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DAY 242 OR AUGUST 30.

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NO SOONER THE WORD THAN THE DEED.

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Our thoughts today come from Daniel chapter 9 verse 23.

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As soon as you began to pray, a word went out which I have come to tell you, for you

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are highly esteemed.

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Therefore consider the word and understand the vision.

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Now the big picture surrounding this verse.

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There are verses in Daniel chapter 8 that tradition has it were read to Alexander the

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Great.

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It is said that he was greatly impressed that he was mentioned in the Hebrew Scriptures

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and showed great sympathy in his dealing with the Hebrew people.

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In amongst a mixture of signs and visions, Daniel also records a lovely discourse between

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him and an angel of the Lord called Gabriel.

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A now-today's action step.

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If like me you often struggle to understand God's timetable, it's worth considering a

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few words from the angel Gabriel when he speaks to Daniel.

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This angel is probably the same one mentioned in Luke chapter 1 verse 26.

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In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a

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village in Galilee.

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As Daniel is praying, Gabriel confronts him and tells him that he has come in direct response

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to Daniel's prayer.

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Isn't it amazing that God responds in such a spectacular fashion and so quickly?

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Do you feel just a little envious, even though you know you shouldn't?

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Well, look closer at the text where Daniel is seen as highly esteemed.

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It appears he has done all he can to be in tune with God.

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I wonder if we have problems with answers to prayer because we occasionally blurt requests

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out to our Father in heaven without giving a thought to what God's will might be.

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I certainly don't mean to imply that God only responds to the prayers of good people,

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but maybe the psalmist was on to something when he said in Psalm 66 verse 18,

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If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.

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Be sure you haven't erected a soundproof barrier before accusing God of not responding.