April 30th Daily Word and Visions from God

April 30th Daily Word and Visions from God

Acts 13.26-52-And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Joshua 20-21-Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass.

Job 30-Yet does not one in a heap of ruins stretch out his hand or in his disaster therefore cry for help?
Revelation 15.1-4-For You alone are holy; for all the nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed.

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Come...feed on My Love.

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The disciples, even though they were rejected by their own people, were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. God took care of all their needs. Fed them and nourished their strength in order that they continue the spread of the Gospel. God keeps His promises. He always has. He always will. This is one awesome constant of God. He keeps His promises. When I cry to Him for help I can be assured of His promise. I know He will be with me. I know of His Love. He kept His promise and sent a Savior in love to all His people. Knowing of God's promise and dedication, my response is worship. For through His promises, His righteous acts have been revealed. His act of Love through Jesus. Thanks be to God!

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Lord, I know Your promises are true. I feed on You. Send me out today to do Your mission filled with the Holy Spirit and joy. ---Amen

April 29th Daily Word and Visions from God

April 29th Daily Word and Visions from God

Acts 13.1-25-...one is coming after me the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.

Joshua 18-19-These are the inheritances which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the household of the tribes of the sons of Israel distributed by lot in Shiloh before the LORD at the doorway of the tent of meeting.

Job 29-When the Almighty was yet with me, and my children were around me; when my steps were bathed in butter, and the rock poured out for me streams of oil!

John 10.22-30-My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.

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See your inheritance My children. I have given you life. My Life. Now, run, jump and play to My glory in My Kingdom.

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Jesus came after John. John told of His coming. Told of Jesus and urged us to repent and get ready. And Jesus came! Jesus is before us, with us and after us and all around us. Jesus our Shepherd wraps us in His Love and wraps us in the sound of His Voice. If only we stop to look, listen, taste and feel; we will know His presence and respond with joy. We will run, jump and play with Him in His Kingdom. Day after day. We will not be separated like Job felt. We will know we are His children and know His Love bathes us with Life giving water and endless streams of that baptismal oil. So today; hear His voice and know His presence and play with joy like good sheep in His pasture.

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Lord, I hear Your voice! I play and run for joy at the sound of You! Thanks be to God! ---Amen

April 28th Daily Word and Visions from God

April 28th Daily Word and Visions from God

Acts 12- And he went out and continued to follow, and he did not know that what was being done by the angel was real. but thought he was seeing a vision.

Joshua 15-17-But they did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer, so the Canaanites live in the midst of Ephraim to this day, and they became forced laborers.

Job 28-Behold the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.

Revelation 7.9-17-After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb." And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God saying, "Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen."

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Let your joy in Me burst forth in all beauty.

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This is a beautiful flower. But if I were to show the picture of this entire plant in it's setting you wouldn't think much of it. You may even think of it as a weed in a field. But when you look close it is beautiful. I think I'm a lot like this plant. Sort of plain, maybe even ugly in the whole field of things. But up close. Close where God is, there is beauty. God brings beauty into each of our lives. He changes what we at first think are just visions into the beauty of His reality.

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Like Peter's escape from prison. Peter thought this gift from God was just a vision. But it was a reality. How beautiful the grace of God is!

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When I think I'm in bondage to sin, I discover the beauty of my risen Savior who releases me from that sin. And this beauty is real in Jesus and through me. How beautiful the grace of God is!

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The Israelites didn't drive out all the Canaanites from their land. Likewise I can't by my own strength drive out sin from my life. But Jesus can and has. Jesus drives out sin, death and the devil once and for all. Through Jesus' action, I will see Him in that Promised Land. How beautiful the grace of God is!

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Like Job, I can't fully understand wisdom and understanding. But I know God can. I know if I place my trust in Him. Fear Him knowing He is God alone that He has all wisdom and understanding and that is enough for me, then I see the beauty of God and take comfort in His protection through His wisdom and understanding. How beautiful the grace of God is!

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And then that awesome day. When we approach the throne. As believers, hand in hand, with all the angels, elders, and all the Chosen together to praise the Lamb of God. Now there is some awesome, wonderful beauty. I can only imagine. I can dream. I can vision. I will wait for that day when vision becomes reality and we all are together witnessing Jesus in His glory. Hand in hand. Love overflowing. Love eternal. How beautiful the grace of God is!

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Lord, I don't want to wait. I can't wait. I will praise You and honor You here and now. I will praise, worship and give You all the glory here and now. And then again I will sing of Your beauty with all the saints and angels. How beautiful You are, my Beautiful Savior! ---Amen

April 27th Daily Word and Visions from God

April 27th Daily Word and Visions from God

Acts 11.19-30-Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord; for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.

Joshua 13-14-Therefore, Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite until this day, because he followed the LORD God of Israel fully.

Job 27-I hold fast my righteousness and will not let it go.

Psalm 23-The LORD is my shepherd...He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

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Be filled with My Spirit of righteousness and let It's glow of love beam out of you and permeate My Kingdom.

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I love how Phoebe's eyes glow in this picture. Phoebe is a fun loving lab. Loves to jump and play and exhibit excitement in all she does. Likewise I can take joy in God. God's grace allows me to rejoice and be resolute of heart, remaining true to God. True to God and full of the Holy Spirit and faith. God's Love releases us to glow and beam His glory to all the world. This gift of the Spirit frees us to live a life for God. Frees us and causes us to respond by following God fully. That beam of Life and Love given to us by the righteousness of Jesus our Savior. The righteousness of Jesus our Savior of whom we cling to and will not let go. Our Shepherd guiding us day by day in the paths of righteousness of His name's sake. Be filled. Let His Light glow outward today into His Kingdom. Run, jump, play and laugh with God this day!

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Lord! You cause me to glow! You cause me to laugh! You cause me to jump! You cause me to run! I wanna play today with You in Your Kingdom! ---Amen

April 26th Daily Word and Visions from God

April 26th Daily Word and Visions from God

Acts 11.1-18-And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as He did upon us at the beginning.

Joshua 11-12-Then the LORD said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid..."

Job 26-Behold, these are the fringes of His ways...

Acts 9.36-43-..."Tabitha arise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

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From the wind of My Spirit; sing a new song.

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Wind chimes in front of our house. When the wind blows they make music to my ears. God provides the Wind of our lives. God breathes His Spirit into each one of His children. We respond by singing His praises, telling His deeds and proclaiming His glory to the world. The Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles as well as the Jews. When Peter began to sing his "new song" the Spirit fell on those Gentiles and they heard God's voice and received that same Wind of Spirit. When God spoke to Joshua before and during battle; Joshua heard and felt that breeze of Spirit and was given courage. When Job heard that Spirit, he realized that we are only on the fringes of the power of an Almighty God. Then Tabitha felt and heard the breeze of God speaking through Peter she sat up and sang. From the wind of My Spirit; sing a new song. Day after day, sing loud and clear!

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Lord, I hear Your Wind---I hear Your Voice--- I feel Your Spirit-- I sing! ---Amen

April 25th Daily Word and Visions from God

April 25th Daily Word and Visions from God

Acts 10.34-48-All the circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.

Joshua 9-10-Joshua captured all these kings and their lands at one time, because the LORD, the God of Israel, fought for Israel.

Job 25-Dominion and awe belong to Him, who establishes peace in His heights?

Mark 1.1-15-I baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.

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One source of My Life Giving Water produces endless possibilities and blessings.

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This is one of those shower heads that go on a garden hose to flood plants with a gentle stream of water.

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God is the source of our baptismal waters. One source for the water but through this One Source, God gives endless possibilities for the spread of His Grace and the multiplication of His Blessings. Through the Holy Spirit even the Gentiles were called, blessed with gifts and sent to love and serve the Lord. Through the Holy Spirit, God led Joshua into battle and fought for His people. Multiplication of blessings. Through the Holy Spirit God cared for Job even in persecution and pain. God never abandoned Job. We are baptized with water and also the Holy Spirit; One Source of God's Life Giving Water. Now go with His blessing and spread His message of Love and Grace to all the world with endless possibilities.

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Lord, You alone give that Life Giving water. Bless me---send me---I pray. ---Amen

April 24th Daily Word and Visions from God

April 24th Daily Word and Visions from God

Acts 10.1-33-About the ninth hour of the day he clearly saw in a vision an angel of God who had just come in and said to him, "Cornelius!"

Joshua 7-8-Then Joshua built an altar to the LORD...

Job 24-Why are times not stored up by the Almighty, and why do those who know Him not see His days?

Acts 26.1-18-Why is it considered incredible among you people if God does raise the dead?

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I'm about New Life and Change. Death to Life and Resurrection.

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Jesus has brought about Change in this world. The early Christians seemed to be about vision and connection. Opposites connecting. Gentiles and Jews. Customs blending. Jesus giving New Life to the unexpected people of this world. New Life and Change. Death to Life and Resurrection. The book of Acts seems to jump all over the place. Different people connecting in different ways; all being guided by Jesus changing and life giving message. But then again; God brought change to the Israelites too. Change in the victories of the Promised Land. When we trust in God, He leads us to victory. When we turn from Him we see our sin. In the Change of Victory and God's awesome work we build altars in honor, worship and praise to God. Change. Job saw change. Job struggled with the tough questions of life. Why did such bad things happen to him? Where was God now? What is God's time? Questions too difficult for us to ponder but simple for God. Change with God present in the good times and in the bad times. Makes believing in Resurrection not so difficult after all. God is behind it. Only through Jesus can we see our lives Change. Only through Jesus can we experience the resurrection.

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Peanut's puppy, above, will bring New Life and Change to a family about to adopt her. New Life and Change. Life in the Resurrection of joy for someone. What more could Jesus provide for you and for me. New Life---Change---Resurrection. Thanks be to God!

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Lord, I'm in Your presence, ready for the changes You wish to make with me. Change me. Resurrect me. Give me Life in You, I pray. ---Amen

April 23rd Daily Word and Visions from God

April 23rd Daily Word and Visions from God

Acts 9.26-43-When he arrived, they brought him into the upper room...

Joshua 5.2-6.27-The captain of the LORD'S host said to Joshua, "Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy." And Joshua did so.

Job 23-Oh that I knew where I might find Him, that I might come to His seat!

Acts 9.19b-31-But Saul kept increasing in strength and confounding the Jews who lived at Damascus by proving that this Jesus is the Christ.

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Look into My Upper Room and experience the gift of My grace.

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I'm like Abe here. I look into the Upper Room of Christ and experience His gift of grace. Seems like the "upper room" is where all the life changing events take place. The Supper, and here Peter was brought into the "upper room" and life was restored. Life is restored in the "upper room" of Jesus. New Life, graciously given. God is present in this "upper room" I wonder if the angel commander that Joshua met prior to battle with Jericho was in an "upper room?" It doesn't say so but I think there is something similar in this holy place. Both places we are standing in are holy. Job was searching for God. What if Job looked in the "upper room?" Might He find God? But God seems to draw us to His "upper room." I find Him there, only because He leads me there. God leads me to His Upper room and increases my faith and strength.

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Look into My Upper Room and experience the gift of My grace.

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Lord, You have drawn me in once again to Your Upper Room. Give me Life and increase my straight and faith to boldly witness Your name in all the earth. ---Amen

April 22nd Daily Word and Visions from God

April 22nd Daily Word and Visions from God

Acts 9.1-25-Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Joshua 3.1-5.1-Behold the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth is crossing over ahead of you into the Jordan.

Job 22-Is not God in the height of heaven?

John 21.1-19-Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast."

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Focus on the cross.

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A cross constructed of heavy steel i-beams. A durable construction. Welded and strong. Jesus changed forever the view of the cross. The cross an instrument of pain and death. The cross black with sin and pain and death. Surrounded by an eternal sky of blue. The cross, now a symbol for eternity changed from a symbol of death to a symbol of eternal life. I wonder if Saul saw Jesus on the cross on that road. I wonder if Stephen gazed into heaven and saw Jesus on that cross. Perhaps Jesus was standing beside the cross. Perhaps Jesus sits on top of the cross using it as His victorious throne. I don't know. But when we see Jesus, our eyes are opened to the depth of what He did for us. We become eternally thankful for His suffering, pain, death and resurrection and our selfish scales of ambition fall from our eyes. We are filled with the Spirit and our lives change forever. The Israelites followed the ark through the flood waters. The ark, the symbol of God's presence among them, led the way. So the cross, God's symbol of His presence among us, through the action of Jesus leads the way for us. Leads the way through the flood waters of our lives. Leads us on to victory. "Lift High the Cross. The Love of God proclaim." The Cross, high in heaven. The Cross, here on earth. The Cross a changed symbol and gift from Jesus. Feel the change of a new day, accept the Cross, and accept Jesus' invitation to a breakfast of fish and bread in a new day, a new dawn of eternal life in Him. Lift High the Cross. Thanks be to God!

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Lord, today, I lift Your Cross high. I proclaim You to all the world. You are God and greatly to be praised. ---Amen

April 21st Daily Word and Visions from God

April 21st Daily Word and Visions from God

Acts 8.26-40-Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him.

Joshua 1-2-Surely the LORD has given all the land into our hands...

Job 21-Can anyone teach God knowledge...?

Revelation 5.11-14-And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I hear saying, "To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever."

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Stop and pause, and graciously receive a glimpse of My Glory.

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God gives me glimpses of His Glory day after day. Glimpses in His Word. Word opened day after day. Glimpses in the land He has created. Glimpses of His knowledge that is beyond all my understanding. And glimpses of all creation in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, praising the Lamb with blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever. Today we stop and receive a glimpse of His Glory and praise our God of Love, Power and Might, forever and ever.

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Lord, I give You all Praise and Glory and Thanksgiving! ---Amen

April 20th Daily Word and Visions from God

April 20th Daily Word and Visions from God

Acts 8.1b-25-Therefore, those who had been scattered went about preaching the word.

Deuteronomy 33-34-His heavens also drop down dew.

Job 20-Then Zophar the Naamathite answered...

Psalm 30-O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever.

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I will send a Comforter.

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Phoebe trying to bring a ray of joy into Sarah's life by playing with her. Showing Sarah some attention and in Phoebe's own "dog" way bringing comfort to Sarah. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to those of the early Church. The Holy Spirit to lead and guide and comfort them when enduring pain and persecution. Sometimes life is full of pain and persecution. But we have the Holy Spirit. God sends us blessings like dew drops from heaven to comfort and rescue us at critical moments in our life. God blesses; unlike the misguided advice from some friends like Job experienced; we can always depend on the comfort of God. And yes, some of our blessings are wonderful blessings through friends that are truly God sent Dew Drops from Heaven. And those blessings last throughout all time, through all circumstances. Be a Dew Drop from Heaven for someone today. Let God by your God and give Him thanks forever.

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Lord, as you send Dew Drops from Heaven for me, use me to be a Dew Drop for someone this day. ---Amen

April 19th Daily Word and Visions from God

April 19th Daily Word and Visions from God

Acts 7.23-8.1a-But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."

Deuteronomy 31-32- The LORD appeared in the tent in a pillar of cloud, and the pillar of cloud stood at the doorway of the tent.

Job 19-As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth. Even after my skin is destroyed, yet from my flesh I shall see God; whom I myself shall behold, and whom my eyes will see and not another. My heart faints within me!

Acts 9.1-20-As he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" and He said, "I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, but get up and enter the city, and it will be told you what you must do."

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See My Light in the Cloud. Know I am with you. Get up and do what you must do. Go into the city.

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Stephen gazed into heaven and saw Jesus. Moses and Joshua met at the tent with the Cloud of God and received instruction. Job reaffirmed a Living Savior in the midst of pain and suffering. Paul saw the Light of Jesus and heard instruction to go! We too see God. We see Jesus day after day. See the miracles of His power and glory. Not only in the light of the sun, or the clouds of heaven, or the power of electricity. But more importantly we see Jesus in the lives of those among us and within us. Jesus who teaches through the Spirit and His Word. Jesus giving us instruction each and every day. See Jesus. Hear the Voice of the Shepherd. Recognize His presence daily. Then get up and go into the city and proclaim His glory.

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Lord, morning after morning, You reveal Yourself to me. You teach me through Your Word. You show Yourself throughout the day. Give me eyes to recognize You. Give me ears to hear You. Give me faith to go and follow You. ---Amen

April 18th Daily Word and Visions from God

April 18th Daily Word and Visions from God

Acts 7.1-22-...Hear me, brethren and fathers! The God of glory appeared...

Deuteronomy 29-30-But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may observe it.

Job 18- How long will you hunt for words?

Esther 9.1-5, 18-23-...because of those days the Jews rid themselves of their enemies...

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See My Word's visible presence among you.

Know My Word's invisible presence in you.

Make My Word's active presence through you.

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And His Word became Flesh and dwelt among us. This is a picture of an electronic Bible. You can't really turn any pages. But the Word of God is still present in this device. It is the Word of God visible in some respects and invisible in others. God wants His Word, Jesus Christ, to live and take root in me both visibly and invisibly. God wants His Word both in me physically and in me spiritually. God wants His Word to be active through me. Look how Jesus spoke through Stephen. Look how Jesus spoke through all the prophets of old and the prophets of this day. Look and see how Jesus speaks through those of this day and time. Jesus presence is real in our world. Jesus is among us and in us and through us. Jesus is here now ridding us of our enemies day after day. Jesus presence is here in the Spirit now and always. Visible yet invisible. Past-Present-Future-Eternal is His presence. The Word in our mouth and in our heart. Take note of His presence and rejoice and celebrate a God that chooses to be present among us and in us. Thanks be to God!

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Lord, I know-I see-I feel Your presence. Your presence now and always. ---Amen

April 17th Daily Word and Visions from God

April 17th Daily Word and Visions from God

Acts 6-And fixing their gaze on him, all who were sitting in the Council saw his face like the face of an angel.

Deuteronomy 28- Now it shall be, if you diligently obey the LORD your God, being careful to do all His commandments which I command you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.

Job 17-Who is there that will be my guarantor?

Esther 8.1-17-For the Jews there was light and gladness and joy and honor.

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Let My delicious Food of Life slowly restore your strength.

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Stephanie had all four wisdom teeth cut out yesterday. Finally in the evening she was able to enjoy a soft and sweet treat to bring some strength back to her. Jesus is like this for us too. When we are down and out He provides His delicious treats to bring us back to life. To put His Spirit in us He feeds us. Through Jesus our faces turn bright as an angel's when we begin to feel the Power of Life in Him. Through the gifts of the Spirit we respond with diligence in His ways. We strive for holiness out of love for all He does and has done for us. Jesus is not only our Food of Life, He is our guarantor. Only through Jesus holiness and Life can we be guaranteed life. And this results in gladness, joy, light and honor for Him. Let My delicious Food of Life slowly restore your strength.

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Lord, feed me this Food this day. ---Amen

April 16th Daily Word and Visions from God

April 16th Daily Word and Visions from God

Acts 5.17-42-And every day, in the temple and from house to house; they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

Deuteronomy 25-27-And all the people shall say, "Amen."

Job 16-Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and my advocate is on high.

Esther 7.1-10-...let my life be given me as my petition...

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Notice the creation of My signs of blessing, love and life for you.

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The beginning of the creation of a rainbow. A sign from God that He will never give up on us. Jesus is a living sign from God of His love for us. I must go out day after day, house after house, person after person, teaching and preaching this sign of Love freely given from God. More than just a sign. But God's love made flesh. Real and among us day in and day out. And all the people shall say "Amen" to this. Amen! Yes it shall be so! Jesus is more than a sign. Jesus is our Advocate on High. Jesus the person, the God, who takes on my sin and takes my life before the Father. I give my life to Jesus as a petition to God. Jesus gave his life for me before God. Notice the creation of Jesus signs of blessing, love and life for you.

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Jesus, today I stop and take notice of You. I praise Your beauty. I praise Your glory. I praise and honor You. ---Amen

April 15th Daily Word and Visions from God

April 15th Daily Word and Visions from God

Acts 5.1-16-Also the people from the cities in the vicinity of Jerusalem were coming together, bringing people who were sick or afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were being healed.

Deuteronomy 23-24-...but the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you because the LORD your God loves you.

Job 15-Should a wise man answer with windy knowledge...?

John 20.19-31-So when it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst and said to them "Peace be with you."

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What to you may seem impossible is possible through Me. My Love brings Peace through everything that gets in the way.

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People were healed. Simply by the Power of God passing through the disciples to others nearby. Bodies and spirits mended. Jesus passed through the shut doors like it was nothing. What looks impossible to me is possible through Him. Jesus passes through the things that seem to be in the way for you and me. Doors and I suppose even brick walls if needed and comes to be among us. Surprises us with His presence when we would be sure His presence couldn't be possible. Jesus passes through everything that gets in the way and brings Peace. Jesus brings Love and Peace. Not a the windy knowledge of a friend who assumes wisdom, but Love and Peace of Jesus who passes through what seems to be impossible. Job had to endure some windy friends. But Job's real friend passed through his trials in Jesus. Jesus passes through what seems to be impossible with His Love and Peace. And right now I need Him to pass through what seems to be an impossibility right now for me. Surprise me with Your Presence. Surprise me with Your Love. Surprise me with Your Peace. Pass through dear Jesus. Turn this curse into Your blessing. Pass through dear Jesus.

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Lord, I need You now. I need Your Presence. Pass through. Breath the breath of Life this way. Pass through Lord Jesus. ---Amen

April 14th Daily Word and Visions from God

April 14th Daily Word and Visions from God

Acts 4.23-37-And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness.

Deuteronomy 21-22-...then both of them shall die...

Job 14-Man, who is born of woman, is short-lived and full of turmoil. Like a flower he comes forth and withers.

Revelation 1.4-8-To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood- and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father- to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen

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You have died to sins. I have defeated them for you. Now live life fresh and new!

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I deserve death. For my sin; I deserve death. No doubt about it. We are all alike in this way. All of us deserve death for our sin. No doubt about it. But Jesus came, suffered, died and rose again to defeat our sins for us. Jesus loves us so much that even though He is eternal and we are finite; He died for our sin to graciously grant us eternal life. New and fresh life forever. Through Jesus we live new. Through Jesus we can gather together once again hand-in-hand and pray, be shaken by His power, receive His Spirit and boldly proclaim His name to all the world. Jesus released us from our sins by His blood and has made us into a kingdom of priests to His God and Father. What glory and dominion! Forever and ever! Amen! Yes it shall be so! We have died to sins. Jesus has defeated them for us. Live life fresh and new!

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Lord, once again I am completely humbled. I am in awe of Your Majesty. Thank You! ---Amen

April 13th Daily Word and Visions from God

April 13th Daily Word and Visions from God

Acts 4.1-22-...for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.

Deuteronomy 19-20- ...for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.

Job 13-How many are my iniquities and sins?

Psalm 118.14-29-The LORD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation.

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Let your faith be ever-green in Me.

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My faith is to be alive and well at all times. Jesus came to me. Jesus came for you and all. Jesus came for my many iniquities and sins. Jesus came to fight against these enemies of mine and to save me from them. Jesus is my strength and my song. Ever-green and alive always, I sing praises to Him and what He does. I can't stop speaking about His action. I can't help but to run and tell what I have seen and heard in my life. Jesus gives me the faith I need and keeps it ever-green in Him.

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Lord, you renew me day after day and keep my faith strong, and ever-green in You. ---Amen

April 12th Daily Word and Visions from God

April 12th Daily Word and Visions from God

Acts 3- And he began to give them his attention, expecting to receive something from them.

Deuteronomy 17-18- I will raise up a prophet from among their countrymen like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him.

Job 12-With Him are wisdom and might...

Acts 5.27-32-And we are witnesses of these things...

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I will rise up from among you and My presence will surprise you.

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Jesus comes to us. Jesus comes to us from among us. Jesus' presence surprises us. Jesus is a gift and unexpected surprise. Jesus leaps into our lives when we least expect it. The beggar at the temple saw Jesus power through Peter. A surprise. The crippled beggar gave his attention and expected to receive something. What he got was way beyond any physical healing. He received Jesus. A surprise from among him that day. God promised a prophet long ago. A prophet from among us. A prophet and a Savior who God chose to speak through. A prophet with wisdom and might. A prophet that will rise up from among us and save us. He raised Jesus up from among us. Jesus presence surprised the world and we didn't know how to handle the surprise. Today we are witnesses to this surprise. Jesus is among us and His presence with us will continue to surprise us day after day.

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I will rise up from among you and My presence will surprise you. Look around today and see His presence with and among us. Thanks be to God!

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Jesus, you are here. You are here in our midst. Beautiful in Your glory. You have risen among us and walk with us and are in us. ---Amen

April 11th Daily Word and Visions from God

April 11th Daily Word and Visions from God

Acts 2.14-47-But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power.

Deuteronomy 15-16- When you set him free, you shall not send him away empty-handed.

Job 11-Can you observe the depths of God? Can you discover the limits of the Almighty?

Luke 24.13-49-They began to relate their experiences on the road and how He was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread...Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures...

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See---Feel---Experience---the Loving action I take for you and experience My Easter Joy with emotional abandon.

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God raised Him up again. Jesus lives. Death has been defeated and Christ could not be held in its power. What laughter---What Joy! We are set free in Christ!

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In Deuteronomy the slave was set free after years of service. The seventh year was a year of freedom and celebration for the slave. The slave was set free. Set free and not sent away empty handed. What laughter---What Joy! We are set free in Christ!

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How can I even begin to understand the limits of God's Love. God's Love in being set free from death brings an Easter laughter of Joy and Celebration. What laughter---What Joy! We are set free in Christ!

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Being set free, I am free to walk with Christ. Christ appears out of nowhere to walk with me. Joins me in my walk of life. Breaks bread and feeds me with the real food of Himself and opens the Word to me to understand. What laughter---What Joy! To be set free and to walk with Christ! Let's all get a little silly and rejoice in Christ this day!

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Lord, You make my day. Lord, You are me day. Join me in my walk this day. Let's break bread together. Let's do a Bible Study together. Let's tell someone the Joy and Laughter You bring. ---Amen

April 10th Daily Word and Visions from God

April 10th Daily Word and Visions from God

Acts 2.1-13-What does this mean?

Deuteronomy 13-14- You shall surely tithe all the produce from what you sow...

Job 10-You have granted me life and lovingkindness; and Your care has preserved my spirit.

1 Corinthians 5.6b-8.13-...but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.

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You have received; now go and act likewise.

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God has given us everything we need. Given us life. Now we are sent to go out. To emulate to this world His Love. Go and do like He has done for us. The people of the early church received the Holy Spirit. They were sent with gifts out into the world to proclaim the glory of God. Surely a tithe would be appropriate. A tithe of what God gave in the first place. It's not mine to begin with. All I have is a gift from God and I can return to Him as He wishes, when He wishes. I only borrow it from God in the first place. God has given us everything we need and granted us a life of lovingkindness. God has preserved our spirit so that we can go and give.

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Just as my dog Sadie depends on me for care and love; she freely gives me care and love. She responds to my gifts with love and care and faithful compassion. So God expects from us.

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I am washed, sanctified and justified in the blood of Jesus. Now I'm given all I need to go. Go!

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Lord, in Easter joy I go in Your name to serve You in Your Kingdom this day. Go! ---Amen

April 9th Daily Word and Visions from God

April 9th Daily Word and Visions from God

Acts 1- When they had entered the city, they went up to the upper room where they were staying...

Deuteronomy 11-12- You shall therefore love the LORD your god, and always keep His charge, His statutes, His ordinances, and His commandments.

Job 9-If it is a matter of power, behold, He is the strong one!

Isaiah 25.6-9-He will swallow up death for all time, and the Lord GOD will wipe tears away from all faces, and He will remove the reproach of His people from all the earth; for the LORD has spoken.

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Receive the water of baptism and nourish My world for growth.

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We have been nourished with God's Life giving grace through the resurrection of Christ. In our baptism God pours abundant water on us and sends us forth in His Spirit to feed the world. It's time to gather together in that upper room where Jesus united us and move out with His message to all the world. It's time for us to gather and plan and pray and receive the Spirit to lead and guide us. It's time to follow those commandments God graciously fulfilled in His Son. It's time to trust on the Strong One who swallowed up death for all time and wipes all tears away. It's time! It's time! It's a wonderful time!

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Lord; it's time! ---Amen

April 8th Daily Word and Visions from God

April 8th Daily Word and Visions from God

Matthew 28-Go quickly and tell...I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

Deuteronomy 9-10-Know therefore today that it is the LORD your God who is crossing over before you as a consuming fire.

Job 8-He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouting.

Luke 24.1-12-Why do you seek the living One among the dead?

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Open your eyes to see My Life. Begin your new life in Me and celebrate this day.

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An angel told the women to go quickly and tell. Later Jesus tells us that He will be with us, even to the end of the age. What comfort. What joy. What awesome Love to know that Christ defeated sin, death and the devil for each one of us to live a new life in Him. To be joyous in His Love. To know that God crossed over the death I justly deserve in Love for me and for you. To know that as a consuming fire, He defeated what was my ending. Without a doubt my response is to open my eyes to His Love and laugh and shout praises to God my King. Why do you seek the living One among the dead? He is alive! Christ has risen! He has risen indeed! Alleluia!

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Christ has risen! He has risen indeed! Alleluia! ---Amen Yes it shall be so! Alleluia!

April 7th Daily Word and Visions from God

April 7th Daily Word and Visions from God

Matthew 27.32-66- And they went and made the grave secure, and along with the guard they set a seal on the stone.

Deuteronomy 7-8-For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land...

Job 7-When a cloud vanishes, it is gone...

1 Corinthians 15.19-26-For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.

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Watch and pray. See the dark, angry, sealed cloud of your sin vanish to My bright Light of Love on Easter morning.

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That time in-between. That time after Jesus death and before the resurrection. That time Jesus took my sin with Himself to the tomb. That time when all things change in this universe. An eternal change. That time of change when God brings Life from Death. The time of change when God brings us out of our wilderness to the Promised Land of Life. That time of change when the storm cloud vanishes and Light burst forth. That time of change from Adam's death to Life in Christ. That time of change in God's forgiveness from death in sin to life in Him. That time of change...

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Lord, change me! ---Amen

April 6th Daily Word and Visions from God

April 6th Daily Word and Visions from God

Matthew 27.1-31-Crucify Him!

Deuteronomy 5-6-You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

Job 6-For the arrows of the Almighty are within me...

John 18.1-19.42-Shall I crucify you King?

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Look to My death on the cross and see the Light of salvation.

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Lord,

I pause to look---

I pause to stare---

I pause to know the Love You give---

I see the Light---

I see the Love You Share

Amen

April 5th Daily Word and Visions from God

April 5th Daily Word and Visions from God

Matthew 26.47-75-...hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.

Deuteronomy 3-4-But from there you sill seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul.

Job 5-But as for me, I would seek God, and I would place my cause before God, who does great and unsearchable things, wonders without number.

John 13.1-17, 31b-35-...Jesus knowing that His hour had come that He would depart out of the world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end...a new commandment I give to you, that you love on another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

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Notice how I humbly serve and love- Do likewise today.

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Jesus served and loves us. Day after day. He humbly serves and loves us. He washed the feet of the disciples in service and love. He washed their feet, knowing what has at hand for Him. Jesus knew His hour had come for that ultimate service of love to all humankind. As I witness this love how can I help but to search for my King. How can I help but to search with all my heart for a King who serves and loves me with His life. I seek God and place all my fears, doubts and sin at His feet because of this Love He has given. As I search, I find He has come to me to serve and love me! His Wonder is without number. I can't quantify Jesus Love. It's too much for me to understand. Jesus Love is unsearchable. I can see it but not really get it. I receive it but don't understand it. Jesus Love doesn't seem logical at all to me. But there and here before me is the Love of my Savior in Jesus humble act. I know His Love exists and feel it down deep in my soul. So I attempt to express His Love to a world He sends me into day after day. Attempt to express His Love daily.

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Abe's waiting and humble love for Sarah is an expression of His love for her. Abe not only humbly waits, he expresses selfless love for his master. I can do no other for Christ. Today I express my love for Him. Today I express His Love, humbly to those He sends me to today.

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Lord, You expressed an amazing, humble Love for all of us to see. Send me to express this same Love to the world you place me in today. ---Amen

April 4th Daily Word and Visions from God

April 4th Daily Word and Visions from God

Matthew 26.26-46-Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold the hour is at hand...

Get up, let us be going...

Deuteronomy 1-2- You have stayed long enough at this mountain. Turn and set your journey...

Job 4-Can a man be pure before his Maker?

Isaiah 50.4-9a-Behold, the Lord GOD helps Me...

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Get ready to begin the Life I have graciously given.

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This is one of the puppies my Son's dog Peanut birthed a couple of weeks ago. A puppy on the verge of real life. A puppy on the doorstep of dog life. But still a puppy sleeping and resting. The disciples slept and rested while Jesus pray in the garden. Slept oblivious to the huge happenings before them. The start of a new Life in Jesus for them was about to take place. The hour was at hand. It was time to get up and go. But they, like I, didn't have a clue.

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The Israelites likewise at the mountain; didn't have a clue what the journey was to be. But it was time to get up and go. It was time to start the journey. I'm mid to late stream in my journey I suppose. Already going. Being led day by day by my Savior who comes to my door each and every morning. Knocking and asking for Billy to come out and play in His Kingdom. Day after day my Savior bids me to get up and go. Bids me to start the journey. Bids me to leave the comfort of my home and go out into His Kingdom serving, and loving those He chooses for me to serve and love. Am I pure before my Savior? No way. But He, all the same, bids me to get up and go. He will use me even in my impurity. Jesus knocks on my door daily and helps me through each day. And at each knock on the door. At each leaving of my house with Him, I can rest assured He will help me each step of the way. Each morning Jesus tells me; "Get ready to begin the Life I have graciously given." Thanks be to God!

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Lord, I'm coming to the door and ready to begin that Life you give today. ---Amen

April 3rd Daily Word and Visions from God

April 3rd Daily Word and Visions from God

Matthew 26.1-25-While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is My body."

Numbers 35-36-These are the commandments and the ordinances which the LORD commanded to the sons of Israel through Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan opposite Jericho.

Job 3-The small and the great are there, and the slave is free from his master.

Isaiah 49.1-7-You are a light of the nations so that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth.

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Wait on Me. All will take place in My time.

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Jesus seems this day to be giving this message. Wait for His time. All will be fulfilled when God is ready. I don't control God. While the disciples were eating, Jesus offered himself to them to take and eat, this is My body. In His time, Jesus gave Himself to us to take. Take and eat. Take Jesus into yourself. Take Jesus into the very heart of your being. Take Jesus and let Him nourish your soul. Take Jesus. Take Jesus and feel freedom. Take Jesus understanding the the commandments of Moses have convicted you of your sin. Take Jesus into yourself and be forgiven and free to respond likewise to the Love He has freely given you. Take and eat. Small and great, slave and free, all of us are invited to take and eat and receive Jesus into ourselves. Take and eat and see the Light of the nations. Take and eat and become a Light to the nations with Jesus at the heart of your being. Wait on Me. Here, Abe, Sarah's dog, is waiting on Sarah to return from an extended hospital stay. Like Abe, I hear Jesus telling us to wait on Him. Wait on His time and place. Wait and then take and eat His salvation.

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Lord, I wait. I thank You for Your timing. I thank You for the time to wait. I thank You for the day that You command me to take and eat. Eat, and eat it freely. Take, take it freely. Take Your Love and salvation. But for now---I wait. ---Amen

April 2nd Daily Word and Visions from God

April 2nd Daily Word and Visions from God

Matthew 25.31-46-Then the King will say to those on His right, "Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me."

Numbers 32-34-These are the journeys of the sons of Israel...

Job 2-The LORD said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Then Satan answered the LORD and said, "from roaming about on the earth and walking around on it."

Isaiah 42.1-9- I am the LORD, I have called you in righteousness, I will also hold you by the hand and watch over you, and I will appoint you as a covenant to the people, as a light to the nations, to open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the dungeon and those who dwell in darkness from the prison.

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Connect with Me through, others and serve "the least of these." In this we are together.

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I think God calls us to connect together. This is an early Christian symbol. Used as a symbol of connection with other Christians that were being persecuted. It is drawn in the dirt as a symbol and connection that we are Christians. Jesus connects us with the poor, imprisoned, sick and needy. He is in them. They are our connection with Jesus. Jesus wants us to serve Him. We serve Him by serving them. In our journey in life we serve Jesus this way. In this serving of Jesus I can see the impact of Satan walking about. Satan and His ruination of God's perfect creation. Satan takes-takes-takes. But God gives and loves-gives and loves-gives and loves. This is the difference. Satan is only one place at a time in His taking. God is all places at all times in His giving. And this is the connection of the Christian. In our collective, corporate service to Jesus in "the least of these", God is in us all places at all time. God will hold our hands as we connect and serve Him. God will be our Light and our Guide. God will connect with us in Jesus and bring us and the world out of the darkness. In this we are together. Thanks be to God for His connection through Jesus!

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Lord, let's connect today and I will serve you in "the least of these." ---Amen

April 1st Daily Word and Visions from God

April 1st Daily Word and Visions from God

Matthew 25.1-30-Behold the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.

Numbers 30-31-If a man makes a vow to the LORD, or takes an oath to bind himself with a binding obligation, he shall not violate his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.

Job 1-Then Satan answered the LORD, "Does Job fear God for nothing?"

Luke 22.14-23.56-Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your bothers.

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Pray before, during and after the trial of life. You will sin. Lay all your trust and hope and faith in Me.

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Rocks at the beginning of a dark and shady trail. I have prayed on these rocks before. Prayed for myself and for others on these rocks. I have walked this trail before. A trail that even though shaded shows God's creation and beauty. A trail that could bring harm. A trail that also rewards. A trail that is a mixture of ups and downs. A trail like life.

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A trail where I have met the bridegroom in the presence of my Savior. I have felt Jesus walking with me on this trail before. I have sensed His presence with me in life. Satan came to God to test Job. He told God that Job was only faithful because God had provided abundant blessings in his life. So God allowed Satan to put Job to the test. And in the test. In the darkness of the trail of life, Job remained faithful and true to God. Sure Job sinned along the way. We all sin. Jesus told Peter that he would be tested by Satan. Jesus made it obvious that Peter would sin in his denial of the Savior. I sin. We all have sinned in the darkness of the trails of our lives. But the question is; after the sin will I realize my sin and turn to God? Will I realize that in my sin, I need God. I will turn to God in my sin and I have turned to God realizing that in my sinfulness I need Him and only Jesus can save me from my sin. And in this my words of obligation to God have been restored. My sin has been erased in Jesus.

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So when the trail gets dark, when life gets tough, I will find the Rock. I will pray for direction and guidance. I will stop and seek forgiveness and confess my failure. For in this Rock of Jesus my Savior, I lay all of my hope and faith.

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Lord, You are my Rock and I stop and pray, confess, seek, follow, and serve You today. ---Amen