily Word and Visions from God

2 Thessalonians 3-The incredible grace of our Master, Jesus Christ, be with all of you!

Isaiah 29-30-GOD take the time to do everything right--everything. Those who wait around for him are the lucky ones.

Psalm 119.1-32-I'll run the course you lay out for me if you'll just show me how.

John 8.31-36-If the Son gives you freedom, you are free!

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There's something about beautiful sunsets that intrigue me. When the sunlight was scattering behind the clouds, I had to stop in the middle of the road to take this picture. Stop in the middle of the road and adore the light scattering. Adore the range of color. Adore the sun. God's grace is like that too. Incredible grace of my Master. Grace that scatters to all ends of the earth. Grace where God does it all right. Takes care of me as I wait around for him. Takes care of all people as we wait for him. God's grace on a day filled with his beauty. The beauty of his Son the creator of all. God's grace shown in and through the clouds of life, scattered throughout the ages. God's grace all through my life as I run the course he has layed out for me. In God's Grace the Son has given me freedom. Free to live in the Light of his Grace. There's something about beautiful sunsets that intrigue me. God's Grace. Thanks be to God!

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Lord, fill me with your Grace and scatter your light throughout my world this day. Stop me in the middle of the road of my life today to adore your beauty. ---Amen

October 28th Daily Word and Visons from God

October 28th Daily Word and Visons from God

2 Thessalonians 2-But the time will come when the Anarchist will no longer be held back, but will be let loose. But don't worry. The Master Jesus will be right on his heels and blow him away. The Master appears and --puff!-- the Anarchist is out of there.
Isaiah 27-28-At the same time, a fine vineyard will appear. There's something to sing about! I, GOD, tend it. I keep it well-watered. I keep careful watch over it so that no one can damage it. I'm not angry. I care.
Psalm 118-Thank GOD because he's good, because his love never quits.
John 14.21-27-But the Holy Spirit will come and help you, because the Father will send the Spirit to take my place.
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A power supply. Takes 115 volts alternating current and changes it to 12 volts direct current. Takes one form of power and shaves off the cycles and changes it into another form of power that is direct. All positive in reference to ground. There will be a time when the Anti-Christ will rule. God will no longer hold him back. That negative force will rule. But don't worry. Jesus will be there too and will change that power. Convert that power and eliminate the negative with respect to ground. And a vineyard will appear. Something to sing about. God will change it all and take care of the new. Why? Because God's good and his love never quits. So don't worry about that time. God has a plan and will change things. God is the victor and the plan is secure. Until that day -- God has sent the Holy Spirit to help- right up to and through that day- God's presence is assured. That power will change and all glory will be given in a wonderful way. Now that I think about it. I'm not afraid-I'm looking forward to that day. But for right now-----I think I'll go plant a tree or maybe a vine and rejoice in the Life God has freely

October 27th Daily Word and Visions from God

October 27th Daily Word and Visions from God

2 Thessalonians 1-Grace is behind and through all this, our God giving himself freely, the Master, Jesus Christ, giving himself freely.

Isaiah 25-26-GOD, you are my God.

Psalm 117-His love has taken over our lives...

Romans 3.19-28-All the Law does is point to our sin...All of us have sinned and fall short of God's glory.

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Our family room. For this evening this was the family gathered. Sometimes this room is like a playground for the dogs. They play and roll around with one another in some kind of fun I guess only dogs can enjoy. But it does remind me of playing with my brother Jim when I was a kid. In play I can see God's grace, through and behind all the joy it brings. Joy in salvation given freely by Christ that allows this joy to overflow in play. Knowing that God is my God and he cares enough for me to save me from my broken life of sin brings endless joy. Knowing that Jesus says "I love you" by his actions brings wonderful play and joy. His love takes over life and joy abounds. Even in the family room with some dogs who celebrate their joy in their own way.

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Jesus, you bring joy and play to life. Thanks! ---Amen

October 26th Daily Word and Visions from God

October 26th Daily Word and Visions from God

1 Thessalonians 5-Walk out into the daylight sober, dressed up in faith, love, and the hope of salvation.

Isaiah 23-24- From the four winds and the seven seas we hear all the singing: "All praise to the Righteous One!"

Psalm 116-Oh, GOD, here I am you servant, your faithful servant: set me free for your service!

Jeremiah 31.31-34-I will forgive their sins and forget the evil things they have done.

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Light clouds at noon just beyond some fall trees. It was like looking into the future from the present. Maybe a vision of a trip through time into the future. That future when some day Jesus would appear riding the Wind of those clouds. A dream into the future but also the reality of the present. The daylight of now--when I hear that I am to walk this fall season, sober, dressed up in faith, love and the hope of salvation. Future- four winds - Christ on the clouds- present praising Jesus the Righteous One. Future salvation fulfilled. Present a faithful servant set free for service in God's Kingdom. Future resurrection of the dead. Present sins forgiven and evil forgotten. In the future of the Wind in the clouds or the present of the fall trees, God is with me and will lead and guide me along this present path of life.

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Lord, as I look to the future, ground me and direct me in the service of the present. I look to you now and forever. ---Amen

October 25th Daily Word and Visions from God

October 25th Daily Word and Visions from God

1 Thessalonians 4-Just love one another! You're already good at it; your friends all over the province of Macedonia are the evidence. Keep it up; get better and better at it.

Isaiah 20-22- That's what will happen. GOD says so.

Psalm 115-You who fear GOD, trust in GOD! --trust your Helper! trust your Ruler!

Jeremiah 26.1-16-You must decide what to do with me. Just do whatever you think is right.

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Stephanie taking time to study. Her study time at home. Time to do homework. Time to read. Time to reflect. Time intentionally taken to stop and sit and think and listen to the days events from school. Perhaps if she is caught up time to relax with a book. God gives direction in his Book. Direction to stop and love one another. Love friends and get better and better at it. God speaks through the prophets, through his Word, through the church and through many many things and situations all around us. Will we stop and listen? Will we intentionally take the time out each day to stop? In that time I learn to trust God my Helper and Ruler. I learn to be quiet and listen. I learn to trust God and let him decide what to do with me. I know he will do whatever is right. Time to study-time to do homework- time to read- time to reflect but most of all - time to listen to the voice of the Creator and King.

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Lord, I stop and listen--------------Amen

October 24th Daily Word and Visions from God

October 24th Daily Word and Visions from God

1 Thessalonians 2.17-3,13-And may the Master pour on the love so it fills your lives and splashes over on everyone around you...

Isaiah 17-19- Egypt will come back to GOD, and GOD will listen to their prayers and heal them, heal them from head to toe.

Psalm 114- Tremble, Earth! You're in the Lord's presence!

Psalm 11-The LORD is my fortress!

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Some red berries-fruit on some bushes. I see these almost every day. After my workout at the gym, I drink a bottle of water while sitting in the car. Most days I'm staring at these bushes. The contrast of the red and green are appealing. Fruit of these bushes. Fruit of love that the Master pours into life. Fruit of love to splash over to everyone around. To look at and admire. Fruit of love through prayer and healing from head to toe. Complete, healing in forgiveness and death. Fruit of love in protection and a fortress wall. A hedge from sharp wind. Tremble--you're in God's presence. Feel the fruit of his Love and let it splash all over today.

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Lord, may your Love splash over in me to those I meet this day. ---Amen

October 23rd Daily Word and Visions from God

October 23rd Daily Word and Visions from God

1 Thessalonians 2.1-16-When you go the Message of God we preached, you didn't pass it off as just one more human opinion, but you took it to heart as God's true word to you, which is, God himself at work in you believers!

Isaiah 14-16-...a Ruler quick to set things right.

Psalm 113-You who serve GOD, praise GOD!

1 John 4.1-6-We belong to God...

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My daughter Sarah in front of the house. Beauty in God's creation. My daughter-a home-flowers of fall. All real blessings from God. And God's Word, Jesus Christ is my daily blessing. A Message to be passed from generation to generation. From people to people. A message of Love from God straight to the hearts of believers. A Message of a Ruler quick to set things right. Quick to forgive sin and save the world. I will serve God and praise his name. I belong to God. Sarah belongs to God, my home belongs to God and the mums belong to God. All gracious blessings sent to this earth by God. Thanks be to God!

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You are my blessing, Lord, and I give you eternal thanks. ---Amen

October 22nd Daily Word and Visions from God

October 22nd Daily Word and Visions from God

1 Thessalonians 1-The news of your faith in God is out. We don't even have to say anything anymore--you're the message!

Isaiah 11-13-Shout to the nations, tell them what he's done, spread the news of his great reputation!

Psalm 112-An honored life! A beautiful life!

Mark 10.35-45-The Son of Man did not come to be a slave master, but a slave who will give his life to rescue many people.

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A blurry picture of Steph's final Senior Band Competition at Tecumseh High School. Sometimes memories can be blurry. We see them but not clearly. Perhaps we enhance the memory some in glory and honor to the person we are thinking of. Memories can be blurry. But my faith in God must be clear. Clear enough to get out to those around me. I must become the message for God. I must shout to the nations the news of God's great Love and sacrifice. Shout the news of an honored and beautiful life in Christ Jesus. Wave flags-blow trumpets-do whatever to spread the News of the glory of God---clearly. Because I have a God who gave his life to rescue many people. I'm His servant in the Message.

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Lord, today send me to wave the flag-dance in joy-blow the trumpet of your Message to the world. ---Amen

October 21st Daily Word and Visions from God

October 21st Daily Word and Visions from God

Revelation 21-22-The Tree of Life was planted on each side of the River, producing twelve kinds of fruit, a ripe fruit each month. The leaves of the Tree are for the healing of the nations.

Isaiah 9-10-The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. For those who lived in a land of deep shadows--light! sunbursts of light!

Psalm 111-Splendor and beauty mark his craft...

Hebrews 5.1-10-Suffering made Jesus perfect, and now he can save forever all who obey him.

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The beauty of fall. Colors all over. God's creation screaming out praises to him. God's creation giving their life in hope of spring beginnings. In hopes of new life again. Creation giving glory to God. The Tree of Life planted by the River that gives Life giving water. Baptismal water at that stream. But now more than a stream but a flowing River of Life giving Water. This Tree produces fruit. I must produce fruit with the life giving water that God has freely given me in my baptism. I must feel the healing that Jesus brings to me through the Tree of Life. Yea---I guess at one time this Tree looked like death, a cross and some nails. Sin and death--but this Tree has been changed forever by Jesus-to a Tree of Life- living from a River of baptismal waters. Bringing a bright light to all who walk in darkness. Look to the Light-feed from the Tree- look to Jesus and see God's creation in all it's splendor and beauty-- the mark of God's craft. On this Tree of Life, Jesus suffering made him my perfect sacrifice and now he can save all who obey him. Forever and ever and ever. The beauty of fall. Colors all over. The Tree of Life---Thanks be to God!

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Jesus, thanks for your suffering and death and resurrection. Thanks for the Tree of Life for the healing of the nations. You are God! ---Amen

October 20th Daily Word and Visions from God

October 20th Daily Word and Visions from God

Revelation 20-Anyone whose name was not found inscribed in the Book of Life was hurled into Lake Fire.

Isaiah 7-8- Because when all is said and done, the last word is Immanuel--God-With-Us.

Psalm 110-The King-Maker put his King on the throne; the True King rules with head held high!

Isaiah 53.4-12-The LORD decided his servant would suffer as a sacrifice to take away the sin and guilt of others.

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Those blow up Halloween decorations out in front of the Fitness Center. Reminds me of candy and kids having fun at parties. At the end of time, the Book of Life contains the names of God's People--all others who chose to walk away from God will be hurled into the Lake Fire. That's a scary story. I have a choice. Like the disciples James and John had a choice. Will I leave my nets and follow or will I stay at what I'm doing now? What are the risks of staying? What are the risks of following Jesus? What if Jesus is not all he is said to be? But what if he is? When all is said and done---God is With Us--the True King-with us. The King yet a servant who suffers for my sin and guilt. My decision is to follow---what's yours? That decision could result in hope, love and faith or turn out to be a horror story. It's up to you.

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Lord, I leave my nets to follow you. ---Amen

October 19th Daily Word and Visions from God

October 19th Daily Word and Visions from God

Revelation 19-He is dressed in a robe soaked with blood, and he is addressed as "Word of God."

Isaiah 5-6-And then I heard the voice of the Master: "Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?" I spoke up, "I'll go. Send me!"

Psalm 109.20-31-...save me through your wonderful love...

Psalm 91.9-16-When you are in trouble, call out to me.

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The gauges in my car in the dark. Lit from behind. Glowing in the dark. Give vital information. Speed, amount of fuel, temperature and mileage. Information I need to travel in my car. God sends me out each day. I take this car in the pre-dawn morning and head into my day. Following the information of these gauges as I travel to work. God sending me into his Kingdom day after day. Sending me and giving me the wonderful opportunity to serve him in his Kingdom. Serving God the "Word of God"- Serving Jesus, who serves all people in his robe soaked with blood. Jesus showed us how to serve. It won't be easy at times. There will be a struggle. But in the end-God triumphs. And through Jesus servanthood I have been saved through his wonderful love. As I travel this morning; I know that when I am in trouble, I can call out to God and God will respond and take me through any trouble I encounter. God has been through all of this just like me. Using the backlit gauges of travel, I boldly move into his Kingdom day after day in trust, hope, and faith of Jesus my Savior.

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Lord, grant me the information and guidance I need this day as I serve you in your Kingdom. ---Amen

October 18th Daily Word and Visions from God

October 18th Daily Word and Visions from God

Revelation 18-O Heaven celebrate!

Isaiah 3-4-And that's when GOD's Branch will sprout green and lush.

Psalm 109.1-19-My God, don't turn a deaf ear to my hallelujah prayer.

Luke 1.1-4; 24.44-53-They also say that all people of every nation must be told in my name to turn to God, in order to be forgiven.
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This is where I grew up. At least for about 12 or 13 years of my life. From six years old to nineteen years old. It is a large duplex where I lived and grew. The landlord lived in the other half of this house. When I drive by this house, I always have some desire to walk through it once again. Walk through to see what is the same and what has changed. See what memories pop into my mind as I walk through. But I have never gone back to do this. Some day I will go home though. And God has prepared that place for me to go to. A place prepared by Jesus. A place that, in my mind will be green and lush, always summer and family and friends all around. A place to celebrate. Celebrate the victory God has graciously given those who place their hope and trust and faith in the Savior Jesus Christ. Yea---take a trip back in your mind to that place for yourself. I see myself approaching that cross- the place of death and pain-yet salvation- approaching hand in hand with friends -- kneeling together-- slowly raising our gaze from the foot of this cross to see Jesus in all his glory. Turn to Him and feel all the forgiveness and Love of God. All God's people approaching with us and praising God. I think that's what God wants me to tell others about. That Love of God through Jesus my Savior. It's a home-coming story worth telling. Now that's what home is--God's Love!

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Lord, you are God--you are my Savior-I will tell of your salvation day after day. Thanks be to God! ---Amen

October 17th Daily Word and Visions from God

October 17th Daily Word and Visions from God

Revelation 17- In the Spirit he carried me out in the desert.

Isaiah 1-2-...let's live in the light of GOD.

Psalm 108-I'm thanking you, GOD, out in the streets, singing your praises in town and country.

2 Timothy 4.5-11-I have finished the race, and I have been faithful.

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A traffic light at night and in the rain. A light that lights the night to bring safety and order to vehicular movement. Vision is obscured by darkness. God brings Light into my life to aid in the traffic I have personally. In the Spirit God carried the author of Revelation to the desert. To give information and direction and to clarify the hope of God's final victory. I must give my life to this Spirit. Follow and hear and see the visions and information God gives to me in life. Live in the Light of God. And in living in this directive Light of God I will respond with singing and praises and glory and honor to a God who saves me from the darkness of my sin and death. In the darkness of my life I see the Light of God and remain faithful. Through my sinful life I see the new direction to take and finish the race. Finish the race not in my perfection, but in my faith of a saving God. A traffic light at night and in the rain.

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Lord, light the path you would have me take. Direct the "Stops" and "Gos" of my life this day. ---Amen

October 16th Daily Word and Visions from God

October 16th Daily Word and Visions from God

Revelation 16- From the Throne in the Temple came a shout, "Done!" followed by lightning flashes and shouts, thunder crashes and a colossal earthquake--a huge and devastating earthquake, never an earthquake like it since time began.

Esther 9-10-He worked hard for the good of his people; he cared for the peace and prosperity of his race.

Psalm 107.23-43-If you are really wise, you'll think this over--it's time you appreciated GOD's deep love.

Psalm 124-The LORD made heaven and earth, and he is the one who sends us help.

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A singer at a local farm that sells apples, honey, and fall items. Haunted houses, hay rides, mums, apple shooting contests for children and a fun time in general. A relaxing way to spend a Sunday afternoon for a couple of hours. I love to go to these places in the fall. It's a must do this time of year. Occasions are celebrated throughout history. The Jews celebrated Purim in the book of Esther. The result of the caring of Mordecai and the love he had for his people. Jesus will hold a grand celebration at the end of time. It will be "Done!" someday and God will place his punctuation mark on creation. Stop and think about that and appreciate God's deep love. What that means to you and me and all creation. God, who made heaven and earth is the one who sends us help. What Love! But for today, I celebrate God's creation in appreciation for the fall season. For harvest--and for the plenty of blessings God grants. Let's celebrate a little, or maybe a lot, God's Love this day.

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God you are Celebration and Love--Thanks for all the blessings of Life---Amen

October 15th Daily Word and Visions from God

October 15th Daily Word and Visions from God

Revelation 15-Who can fail to fear you, God, give glory to your Name?

Esther 6.14-8.17-(An order written in the king's name and sealed with his signet ring is irrevocable.)

Psalm 107.1-22-All of you set free by GOD, tell the world!

Mark 10.17-31-"How can anyone ever be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "There are many things that people cannot do, but God can do anything."

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A picture of my daughter and her friends on Homecoming evening. Dinner, dance and fellowship with High School friends. A time to remember. A time to have fun. Soon big changes in life will take place. Childhood will be gone and she will be on with her adult life. In Revelation, a host in heaven are overheard praising God-- Who can fail to honor you Lord, for the glory of your Name. Salvation belongs to God. God can do anything. I cannot save myself--my friends cannot save me--my good works cannot save me--a sealed order written and sealed with a kings signet ring cannot save me. Only God can save me. And he has---through the suffering, death, and resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ, God has saved me and all people. All of you set free by God, tell the world! Homecoming for all of us was Jesus coming into our homes from God's heavenly home. In love and sacrifice for those he loved. Homecoming for us IS Jesus. And we certainly should party and dance and praise God for all he does for us. Without this homecoming of Jesus to this earth we all would die. But with Jesus we live. Do you believe? Will you accept Jesus and go to the Homecoming Dance? I am! I have a date too! Wanna come along? Oh, and be sure to let everyone know about this!

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Lord, thank you for coming to me and to all my friends. May all of us participate in your homecoming. ---Amen

October 14th Daily Word and Visions from God

October 14th Daily Word and Visions from God

Revelation 14-I saw--it took my breath away!--the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, One Hundred and Forty-four Thousand standing there with him, his Name and the Name of his Father inscribed on their foreheads.

Esther 5.1-6.13-What great honor was given Mordecai for this?

Psalm 106.24-48-Save us, GOD, our God! Gather us back out of exile so we can give thanks to your holy name and join in the glory when you are praised!

Hebrews 4.12-16-So whenever we are in need, we should come before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help.

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A tree that brings me joy in the fall. It's leaves change from a deep green of summer to a dark and fiery red of autumn. Change to bring glory to God. The light that illumines this tree changes also. The autumn early sunsets bring a different view of things than the brightness of summer. Both views are wonderful. Both views are different. Both views are only available for my joy due to change. Some day there will be a change so wonderful that it will take my breath away. I will see Jesus in all his glory with the thousands of his followers with him. All marked with the sign of the cross on their foreheads. Proudly displaying this sign for all to see. This is the honor given to those who, like Mordecai, may have been forgotten for the great things God has done through them. This honor of a Savior who changed their lives forever and saved them from sin, death and the devil bringing Life and Love into their hearts and lives. God inhabiting each one of us and shedding his light of change in us. Causing us to change to his glory and not our own. Change in Christ. And whenever I doubt this change is taking place God invites be to come to him and offers his kindness and love to my undeserved soul. Change brought on by God. Thanks be to God!

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Lord, continue your change in me this day. ---Amen

October 13th Daily Word and Visions from God

October 13th Daily Word and Visions from God

Revelation 13-Meanwhile, God's holy people passionately and faithfully stand their ground.

Esther 3-4-Maybe you were made queen for just such a time as this.

Psalm 106.1-23- Hallelujah! Thank GOD! And why? Because he's good, because his love lasts.

Amos 5.6-7, 10-15-Choose good instead of evil! See that justice is done.

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A security drill at work. A drill to simulate a hostage situation and a shooting in a business. A drill for the Swat Teams, Police and Emergency Responders. A drill for the business Security, Management Crisis Teams and employees. A drill to work all these people through a situation that seems to be occurring more and more, especially in our schools, but in the work place also. Just a drill. God drills me all the time. Prepares me. Then I have the gifts to respond when action is required. God gives me the strength I need to stand my ground for him, passionately and faithfully. God gives me courage and hope in times when needed. Why? God loves me and wants me to choose good instead of evil. His love lasts. God is good. I thank God!

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Lord, thank you for giving me faith- thank you for showing your Son, Jesus to me. For showing me his deep abiding loyalty and faith and trust. For sending Jesus to save me. I believe!---Amen

October 12th Daily Word and Visions from God

October 12th Daily Word and Visions from God

Revelation 12-They weren't in love with themselves; they were willing to die for Christ.

Esther 2- This was all written down in a logbook kept for the king's use.

Psalm 105-26-45-He opened the rock and water poured out; it flowed like a river through the desert--

Psalm 90.12-17-Teach us to use wisely all the time we have.

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Construction of an underpass. The train will go overhead and the motor traffic beneath it. They have to tear things up to rebuild and move the railroad tracks. Tear things up to make things new. I must be willing to do the same with my life. I must be willing to give up my life and die for Christ to receive life anew in him. I can't be in love with myself..."so long self"---as a popular song testifies. Giving my life to die for Christ. God immerses me in his baptismal waters and washes away my sin, raising me to new life in Christ Jesus. Granting the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide me in life. And it's all recorded in God's "logbook." As I begin my new life, teach me to use this time on earth in ministry to Christ wisely. Construction of an underpass like construction in my life. Tear up the old and rebuild new through Christ.

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Lord, form me as you choose this day. I worship you and glorify your name. ---Amen

October 11th Daily Word and Visions from God

October 11th Daily Word and Visions from God

Revelation 11-The doors of God's Temple in Heaven flew open, and the Ark of his Covenant was clearly seen surrounded by flashes of lightning, loud shouts, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and a fierce hailstorm.

Esther 1-The royal wine flowed freely--a generous king!

Psalm 105.1-25-He's GOD, our god, in charge of the whole earth.

John 12.27-36a-Have faith in the light while it is with you, and you will be children of the light.

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Looks like some kind of animal's den or something. It was on the edge of some trees. A humble home and place of shelter from the weather. Jesus has gone before us to home in heaven. Heaven where in Revelation the doors were flung open displaying the glory of God. God sent Jesus into this world to you and me. Came to my door and showed himself in our likeness in all his glory and honor. Came to my home with the real royal wine and let this wine of blood flow freely as a generous King. A King that came to my door from his glorious door in heaven to save me from sin, death and the devil. He's God and he's in charge of the whole earth. Bringing light and salvation to me--while I was in the dark. Have faith in the light while it is with you, and you will be a child of the light. Meet Jesus at the door of your home and venture out into his Kingdom with Jesus at your side guiding and directing. A humble home but a glorious journey to that glorious home in heaven. All because we have a loving, caring God. Thanks be to God!

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Lord, welcome to my home--I wanna play in your Kingdom this day. ---Amen

October 10th Daily Word and Visions from God

October 10th Daily Word and Visions from God

Revelation 10-Take it, then eat it. It will taste sweet like honey, but turn sour in your stomach.

Nehemiah 13-Remember me, O my God, for good.

Psalm 104.24-35-Send out your Spirit and they spring to life--the whole countryside in bloom and blossom.

John 12.9-19-Everyone in the world is following Jesus.

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The room outside my study room. A place of recreation and relaxation. A place to play a game of pool. A place of conversation. Probably more so for my children in their High School years than anything else. One room away from where I join God in prayer and devotion at the beginning of each day. But in some ways both rooms are recreation. Recreation that brings my re creation in Life from my God. One room away from where I ponder God's Word-- eat it -- sweet like honey-- some days that Word turns sour. I see and feel the pain and suffering Jesus endured for my sin and cry out to God for him to at least remember me. I cry out to God to send his Spirit into my life and cause me to bloom and blossom in his glory. I cry out to God for everyone in the world to follow Jesus. Sweet and sour-Death and Life all in Love. A recreation room. Two of them alike but oh so different too! Thankful for both.

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Jesus, re-create me this day in your way. ---Amen

October 9th Daily Word and Visions from God

October 9th Daily Word and Visions from God

Revelation 9-There wasn't a sign of a change of heart.

Nehemiah 12- The singers, directed by Jezrahiah, made the rafters ring.

Psalm 104.1-23-Mountains pushed up, valleys spread out in the places you assigned them.

John 11.55-12.8-They looked around for Jesus.

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A Sunday sunset. The sun lighting the sky behind some trees. Orange sunsets of a day of worship. A day of God and a day dedicated to God. God looks for a change of heart. In Revelation there were those who didn't change heart and there were those who did change heart. Changed by what God has done through his Son. Changed by Jesus offering of Life anew. Accepting this change brings joy. Accepting this free change brings singing that makes the rafters ring. Accepting this change, I see the glory of God's creation. I see glory in those mountains that pushed the earth up and valleys spread out in the places God has assigned. Accepting this free change I can look around and see Jesus. A Sunday sunset. The Son lighting the day past. Hope and Love and future in God. Light into the future. Thanks be to God!

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Lord thank you for your creation, your beauty, your light. Walk with me this day and always. ---Amen

October 8th Daily Word and Visions from God

October 8th Daily Word and Visions from God

Revelation 8-When the Lamb ripped off the seventh seal, Heaven fell quiet--complete silence for about half an hour.

Nehemiah 11-The singers got their orders from the king, who drew up their daily schedule.

Psalm 103-Bless GOD, all creatures, wherever you are--everything and everyone made by GOD.

Mark 10.2-16-Then Jesus took the children in his arms and blessed them by placing his hands on them.

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One of those energy saving light bulbs. A shade to diffuse the light. A spiral, fluorescent light bulb diffusing light even before it hits the lampshade. Silent testimony to the light if emits. When the Lamb ripped off the seventh seal, Heaven fell quiet--complete silence for about half an hour. Fall silent for 15 seconds...............what did you hear? I don't think I know what complete silence is. I think it must be of God. In the silence I know on this earth, I can hear things. I think complete silence would be a form of music. Complete silence would be praise and glory to God as much as our songs of praise that we sing. Orders from the King--fall silent. Contrast the difference of silence with the singing of praise. Both gifts from and too God. Both blessings from God's created creatures and gifts given to God. Silence and praise. Jesus talks about laying his hands on the children and blessing them. Light-Silence-Singers-Children---all united in Jesus. As the Light of God shines in this dark world through Jesus- as the silence of prayer and longing for the healing touch of Jesus- as the loud singers of praise to the glory of God- our Savior, Jesus, reached out and touches his children in love and blessing. Sounds like heaven to me. Looks like that wonderful spiral of Light from God given to all his children to feel the touch of Jesus in Life. How can I keep from singing...even in silence for about half an hour.

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Lord, you point me to you- in your touch-in your Light-in your silence-in your glory-in your suffering-in your death- in your cross-in your tomb-in your resurrection- in heaven-and to you here in this place---I believe! I believe!- in you! Send me now to be the shade that diffuses your light to the world I walk in this day. All the glory and honor is yours. ---Amen

October 7th Daily Word and Visions from God

October 7th Daily Word and Visions from God

Revelation 7-Don't so much as hurt a tree until I've sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads!

Nehemiah 9.38-10.39-We will not neglect The Temple of our God.

Psalm 102-GOD, listen! Listen to my prayer, listen to the pain in my cries.

Hebrews 1.1-4, 2.5-12-God created the universe by his Son, and everything will someday belong to the Son. God's Son has all the brightness of God's own glory and is like him in every way.

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A row of trees in autumn. Restrict the bright blue endless sky behind them. What would it take to get to the other side of these trees? I think passage through an open field then fighting the low brush to winding through the trees. It would be dark at foot level. Rays of light peeping through from above while in the middle. Possibly the danger of snakes or disturbing the homes of some ground animals. But why take this journey? Why go to the other side? What if heaven was on that other side? Would the journey be worth it? What if God would send someone to take this journey with me? Sent someone from that other side to this side where I am to show me the way. Sent someone to forge the path ahead of me. Sent someone who would take the journey then come back and walk with me on my journey to the other side. What if God loved me so much to do this? Would God really do that just for me? Would God do that for you? Maybe God has. Maybe God has sealed me on the forehead with water and oil, with the sign of the cross to remind me that someone has come for me to take me on this journey. Someone who knows the way. Who has suffered the pain and is willing to suffer the pain along with me as we walk this journey together. Someone to celebrate the beauty of the shafts of light that peek through the trees. The Light that leads me in the darkness. The Light that brings endless joy. The Light that reflects and illumines the blue sky of endless love and salvation. The Light on the other side of the trees and the Light by my side that restores this Temple of God in me to what God wants it to be. Maybe at my baptism, God heard my cry and sent me some Light, some Word, some Son to walk with me in the pain. To rejoice with me in the joy of life and love. Maybe God sent his Son, the very creator of these trees and the universe to show me the path to take, to walk with me. God created the universe by his Son, and everything will someday belong to the Son. God's Son has all the brightness of God's own glory and is like him in every way. Maybe, just maybe my Savior is with me right now as I walk through these trees of life, leading me with his Light of Salvation and Glory, through the pain, through the joy to that other side ---to heaven. That's where I choose to put my hope and faith and love. In the brightness of the Light of God's Son. Thanks and glory and praise be to this Light, my Savior!

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Lord, I'll follow the Light of your glory through the trees ahead. -- Amen

October 6th Daily Word and Visions from God

October 6th Daily Word and Visions from God

Revelation 6-How long, Strong God, Holy and True?

Nehemiah 8.13-9.37- Ezra read from the Book of The Revelation of God each day, from the first to the last day...

Psalm 101-My theme song is God's love and justice, and I'm singing it right to you, GOD.

Genesis 2.18-24-...the LORD made a woman out of rib. The LORD God brought her to the man, and the man exclaimed...

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A pot of flowers I sent to my girls after they worked with me unloading Sarah's things from the U-Haul truck a couple of week-ends ago. They deserved this for putting up with me and my particular ways of doing things. For my demanding work. While unloading this truck, how I wished for Bryan's presence. A strong man to help. But I had to deal with the girls. Times when I thought of God and the woman made out of the rib and wanted to exclaim. Exclaim that I really wanted Bryan! But in the end...the girls diligence and patience with me, caused me to exclaim and proclaim their beauty and wonderful presence in my life. Like the beauty of these flowers the work of my girls beamed forth beauty and patience and honor. God's Word reveals beauty in his Son. Honor and Glory in Revelation. The plea -- How long? We wait for him...yet he is even present now. Jesus comes to us each day--walks with us through life. Causing me to proclaim in song the glorious love of my God for me and all. Another kind of beauty. Beauty that brings forth the constant desire to seek the Word daily in the Bible, in Creation, in people and the world around me. Beauty in flowers, beauty in my girls, beauty in my Savior, beauty in the Word of God...and yes...beauty in the strength of my son and God's Son. Thanks be to God!

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Lord, I give you thanks for all the forms of beauty you display and give me to enjoy day after day. ---Amen

October 5th Daily Word and Visions from God

October 5th Daily Word and Visions from God

Revelation 5-To the One on the Throne! To the Lamb! The blessing, the honor, the glory, the strength, For age after age after age.

Nehemiah 7.4-8-12-And all the people listened--they were all ears-- to the Book of the Revelation.

Psalm 100-On your feet now--applaud GOD! Bring a gift of laughter, sing yourselves into his presence.
Psalm 8-Our LORD and Ruler, your name is wonderful everywhere on earth!

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Some flowers in front of a local nursing home in Monroe Ohio. In abundance they filled the lens of the camera. Bright color bringing honor and glory to the Creator. But this vision is nothing compared to the vision of seeing Jesus on the throne and realizing and honoring him in glory and strength throughout and beyond time itself. In Nehemiah the people gathered in their day to hear the Word read. This Word which is Jesus. The Word made flesh. Today I read the Word and see Jesus revealed in scripture. In the Old, and in the New and in the presence of everyday Life. In the creation of some flowers in front of a nursing home. Jesus' glory and honor. Worthy of praise and honor for spectacular beauty and love. Jesus whose name is wonderful everywhere on earth! How beautiful is his love. On your feet now--applaud God! Bring a gift of laughter, sing yourselves into his presence. Play with Jesus in his Kingdom! Laugh out loud and feel the joy.

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I give you all the honor and glory and praise. You are beautiful. I love you! ---Amen

October 4th Daily Word and Visions from God

October 4th Daily Word and Visions from God

Revelation 4-Then I looked, and, oh!--a door open into Heaven.

Nehemiah 5.1-7.3- They knew that God was behind this work.

Psalm 99-Lift high GOD, our God; worship at his holy mountain.

Acts 14.19-28-They encouraged the followers and begged them to remain faithful. They told them, "We have to suffer a lot before we can get into God's kingdom."

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The Middletown Hospital. A local series of buildings placed together to care for the sick- To bring hope and love to those in need of healing-To ease the pain of the dying. For some a door open into Heaven. My Father breathed his last at this place so many years ago. Friends and family have also died here. I have felt healing here as well as seen healing in others-many others. Then I looked, and oh!--a door open into Heaven. In healing and dying and the Word proclaimed in this place--a door open into Heaven. People of God suffering but living --some suffering and dying. Life and death. God's presence in this place -- in Life and in death. Remain faithful. God is faithful in this place- in Life and in death. Jesus was faithful to my salvation. In his Life and in his Death. A Death that brought Life to all---not just to me or you but to all. And in Jesus Life, Suffering and Death -- this place-- this hospital-- we can lift high God, our God and worship at his holy mountain--- in Life and in Death!--right here at this hospital.

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Lord, you are present in Life and in death- in joy and in suffering-- you know all and are all-- I place my hope and trust in you today. ---Amen

October 3rd Daily Word and Visions from God

October 3rd Daily Word and Visions from God

Revelation 3-"Are your ears awake? Listen. Listen to the Wind Words, the Spirit blowing through the churches.

Nehemiah 4-Put your minds on the Master, great and awesome, and then fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.

Psalm 98-The whole earth comes to attention. Look--God's work of salvation!

Acts 14.1-7-They preached the good news there in the towns..

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A Christian flag at a large church near where I work. A large flag. As I was eating lunch the wind would blow and the flag would unfurl and reveal a red cross. Red with the blood of my Savior. A red cross for all the world to see. Only when the Wind blew. Wind Word--Spirit blowing through the churches. The Wind of God and the Spirit must blow through the Church for the Cross to be revealed. My effort alone isn't enough. The power is in the Wind-the breath of God in Life. Unfurling the flag to show the Bloody Cross of Christ. Proclaiming the Good News to those in this town. Putting minds on the Master, great and awesome. Blowing the Spirit of Life into me to fight for those God has placed before me to love. See! See! God's work of salvation! Awaken! Unfurl my Life to your salvation.

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Lord, I give my life to you. Unfurl it--blow your Spirit through it--I proclaim your salvation--my great and awesome Master---Amen

October 2nd Daily Word and Visions from God

October 2nd Daily Word and Visions from God

Revelation 2-"Are your ears awake? Listen. Listen to the Wind Words, the Spirit blowing through the churches."

Nehemiah 3- ...they repaired it, hung its doors, and installed its bolts and bars.

Psalm 97-You, GOD, are High God of the cosmos, Far, Far higher than any of the gods.

Acts 13.44-52-You are to take the saving power of God to people everywhere on earth.

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A wall of old GE ads. I collect these each year from a booth at the Ohio State Fair. It's become a sort of hobby of mine. Then I staple them to the walls of my little study room in the basement. Not sure why. I work at GE, so I suppose that is where the interest comes from. Just a thing I do. God doesn't need to advertise himself. His glorious power of the cosmos makes all people take notice. He is God of all creation. God of the cosmos. I must open my ears and listen to his Word. See the Spirit blow through the Church. Pitch in when needed and repair the gates of Jerusalem and open my mind, my soul, my heart to his Word. Fling wide the gate of my soul to the Word of God. And fling wide open the gate of his Word to people everywhere on earth. I may like GE ads as a collection. But I will rejoice in advertising a loving, caring, saving God in my life to all the world. And that will not be a hobby, but a work of joy. Thanks be to God!

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Lord, I sing your glory and praise you to all I meet this day. -- Amen

October 1st Daily Word and Visions from God

October 1st Daily Word and Visions from God

Revelation 1- "Don't fear I am First, I am Last, I'm Alive. I died, but I came to life, and my life is now and forever."

Nehemiah 1-2-They said, "We're with you. Let's get started." They rolled up their sleeves, ready for the good work.

Psalm 96-Take the news of his glory to the lost, News of his wonders to one and all!

Mark 9.38-50- Have salt among you and live at peace with each other.

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A bottle --an empty bottle of liqueur that Sarah gave to me as a gift from a trip she took to Germany a few years ago. It has Luther as it's seal and emblem. The joy of drink. No--not to get drunk. Not to abuse. Not to harm my body. But in relaxation, moderation and celebration of joy. But this stuff from Germany was harsh. Kind of like cough syrup. Strange yet taken in very small amounts delicious. God sent and still sends a powerful message through his Word to people throughout the ages. I tend to take it in small amounts. Powerful in taste and smell. Powerful in all it's glory. First-Last-Life forever. Concepts difficult-concepts in my face-concepts easy to accept-concepts impossible to understand. Read his Word. Everyday. Read it and take it in. Taste it day after day. Smell it and absorb his Word into yourself. Each and everyday. Take it like medicine. Take it in joy. Take the news of his glory to the lost. News of his wonders to one and all. Taste his Word and bring the taste and saltiness of Life and live in peace with each other. Taste his Word each day then go out and rebuild Jerusalem just as God directs and commands you to do. Each and every day. Boy was that bottle good. That bottle from Germany. Yea--it tasted and felt wonderful. Just a small amount went so far. But so much more the Word of God does in my life day after day. What a wonderful taste to share!

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Send me this day as Salt into your Kingdom. Send me out to proclaim the joy of your Taste and Freedom in this Life you freely give. --- Amen

September 30th Daily Word and Visions from God

September 30th Daily Word and Visions from God

Jude- But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God's love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!

Ezra 9-10-Yet here we are, at it again, breaking your commandments...

Psalm 95-Come, let's shout praises to GOD, raise the roof for the Rock who saved us!

James 5.13-20-If you are having trouble, you should pray. And if you are feeling good, you should sing praises.

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Cracks in the concrete driveway. Grass growing from the cracks. A constant reminder of how the wear and tear of weight, hot, cold, stress and age wear on things and bring cracks. Repair or replace seems to be the only answer. My life sometimes is like these cracks. God repairs and replaces the cracks in my life with his Grace. He repairs the cracks with friends willing to pray in the Holy Spirit for and with me. Willing to keep us centered in God's love. Willing to keep open and outstretched arms. Willing to feel those arms of Jesus reaching out in love and comfort the cracks of my life. Yet over and over again I break the commandments. Knowing my evil I repent and turn to my Savior. And this time the repair is to replace my sinful life with the grace of Jesus' Life given for me. Repair and replace the cracks of my life. God cares and loves for me and you. In trouble I pray but in the repair and replace of the cracks of my life I sing and shout praises to God. I raise the roof to the one who has saved me and replaced my life with his Life. Yea-cracks of life replaced and repaired by my Savior. Thanks be to God!

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Lord, I shout--I sing--I tell of you to all the glory of your name. ---Amen