--FALSE PLACES OF SAFETY~~

-"The kingdom of God
has come near. Repent
and believe the good
news!-(Mark 1:15)

--WHEN our dog Rupert was a puppy, he was so afraid of going outside I'd have to drag him to the park. After getting him there one day, I foolishly let him off his leash. He sprinted home, back to his place of safety.

Jesus began His mission with the words, "The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!" (Mark 1:15). "Repent" means to reverse direction. The "kingdom of God" is His loving rule over our lives. Instead of running to places that entrap us, or being ruled by fears and addictions, Jesus says we can be ruled by God Himself, who lovingly leads us to new life and freedom. Jesus is calling all of us. He is calling you. He is calling me. When we allow fear to take over our lives we forget Who is always with us, JESUS. He said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you. You are Mine. I have your named engraved on the palm of my nail-pierced hands."

-"Lord Jesus, forgive me for running to anything or anyone other than You in search of life and happiness. I turn away from those things now, and turn my life over to You.
Lead me to real freedom, found only in You. "So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed." -(John 8:36)

Today Rupert runs to the park barking with joy. smile --"None But Jesus" / Hillsong / <https://youtu.be/WYLmD4-GRcw>
~~~~~~~~

Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." [John 14:6]