February 28th Daily Word and Visions from God

February 28th Daily Word and Visions from God

Matthew 8.1-13-Go it shall be done for you as you have believed.

Exodus 39-40-For throughout all the journeys, the cloud of the LORD was on the tabernacle by day, and there was fire in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel.

Proverbs 18- The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.

Job 1.1-22-Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD. Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God.

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Our checkbook. A source of money. Well, this one isn't right now. What you can't see is that all the checks are gone. There are only receipts left in this book. Really nothing of value inside.

Jesus told the man to go and his servant would be healed. The man believed and the servant was healed. What was inside this checkbook? The man had faith in Jesus. Jesus had the will to grant healing.

The tabernacle was a glorious sight. Skilled people built each piece of the tent, each piece of furniture and all the clothing for the priests. Skilled people built all the worship ornaments. What was inside this checkbook? God in a cloud by day and fire at night. God who was present with His people day after day. Leading them and moving with them through their journey in life.

The name of the LORD is a strong tower. What is inside this checkbook? A strong God that we can run to and be safe with.

Job trusted in God. Even when Job had lost all, he did not sin or blame God. What was in Job's checkbook? Job's real source of treasure was his trust and hope in a saving Father.

My checkbook doesn't need riches. God provides all the riches I will ever need in life. I must look inside my checkbook and see the Word. Look inside the Word and see Jesus' saving grace. That's the riches. Riches that are all wrapped up and in my Lord and Savior. Now that's the real treasure. Jesus, a treasure much greater than silver or gold. Go ahead, open the Book and see!

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Lord, open your Word to me this day and show me the real Treasure inside. I believe! ---Amen

February 27th Daily Word and Visions from God

February 27th Daily Word and Visions from God

Matthew 7-Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock.

Exodus 37-38-The cherubim had their wings spread upward, covering the mercy seat with their wings, with their faces toward each other; the faces of the cherubim were toward the mercy seat.

Proverbs 17-A friend loves at all times...

2 Peter 2.4-21-...for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved.

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I worked on taxes yesterday. This calculator is helpful in checking numbers. I used it to make sure the numbers made common sense to me. God grants blessings, gifts and skills to me. All to be used to glorify Him. Like the workers in the Exodus passage, God granted the skills needed to build the Ark of the covenant and everything needed in worship of God. God gave the skills to be used to His glory. Everything focuses on God. Even the cherubim who face toward the mercy seat are focusing on God. I must focus all my skills, gifts and blessings on God. Learn and listen to what He wishes for me. Learn how to love at all times like a friend should. Never abandon another but continue in love for them as we walk together using the gifts God has granted us focusing on God not ourselves. For if I am overcome by my own skills and blessings. If I become a slave to my skills and blessings I have moved in a false god and am no longer focusing on God. The calculator is an aid to the greater job. The use of the calculator must be focused on the purpose of the larger job of paying taxes. May I always focus on that Mercy Seat of my Savior Jesus and see the blood sprinkled towards it once and for all. May I always focus my gifts, skills, and blessings on Jesus.

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Lord, forgive me when I'm haughty with the skills, blessings and gifts you have given me. Help me to keep my focus on You and that Mercy Seat on the Cross. You are God! ---Amen

February 26th Daily Word and Visions from God

February 26th Daily Word and Visions from God

Matthew 6.19-34-For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will ear or what you will drink; nor for your body as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?

Exodus 35-36-Let every skillful man among you come, and make all the the LORD has commanded...

Proverbs 16-Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be established.

1 John 2.1-6-...but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected.

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Cookie! Reminds me of the enthusiasm of the Cookie Monster. The kids used to love the bedtime stories with the Cookie Monster involved. He had an enthusiasm for the simple things of life that was infecting. I should have that enthusiasm for God in life too. And I do. For we have a God who cares for all of our needs. Blesses us with skills, provides the money we need, the food we need, the clothing we need. There is no need to worry. This freedom from worry, sin, death and the devil allows us to respond with a commitment to God. This freedom allows us to respond and plan and act and do his work. This freedom causes us to strive to keep His word and to love Him with all our hearts. Sure, I'll slip from time to time and think I need to do it all on my own. But I have a loving Father who will guide me back to Him. Cookie! Thanks be to God!

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Lord, I'm pumped up for You this day. I rejoice in You! Again I rejoice in You! You are God and that's all that matters! ---Amen

February 25th Daily Word and Visions from God

February 25th Daily Word and Visions from God

Matthew 6.1-18-Give us this day our daily bread.

Exodus 33-34-So he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did not eat bread or drink water.

Proverbs 15-Better a dish of vegetable where love is than a fattened ox served with hatred.

Luke 4.1-13- Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was lead around by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And He ate nothing during those days, and when they had ended, He became hungry.

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Mom came over for supper last night. On these nights especially when Mom visits, Sue is busy serving the meal. I help a little, but Sue does most of the work. I do the transportation piece. We make plans to receive our daily bread. God grants the blessing of daily bread. All we need in this life for body and soul. Not only food, but fellowship, love, faith, a job, and God's Word and guidance. Daily Bread is everything needed to live. God gives this. Day after day. But there are a couple of occasions when His Bread is most satisfying. When we have fasted from His Bread. When we have gone through the test. Maybe a life struggle. Maybe even hunger. Then when we receive that Bread, it is ohhh sooo gooood! It seems that when we are low on energy there lurks the devil, but also there God shows His power. God comes down and gives us His Bread. His Bread in Jesus. At the struggle points we can turn around and bump right into Jesus. God giving us our daily Bread in Jesus. At just the right moment. Jesus even experienced this in the desert with the devil. Jesus had the Spirit present with him and was and is that daily Bread. That perfect Bread that overcomes all temptation, evil and death. And in this Bread is that Love served. Loved served in a simple manner. God became flesh in Jesus and came to us humble to feed us and be our daily Bread. What more provision is necessary.

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Lord, feed me that daily Bread in Christ that I may live, and live for you today and forever. ---Amen

February 24th Daily Word and Visions from God

February 24th Daily Word and Visions from God

Matthew 5.21-48-"Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

Exodus 30-32-Go down at once, for your people, whom you brought up from the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves. They have quickly turned aside from the way which I commanded them.

Proverbs 14-Fools mock at sin, but among the upright there is good will.

Romans 10.8b-13-The Word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart...that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation...for whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.

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In the reading from Matthew Jesus puts it on the line. Tells it like it is. I am convicted of sin by the time I finish this passage. No doubt in my mind. I can't see how anyone after reading this passage, other than Jesus, could say that they abide fully and are perfect before the Father. So now what? Do I mock at the sin? Do I make excuses or offer explanations? I don't think so. But I do turn to Jesus. I know now that I need Jesus. I look to Jesus as my vision. I know now that I must strive to at least emulate Jesus to the best of my ability and then depend on Him alone to convince the Father to take me back. Convince the Father to take me as the sinner that I am and use me as I am. I suppose Jesus felt somewhat like Moses. God sent Him down to a sinful people because we have corrupted ourselves. God sent Jesus to redeem us and save us from our sin. I'm so glad for that! So glad, because I have lost all hope in myself and know that I need a Savior. I'm so glad, that I will proclaim and confess Jesus to all the world. Believe in His salvation and know that now that God has sent Jesus down, He dwells in my heart, He dwells in the Church, He dwells in this world.

A can of Raid. Even as I use this can of Raid, it reminds me of my sin. Thank God that His love is so deep that He doesn't exterminate me but sends His Son to save me and set me free. A can of Raid...makes me think. Now how do I deal with these pests?---hmmm.

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Lord, I'm sure I'm a pest at times. I don't know why You don't give up on me. I don't know why You don't just take out the can and spray me. But You don't. You love me. Teach me to understand this Love. Teach me to understand this forgiveness. Teach me to be like Jesus. Even if it takes a lifetime. Teach me how to love, forgive and teach in this place you have set me today. Please, never give up on me. ---Amen

February 23rd Daily Word and Visions from God

February 23rd Daily Word and Visions from God

Matthew 5.1-20-Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Exodus 28-29-You shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty.

Proverbs 13-The one who guards his mouth preserves his life...

Psalm 91.1-2, 9-16-...and let him see My salvation.

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This is a picture of a lake taken from the balcony of a hotel room in Florida. A vacation a couple of years back. It is sunrise. The lake reflects the glory of the rising sun. God wants me to reflect His glory in my life. God wants me to wear His cross proudly. His cross of death; yet a cross of life. Let His Light shine through me day after day. Proudly wear His cross on my forehead and bear the fruit of His deep deep love for us. God wants me to be clean before Him. Jesus gave His life for me to cleanse me from sin. Jesus gave His life to bless me with the gifts of love and service for all people. Jesus cleanses my garments and sends me into His Kingdom day after day. I will respond in faith. I will strive to reflect His glory. Knowing that through death Jesus preserves life and lets all see salvation in that ashen, black cross of death. I will respond this day. I will let His Light shine through.

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Lord, forgive my foolishness, forgive my sin. Let Your Light shine through me brightly this day so that those I meet may see Your Glory. Use my mouth today to proclaim Your message. ---Amen

February 22nd Daily Word and Visions from God

February 22nd Daily Word and Visions from God

Matthew 4-Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry.

Exodus 25-27-You shall make a mercy seat of pure gold...

Proverbs 12-Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge...

Deuteronomy 26.1-11-...and He has brought us to this place...

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Follow me through the wilderness. Jesus seems to be calling. Calling for us to follow Him. We all have a wilderness to go into. We all have temptations to face. We all have troubles to burden. Follow me through the wilderness. Jesus was been there, led by the Spirit and tempted by the devil. He fasted the Lenten fast of forty days. He was hungry. How hungry for Jesus do I get? So hungry. In the wilderness I can look up through the trees and see the cloud. Could this cloud be that same cloud of God that existed above that mercy seat of gold years ago? Could this cloud be the very same cloud that Jesus will return on? But wait! He said, "Follow me through the wilderness." Jesus is here in the wilderness too! Jesus is here with me and hungry like I. Jesus, through the discipline of the wilderness teaches me His knowledge. The Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness. Perhaps Jesus has brought me to the place. Follow me through the wilderness. There is hope in Jesus.

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Lord, I follow ---Amen

February 21st Daily Word and Visions from God

February 21st Daily Word and Visions from God

Matthew 3-Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance...

Exodus 24-So Moses took the blood and sprinkled it on the people...

Proverbs 11-The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life...

Joel 2.1-2, 12-17-Return to Me with all your heart...

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The snow from last week is beginning to melt. As it melts a cloud is forming all over the place. God appeared in clouds several times. In the melting of the snow, I think of God's presence in the cloud all over the place. His presence is forever and everywhere. God is present in the clouds of the melting snow of my sinful heart. I must repent and turn back to God. Turn from my sinful ways and look to the Cloud. Look to the Cloud and feel the Blood of Christ sprinkled onto me in my sinful nature. Feel the pain that Christ endured for me on that cross and turn from my sinful ways. Look to the Fruit on that Tree of Life and turn from sin and place all my trust and hope in Christ. Repent and return to God with all my heart. God is in the cloud of that melting snow of sin today. Look to the Cloud, repent and live.

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Lord, forgive me...I repent and turn to you my Lord and Savior ---Amen

February 20th Daily Word and Visions from God

February 20th Daily Word and Visions from God

Matthew 2-Go and search carefully for the Child...

Exodus 22-23-Behold, I am going to send an angel before you to guard you along the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared.

Proverbs 10-Wise men store up knowledge...

Ezekiel 1.1-2.1-And when I saw it, I fell on my face and heard a voice speaking.

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Steph's School jacket. This jacket proudly bears a varsity letter she received for Marching Band and for Bowling. Accomplishments of her youth. In youth we learn, grow and mature. Not so much different than all of our life in Christ. Grow, learn and mature. But we also are given gifts to use. Gifts of faith and service to be used in God's Kingdom. Gifts that become proud symbols of God's love for us. Gifts from God to use. Go and search carefully for the Child. Search carefully for Jesus and you will find Him closer than you could ever imagine. Search until He finds you. And He has found you and has placed you in His heart. He has gifted you with angels to protect you in your walk in His Kingdom day after day. He grows you in His wisdom and knowledge day after day. At some point it all hits. And you respond to that awesome grace of God and fall on your face and hear His awesome voice speaking. Listen, search, grow, learn and mature. Day after day and proudly bear his name on the back of your jacket. Bear his name proudly day in and day out.

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Lord, I'm so glad you have chosen to love me. ---Amen

February 19th Daily Word and Visions from God

February 19th Daily Word and Visions from God

Matthew 1- And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus.

Exodus 20-21-You shall have no other gods before Me.

Proverbs 9-The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Exodus 35.1-29-Then Moses assemble all the congregation...

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I notice the highlight of the snow on the trees. Sometimes snow brings a touch of highlight to life. Last night after Steph came home late she came into the house in a panic. Her car was stuck halfway out into the streets. It was a highlight to life for this day. Sue, Sarah, Steph and I were united with a single purpose. To get the car in the driveway. All the worries of the day were gone and our focus was applied together to getting this car unstuck. We worked together. It was wonderful when we got the car moved into the drive and everyone was happy. God gives us a focus and highlight in Jesus. I can imagine how Joseph must have been troubled by concern for his pregnant fiance. This child was not of his own seed. But God highlighted the life of Joseph with concentration on Jesus. There was something new to focus on rather than the problems of the day. Focus on Jesus. You shall have no other god. Only Jesus. Focus on Him. In Jesus congregations will assemble to focus on Jesus. To focus on Jesus rather than our own problems and issues. And this is the beginning of wisdom. Focus on Jesus and receive the knowledge of understanding through the Holy One. Some snow brought a highlight to life last night. A Jesus brings highlight to Life.

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Lord, I see the real Highlight on that tree. I focus on You! ---Amen

February 18th Daily Word and Visions from God

February 18th Daily Word and Visions from God

Hebrews 13-Let the love of the brethren continue.

Exodus 18-19-...and how I bore you on eagles' wings, and brought you to Myself.

Proverbs 8-"Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorposts.

Luke 9.28-43-And they were all amazed at the greatness of God.

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This one was a tough one to write for me. Even at this moment it is tough to write. This morning Sarah was in deep depression. Debilitating depression. Depression so deep that a person can't even function. As a father I would step in and take her place and relieve her of this mental illness if only I could. I would give my life for hers and let her have mine if only I could. But I can't. I want to help but don't know how. I try different strategies but can't do this. Neither can Sarah. Help can only come from beyond both of us. Even with all my love continuing on I can't seem to help. It makes me wonder about how God felt. What pain God felt with His Son's persecution and death. But God is so much greater than I that I'm sure He knew of that grand plan and was willing to let the love of the brethren continue. God's love is so great he rescues us on eagles wings and brings us to Himself. But this day...I wait and wonder. How will this rescue occur. When will the rescue occur. I need God to step in for the rescue. Sarah needs God's rescue. This day, I stop and I listen and I seek the Word of God. But all I can feel is His eye, like Abe's above, observing me. Observing me make mistakes with Sarah. Observing my pain. Observing Sarah's pain. God just observing. God please do more than just observe. I don't need another on-looker at this time. I need action. I need you to rescue me on eagles' wings and bring me and Sarah to you. I'm watching at the gate of Your Word. I'm listening and waiting. Then I reflect on the Transfiguration. Afterwards you rescued. You did come down from that lofty place where God's voice was heard. You came down from your radiant appearance with Moses and Elijah to take action. And you healed a man's son. And they were all amazed at the greatness of God. I need you this day. And I feel Your awesome gaze into my life and Sarah's life too. And I know that You not only gaze but you act. For You acted through Your Son years ago and continue to act today and forever. No doubt about it. You act! Now today, I ask that You keep your gaze on Sarah and myself, forgive me for doubting, and fill me with blessing as I watch at the gates and wait at the doorposts. Thanks be to God for acting!

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Lord, I'm sinful and need forgiveness. Please forgive me. I'm also needy and in need of Your help. Help Sarah and me I pray this day. Protect us and keep us and bless us. And show me how to act like you would want me to act. ---Amen

February 17th Daily Word and Visions from God

February 17th Daily Word and Visions from God

Hebrews 12-For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Exodus 16.17-So it came about at evening that the quails came up and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. when the layer of dew evaporated, behold, on the surface of the wilderness there was a fine flake-like thing, fine as the frost on the ground.

Proverbs 7.6-27-For at the window of my house I looked out through my lattice...

2 Corinthians 3.12-4.2-But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.

Snow on more snow. After a while it gets old. You shovel and get the drive somewhat clean then here comes some more. At first it looks nice, then it gets dirty and old. At first it is fun, then it becomes old. At first you are happy with the reflection of light, then it seems to hurt your eyes. God encourages me to look at Christ. God encourages me to see what he endured by sinners so that I won't lose heart. But sometimes I still seem to lose heart. Life gets old, life gets tough. I get tired of that same old manna day after day. I get tired of that morning blessing. What is wrong with me? My perspective has changed when I get like this. I am looking to myself. I am wanting more and more. I am focusing on myself rather than on Jesus. That's what's wrong with me. I am sinful when I'm like this and need to change. And when I finally do turn to God, seek forgiveness for my selfish viewpoint, then things drastically change. Now as I look through my lattice, I can see the blessings of God. As I focus on Jesus, I can feel the warmth of that reflected light from the snow. I can see the steadfast love and daily blessings of that heavenly dew drops that change to sweet bread of life morning after morning. As I focus on Jesus, I see my place in life as a blessing. I see how I am to serve and love His people. As I focus on Jesus, love for the lonely, and poor becomes so compassionate in me that I reach out and act in faith and love. As I focus on Jesus, I am transformed into the glory that he wants me to have. So change today, change viewpoints from my selfish grumbling focus on my needs to the viewpoint of a loving Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Focus on Jesus today!

Lord, I focus on you. Forgive me for my selfish viewpoint and change me into what you want of me. ---Amen

February 16th Daily Word and Visions from God

February 16th Daily Word and Visions from God

Hebrews 11.22-40-By faith…
Exodus 15-For the horses of Pharaoh with his chariots and his horsemen went into the sea, and the LORD brought back the waters of the sea on them but the sons of Israel walked on dry land through the midst of the sea.
Proverbs 6.1-7.5-Bind them continually on your heart; tie them around your neck.
Psalm 99-Exalt the LORD our God…

What is this? It’s purple and looks all curly. What is it? It’s a scarf. Maybe you could think of it as a mantle. A covering to keep your neck warm in cold weather. I need faith to keep warm in the cold weather of life. All Christians walk by faith. Walk by faith with Jesus in life. Walk by faith on the dry ground of the Red Sea and pass into the wilderness. What is going to happen? What is this? This is life with God. Life that, like my baptism, leads me through the waters. As my “pharaoh’s of sin” are buried in the water behind me, I step into the wilderness of life. I step into the wilderness of life and learn about the great gift of faith God has freely given me in those waters I just passed through. I learn of faith and the gifts of the Spirit. I learn of forgiveness and salvation. I learn and believe and give my life to God in a corporate relationship with His Church and in a personal relationship with my companion, friend, and Savior, Jesus. I learn His law and bind them around my neck like this scarf. Turn to His Word day after day and learn what God has to say about my life each and every day. Like this scarf wrapped around my neck for warmth, I turn to God’s Word made flesh each day and follow Jesus my Savior. In the response, I exalt God. I raise the name of Jesus high. Raise his name in exaltation to the world and proclaim His glory. No, this isn’t really my purple scarf. But the passionate purple love of my Savior is tightly wrapped around my neck day after day. Thanks be to God!

Lord, I exalt you name and glory this day to the world. Wrap yourself around my neck and remind me all the day of your saving glory and grace. ---Amen

February 15th Daily Word and Visions from God

February 15th Daily Word and Visions from God

Hebrews 11.1-21-By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac...

Exodus 13-14-"The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent."

Proverbs 5-For the ways of a man are before the eyes of the LORD...

Exodus 34.29-35-But whenever Moses went in before the LORD to speak with Him, he would take off the veil until he came out; and whenever he came out and spoke to the sons of Israel what he had been commanded, the sons of Israel would see the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses face shone. So Moses would replace the veil over his face until he went in to speak with Him.

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One of those chunks of snow you see behind the wheels on cars. A chunk of snow created by snow that has been run over. Maybe even a little slushy. Snow picked up and thrown around the wheel well until it packs with other snow that has been picked up. It packs together, gets heated a little and bonds together like ice. The packed snow picks up road dirt and then finally falls off. A rough life for some snow. But together with other snow on a similar journey it bonds together. Faith is like this. It is a testing. In faith I can feel that road tested bonding with others like Abraham. I become bonded with other tough snow and unite with them in my faith in God. Bonded; knowing that in the struggle and on the dirty road, God fights for me. God gives His Life for me. The path is tough. Knowing that my actions are before the eyes of God and that He is aware of my sin and my good; I have faith in God and bond with other road tough Christians along the way. I also know the hope that some day our bond with Christ will produce that shining glory that is only God's. And the brightness of this Light will cause us to fall and separate from the dirt of this earth to be with Christ in His glory. But for now. I'm bonding with those other road tough dirty tested Christians I meet along this road of life together.

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Lord, you test me day after day---I fail the test on my own---but I place all my hope and trust and faith in Jesus, who has passed that test for me. Bond me with Him in a tight bond of faith this day. ---Amen

February 14th Daily Word and Visions from God

February 14th Daily Word and Visions from God

Hebrews 10.19-39-...and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds...

Exodus 11-12-This month shall be the beginning of months for you; it is to be the first month of the year to you.

Proverbs 4-The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom; and with all your acquiring, get understanding.

Luke 11.37-52-...did not He who made the outside make the inside also?

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This is Ashley my step grand-daughter. Her birthday is this month. Like the Israelites first month was the month they left Egypt. The month of the Passover. This is Ashley's first month. Her first month of life on this earth. But the most important month for Ashley is her first month of Life. The month of her baptism. Through baptism God stimulates us in love and shows us His good deed of salvation. In baptism we are called to be a Child of God. In baptism we begin a journey in God. In baptism we begin to acquire His Wisdom and understanding. In baptism we are given a wonderful free gift of Life. A Life where God will recreate us inside and out. Our first month of life. Both birthdays. In celebration of birth and the birth in new Life with God. Thanks be to God for Ashley a gift from God to me. Happy birthday to you!

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Lord, we celebrate life in birthdays and we celebrate Life in baptism. Both precious gifts from you. Thanks! ---Amen

February 13th Daily Word and Visions from God

February 13th Daily Word and Visions from God

Hebrews 9.23-10.18-And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him.

Exodus 9-10-"Now therefore, please forgive my sin only this once, and make supplication to the LORD your God, that He would remove this death from me."

Proverbs 3- In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Ezra 1.1-11-...the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia...

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This is the waiting room at the Miami Valley Hospital Surgery Center. I have now spent many hours in this room over the past month. Hours reading, waiting, praying and watching. I see Christ present here every time I come. Present in the people waiting for news of a loved one in surgery. Christ present in the nurses and doctors who come out and provide updates on one we love. I see Christ present in people I converse with. I know that Christ will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him. But I can't help but also notice His appearance here and now in the people around me. Christ present in the "least" of these. Christ present in the worry. Christ present in the love. Christ present in the conversation and consolation. Sure He will come again. There will be no need for this room at that time. All will be made complete. All pain and suffering will be gone. But for now. Christ is present still.

Pharaoh just didn't get it. He thought, it seems, that he could pick and choose which sins to have forgiven. But now I see in Christ that he forgives all the sin. I can't pick and choose which ones. Then go on and sin the sins I don't feel I need forgiven for. I need Christ forgiveness of all sin. In my imperfections, I can see clearly the glory of Christ and His act of love in forgiving all sin. In Christ resurrection, I see the hope of that day that will empty this room I'm now in and make it all complete. But for now...Christ comes into this room in love, compassion and comfort. The time isn't here yet. Not just yet.

But for now Christ stirs up the Spirit and is present. The Spirit helping to set paths straight. To guide life and to grant understanding and hope.

I see Christ presence in this room. Christ presence all over the place. Thanks be to God!

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Lord, I seek to touch you---I seek your presence---Stir up my spirit---Use me this day to bring your presence to someone special. ---Amen

February 12th Daily Word and Visions from God

February 12th Daily Word and Visions from God

Hebrews 9.1-22-For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Exodus 6.28-8.32-For each one through down his staff and they turned into serpents. But Aaron's staff swallowed up their staffs.

Proverbs 2-...make your ear attentive to wisdom, incline your heart to understanding...

2 Kings 24.18-25.21-He did evil in the sight of the LORD...

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The suspects! I had to call in the cable guy to look at our cable. It would go in and out. He found the buried line dug up and chewed. These are the suspects! But which one? Or was it a combined activity? It could have involved one other suspect too. But that one is less likely. These two are the prime suspects! I'm sure they will be convicted of their dirty deed. I'm suspect too! I'm suspect to sin. But thanks be to God that Jesus offered his blood for my sin. I know I'm guilty. Let's not pretend. Jesus my priest went into the Holy of Holies and offered Himself for my sin as sacrifice. In life when I sin, I turn to God, repent, and ask forgiveness. Jesus died for that forgiveness. Once for all my sin. Setting me free from sin to live Life with and in Him. Pharaoh concentrated on the miracle. Some of his magicians were able to repeat some of the miracles of God. But God wants us to concentrate not on the miracle but on Him. Concentrate on what He has done. Concentrate on the Word. Concentrate on the Promise. Concentrate on Jesus. That IS the miracle. Jesus IS the miracle. Sure they all produced snakes from staffs. But only God's miracle can swallow up all the other's. Jesus swallowed up sin for you and for me. Swallowed up sin in death and resurrection to new Life in eternity. Once and for all time. The Word is the source of Wisdom and Understanding. Concentrate on the Word made flesh. Concentrate on Jesus. Sure, we all have sinned. We all have done evil in the sight of God. But God saved us once and for all time through the blood of Jesus. Concentrate of Jesus and live in Him. Today!

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Lord, I'm yours---You are all I need---I will concentrate on You this day. ---Amen

February 11th Daily Word and Visions from God

February 11th Daily Word and Visions from God

Hebrews 8-But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises.

Exodus 5.1-6.27-Let My people go that they may celebrate a feast to Me in the wilderness.

Proverbs 1-Turn to my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.

Luke 6.17-26-And all the people were trying to touch Him, for power was coming from Him and healing them all.

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I went to YouthFest 2007 yesterday. Young people from area churches gather from various denominations for singing, fellowship, devotion and to deliver a message. This is the steeple of the Presbyterian Church in town that the YouthFest was held at this year. It struck me how the cross set against the clear blue, and very cold sky, seemed so far away. But I could see it this time through the empty branches of a tree. A tree made of wood reminded me of the wood of the cross. But I wouldn't have been able to see this cross from this spot had the leaves been on the tree. The tree was bare just as the cross I could now see was bare. Jesus is no longer hanging from the cross. He has risen and reigns forever in Life. He reigns forever in Love. Jesus reigns forever and will come again. Jesus has brought a better covenant. He fulfilled the covenant of sacrifice with his own Life. No longer do I need to sacrifice animals on an altar to atone for my sins. Jesus is my sacrifice once and for all. My sin had been defeated and now I turn my life to Him and live differently. Life in Jesus is not a life of sacrifice. Life in Jesus is a Life of Love and service and joy. No, not a life of leisure. Not necessarily a life of ease. But a Life in Jesus with the knowledge that there is something beyond. The end of my life on earth is not the end of Life in Jesus. I may walk through the wilderness and worship Jesus here, but I also see the empty cross through the bare tree and remember the Hope of a Life in Jesus that goes on now and forever. I am living that eternal Life now because of that empty cross and this lifeless tree. But knowing that through this empty tree and cross I have been graciously given New Life. New Life where God's Spirit is poured out and into me and His Word is made known to me. Made known to me to do as a proverb asks you to do. A proverb is wisdom in action. Wisdom applied to Life. It's no wonder that at this moment, I want to reach out and touch Jesus to feel His power. But it will always amaze me how Jesus reaches out and touches me instead. Fills me with gifts and sends me out full of His proverbs to apply Wisdom to the world I live in. It may seem like an empty tree and a cross to some against a cold sky. But this day it is a Life lived in Jesus to me. Thanks be to God!

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Lord, give me Life in Jesus and send me to do Your will. ---Amen

February 10th Daily Word and Visions from God

February 10th Daily Word and Visions from God

Hebrews 7-Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens; who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, made perfect forever.

Exodus 3-4-Then Moses said to the LORD, "Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither, recently not in time past, nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue." The LORD said to him, "Who has made man's mouth? Or who makes him mute or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? "Now then go, and I, even I, will be with your mouth, and teach you what you are to say."

Psalm 41-Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen.

1 Corinthians 15.12-20-But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep.

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This is a game I played with the girls the other evening. It is a bunch of words and when you say them you have to figure out what the real meaning of the words are. What the phrase is supposed to really say. Sometimes you sound pretty ridiculous saying a commonly known phrase in some odd and peculiar way. Sometimes when I listen to God's Word and try to understand, I just don't get it. Like the chapter in Hebrews above. It goes on and on about the priests. It seems pretty complicated. But then I search and listen for God to clear it up a little. To sum it up for me just a tad. To give me the general message for the day. It may mean something completely different to me next year. But what does God want me to hear this day? Today, I hear of a priest who offered a sacrifice to end all sacrifices. A priest who is continually in the presence of God for me and for you. A priest in Jesus who gave his Life and Blood for my sin. A priest who once for all opened the presence of God directly to me and you through Him who is God in Himself. Jesus is all I need. That's the message I hear this day. How liberating a message. I can hear God's call loud and clear through Jesus. I can hear the call and be fearless to go. Knowing finally that like Moses and his worries of his speaking ability, that God gives the blessings needed to fulfill the call in life. I hear the message and God clears the cobwebs of the words and allows me to hear and see His Word. His Word made flesh. His Word in Christ, raised from the dead and alive forever with God and in God for me and for you. Blessed be the LORD God, of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen. I know that phrase and hear it loud and clear! Jesus is all I need! Thanks be to God!

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Lord, send me out with Your Word this day to proclaim Your glory to those I meet. Loud and clear. ---Amen

February 9th Daily Word and Visions from God

February 9th Daily Word and Visions from God

Hebrews 6.13-20- For when God made the promise to Abraham, since He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, "I will surely bless you and I will surely multiply you." And so. having patiently waited, he obtained the promise.

Exodus 1-2-And she named him Moses, and said, "Because I drew him out of the water."

Psalm 40-Your loving kindness and Your truth will continually preserve me.

Psalm 1-But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night.

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An icicle forming from a roof of snow. Water melting, dripping and then refreezing. As the icicle melts and drips a sheet of ice is formed on the ground. God made a promise to Abraham that he would have a child and multiply. Abraham had to wait for this to take place. Abraham had to wait for God's timing. Like the icicle has to wait for the sun to warm the snow, and has to wait for the thaw then the refreezing temperature, the icicle only forms under the correct conditions. In life, I have to wait for God to form me. For the Son to warm me. For the waters of my baptism. I wait for God to form me around my baptism and solidify my form. I wait for God to thaw me and let his love spread and leap through space to another place like the ground or the porch. For God's baptismal waters to spread to others in my life. Moses was named after water. God wants all of us to form around the waters of His gift of baptism. His loving kindness that continually preserves us. He builds us up and feeds us with His Word and grace. Then the thaw. Then the spread of His Word and His salvation through our proclamation of delight. That water takes the leap through space as we daily meditate on God's Word and Salvation. An icicle to many. But a vision from God to others. Thanks be to God for the special conditions that form an icicle. Thanks be to God for the waiting and the special conditions that form a Child of God. Thanks be to God!

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Lord, form me and solidify me today around my baptism. Daily love me, forgive me, send me to do Your will. Let my baptismal waters leap through space in faith to shed Your Water of Grace on other's lives this day through me. ---Amen

February 8th Daily Word and Visions from God

February 8th Daily Word and Visions from God

Hebrews 4.14-6.12-Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered.
Genesis 49-50-Paharaoh said, "go up and bury your father, as he made you swear."
Psalm 39-My hope is in You.
Jeremiah 17.5-10-"Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD and whose trust is the LORD.

A day off from school. Time to sled in the snow and have some fun. Stephanie in her Senior year will only have memories of snow days as a child soon. We all grow. We all mature. We all change day after day. We learn from the past and journey into the future. Jesus learned obedience from the things He suffered. I too will learn in suffering. In Genesis, this Pharaoh allowed the family to leave to bury their father Israel. Years later another Pharaoh will not let the Israelites leave. But as we learn and grow these people will learn through suffering. In suffering I must realize that all my hope is in God. I must place all my hope in God and trust Him. Through this trust, I grow, I learn, I mature. I will look back on the good times of snow days in childhood. But I will also look forward to my walk with God in obedience. I will revel in the joy of the mystery of the journey God has planned for me in trust and hope. So too with Stephanie in her Senior year. She too, like I am on a journey. May it always be in trust and hope of God and in obedience to His will.

Lord, as I grow, as I learn, as I change, make me obedient to You. I will trust and have all my hope in You. ---Amen

February 7th Daily Word and Visions from God

February 7th Daily Word and Visions from God

Hebrews 3.1-4.13-But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

Genesis 48-He blessed them that day...

Psalm 38-O my God, do not be far from me!

Isaiah 8.1-15-It is the LORD of hosts whom you should regard as holy.

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We got hit with a bunch of snow last night. So after playing a game inside with the girls it was time to get the cars off the street and shovel the drive. So I went out. Steph went out to move her car. Started it up and began to use the windshield wipers to clear the ice. I'm shoveling and yell out for her to stop that before she ruins the wipers. I then slip and fall on the drive. Sarah laughs. With my dignity bruised I get mad. The man in the picture is in the drive of the Pastor's house across the street doing a favor. He thinks I'm yelling at him. Oh how my pride and stupid anger get in the way. I tell him I wasn't yelling at him. What a comic scene this has become. So I continue to shovel. Then this kind man drives over and offers to clear my drive. Wow! How kind! What a way to encourage me in Christ. He was doing this out of kindness. Expected no pay at all. To me at this time when I needed really to be reprimanded for pride and anger, God sent an angel to help. Through this man and his story of why he started doing this God sent an unexpected but very needed blessing my way. I truly give thanks to God! When I in anger and pride seem to be far from God, I find that God is not far from me. He sees and hears my pride and anger and blesses me with kindness. How amazing this Love is! Without a doubt it is the Lord of Hosts that I should regard as holy. I think I want to help someone and be God's blessing too today. Oh, and after Steph move her car from the corner of the street onto the shoveled drive, a young man tried to negotiate the turn at the intersection and slid right into the spot that Steph's car was parked in. Blessing upon blessing.

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Lord, lead me in Your way-use me today to bring Your blessings to someone in need. ---Amen

February 6th Daily Word and Visions from God

February 6th Daily Word and Visions from God

Hebrews 2-For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one Father; for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, "I will proclaim your name to my brethren, in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise."
Genesis 46.28-47.31-So they said, "You have saved our lives! Let us find favor in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh’s slaves."
Psalm 37-The steps of a man are established by the LORD, and He delights in his way.
1 Timothy 3.1-9-…but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

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Yesterday at the Hospital, Sarah was given this birthday cake for her birthday. The nursing staff at the Surgery Center of Miami Valley Hospital gathered around in the recovery room and sang "Happy Birthday." It was a celebration of life. God gives life. He has given my lives in plenty. Lives of family and friends. And God has given me life. His Life and mine. Jesus came in my form. Experienced my pain. Experienced my life. And Jesus gave His life to save me from my sin. Jesus the one who sanctifies. Jesus the one who sings "Happy Birthday" to each one of us and gives us the gift of a new Life. Jesus who goes before the Father with our name on His lips. As the Egyptians in the Genesis story relate their delight in Joseph giving them life from famine. Can’t I in so much more thanks and praise, delight in Jesus giving me Life? I will work for Him in His Kingdom. I will respond and believe and love God with all my Life. In my response God will direct my steps and lead me forward in the mystery of faith. It’s a wonderful response in faith to an exciting journey. So like Sarah, I too give thanks for another year of Life. I give thanks for her and sing "Happy Birthday" too with all the nurses. It’s an exciting and mysterious journey God has planned. So let’s rejoice and let’s live for Him!

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Lord, I give you thanks for the blessing of Life---I especially praise you for the Life of Jesus and the Life He gives to all. ---Amen

February 5th Daily Word and Visions from God

February 5th Daily Word and Visions from God

Hebrews 1- And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had make purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

Genesis 45.1-46.27-Then Joseph could not control himself…

Psalm 36-In Your light we see light.

1 Corinthians 14.26-40-Let all things be done for edification.

That radiance of glory finally did it. That eternal Light finally did it. He died for sin and defeated death. He has finished the work and sits down. But He will get up once again. He will return and finish. As today the Holy Spirit leads and guides our steps. Jesus will return to raise the dead. There will be a judgement. So for now as I ponder this device that provides the fire to light the candle. I think of the Holy Spirit, providing the fire to light that everlasting Christ Candle. That Light that overcomes darkness and defeats sin and death. Through the Holy Spirit may all things be done for building up this Light in our Church today and forever. Through this Light may God be delighted with the steps I am about to take this day.

Lord, send your fire to Light my way this day. May my steps delight you. ---Amen

February 4th Daily Word and Visions from God

February 4th Daily Word and Visions from God

Luke 24.13-53-Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures…When He reclined at the table with them, He took the bread and blessed it, and breaking it, he began giving it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished from their sight. They said to one another, "Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?"

Genesis 44-"Now therefore please let you servant remain instead of the lad a slave to my lord, and let the lad go up with his brothers."

Psalm 35-And my tongue shall declare Your righteousness and Your praise all day long.

Luke 5.1-11-"Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch."

Last night, my wife, Sue, a friend, Paul, and myself went to Winter Jam 2007 at Cincinnati Gardens. There came a time when a prayer was prayed. The prayer went along the lines that if we believed in Christ as our Savior we would raise our hands. Up my hand goes. Then, since we believed we would be willing to profess that belief boldly and stand. So I stood. Then since we were standing, fill out this card called a "Decision Card" and boldly walk to an usher on the aisle with a bag and he would give me a pencil or something like that. Huh? They would take these cards and count all the people who made decisions for Christ the first time. Huh? For a pencil? What in the hell was that all about? When I stood up there were many people around me still sitting! People with T-shirts and stuff proclaiming their faith boldly. They can’t stand or something? Of course this was some twisted version of an altar call. But a "Decision Card" for a pencil? Come on! I don’t need a card for that. My decision is a response for the greatest gift of all. Not some dumb pencil! My decision is a response to a decision that was made for me years ago! Through Jesus suffering, death, and resurrection, he made the decision first to save me and free me from my sin and death. Jesus made the decision, not me! My decision means nothing without his decision first. In Jesus decision he didn’t need to fill out a card. He got a form of a pencil though. He did get some wood to suffer on. And today this decision to go to the aisle for a pencil was causing me some suffering too! The wood Christ received for His decision to save all of us wasn’t quite a reward. It brought pain and suffering. It brought death. But oh how that wood brought joy and salvation to me and to you! Oh how that wooden cross saved us. Through Jesus decision. So I guess, in the end there is some value to that wooden pencil gift given for all these people’s responses on the "Decision Card." Each one of them received some wood to take with them to remember a decision made one evening at a Winter Jam concert. Each one should make that same decision morning after morning, day after day to respond to the grace of Christ and follow Him. Each one should be willing to stand up boldly to proclaim their love of God through Christ Jesus day after day. Each one should never again sit still while asked to stand for their belief in Christ. Each one should respond to that first decision made years ago where Christ received the wood of a cross to die for our sins and save us from death and hell. So don’t just sit there. Stand up and take your pencil and proclaim the value of some wood from a carpenter's Son. Today, tomorrow and the rest of your life. For in life, Jesus will walk that road with you. In Life, Jesus will open the scriptures to you and show you His presence. In Life, Jesus will call you out to the deep waters to cast out your net. To stand up boldly and declare your belief in Him. In Life, you will praise God for that wondrous decision He first made, even before you were born. And in Life, you will gladly substitute yourself for another to bring them to Christ so that they may see the decision made for them out of love for that first decision years ago. Then you can decide if you want to stand or not. But the first decision of salvation has already been made for you. How will you respond?

Lord, I give you all thanks and praise for Your decision to love me with all your heart---For Your decision to give me Life---For Your decision to save me from my sin---Forgive me this day all my sin---I, without a doubt will follow you, for you have shown me great and awesome love! ---Lead me and send me this day to do Your will. ---Amen

February 3rd Daily Word and Visions from God

February 3rd Daily Word and Visions from God

Luke 24.1-12-And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb...

Genesis 43-Oh, my lord, we indeed came down the first time to buy food, and it came about when we came to the lodging place, that we opened our sacks, and behold, each man's money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full. So we have brought it back in our hand. We have also brought down other money in our hand to buy food; we do not know who put our money in our sacks."

Psalm 34-O taste and see that the LORD is good; how blessed is the man who take refuge in Him!

1 Corinthians 15.1-11-But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.

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An early morning picture of Sarah at the Miami Valley Hospital Surgery waiting room. After fasting the night before we wait for a procedure. The second of several more to come. Early one morning some women came to the tomb of Jesus. Found the stone rolled away. Early in the morning sometimes things are clear and sometimes we get easily confused. What is going on? Where have they taken him? We wait. We wait and find out the good news. He is risen. So, likewise, Sarah and I wait. We wait and then see the good news. God has gifted the people of this place with blessings and talents of healing. We trust and follow them, and at the same time we trust and follow our Savior in Life. In Life risen from the dead. The hope of healing. The knowledge that all things will be made whole once again. Made whole as he recreates Life from death. No, it's not some instant cure. It takes time. His time, and not ours. But God will always be with us through His recreation. And as we journey from death to Life in God, we notice that we have been blessed with grain and money and sacks filled. Blessed with a price paid by Jesus. Like Joseph's brothers we return to God. Return in joy and thanksgiving for all He has done for us. Return with the gifts given and offer them anew to God. Return God's gifts with a new and fresh heart and soul. Out of thanksgiving for his grace. We return to God and ask, and plead that He use us in His Kingdom. Plead that we may be a part of His plan. All with grateful hearts for what He first did. For now we have tasted and seen his goodness. Yea, early in the morning, confused and tired, we see our Savior, risen from the dead, bringing Life and salvation to all the world. Bringing grace to you and to me. Certainly, early in the morning, I am what I am. A sinner and unworthy. But you redeem me and give me life. Even on this journey through the Waiting rooms of Hospital Surgery Centers, Life and it's blessings are abundant.

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Lord, here I am---forgive me---hear my praise and thanks---send me I pray into your Kingdom to work for You. ---Amen

February 2nd Daily Word and Visions from God

February 2nd Daily Word and Visions from God

Luke 23.26-56- It was about the sixth hour, and darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour, because the sun was obscured; and the veil of the temple was torn in two.

Genesis 42-So he put them all together in prison for three days.

Psalm 33-For our heart rejoices in Him, because we trust in His holy name.

Luke 2.22-40-"Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a Light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel."

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A row of lights in the pre-dawn darkness on a building at AK Steel. Reminds me of the darkness that must have overcome the earth at Jesus crucifixion. In that darkness the veil of the temple was torn in two. The veil to the Holy of Holies. God exposed to man. Man exposed to God. Man open to God through the darkness of death in Christ. Man open to come to God through Christ freely from now on. No need to go through the priest first. My direct access to God. God's doing, not mine. Joseph placed his brothers in prison for three days. Then sent them on, sacks full and price unpaid. Jesus paid the price for me in the prison of the tomb those three days. Jesus sends me on day after day, price unpaid by me, grain sacks full of blessing to serve Him in His Kingdom. Day after day, price paid by His death. In Jesus my eyes see the Light in the darkness of my own death and sin. In Jesus my eyes see the Light of salvation prepared in the presence of all peoples on a cross. A Light to the Gentiles, and the glory of all people. In Jesus, in the pre-dawn darkness and the in the Light my heart rejoices in His Holy Name. Thanks be to God!

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Lord, rescue me from my darkness of sin. Forgive me, give me life and send me. My eyes have seen the Light of Your salvation. ---Amen

February 1st Daily Word and Visions from God

February 1st Daily Word and Visions from God

Luke 23.1-25-And he released the man they were asking for who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, but he delivered Jesus to their will.

Genesis 41-The people of all the earth came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was severe in all the earth.

Psalm 32-How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered!

Psalm 138-I will give You thanks with all my heart...

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The dogs begging for a snack. I always carry treats in my coat pockets and the dogs know this now. They associate me stopping as an opportunity to get a treat. Jesus gave me a treat beyond all treats, when I like Barabbas was in prison due to die and was released and given new life. Barabbas means son of daddy. I am Barabbas, guilty, but still son of Daddy. My Father loves me so much he sent his Son to bring the Bread of Life to me. Bread to give me life in the famine of my life. My transgressions forgiven and sin covered. Son of Daddy, guilty as charged, yet forgiven through Jesus death. I will give You thanks with all my heart!

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Jesus---Thanks! ---Amen