Counting the Stars

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Here is this week's Yearly Cycle Update

July is a reminder that God's favor surrounds you like a shield and is on you for a lifetime. While writing my book 7 Dates With Jesus I felt prompted to record the date that I learned about God's favor. The date was July 19th and every year since then on July 19th he has reminded me about his favor. We can grow and walk in higher and higher levels of favor with God and man and this time of year is a reminder of this. 

Part of God's favor is that every year he wants to expand your vision. God's vision and plan for our lives should be growing every year and one of the ways you will notice this is through your desires. God may stir a vision and good desire for something bigger. 

In Genesis 15 God expands Abraham's vision. Abraham had just returned from rescuing his nephew Lot and took a step of faith by telling a king that he would not take anything from him, because God was his source. After this step of faith God appeared to Abraham in a vision and said...

Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”2 But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.”4 Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” 5 He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” 6 Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

God gave Abraham something bigger than he could count and that looked impossible but Abraham believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness. As God begins to show you something bigger we should count the cost but God rarely gives us something we can do without him. When counting the cost keep God in mind... That nothing is impossible with him. If God is prompting it he will sustain it.  

Once Abraham believed God the vision didn't happen immediately. He had to persevere for a time. But, James 1:2-4 says Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

I am praying for you.

Daniel

P.S. In the video/audio there is also a communion meditation for the upcoming week where we discuss receiving this expanded vision from God.