Delta Dawn When the Light Comes On: Week 51 - New Year's 2023

"Give me Your Word. Make it plain and clear to me. Give me Your Word. It's a light that I might see. Give me Your Word for my total victory! In every situation, give me Your word." Song by Nancy Harman, sung by Ray Gene Wilson

I began reading the Bible through, every year, at age 11. The Revised Standard Bible had just been released. I began on page 1. Since then, I have owned, and worn out, many Bibles, read many translations, and teach from the New King James Version. I 'cut my teeth' on King James' Version (KJV), a precious gift to me from my Sunday School class when graduating from 8th grade.  

 Psalm 119:9-16: "How can a young man [develop Your character]? By taking heed according to Your Word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Your Word I have hidden in my heart that I may not sin against You. I have rejoiced in Your ways as much as in all riches. I meditate on Your precepts and contemplate Your ways. I will delight myself in You! I will not forget Your Word!"

Faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of God. For 30 years I have cross referenced my Bibles from a daily reading of 2-3 Old Testament chapters, 1-3 Psalms, Proverb of the day and a chapter of New Testament. This allows me to read the First Covenant (O.T.) once a year, Psalms 6 times, Proverbs 12 times and the New Covenant (N.T.) twice. These accounts overlap, broadening each detail to reveal greater truth and understanding. Words of prophecy found in the Old create an unfailing covenant in the New; Judeo-Christian ethics. Hebrews 1-13

So, I believed, I spoke, and I wrote. "A Joyous Report" was published for 19½ years, starting with 75 family and friends. We encouraged with what we saw in Bible records. At final tally, we mailed to 2600 individual names, including bulk issues to 30 plus prisons in 27 states. We gave away more than 1,000 Bibles and helped dozens of people in unfortunate circumstances.

Humility is the character trait most essential to walking in favor with God. Delta Dawn explores how Holy Spirit perfects, or matures, good character, removing fear while pressing into the hope of His upward call. Life experience is a journey unexpected. It is a joyful thing to meet others on that second mile of service!

Now, the Lord is taking The Joy Mission into pod casting God's Spirit and love to a global audience. Our remote area is not well versed in this technological leap into the 21st Century, but when God calls, He enables, as all His promises are "Yes!" and "Amen" [So BE it!] "Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph by Christ Jesus, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place, for we are, to God, the fragrance of Christ [to the lost and the found]." 2 Corinthians 2:14. 15. Happy Year 2023!

Next Week: Wineskins