---Is Jesus the Only Way to Heaven?
Are people 'Once saved, always saved'? / John MacArthur (and others, later.)~ (May 2015)

-Jesus said, "I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." -(John 14:6)
--(SPEAKERS NEEDED)[Ligonier Ministries) ~<https://youtu.be/0eSNW8WBHr4>

--Friends, we must use spiritual discernment from God the Father through Jesus Christ to allow the Holy Spirit to interpret Scriptures to us. These three are One, and work together to bring about salvation, the only way to Heaven.
----
---"A Realistic View of Life"
--(By: IN TOUCH/ Charles Stanley)
---(Please Read/ 2 Timothy 4:6-8)-

Our culture desperately tries to postpone death. Vitamins, exercise, and diet are ways we attempt to live as long as possible. Not that these things are bad! Motive, however, is key.

For instance, since our bodies are God’s temple (1 Cor. 3:16), we should take care of His dwelling. And since He has good works for us to do (Eph. 2:10), we should stay fit to complete His tasks.

On the other hand, prolonging life for fear of dying isn’t of God.. Because Jesus died in our place, those who have faith in Him as Lord and Savior need not fear death. Once saved, we have assurance of a real place where we will live eternally in His presence. And according to Scripture, fear itself isn’t from God (2 Tim. 1:7). In fact, the apostle Paul assures us that far from being a dreadful change, physical death actually leads believers home to be with the Lord forever (2 Cor. 5:8).

God already knows the duration of each person’s life. With this in mind, how can we best prepare for what’s next? The first step is to receive Jesus as Savior through faith.
-Next, we should live a surrendered life and strive to walk according to His will. Furthermore, it is vital that believers fight the tendency to view this world as home. If we become too comfortable here and look for security and worth in earthly success, we won’t be able to maintain an eternal perspective.

It is an inescapable fact that our time on earth is temporary. It would be foolish not to prepare for something inevitable. How can you best live so that you are ready when God decides your life span is complete? (Psalm 139:16).
-IN TOUCH~
[We read in Hebrews Chapter 11 regarding those who died in faith, (Old Testament), without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. These people will be in Heaven. They are saved. (Read VSS. 13-40)

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves. It is a gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast." [Ephesians 2:8-9]

'Jesus said, "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved." (John 10:9) ]
--ALL TO US/ Chris Tomlin~
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riWye9M0L4E>

--Held Safe in Jesus' Hand~~

--BIBLE MEDITATION:
“Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
---(1 Peter 1:5)

--DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
--Believers are “kept” by the power of God. This word “kept” in 1 Peter 1:5 is a military term. It literally means to be garrisoned about as soldiers around a fort.

Think of the power of God as a fortress and you are on the inside. Now how do you feel? Pretty secure, right? So many people get the idea that we keep ourselves safe. Friend, He keeps us.

A father was crossing a street with his son. The son had hold of his daddy’s hand, then the light changed and the cars surged forward. The father grabbed his son’s chubby little hand and almost lifted his son across the street to escape the oncoming traffic. That is the way God holds us.

--ACTION POINT:
--Psalm 37:24 promises, “Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with His hand.” As you go through your day, place your hand in His and say, “Father, carry me across this day You have given me.”
--Adrian Rogers~~
[Jesus said, "I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
--(John 14:6)]/--/ HOLD ME JESUS / Casting Crowns~~
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=totCJD4qfqg
-----------

--NOT WHAT IT SEEMS~~~

-Today's Reading
2 Kings 6:8-17
----------------
"Don't be afraid...
Those who are with
us are more than
those who are with
the [enemy]."
----
--DON IS A BORDER COLLIE who lives on a farm in South Lanarkshire, Scotland. One morning, he and his owner, Tom, set out to check on some animals. They rode together in a small farm utility truck. When they arrived, Tom left the vehicle but forgot to put the brake on. With Don in the driver's seat, the vehicle rolled down a hill and across two lanes of traffic before it stopped safely. To watching motorists, it appeared the dog was out for a morning drive. Indeed, things are not always as they seem.

It seemed as if Elisha and his servant were about to be captured and carried off to the King of Aram. The king's forces had surrounded the city where Elisha and his servant were staying. The servant believed they were doomed, but Elisha said, "Don't be afraid...Those who are with us are more than those who are with [the enemy]" (2 Kings 6:16). When Elisha prayed, the servant was able to see the multitudes of supernatural forces that were in place to protect them.

Situations that seem hopeless are not always the way we perceive them to be. When we feel overwhelmed and outnumbered, we can remember that God is by our side. He can "command his angels...to guard [us] in all [our] ways" (PSALM 91:11).~~

--(ODB/JBS)
~~~~~~~~~
'Dear God, please give me a glimpse of Your power today.
Help me to believe that You are willing and able to help me in any situation I encounter. Thank You, Lord, in Jesus Name.' ~ amen--

--THINGS ARE ALWAYS BETTER THAN THEY SEEM TO BE WHEN WE REMEMBER THAT GOD IS BY OUR SIDE. ~~

----------'Whom Shall I Fear'/ Chris Tomlin ~~
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_jXkiCj0Ts>

----JACOB'S LADDER DREAM - / JACOB SAW YAHWEH ('I AM')

“And Jacob went out from Beersheba. . . . And he lighted upon a certain place . . . and lay down in that place to sleep. And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.”
----(Genesis 28:10-12)

Prophetic dreams were uncommon even in ancient times (Hebrews 1:1) and were never for personal use (Jeremiah 23:16-32; Jude 1:8). Such dreams were rare until the book of Revelation.

Jacob had the most personal encounters with God recorded in Genesis, more than Abraham or any other patriarch. Jacob’s ladder was much more than a human construction. The Hebrew word 'cullam' is used only this once. The root Hebrew word, 'culal', is similar, with the basic meaning of “highway” or “corridor” or “pathway.” The word carries the connotation of “lift up” (see Psalm 68:4).

Jacob’s “ladder” was probably a highway/causeway to and from the presence of God. Perhaps it was something like our science fiction ideas of a wormhole—a time warp in the fabric of space that permits nearly instantaneous movement from one spot in the universe to another.

The Creator would certainly be able to make a time warp channel for His messengers to get back and forth to Earth quickly. There may be many such channels. This 'cullam' was “fastened” on the earth with its “source” in heaven. The angels of God were speeding up and down (through? on? in?) it.

--At the source, Jacob saw none other than the 'Yahweh' (the I AM) of eternity standing in His “official” glory (compare Revelation 1:10-16). This vision verified to Jacob that God was with him and that God Himself would secure the eternal promises made to Abraham. This dream is unique in all Scripture. Jacob was an unusual man.
--ICR/HMM III--/ "The Great I AM" --Phillips, Craig and Dean
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_VR-zwp2KA>
--------

--NOT IN VAIN~~

"Therefore, my dear
brothers and sisters,
stand firm. Let nothing
move you. Always give
yourselves fully to the
work of the Lord, because
you know that your labor
in the Lord is not in vain."
--(1 Corinthians 15:58)~~

--A financial advisor I know describes the reality of investing money by saying, "Hope for the best and be prepared for the worst." With almost every decision we make in life there is uncertainty about the outcome. Yet there is one course we can follow where no matter what happens, we know that in the end it will not be a wasted effort.

The apostle Paul spent a year with the followers of Jesus in Corinth, a city known for its moral corruption. After he left, he urged them in a follow-up letter not to be discouraged or feel that their witness for Christ was of no value. He assured them that a day is coming when the Lord will return and even death will be swallowed up in victory (1 COR. 15:52-55).

-Remaining true to Jesus may be difficult, discouraging, and even dangerous, but it is never pointless or wasted. As we walk with the Lord and witness to His presence and power, our lives are not in vain! We can be sure of that. WE WILL RISE! ~~

--OUR LIFE AND WITNESS FOR JESUS CHRIST ARE NOT IN VAIN.~~

--ODB/DM-- /-- "We Will Rise!" --Natasha Owens ~~
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mR_REAY2UyI>
----------

--ARE YOU SEARCHING FOR A CHURCH?/ MAKE SURE.....

“Upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.”
---(- Matthew 16:18)

Any great church is built on these four things that begin with the letter B.

**The Book- the inspired, infallible Word of God.

**The Blood– the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.
**The Birth– the new birth. (See: John 3:3-21)

The Blessed Hope– the coming again of the Lord Jesus Christ.

God tells us in Hebrews 10:25, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” He wants us to find a Bible-believing church and connect with the people there.

If you’re looking for a church, find out if they take a stand on the Book, the Blood, the Birth, and the Blessed Hope. If they don’t, saturate that place with your absence. Look for one that does.~~
--Adrian Rogers~~

[Some people who may be disabled can find good Bible believing and teaching ministries on the Television and Radio. I personally recommend Pastor Charles Stanley, IN TOUCH. Dr. Jack Graham, and Adrian Rogers-'Love Worth Finding'. Although Pastor Adrian is now with the Lord, they still air all of his programs on Sunday mornings. Cable 377- TNT. Also Cable NRB= 378 did have it last month. They change, as they have the finances available. Check it out. Don't miss out on a good Bible Teaching and Praise and Worship. ]

--REMEMBER THE CROSS~~

-"Surely this man
was the Son of God!"
--(Mark 15:39)

--IN THE CHURCH I attend, a large Cross stands at the front of the sanctuary. It represents the original Cross where Jesus died--the place where our sin intersected with His holiness. There God allowed His perfect Son to die for the sake of every wrong thing we have ever done, said, or thought. On the Cross, Jesus finished the work that was required to save us from the death we deserve (Romans 6:23).
The sight of a Cross causes me to consider what Jesus endured for us. Before being crucified, He was flogged and spit on. The soldiers hit Him in the head with sticks and got down on their knees in mock worship. They tried to make Him carry His own Cross to the place where He would died, but He was too weak from the brutal flogging. At Golgotha, they hammered nails through His flesh to keep Him on the Cross when they turned it upright. Those wounds bore the weight of His body as He hung there. Six hours later, Jesus took His final breath (MARK 15:37). A centurion who witnessed Jesus's death declared, "Surely this man was the Son of God!" (V.39).

The next time you see the symbol of the Cross, consider what it means to you. God's Son suffered and died there and then rose again to make eternal life possible.~~

"Dear Jesus, I can't begin to thank You enough for taking care of my sin when You died on the Cross. I acknowledge Your sacrifice, and I believe in the power of Your resurrection. Thank you, Jesus, for saving me." ~~(SPEAKERS NEEDED)

--THE CROSS OF CHRIST REVEALS OUR SIN AT ITS WORST AND GOD'S LOVE AT ITS BEST. REMEMBER TO THANK HIM DAILY. ~~

--(ODB/JBS)--"When I Survey the Wondrous Cross/'David Phelps & the Nelsons/ (Gaither) <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6z3Cn5Yj10I>
--------

--WE MUST LISTEN TO GOD AT ALL TIMES~~

---(Failing to Listen to God)
--(Please Read) Genesis 3)--

Listening to God is not a onetime event. We must continually keep His Word before us, or we'll begin to listen to the wrong voices.

In Genesis 2:16-17, the Lord gave a command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. But Eve began to listen to another voice and did not hold firmly to her Creator's words. All that Satan had to do was plant a single doubt about God's integrity and offer Eve one appealing advantage of doing things her own way--and she fell for it. He mentioned wisdom, but using her own reasoning, Eve added two more benefits to the temptation: the fruit is good for food and a delight to the eyes.

The schemes of the Enemy have not changed. He still whispers lies and twists truth to convince us that a) God cannot be trusted and b) His ways are not the best. In every temptation, there is a deception about the character and motive of God, plus an attractive promise of a better way.

The world is filled with voices that vie for our attention and influence our thoughts and actions. Throughout the day, consider the messages that are sent your way through the media and people. Consciously begin to compare them to what Scripture says about God and His ways.

**Remembering what God says in the Bible is our safeguard against deception and temptation. Daily devotions won't protect us if they're quickly forgotten during the day. Follow Christ's example: be ready with truth in your mind and on your tongue whenever temptation strikes (Matt. 4:1-11).
--IN TOUCH~~
[Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (JOHN 14:6)~~
-WES HAMPTON--/ "Great is Thy Faithfulness" / SPEAKERS NEEDED/ NO WORDS ON SCREEN.
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNZS5H9aNlY>
--------

----LOOKALIKES~~

--"We all...are being
transformed into His
image with ever-increasing
glory, which comes from
the LORD, who is the Spirit.
--(2 Corinthians 3:18)

--THEY SAY we all have one: 'Doppelgangers' some call them. Lookalikes. People unrelated to us who look very much like us.

Mine happens to be a star in the music field. When I attended one of his concerts, I got a lot of double takes from fellow fans during intermission. But alas, I am no 'James Taylor' when it comes to singing and strumming a guitar. We just happen to look alike.

Who do you look like? As you ponder that question, reflect on 2 Corinthians 3:18, where Paul tells us that we "are being transformed into [the Lord's] image." As we seek to honor Jesus with our lives, one of our goals is to take on His image. Of course, this doesn't mean we have to grow a beard and wear sandals--it means that the Holy Spirit helps us demonstrate Christlike characteristics in how we live. For example, in attitude (humility), in character (loving), and in compassion (coming alongside the down and out), we are to look like Jesus and imitate Him.

As we "contemplate the Lord's glory," by fixing our eyes on Jesus, we can grow more and more like Him. What an amazing thing it would be if people could observe us and say, "I see Jesus in you"! ~~

--'Lord, help us to gaze on You, to study You, to know You. Transform us into Your image by what we say, how we love others, and how we worship You. May others see Jesus in us. Lord, You are our Living Hope.' amen~~

-LOVE IS THE FAMILY RESEMBLANCE THE WORLD SHOULD SEE IN FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST.~~

-ODB/DB~~--/- KIM WALKER SMITH / 'Holy Spirit You Are Welcome Here' ~~ <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktsPuZvH-rQ>
-----------

---IMPUTING RIGHTEOUSNESS TO YOUR ACCOUNT~~

--“Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works.” ---(Romans 4:6)

-God imputes righteousness to you through His Son. What does “impute” mean? To put on your account. At the moment you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, God makes you righteous. (Romans 4:8 says, “Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.”)
A woman was asked one day what it felt like to be saved and she replied, “It feels as though I am standing in Jesus’ shoes and He is standing in mine.” A scholar or theologian couldn’t have said it any better.

“For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Thank God that though you are a sinner, He doesn’t impute it to you, and though you are not righteous, He imputes--puts into your account-- 'that' to you!
--Adrian Rogers/LWF~

--"We are saved by grace through faith and that not of our own. It is a gift of God not of works lest anyone should boast." -(Ephesians 2:8-9)-JESUS PAID OUR SIN DEBT!
All we must do is receive it. ( Please Read/ Romans 10:9-10) ~~
--Adrian Rogers/ LWF~--/ "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" --Hillsong United~ / <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoZE2RsthRg>
-----------

--WHERE TO FIND HOPE~~

--Hope with love---that's what Jesus gives. He brings us His love with each new day and strengthens us with that hope. His love is not rationed out to us drop by drop but flows out of His heart freely and is poured lavishly into ours: "We know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love" (Romans 5 verse 5 NLT).

Jesus desires to use the hard times to develop perseverance and character and bring us a satisfying, hope-filled life (VV. 3-4).
And even when we are far from Him, He still loves us (VV. 6 thru 8).

Are you looking for signs of hope? The Lord gives hope with love through inviting us to grow in a relationship with Him. Our hope for a fulfilling life is anchored in His unfailing love~~

----HOPE IN JESUS IS THE ANCHOR OF MY SOUL. YES! Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." --(John 14 verse 6) ~~

--ODB/AC --/ 'All My Hope Is In Jesus'--/ D CROWDER~~ / <https://youtu.be/iDN9rD5Jwbw>
---------

--MANY BEAUTIFUL THINGS~~

'She has done a
beautiful thing
to Me."
--(Mark 14:6)--

--JUST BEFORE HER DEATH, artist and missionary Lilias Trotter looked out a window and saw a vision of a Heavenly Chariot. According to her biographer, a friend asked, "Are you seeing many beautiful things?" She answered, "Yes, many, many beautiful things."

Trotter's final words reflect God's work in her life. Not only in death, but throughout her life, He revealed much beauty to her and through her. Although a talented artist, she chose to serve Jesus as a missionary in Algeria.

In the New Testament, when a woman came to Simon the Leper's house with an alabaster jar and poured perfume on Jesus's head, those present saw it as a waste. The expensive perfume was worth a year's common wages, so some thought the wages could have been used to help the poor. However, commending this woman's deep devotion to Him, Jesus said, "She has done a beautiful thing to me" (Mark 14:6).

Every day we can choose to let Christ's life shine in our lives and display His beauty to the world. To some, it may seem a waste, but let us have willing hearts to serve Him, our Lord, Savior, and Redeemer. May Jesus say, 'we have done many beautiful things for Him.' ~~

--"Dear Father, help me express my love to You in beautiful ways. May others see You in me, in Jesus Name."

---MAY OUR LIVES DISPLAY THE BEAUTY OF GOD ~~
--ODB/KO--'The Most Anointed Song You Will Ever Hear'/ "For Your Name is Holy"--Paul Wilbur ~~<https://youtu.be/xcx2O9WXvn8>
------

---YOUR ETERNAL DESTINATION~~
--(Please Read/ Luke 16:19-26)--

All of us are eternal beings because we were made in God’s image (Gen. 1:26). After physical death, our spirits will live forever. Where we reside—heaven or hell—will depend on whether we have accepted or rejected Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior.

Scripture teaches that all have sinned and deserve a penalty (Rom. 3:23; Rom. 6:23). There isn’t anything we can do to earn God’s forgiveness. Knowing this, our heavenly Father sent His Son Jesus to take our sins upon Himself and experience punishment in our place. In that way, we become part of God’s family and look forward to spending eternity with Him in heaven. His only requirement for this amazing blessing is that we acknowledge we’re sinners who need a Savior and believe that Jesus died to save us (Rom. 10:9-10). Those who reject Christ will spend life after death separated from Him, but those who believe will live forever with Him.

-- Every person will ultimately dwell in heaven or hell, both of which are real places described in the Bible. In heaven, we’ll never again know pain, sorrow, or tears (Revelation 21:4). But hell is the opposite. A place of punishment, it will be the scene of unending agony and torment. Today’s passage illustrates this hard fact.

Eternal punishment and the reality of hell are never easy topics to consider, but they are vitally important because they will really happen. Don’t let your emotions turn you away from the truths recorded in Scripture. Instead, take heed of the warnings, and be certain you are heaven-bound.
--IN TOUCH~~"What A Beautiful Name" -Hillsong / <https://youtu.be/CUBBIddm_rM>
--------

----WHAT WILL HEAVEN BE LIKE?

--What is Heaven like? Is it just like this world, only more perfect? Or will it be something entirely different from what we see around us? I've often wondered about this.

The most important fact about Heaven is that it will be far more glorious than anything we can ever imagine! When God gave the Apostle John a glimpse of Jesus in His heavenly glory, John was so overwhelmed that he “fell at his feet as though dead” (Revelation 1:17).

One reason Heaven is glorious is because it is absolutely perfect. In this present world we are surrounded by sin and decay and death—but it won’t be true in Heaven. This world also is racked by violence and wars and natural disasters —but again, it won’t be true in Heaven. The Bible says, “Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore” (Micah 4:3).

But Heaven is glorious most of all because it is the dwelling place of God. We can barely imagine this--but it’s true! The Bible says, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them” (Revelation 21:3).

Will Heaven be like this world? The Bible says that in some ways it will be. We won’t feel like strangers; we’ll finally be Home. But in other ways Heaven will be wonderful and perfect beyond measure. Why would anyone not want to go there?

The greatest fact about Heaven, however, is that we can go there! Only one thing will keep you out of Heaven, and that is your sin. But Jesus Christ came to open Heaven’s door for us, and He did this by taking upon Himself the judgment that we deserve. Why not put your faith and trust in Him today?

--[If you confess with your mouth Jesus Christ 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." --(Romans 10 verse 9 thru 10= NASB)]

"Call on the Name of the Lord Jesus and thou shalt be saved." Please don't wait another day, tomorrow may be too late. "Even so, Come Lord Jesus." ~~

~~~BGEA/FG--/--"There Will Be A Better Day"/Jeremy Camp ~<https://youtu.be/ylzUSdc8Ad0>
-------

--JESUS IS THE DOOR TO HEAVEN~~

--Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
----We also read that 'GOD IS LOVE'.

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

The one who does not love does not know God, FOR GOD IS LOVE." ---(1 JOHN 4: verses 7 thru 8)

--Jesus said, "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture."--
--(John 10: verse 9)

-Yes, Jesus is the only Way to enter Heaven. --"Jesus is the STONE WHICH WAS REJECTED by you, THE BUILDERS, but WHICH BECAME THE CHIEF CORNER STONE (Psalm 118: 2)
--(ACTS 4: verse 11 prophecy fulfilled)
"AND there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other Name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved."
--"LOVE NEVER FAILS"--(Jim Brickman ft.Amy Sky)

----------

--THE ONLY WAY~~

--"Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
---(John 14:6/ NIV)--

--God used Jesus’ cousin, John the Baptist, to call a whole nation to repentance. John, who was a fulfillment of prophecy in his own right, had gained enough influence that he was arrested because the king was embarrassed by his call for righteousness. But even this famous preacher said, “Someone else is coming, and I’m not even worthy to untie His shoes.” John was absolutely correct.

--Jesus is unique in the history of the world. There is no one like Him, and there never will be. There are no parallels to Jesus in other faith traditions. As our only pathway to God, He filled a place in the story of humanity that no one else can fulfill. You can’t get to the Father through practicing yoga or reaching a heightened state of awareness. You can’t get to the Father through good deeds or generosity or keeping a list of rules. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” He is not one of the ways to God—He is the only way.

**THINK ABOUT IT
--In what ways is Jesus unique? Why does Jesus deserve our humility and complete devotion?
[**Jesus is God-Man. He never ceased being God, and at the same time was Man. He is the incarnate Lamb of God, slain before the foundation of the world. \o/]
--PRAYER
"Heavenly Father, here I am at the feet of Jesus who is my Redeemer and Lord. I am a sinner saved by grace; wonderful, amazing grace! Let my life be an acceptable sacrifice for Your Kingdom’s sake. I thank You for the help of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. You did not leave me alone but sent the Helper to teach me and guide me on my path. In Jesus’ name, amen.

**Blessings,
**Pastor Allen Jackson
--[On the Cross as Jesus died, The wrath of God was satisfied. For every sin on Him was laid. Here in the death of Christ I live.] "In Christ Alone"/ Newsboys~
<https://youtu.be/An45y-YwwEo>
---------

---ALWAYS A CHILD OF GOD~~

"For those who are
led by the Spirit
of God are the
children of God."
--(Romans 8:14)--

--DURING A CHURCH SERVICE I attended with my parents, according to the usual practice we held hands while saying the Lord's Prayer together. As I stood with one hand clasped to my mother's and the other to my father's, I was struck by the thought that I will always be their daughter. Although I'm firmly in my middle age, I can still be called "the child of David and Joan." I reflected that not only am I their daughter, but I will always be a child of GOD.

The apostle Paul wanted the people in the church at Rome to understand that their identity was based on being adopted members of God's family (ROMANS 8:15). Because they had been born of the Spirit (V.14), no longer did they need to be enslaved to things that didn't really matter. Rather, through the gift of the Holy Spirit, they were "heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ" (V.17).

To those who follow Christ, what difference does this make? Quite simply, everything! Our identity as children of God provides our foundation and shapes how we see ourselves and the world. For instance, knowing that we are part of God's family helps us to step out of our comfort zone as we follow Him.- We can also be free from seeking the approval of others.

Today, why not ponder what it means to be GOD's child? ~~

"Lord God, help me to live out of my central identity as Your child. Release me to live by Your Holy Spirit, that I might share Your love and hope to others. In Jesus Name."
--
-Jesus said, "I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
--"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast."
--(Ephesians 2:8,9)
[ Friends, once you surrender your life to Jesus Christ, and follow in His steps, you are 'saved' form the world's control over you. You belong in His eternal family. Christ has already paid your and my sin-debt by dying on the Cross. Come today. Give yourself to the Creator of the Universe and rest assured that you will live eternally with Christ Jesus, King of kings and Lord above lords. ~~] "I Give Myself Away"/ William McDowell /

-----------------

-----WHAT DO THE EXPERTS SAY?

--"These are the very
Scriptures that testify
about me, yet you
refuse to come to me
to have eternal life."
--(JOHN 5:39-40)--

--Boston Globe columnist Jeff Jacoby writes of the "uncanny ability of experts to get things hopelessly, cataclysmically wrong." A quick glance at recent history shows he's right. The great inventor Thomas Edison, for instance, once declared that talking movies would never replace silent films. And in 1928, Henry Ford declared, "People are becoming too intelligent ever to have another war." Countless other predictions by "experts" have missed the mark badly. Genius obviously has its limits.

Only one Person is completely reliable, and He had strong words for some so-called experts. The religious leaders of Jesus's day claimed to have the truth. These scholars and theologians thought they knew what the promised Messiah would be like when He arrived.

Jesus cautioned them, "You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life." Then He pointed out how they were missing the heart of the matter. "These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life" (JOHN 5:39-40).

As we continue through this New Year we will hear predictions ranging from the terrifying to the wildly optimistic. Many of them will be stated with a great deal of confidence and authority. Don't be alarmed. Our confidence remains in the One at the very heart of the Scriptures. He has a firm grip on us and on our futures. ~~

-----Knowing the future is uncertain;
--Knowing the One who holds the future is a sure thing. ~~ JESUS IS ALIVE AND REAL TODAY! --"NONE BUT JESUS"--Hillsong~

----------

--Is Jesus the Only Way to Heaven? Absolutely YES! He is the Prince of Peace!

-Jesus said, " In Me you may have peace. In this world you will have troubles, but cheer up, I have overcome the world." --(JOHN 16:33)

-We will never have peace in this world. The enemy of our soul, the devil, is in charge of this world until our Lord Jesus comes back. We must be ready at all times.

-------FAITH IN GOD BRINGS HIS PEACE ~~
--[By: Pastor James Merritt~]

----“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.” --( Psalm 4:8)--

---How many of us really believe that it is the Lord alone who makes us dwell in safety? Think about this statement made by David in Psalm 4:8: “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.” David was a wanted man. The most powerful man in Israel wanted his head on a platter. The King of Israel, Saul, hated David, becoming so jealous of his growing popularity among the people that he was hunting young David down to kill him.

But God had other plans. He had already set David apart and anointed him as the future King of Israel. David was a young man with great faith in God. He stood up to the Philistine giant Goliath not because he thought he could beat him, but because he trusted that God would fight for him…that God would protect His people for their enemies.

Because David was willing to step out in faith, time and time again he got to see God’s power displayed in miraculous, jaw-dropping ways on his behalf. The more he saw God at work, the deeper his faith grew. Notice David said, “In peace I will lie down in sleep…” David did not say this in the midst of peaceful circumstances. Chaos surrounded him. Enemies pursued him. Yet, he slept in peace.

Faith in God is a necessity to peace. You cannot rest in God’s protection if you do not trust Him. And you cannot trust Him if you do not know His character. You cannot get to know His character if you refuse to trust Him. When you know God you will trust God, which brings peace; but you cannot know God without trusting Him. It’s one of the mysteries of Christianity.

So, do you lack peace? Are you allowing your circumstances to dictate your faith? If so, go back to the foundation of your relationship with Christ: faith. He is the same God now as He was in David’s life. And He can do immeasurably more than you can ask or fathom.

--"Father, Help me to remember that You are the only source of real peace and safety. Remind me to look to You alone, placing all my hope and faith in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen."

--NO MIDDLE GROUND ~~ [You May Have To Stand Alone ]~

-"Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God."
--(2 Corinthians 7:1 /NIV)--

----It was not that long ago that Jesus-followers lived with enough peace and affluence that it was possible to be content while living in the murky middle. Folks simply joined the church their family and friends were a part of without really knowing what they believed or why. Church participation was focused more on going along with the crowd and fulfilling cultural expectations than on awakening and facilitating a spiritual transformation. In this generation God is inviting us out of the middle ground to open our hearts fully to Him. He is purifying His Church and creating for Himself a holy people, a royal priesthood that reveres and worships Him in every aspect of our lives. What a privilege it is to be a part of that! Is it always easy? No. Is it always fun? No. Will there be opposition? I’m certain of it. But God is watching over us, and we should joyfully participate in His purposes in the earth.

**THINK ABOUT IT
--Fulfilling cultural expectations will gain you the praise of people. Walking in full obedience to God will gain you the praise of God. Determining whose approval you most desire will set your life’s course.

**PRAYER
--"Heavenly Father, I want to be someone who stands for Jesus, even if I have to stand alone. I want Your truth represented in my life without compromise. Deliver me from fearing opposition that my life might reflect Your holiness. In Jesus’ name, amen."
Blessings,
Pastor Allen Jackson
["Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven."
-"But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven."
"Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.
For I came to set a man against his father and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-Law;
And a man's enemies will be the members of his household."
He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.
And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.
"He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it."
----(MATTHEW 10:32-39 / NASB) ]

---WHO IS HE?

"Who is he, this
King of glory? The
LORD Almighty--He
is the King of glory."
--(Psalm 24:10)--

---THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON you will ever meet is JESUS! He is the King of glory.
"Who is this King of glory? (Psalm 24:8). The psalmist David points to the Lord Almighty as Creator, Sustainer, and Ruler of all. He sings, "The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters" (vv. 1-2). In awestruck wonder, David proclaims G-D [Yahweh], is above all, yet intimately approachable (vv.3-4). We can know Him, be empowered by Him, and trust Him to fight on our behalf, as we live for Him (V.8).

God provides opportunities for us to declare Him [Jesus], as the only One truly worthy of all praise, honor, and glory. As we reflect His character, those who don't recognize Him can have more reasons to ask, "Who is He?" Like David, we can point to the Lord with awestruck wonder and tell His story! Those of us who belong to the Lord Jesus Christ, have His power behind us to go forward in the power of His great and mighty Name, YAHWEH, the great I AM!--

--ODB/XD
--"Lord Jesus, thank You for blessing us with the pleasure and privilege of seeking You
and giving us opportunities to share You with others every day. Thank You, Abba Father,
that we go forth in the power of the Holy Spirit, to proclaim Your glory! Hallelujah! YAHWEH~
----"Nobody Like You" / Paul Wilbur~ -<https://youtu.be/mjhhH90CGv8>
-----------

-----CLING TO GOD~~

--"Serve only the LORD your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him."
--(Deuteronomy 13:4 / NLT) ~~

--We have been given an authority in Christ, but it is a positional authority. It is not related to our family pedigree or our education or how much we have achieved—it is related to our proximity and loyalty to Jesus of Nazareth. Much is made of a person’s accomplishments, and there is nothing wrong with working hard to become educated and successful in a career. But those things are put to their best use when we are willing to humble ourselves before the Lord, fear Him, serve Him, listen to Him, obey Him, and even cling to Him.

-- God wants to do something through you and me, and He has given us the authority to do great things for Him. But we will be most effective in every area of life when we determine to walk closely alongside Him and put His plans and desires ahead of our own. For those who are fathers let's try to be an example of the Lord, so our children will see Jesus in us. (1 Timothy 4:12) ~

**THINK ABOUT IT**
--The word “cling” has recently been given a derogatory connotation. But that all depends on to what you are clinging. It basically means “to stick to something as if glued” or “to refuse to be separated from.” Are you "clinging" to God?

PRAYER
--"Heavenly Father, I desire to cling to You and faithfully obey Your commands. I renounce any divided loyalties in my heart that would separate me from You and tempt me to serve another master. Unite my heart in devotion to You. In Jesus’ name, amen."
Blessings,
Pastor Allen Jackson---/ "I Want To Be Just Like You" / Phillips, Craig and Dean / <https://youtu.be/_uZxAzxg380>
~~~~~~~~

--THE NAME OF JESUS~~

-"There is no other name under
heaven that has been given
among men by which we must
be saved." - (Acts 4:12)--

--THERE IS power in the name of Jesus. We see it throughout the book of Acts. By His name, people were saved (2:37-40), the lame walked (3:6-7), the disciples preached with boldness, the sick were healed, and wonders were performed to His glory (4:29-31).

Even the council of Jewish leaders recognized the power of it, commanding the disciples "not to speak in the name of Jesus" (5:40). But regardless of the persecution they encountered, the disciples not only spoke His name, but embraced His lordship and carried out His mission. And Christ blessed them for it.

Friend, (if) you bear the name of Jesus, His mighty power is available to you as well. Are you still clinging to the reins of your life and hoping that somehow God will bow to your will and make your name great? Understand that when you do so, you're missing out. Nothing but Jesus will ever satisfy your deepest longings, and only the name of Jesus will ever bring fruit that lasts in eternity. So bear His name and do His will with joy. Because then you'll experience the power that's available to you. ~~

--LORD Jesus, I praise Your holy name! Help me to serve you faithfully. Help me to speak boldly for You and Your Word. ~ Amen~

~~MY HOPE IS IN JESUS BECAUSE HIS NAME IS ABOVE EVERY OTHER!
--"Jesus, Our Perfect Hope"/CS~--["MAJESTY" (Here I Am)= Michael Janz ] = <https://youtu.be/IcOLw3HA51Y>
~~~~~~~~~

---NOW IS THE TIME~

-"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith;
be courageous; be strong. Do everything
in love." --(1 Corinthians 16:13) --

--THE person who co-teaches a Bible class with me is always proclaiming what a great era we are living in. Some people readily agree, but a few roll their eyes as if to say, "Doesn't he read the papers that daily cover the turmoil we live in?" We are surrounded by reports of wars, political unrest, identity thefts, disease, abuse, drugs, and persecution of Christians in certain parts of the world. This could lead us to believe that the world is falling apart.

When the world sees uncertainty and chaos, isn't it possible for the church and individual Christians to see opportunity? What better time to proclaim to the world a God we can depend on? We need only to read Scripture and know that God, Yahweh, YHWH, a God we can know is in control. Jesus explains in Luke 18:6-8 that those who cry out to God will get justice, and then, wanting to spur the listeners to greater faith, He asks, "When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" Just imagine how much we can do! Now is the time for Christians to live their faith.
Yes, it's time for Christians to speak up, Never be ashamed of the Gospel of our Lord and Savior. He goes with us and will be by our side as we proclaim the Good News.

"I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom;
Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction." --(2 Timothy 4 1-2)
--"Behold, now is the acceptable time," Behold, now is the Day of Salvation." --(2 Corinthians 6 verse 2).

--UPPER ROOM/WM~
--"Run To the Father" / Cody Carnes/ (lyrics) //<https://youtu.be/tVtEaiR4MbU>
~~~~~~~~~~~~

----OUR FATHER'S BUSINESS ~~

[Jesus] said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? [know] ye not that I must be
about my Father's business?" --(Luke 2:49)--

~~For years now, I have represented my heavenly Father's business--the most important in the world. It amazes me that God entrusts the affairs and cares of the human soul to us disciples. Though for years I preached sermons with words from pulpits or churches, today I preach with my daily words and actions. There truly is no One higher than Jehovah G-D.

---"Father God, teach us to be trustworthy in serving You by serving others, in Your Name. We praise and bless you, Jesus Christ. You are above all gods and kings of the earth. King above all kings, we worship and adore You. We give You total praise and adoration, our Sovereign One, Jesus Christ. amen~"

--UPPER ROOM/ WIJ
--"No One Higher"/ Aaron Shust / (lyric video) //<https://youtu.be/jO9BS1-ZGJg>
~~~~

---DECLARING THE UNKNOWN GOD ~~

~~~“As I . . . beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.”
----- (Acts 17:23)

~~~The people of Athens were known to be quite religious, worshipping a host of nature gods. They even had set up an altar “to the unknown god.” Paul pounced on this point of contact to declare unto them the God they didn’t know.

--He starts by laying the foundation: This God, he claims, is the Creator. He not only “made the world and all things therein” (v. 24), but also is “Lord of heaven and earth.” To cause to exist and then to rule over all of creation, one must be omnipotent. He is much too great to dwell in “temples made with hands.” How ludicrous to think He might need anything, including the worship of men, “seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things” (v. 25).

This God “hath made of one blood all nations of men” and “hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation” (v. 26). To know all men, their race, futures, and details of their lives, God must be omniscient, eternal, boundless. He has done this so “that they should seek the Lord” (v. 27). He is not hard to find, for He is “not far from every one of us.” He is the sustainer and source of all life. “In him we live, and move, and have our being; . . . we are also his offspring” (v. 28), totally unlike gods of “gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device” (v. 29).

But mankind has not known this God. He has been patient, but hates sin and “commandeth all men every where to repent” (v. 30), to gain forgiveness based on the work of “that man whom he hath ordained” (v. 31) as a final sacrifice, or as righteous judge. We can be sure of this because, when the sacrifice was slain, God “raised him from the dead” (v. 31).

Some mocked at the declaration of this mighty God (v. 32); some refused to act; but others believed (v. 34).

---ICR/ JDM
[Friends, I can not make you believe in the Creator of the Universe. But the Holy Spirit can show Him to you, if you but ask, believing. Please pray before reading the Word of God, asking Him to reveal His word to you. He will guide you in all truth. He is the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Jesus. There is no other way. Please, if you have not yet received Him, ask Him to show you the Way, and He will. He wants all people to be saved, and that includes you. Yes, we hear many people saying, 'why hasn't He come yet?' The answer is right in the Word, 2 Peter Chapter 3 verses 8-9= "But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance." One day our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ will return to gather us, His Church (people). And many will not make it into Heaven. Jesus tells us, "Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven.
"But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven." --(Matthew 10:32-33). ]

---A Better Song ~~

"Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives."
---(Galatians 5:25/ NLT)

~~IN Greek mythology, the island of Sirens was where beautiful temptresses ensnared passing sailors with their sweet songs. The music led the men to the shore where they were shipwrecked and destroyed. Jason of the Argonauts came up with a plan to thwart the Sirens' call. He hired a skilled musician to play a tune as his ship sailed within earshot of Sirens. His boat floated by with the crew unaffected by the alluring tunes.

They enjoyed a better song.
Although many of us make resolutions to "change our tune," it doesn't take long for old habits to return. Paul reminds us that freedom from one pleasure can come only as we pursue greater pleasures: "righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace" (2 Timothy 2:22/ NLT).

Paul reminds us to "Let the Holy Spirit guide [our] lives. Then [we] won't be doing what [our] sinful nature craves" (Galatians 5:16/ NLT). The bad habits that held us back last year will continue to slow us down this year unless we follow the "better song" of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). By the Spirit's power, we can make beautiful music for Christ! ~~
--ODB/ROS~
--"Better" / Hezekiah Walker // <https://youtu.be/GGbBVHLpDf0>
~~~~~~~~~~~

~~YES, JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY TO HEAVEN. PLEASE CONTINUE READING, AND SEE THAT JESUS IS GOD.
~~There are three Persons in the Trinity. "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word [Jesus], and the Holy Spirit; and these three are One."
---(1 JOHN 5:7/ KJV) --

--OBEDIENCE RELATES TO LOVE~~
~~(Please read all of John 14) ~~ Jesus comforting his disciples/ Professes himself the way, the truth, and the life.
And that He is one with the Father. When Christ left earth to be with His Father, He left His peace with us, through the Holy Spirit.

The night before His crucifixion, Jesus reminded the disciples of some important matters. In John 14:21, He pointed out the connection between love and obedience, saying, “He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me.” In other words, loving the Lord and obeying Him are inseparable.

What commands are we to obey? Jesus said the greatest commandments are: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind” and “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:37-39). The Holy Spirit will show us how to live these out. When we let go of a selfish attitude and put someone else first, when we show forgiveness instead of anger, or when we demonstrate a thankful heart in the midst of hard circumstances, we are expressing our love for Jesus.

~~Jesus’ life on earth was one continuous expression of love for the heavenly Father (John 14:31). To follow His example requires a heart that desires to please Him, a will that is bent toward obedience, and a mind that consistently seeks direction from Him. Develop the habit of asking yourself two questions: What does obedience to God look like in this situation? and What can I do to obey God more fully?

--IN TOUCH~
~~~~~

~~PERSONAL RELATIONS WITH THE CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE, JESUS !
--"Touching Lives" // Dr. James Merritt

--“If you love Me, keep My commands. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever.” -
---[John 14:15-16]

--"For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word [Jesus], and the Holy Ghost [Holy Spirit] = "and these three are One." ~
---(1 JOHN 5:7/KJV)~~

~~When Jesus told His disciples in John 16:7 that it was to their benefit that He leave them, they must have been shocked and terrified. How could it benefit them for Him to go away? He was the Messiah…the Promised One who would save Israel. What they didn’t understand at the time is that Jesus would leave them, but not desert them. God was going to send another Advocate, the Holy Spirit.

The word “another” is important. There are two different Greek words for “another.” One means, “another of a different kind;” but that is not the word Jesus used in John 14:16. He used the Greek word that means, “another of the same kind.” In other words, He said, “I am going to send Someone who is exactly like Me.”

This tells us that the Holy Spirit is not an “it,” but a distinct Person, of the Triune God. John went out of his way to emphasize the personality of the Holy Spirit by all of the masculine pronouns he used to describe Him. The Holy Spirit is a real Person; and a Christian is someone who has a personal relationship with both God the Son and God the Spirit.

Too often today, we think of the power of the Holy Spirit as something like electrical or solar power – something you tap into and use that is totally impersonal. But the Holy Spirit is more than protons, neutrons and electrons. He is a real Person that wants to have a real relationship with us. In John 14:15-16 He is called an, “advocate,” or “helper.” That Greek word, paraclete, is only used twice in the New Testament. It always refers to a Person, not to a thing or to a force or power.

A Christian is not just someone who believes in God and has accepted Christ. A Christian is someone who has a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit of God.
Application: Do you have a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit?
[-- Friend, If you have accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, confessed your sins before Him, and asked Him to come into your heart. He will. He does! God knows the intents of our thoughts. He knows your heart. Please do not let another day pass if you have not accepted His gift of salvation.
"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" [Romans 10:9,10,13] ~
**If you want to talk with someone please call Toll-Free, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. // Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time, at 1-877-247-2426.
~~~~~~~~~~~

~~HEAVEN'S ZIP CODE~~
--'Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but through Me."
---[JOHN 14:6] --
~~YES, JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY TO HEAVEN !

--'Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens, and birds have nests. But the Son of Man doesn’t have a place to call his own.' ”
---[Matthew 8:20 (CEV)]

--A woman I work with couldn’t give me her home address. I imagined the possibilities. Homeless? Evicted? Memory loss? Living out of her car? Sleeping on a friend’s couch? Witness protection program? The answer was much simpler—and more complicated—than that. She and her husband were in the process of moving. Their current address wouldn’t be viable for long and her new address wasn’t “hers” until they signed the final papers.

Jesus had a home with His earthly parents while growing up. But as an adult, after His ministry began, He had no home, according to Scripture. Not even a “tiny house” in a friend’s backyard. Have you wondered why?

In Biblical times, a home was a cultural sign of manhood. Owning property indicated that one was established, successful, part of the community.

I believe Jesus didn’t have an earthly address because He didn’t fit in with this world. He was—as we are—a temporary sojourner. He couldn’t afford the upkeep—the time or attention—of a home on earth. It would’ve distracted from His primary purpose—to serve, speak God’s truths, and show God’s heart.

He [Jesus] belongs to all people, not one community or one neighborhood. And He belongs on the Throne. Jesus didn’t need a temporary earthly address during His ministry years. He stayed on the move. And He had a permanent address. We’ll share His zip code for eternity. ~~
--Mornings With Jesus~~

[**Jesus is alive right now. He sees you. He hears you. And yes, He answers prayer. All in accordance with His will. He knows the future. If we are not healed on this earth, we will be completely healed in Heaven with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
"In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight"-[Proverbs 3:5-6] ~~]
~~~~~~~~~
--"The Blessing"// (new song by Cody Carnes and Kari Jobe~ Elevation Worship/ Sometimes it's best not to see the people, but close your eyes and worship our King above all kings, Jesus Christ.) <https://youtu.be/uZ55mDL7dA0>
~~~~~~~~

~~~EVIDENCE OF THE RESURRECTION- / JESUS IS ALIVE NOW! ~~
--[Pathway to Victory // Pastor Robert Jeffress]

~~~"He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time . . . then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; and . . . He appeared to me also.
---(1 Corinthians 15:5-8)--

~~~Every time I go to Israel, I am amazed at what a small country it is. Did you know the nation of Israel is about the size of New Jersey? Yet this tiny country for thousands of years has been the epicenter of world conflict. Why is there so much controversy around Israel? The answer is clear when you know history. The three largest world religions–Judaism, Islam, and Christianity–all claim Israel as the site for some of their most important events. But there’s one thing that differentiates these three world religions: Abraham, the founder of Judaism, died in 858 BC and was buried in a cave at Machpelah. Mohammed, the founder of Islam, died in AD 632 and was buried in Medina. Jesus Christ, the founder of Christianity, died and was buried on April 3, AD 33, in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, but three days later Jesus rose from that tomb and conquered death forever! That’s what makes Christianity different from every other religion.


How do we know Christ rose from the dead? Let’s look at the evidence of eyewitnesses. Eyewitness testimony has long been considered one of the most reliable forms of evidence. What is the eyewitness testimony of the resurrection of Jesus Christ? In 1 Corinthians 15:5, Paul wrote, “[Christ] appeared to Cephas.” Cephas was the apostle Peter. Isn’t it interesting that the first person Jesus appeared to in His resurrected form was Peter, the one who just a few days earlier had failed so miserably and denied the Lord? Isn’t that gracious of the Lord? He doesn’t hold our trespasses against us; He forgives us. He appeared to Peter first, “then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time” (vv. 5-6). Matthew talked about that event as well. And Paul said most of the witnesses were still alive. A few had died, but most of them were still alive. You could go talk to them. Then Jesus appeared to James, His half-brother. James as well as all of Jesus’s family refused to believe in Him while He was alive, but James became a believer after he saw his resurrected brother. Then Jesus appeared to Paul, the apostle said, “last of all, as to one untimely born” (v. 8). He appeared to Paul on the road to Damascus. That is the evidence for the resurrection.

Simon Greenleaf was a professor at Harvard whose specialty was legal evidence. He was also an unbeliever, and he decided to disprove Christianity by disproving the resurrection. He applied the laws of legal evidence to the claims of the resurrection. After he spent years searching the evidence, he became so convinced of the historicity of the resurrection that he became a Christian. You don’t have to give up your intellect to become a Christian. The Christian message is not based on feeling; it is based on fact. Paul said that is the certainty of the resurrection.
~~~~~~~~
[-"He [Jesus] is the Stone which was rejected by you, but [He] became the Chief Cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved"--[ACTS 4:11-12 /NASB~].]

~~~DO WE ACCEPT WHO HE IS?

~~"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth."
----(Genesis 1:1 (KJV) ~~

~~~~This verse begins the account of the relationship between Almighty God and Adam and his descendants. That’s the story of the Bible, and we’re invited into it at the point of creation. If you’ll accept this statement as true, that God did indeed create our world, then the rest of the Bible will open up for you and make sense.
On the other hand, if you reject God as Creator, the rest of the Bible will be nonsense. Why would you believe that God cares about us? Why would you believe that God would send His Son to the earth to be born of a virgin? Why would you believe that Jesus performed miracles and that He Himself rose from the dead? Why would you believe there is a Heaven and trust God for an eternity with Him there? The Bible is not a scientific manual, nor is it the complete story of God. It is not a coincidence that we are presented with the principle of God as Creator in the Bible’s opening words. Accepting this truth is a firm foundation for a life of faith. ~

THINK ABOUT IT
Recognizing God as Creator is the foundation of our faith. It is also the basis of our capacity to reason, have rights, and experience meaning. Random chance provides no such underpinning of purpose, order, or community.

PRAYER
~~"Heavenly Father, You are the Creator of heaven and earth, and made everything by Your Spirit through Your Word. Your creation displays Your power and wisdom, and teaches me to honor Your greatness with thanksgiving. It is You I worship. ~ In Jesus’ name, amen.~~
[For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, (Jesus), and the Holy Ghost [Holy Spirit]; and these three are One" -(1 John 5:7)
Blessings,
Pastor Allen Jackson

--Is Jesus the Only Way to Heaven?

--WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT?

--PLEASE READ/ John 14:16-18
--Also Read/ II JOHN / Chapter 5 ~~

Some Christians don’t realize the Holy Spirit came at the moment of salvation to live permanently within them. And some who do realize this don’t understand who the Spirit is, how He works, or why His indwelling presence is so significant.

The Holy Spirit is a Person—not simply a power or force—and He, along with the other two members of the Trinity, was involved in Creation. We know this because when God created mankind, He said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness” (Gen. 1:26). The plural pronouns in this passage refer to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit.

On the night before the crucifixion, Jesus told the disciples that the Father would send them a Helper who would be with them and in them forever (John 14:16-17). Even though the Lord would no longer be physically present, He wasn’t going to leave them to fend for themselves like orphans. Instead, He promised to come to them through the presence of His Spirit (John 14:18).

Because of the crucifixion, today the Spirit is our Leader, Guide, Teacher, and Comforter. His presence in us means that we are God’s children and that God has upheld His promise to always be with us.

--["For there are three that bear record in heaven; the Father, the Word, [Jesus], and the Holy Ghost [Holy Spirit]; and these three are One." ~-[ 2 JOHN 5:7] ~
~~IN TOUCH~--"Praise the Father, Praise the Son, Praise the Spirit three in One."[with lyrics/ by Hillsong] // <https://youtu.be/8PuRklGzVbc>
~~~~~~~~

--REDEEMING THE TIME~~

~~"See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time,
because the days are evil" -(Ephesians 5:15-16).--

~~My wife was very low and with fourth stage cancer, and we knew she didn't have much time left on this earth. My mother was on her deathbed at the same time and was also expected to pass on shortly. The Scripture above tells us to redeem the time because the days are evil. We know that great El-Shaddai, the almighty God, is always with us. We all should want to make the best possible use of the time we have left on this earth. Time elapsed is gone forever and can no longer be redeemed.

Time ceases for us when we enter eternity, and if we are not ready, it will be eternity in a terrible place of torment. I regret the time I wasted in pursuing my own interests rather than taking God's will seriously and always living for Him. Our time on this earth is a test of our sincerity in serving Jesus and preparing for eternity. He gave His life for us, and He wants us to give ours back to Him. We cannot pay for our redemption--it is a free gift--yet we owe our all to El-Shaddai, Almighty G-D.

God allows these afflictions so that we may more fully rely on His strength, for ours is not sufficient. This world has many trials, and becoming bitter or better by them is our choice. Psalm 23 is especially meaningful at times like this. God always provides for our needs, but He wants our complete submission. May we frequently examine our thoughts and feelings. Am I redeeming my God-given time in such a way that I may find eternal rest in Jesus? Let us all prepare now to meet our Lord so we are ready when out time ends on earth. Then we will be ready to meet the Lord Jesus as we pass from this life to the next. Jesus always stays with His people.~

--'Beside Still Waters'//FB~ --"The God Who Stays" (lyrics)//Matthew West //<https://youtu.be/flJF1fMvz5Y>
~~~~~~~

--Greater Than Solomon ~~

--"Shishak king of Egypt...took all; he carried away also the shields of gold which Solomon had made. Instead
of which king Rehoboam made shields of brass. --[2 Chronicles 12:9 -10]. -

~~~During Solomon's reign there was peace in the land. The kingdom became very rich and powerful. Then when his son Rehoboam became king, he abandoned God's laws, and the Egyptians came to make war. They took away all the treasures in the king's house and the Lord's house, along with the golden shields that Soloman had made. This was a great loss for Rehoboam, and he replaced the golden shields with shields of "brass" (bronze).
In Matthew 12:42 Jesus said, "A greater than Solomon is here." Jesus Christ is now our King, and He is much greater than Solomon! Our King also has laws, which we are just as responsible to obey as Rehoboam was to obey the laws of the Lord.

What happens if we abandon Jesus' laws? Eventually the world (Egypt) will attack us and take away our spiritual treasures. We will be robbed of our shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16), and then our strong faith (golden shields) will be replaced by a weak faith (bronze shields). The world is described in 1 John 2:16 as "the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life." God is not mocked! We cannot expect to love the world and stay strong enough to retain our spiritual treasures.

In Matthew 7:24 Jesus said, "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock." Here is the key to spiritual strength and victory. If we faithfully obey our King, we can claim the promise in Revelation 3:21 "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne."

--For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous." (1 John 5:3) ~
--"Beside Still Waters"/SH~

---"At The Cross"/ Hillsong / [Darlene Zschech] / (lyrics) <https://youtu.be/AkRudaBidHc>
~~~~~~~~~~

-----YOU FEED THEM

--[Please Read/ Mark 6:36-37 (NIV®)
“Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” --

~~~Jesus had been with the crowd all day, no doubt teaching and ministering to the sick and the demonized. The disciples were handling logistics, and they had no plan to feed thousands of people. You know what happened next: Jesus fed the crowd with five loaves of bread and two fish, and the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers.

This story isn’t about the miracle of people being fed nearly as much as it is about the disciples being invited to a deeper understanding of the Kingdom of God. Jesus could have said, “Good job, guys. Now watch while I feed these people.” Instead, after an exhausting day, He said, “You feed them.” God has plans for our lives, but in order to complete them, there are lessons we will need to learn. Sometimes God puts us in places where we will have to believe Him to do the impossible in order for us to grow in our understanding of what He is able to do.

THINK ABOUT IT
Impossible situations teach us a new definition of sufficiency. The Apostle Paul learned to rejoice in challenging circumstances, convinced that it was precisely in those places that he would most fully experience God’s power.

PRAYER
~~"Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing me face to face with impossible situations so I can learn this truth: “All things are possible with God.” I rejoice in Your grace, provision, and power at work on my behalf to carry out Your will. In Jesus’ name, amen."
Blessings,
Pastor Allen Jackson

--PERSPECTIVES FROM ABOVE ~~

--"I will not yield my glory to another."
--(Isaiah 48:11) --

--WHEN PETER WELCH was a young boy in the 1970s, using a metal detector was only a hobby. But since 1990, he's been leading people from around the world on metal-detecting excursions. they've made thousands of discoveries--swords, ancient jewelry, coins. Using "Google Earth," a computer program based on satellite imagery, they look for patterns in the landscape on farmland in the United Kingdom. It shows them where roads, buildings, and other structures may have been centuries ago. Peter says, "To have a perspective from above opens a whole new world."

God's people in Isaiah's day needed "a perspective from above." They prided themselves on being His people yet were disobedient and refused to give up their idols. God had another perspective. Despite their rebellion, He would rescue them from captivity to Babylon. Why? "For my own sake,...I will not yield my glory to another" (Isaiah 48:11). God's perspective from above is that life is for His glory and purpose--not ours. Our attention is to be given to Him and His plans and to pointing others to praise Him too.

Having God's glory as our own life's perspective opens a whole new world. Only He knows what we will discover about Him and what He has for us. God will teach us what is good for us and lead us along the paths we should follow (v.17).

--"Lord G-D, Maker of Heaven and Earth, thank you for showing us the way to have eternal life in Your Name. Thank You that you are the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through You. We praise and bless You, our Rock and Redeemer. In Jesus Name. amen~"
--ODB/AC
--"In Jesus Name"//Darlene Zschech // (live concert)<https://youtu.be/0nytGdYuRgg>
~~~~~~~~~

--FOUND ON THE EDGES~~

-"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."
--(Luke 19:10)--

--IN THE middle of the crowd at a motorcycle demonstration where riders performed breathtaking tricks, I found myself needing to stand on my tiptoes to see. Glancing around, I noticed three children perched in a nearby tree, apparently because they also couldn't get to the front of the crowd to see the action.

Watching the kids peer out from their lofty location, I couldn't help but think of Zacchaeus, who Luke identifies as a wealthy tax collector (Luke 19:2). Jews often viewed tax collectors as traitors for working for the Roman government collecting taxes from fellow Israelites, as well as frequently demanding additional money to pad their personal bank accounts. So Zacchaeus was likely shunned from his community.

As Jesus passed through Jericho, Zacchaeus longed to see Him but was unable to see over the crowd. So, perhaps feeling both desperate and lonely, he climbed into a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse (vv. 3-4). And it was there, on the outskirts of the crowd, that Jesus searched him out and announced His intention to be a guest at his home (v.5).

Zacchaeus' story reminds us that Jesus came to "seek and to save the lost," offering His friendship and the gift of salvation (vv. 9-10). Even if we feel on the edges of our communities, pushed to the "back of the crowd," we can be assured that, even there, Jesus finds us. ~~

--ODB/LMS
--"No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus" (lyric video)//Steffany Gretzinger//<https://youtu.be/YsQgZzQDups>
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

-- [Yes] ~~"Jesus is the Only Way to Father God"~

--[Please Read/ ACTS 4:8 thru 12)
"........Let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of
Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised.....
He [Jesus] is the STONE WHICH WAS REJECTED by you, THE Builders, by which became the
CHIEF CORNERSTONE. [Psalm 118:22] -
And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name
under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved." -


--"TAKING THAT STEP OF FAITH~~

~~"For we walk by faith, not by sight…"
--(2 Corinthians 5:7 / NASB~--

~~~It’s fun to watch a human learn to walk. First, we push up on our hands and knees. Then, we learn to crawl. Next, we pull up, and then one day, we overcome our doubt and decide to take a step. Our journey toward trust in God is a little like that. When we’re birthed into the Kingdom of God, we’re still bound by inexperience and the gravitational pull of doubt. Yes, we’re a part of the family of God, but we haven’t learned how to step out in faith and explore the opportunities of His Kingdom. This is not automatic for any of us. It requires us to decide that we will trust Him with the future and take a risk. All of us will still stumble occasionally and struggle to believe that God will come through for us, but as we step out in faith we will gain our footing and eventually learn to walk with confidence. I can say with complete honesty that when I have decided to trust God and take a step, He has rewarded my faith in Him—every time.

THINK ABOUT IT
What would “stepping out in faith” look like for you? Ask God for the next step He has assigned to you. His Holy Spirit will give you the help you need.

PRAYER
~~"Heavenly Father, I am Your child. Hold my hand as I learn to step out in faith. Give me courage that dares to trust and go, guided by Your wisdom and counsel. May doubt not stall my obedience. Help me walk by faith in You. In Jesus’ name, amen."
Blessings,
Pastor Allen Jackson

--Yes and Amen! Jesus is the Only Way to Heaven ~~

--JESUS, THE EXAMPLE~~

-"Let us lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us,
and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Fixing our eyes on Jesus,
the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross,
despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
---(Hebrews 12:1-2)--

~~GOD HAS ALWAYS called His people with a high calling. He wants them to leave the temporal fascinations of this world and rise to a higher cause. Our flesh is drawn to things that give momentary satisfaction, when in reality much greater things are in store for God's people. What is His high calling?

--**Having a close walk with God each day of our lives. This requires daily communion with Him as we seek to know His will and purpose for us. He has provided His Word in which we can find refreshment as well as rich spiritual treasures that have no end of discovery.

--**Giving right priorities to the material things of life. The Bible clearly teaches that this world is no friend to God or His people. When we become so attached to earthly affairs that Heaven becomes dim in our vision, we have lost what it means to be strangers and pilgrims in this life. God and His kingdom must always come first.

--**Finding fellowship with God's people. The church, the body of Jesus Christ on earth, is the preparing place for our eternal abode in Heaven. As we worship together, we learn about God and His kingdom principles. We find encouragement and give encouragement. We practice together the principles of brotherhood.

--**Living in anticipation of Heaven. The impurities, the travesties, the trappings of wealth, and all the values this world holds dear should have no attraction for us. We are looking forward to an eternity of purity, holiness, and all the majestic beauty of Heaven.
We can't wait to get there! Open our eyes, Lord. "Come Lord Jesus, Come!" ~~

--"Beside Still Waters"/NS~
--"Open The Eyes of My Heart"//Oslo Gospel /(live concert) --<https://youtu.be/1Hrh4lMgn-g>
~~~~~~~~~~~~

-Yes! Jesus is the Only Way to the Father!

[Oftentimes the Lord will show up mightily during praise and worship. Jesus said, "Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven.
"But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven" -[Matthew 10:32-33] ~~]

~~~~~~~
~~We find Jesus all the way back in Genesis. Let's take a look at the book of Ruth~
---Ruth, an Example of Commitment ~~

~~"Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God; which had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy."
---(1 Peter 2:10) -

--Ruth the Moabitess lived in the dark days described in the Book of Judges. Ruth and Orpah married the two sons of Naomi, but within a few years all three women were widows. When Naomi was ready to return to her homeland of Judah, Ruth and Orpah wanted to accompany her but Naomi tried to dissuade them. Though Orpah stayed in her home land, Ruth was determined to go with her mother-in-law. Her beautiful words of devotion are found in Ruth 1:16: "Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for wither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God."

Judah was a strange land for Ruth, yet she committed herself to follow Naomi, become part of her people, and serve her God. As a result, Ruth received great rewards. She became the wife of Boaz and in this way she became an ancestress of David and of Christ. Even though Ruth was from a heathen, idol-worshiping nation, she was richly blessed because of her desire to become part of the people of God.

This is a beautiful picture of how anyone can come into the family of God. Some children were raised by parents who did not go to church or even believe in God. As adults they might feel that they can never fit in with a group of people raised in Christian homes. But the church of Jesus Christ is open to everyone who comes to Him and receives His salvation by faith. Even though once we were "not a people," we all can now be "the people of God" (today's key verse). Such is the amazing grace and mercy of God.

~~Beside Still Waters/ BG~
--"Hosanna (Praise Is Rising/ lyrics )//Paul Baloche~~<https://youtu.be/oAaQ5EEXidc>
~~~~~~~~~~~

--THE POWER OF GOD'S WORD ~~

--[By: R. A. Torrey// Decision Magazine~]

--['THE POWER OF GOD'S WORD"'~ (Psalm 62:11)
--(Please Read/ Acts 2:22 thru 39) ~~ -- ]

----'POWER BELONGS TO GOD' --(Psalm 62:11) The great reservoir of the power that belongs to God is His own Word--the Bible. If we wish to make it ours, we must go to that book. Yet people abound in the church who are praying for power and neglecting the Bible.

They long to have power to melt the cold heart and break the stubborn will, but they forget that God has said: "Is not My word like a fire?'" says the Lord, 'And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?'" (Jeremiah 23:29).

If we are to obtain fullness of power in life and service, we must feed upon the Word of God. There is no other food so strengthening. If we will not take time to study the Bible, we cannot have power, any more than we can have physical power if we will not take time to eat nutritious food.

The Word of God has power to convict of sin. In Acts 2:37 we read: "Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, 'Men and brethren, what shall we do?'" If we look back and see what it was they heard that produced this deep conviction, we find it was simply the Word of God. If you read Peter's sermon, [Acts 2:22-39], you will find it is one of the most Biblical sermons ever preached. It was Scripture from beginning to end.

It was, then, the Word of God, carried home by the Spirit of God, that pricked them to their heart. If you wish to produce conviction, you must give men the Word of God.

Not long ago a young man came into our our inquiry room. I said to him: "Are you a Christian?" "No, sir." "Why not?"
"I think Christianity is a first-rate thing, but I don't have much feeling about this." "But," I said, "do you not know that you are a sinner?" He said: "Yes, sir, I suppose; but I am not very much of a sinner. I am a pretty good sort of a fellow."

I opened my Bible and asked him to read Matthew 22:37-38. He read, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all you mind.' This is the first and great commandment."
"What commandment is that?" I asked. He replied: "The first and great commandment." "In the light of that what be the first and great sin?" He replied: "It must be to neglect to keep that commandment." "Have you kept it?"

The Spirit of God took it home to his heart. It was not long before we were kneeling, and he was asking God for mercy through Christ. Repentance and acceptance of the Lord Jesus as your Savior, will grant you a place in Heaven. Are you a Christian, friend? ~~
~~~~~
--"Wait On The Lord"/(lyric worship video) Tommy Walker// <https://youtu.be/Ck8SSKXaojs>
~~~~~~~~~

--Jesus Wants You To Talk To Him~~

--LET JESUS HEAL YOU~`

~~Would you like Jesus to heal you? Then, ask Him. The four Gospels detail approximately 36 miracles and reference even more. He changed water into wine, calmed more than one storm, restored sight to more than one blind man. Yet Jesus never grandstanded his miraculous powers. He performed miracles for two reasons– to prove his identity and to help his people. Can you imagine the testimonies if you were a part of the crowd he fed, one of the dead he raised, or one of the sick he healed?

The church exploded like a fire on a West Texas prairie. Why? Because Jesus healed people. Why not let him heal you? You can be sure that, in the right time and in the right way, Jesus will respond.

--"Whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight."
---(1 John 3:22)
--"Talk To Me" //~ Love Jesus~~ <https://youtu.be/uRY5xFZWYVU>
~~~~~~~~~~

--THE SON MAKES YOU FREE~~

[Please read / JOHN 8:25 thru 36]

--'Jesus said, If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine:
And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."-[John 8:31]

~~WE ALL LOVE the idea of being free to make our own choices about what to do and where to go, but Christ offers a much greater liberty than this. It's spiritual freedom from the power of Satan and the condemnation of sin. Jesus said the only way to be free is to know the truth and become His disciple by believing in Him and continuing in His Word.

Are you standing firm in Christ's freedom, or have you let sinful thought patterns, emotions, attitudes, and habits enslave you once again? Although believers have been granted freedom from the dominion of sin, we must fight to overcome our unrighteous impulses. This is done by taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ and putting to death fleshly desires and passions.

The good news, is that we are not in this fight alone. When Christ set us free, His omnipotent Holy Spirit came to indwell and empower us. we also have Father God's precious Word to guide and protect us. By His grace, we have everything we need to keep ourselves beyond sin's control (Phil. 4:19).
-- If you haven't yet experienced what it is to be "free indeed" (John 8:36), put your trust in Jesus, the greatest liberator. '

--IN TOUCH~
--"Father, I Thank You"// Jeremy and Adrienne Camp // <https://youtu.be/gLoKRhuSuAs>
~~~~~~~~~~~

----A RISKY DETOUR ~~

--"Preach the word; be prepared in season and out
of season." --[2 Timothy 4:2]

---Harley had gone to see her Insurance agent. 'What a waste of time', thought Harley. Her insurance agent was insisting they meet again. Harley knew it would be yet another boring sales pitch, but she decided to make the most of it by looking for an opportunity to talk about her faith.

Noticing that the agent's eyebrows were tattooed, she hesitantly asked why and discovered that the woman did it because she felt it would bring her luck. Harley's question was a risky detour from a routine chat about finances, but it opened the door to a conversation about luck and faith, which gave her an opportunity to talk about why she relied on Jesus. That "wasted" hour turned out to be a divine appointment.

Jesus also took a risky detour. While traveling from Judea to Galilee, He went out of His way to speak to a Samaritan, something unthinkable for a Jew. Worse, she was an adulterous woman avoided even by other Samaritans. Yet He ended up having a conversation that led to the salvation of many (John 4:1-26; 39-42).

Are you meeting someone you don't really want to see? Do you keep bumping into a neighbor you normally avoid? The Bible reminds us to be always ready---" in season and out of season" --to share the good news (2 Timothy 4:2). Consider taking a "risky detour." Who knows, God may be giving you a divine opportunity to talk to someone about Him today! Step out in faith, believing God can use any situation for His glory. ~~

--ODB/LK~
--"We Turn Our Eyes" // Jeremy and Adrienne Camp // <https://youtu.be/68GgD3aua_U>
~~~~~~~~~

~~ANXIETY BE GONE, IN JESUS' NAME! ~

--"Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus."
---(Philippians 4:6-7 / GNT) --

--Next year I will be at a new school. I will have to learn new names and new surroundings and face new challenges. It's an opportunity for me to start over with a new attitude to help affect positive change. A part of me is anxious because of all the newness and the unknown. For years I used to suffer frightening anxiety attacks. As I grow in my relationship with Christ, I use the promising words of Jesus in this Scripture to soothe my nerves. Because I know Jesus is the only way to Heaven, I want to stay close to Him.

As I approach this new school year, I am confessing that it will be the best year I have ever experienced in my career. I am thanking the Lord for the opportunity and for the ability to do the job with excellence. I ask for Jesus to fill me with His peace. As I pray these things, I feel His peace calming me.
Yes, some anxiety is normal, but for some people it can be debilitating. The fact that we can confidently go to Jesus in prayer when we are feeling anxious can positively alter our outlook on life. While we are awaiting the manifestation of whatever we have prayed for, the peace of Jesus is there to help us wait. As we recall Scripture verses, they soothe our soul. That kind of peace is humanly incomprehensible. The peace of Jesus is so incredible that in times of trouble or uncertainty, we can experience sweet peace instead of making ourselves sick with anxiety. When we offer Jesus our worries and fears, He replaces them with His amazing peace. ~~

--"Father G-D, thank You for Jesus coming to save me (us) from our sins so we can spend eternity with You. Forgive us for the times we get off track by saying or doing what is not pleasing in your sight. Whatever new transition we make on our spiritual journey, lead, guide and direct our steps. I know that You will never leave me nor forsake me. I praise You and bless your holy Name, Jesus.~ amen"
--Guideposts/TE~
--"Only Jesus" // (lyrics) Casting Crowns //<https://youtu.be/TAtx1y58jS0>
~~~~~~~

--"Every Knee Will Bow Before Jesus"

--"My sheep listen to my voice. I know them and they follow me."
---(John 10:27) --

--MY GRANDDAUTHER'S DOG knows my voice. And my name. All dog lovers will understand. I don't see Sadie very often, but she "knows" that I'm family.

If my daughter says, "Sadie, Grammie's coming," the dog will run to the door, sit and wait for me. We know that Jesus knows our names. He is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient. There is nothing that He does not know. We can talk to Jesus 24/7's.

When Sadie sees me climbing the steps toward the house, she starts a wiggle pattern that won't stop until long after I've greeted her. rubbed her belly, picked her up, and snuggled her like a baby.
When we call out to Jesus, He is always available and listening to hear our voice acknowledging His presence. He stands open-armed for our calling.

It was no flippant choice of wording when Jesus used to answer the always oppositional Jewish leaders who surrounded Him in the temple, badgering Him to tell them once and for all if He was the Messiah. Jesus said, "I have told you, but you don't believe...because you don't belong to my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice. I know them and they follow me" (John 10:25-27 / CEB).

Jesus not only understood that the opposition couldn't grasp the truth, but that those who did grasp the truth about Him would have an automatic response. At the sound of His voice, they would follow. That's the expectation and the longing of Jesus' heart.

We know Him because Jesus revealed Himself to us. We've heard his voice, and we follow, matching our stride and pace with His. Let's keep in step with our Lord, Savior, Redeemer and King above all kings, Jesus Christ!

--"Lord Jesus, thank You for redeeming our soul from eternal destruction. Help us, Sovereign One, to stay close to You in these end times. We humbly bow before You, our King above all kings. Hallelujah! In Christ's Name.~amen"
--Guideposts/CR~
--"The Lion And The Lamb"= (lyrics) Big Daddy Weave //<https://youtu.be/rMTfj4xOjZk>
~~~~~~~~~~

---CHRISTMAS PRESENCE ~~

~~~"The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son.
---[Isaiah 7:14] --

---PLEASE READ/ ISAIAH 7:10–14

~~~“No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin, where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.” Those words from Phillips Brooks’ much-loved hymn “O Little Town of Bethlehem” point to the very heart of Christmas. Jesus came into our broken world to rescue us from our sin and give all who would put their faith in Him a new and vital relationship with God.

--In a letter to a friend decades after he wrote the hymn, Brooks poignantly described the outcome of this relationship in his own life: “I cannot tell you how personal this grows to me. He is here. He knows me and I know Him. It is no figure of speech. It is the realest thing in the world, and every day makes it realer. And one wonders with delight what it will grow to as the years go on.”

Brooks’ calm assurance of God’s presence in his life reflects one of the names of Jesus prophesied by Isaiah: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). The Gospel of Matthew gives us the meaning of the Hebrew name Immanuel: “God with us” (1:23).

God drew near to us through Jesus so we could know Him personally and be with Him forever. His loving presence with us is the greatest gift of all.

---"Loving God, thank You for giving Yourself to me through Your life on earth, death on the cross, and resurrection. Please help me to live for You today and forever! I confess that Jesus Christ is the only way to join you in heaven. 'Even so, Come Lord Jesus.' amen"

--ODB/JB~~--"Only Jesus" (lyric video) // Casting Crowns // <https://youtu.be/TAtx1y58jS0>
~~~~~~~

--WHEAT OR TARES?
-[Please Read/ Matthew 13:24-43]

--"The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one."
---[Matthew 13:38] --

--Jesus told the parable of the wheat and the tares to show what the kingdom of God is like. As in a previous parable, a man sowed seed in his field. However, the seed represented not the Word of God but "the children of the kingdom." Then an enemy came by at night and sowed tares, representing "the children of the wicked one." Tares (today called darnel) look much like wheat until it is time for heads to form. Then the tares produce worthless black grains instead of good wheat.

The owner said that the two should grow together until harvest, when the wheat would be separated from the tares. This does not mean that both saints and sinners should be part of the Christian church. Jesus said that the filed is the world, not the church. While the church needs to deal with members who fall into sin, she is not responsible to discipline sinners in the surrounding world.

The tares depict evil people as well as religious pretenders and false teachers. Those in the latter group might look and talk like Christians, but they do not produce good fruit. Remember what Jesus said: "By their fruits ye shall know them" (Matthew 7:20). Let's never give any room to the devil or his servants. They are deceivers from day one.

The parable ends with a solemn lesson. Jesus will come to earth someday, and He will send His holy angels to separate the true Christians from all who are evil or hypocritical. The sinners will be cast into "a furnace of fire" where there will be "waiting and gnashing of teeth." Then the righteous will "shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father." What a contrast! Will we be among the wheat or tares?

--BSW/CM~

--THE BEAST OR THE LAMB?
[Please Read / Revelation 13:1-14, 17:12-15]

--"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony;
and they loved not their lives unto the death." --[Revelation 12:11] --

--What comes to your mind when you think of a beast? Aggressive, powerful, cruel, merciless? Other adjectives could be relentless, ferocious, and threatening. These words well describe the enemy of our souls. Satan is a beast with a huge host of assistants. They include fallen angels or spirits, the world, and our own corrupted flesh. Consider also the characteristics suggested in Revelation 13:2; leopard, bear, and lion.

In addition, Satan has corrupted humans to be his agents to devour God's children. He makes war against the saints and speaks against God. He promotes himself as God so that men worship him. He has had great success in his war against the souls of men.

While today's Bible readings focus mainly on the beast, the picture also has a glorious, positive aspect. In fulfillment of the promise given in Genesis 3:15, the head of the beast was wounded. And though he did recover from the wound, that wounding limited his power. Revelation 13:8 hints at this when it suggests that some did not worship the beast. Verses 9 and 10 say in essence, "Listen! There's more to the story. The beast who captures to destroy will be captured! He who kills will be killed."

The Christians' patience and faith will triumph. "He that endureth to the end shall be saved" (Matthew 10:22). Making war with the Lamb is a lost cause for the beast. Christians are neither hopeless nor helpless before him. Instead they are heaven-bound in spite of the beast's ferocity. Satan is bound and doomed (Revelation 20:2,10). So which one will we serve--the defeated beast or the triumphant Lamb? The Lord leaves that choice up to each person. ~~

--BSW/DE
-"We either follow the beast to his doom, or the Lamb to His wedding feast in glory."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
--BSW/DE

[**Friend, We all are going to live eternally. Either with Jesus in Heaven or in the Abyss, where the enemy of our soul is. Please, don't let another day pass without asking Jesus to come into your life. He does not force Himself on anyone. Each person must make that decision for yourself. Call on the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved." [ACTS 2:21] ]
YES! Jesus is the only way to Heaven.

--BIBLE MEDITATION

“For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.”
(Psalm 36:9)

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT

Jesus had a life that the grave could not keep. While He carried your sins to the grave and left them there, Jesus came out of that grave living, risen, and victorious!

When Jesus rose, you rose with Him. Christians are not just nice people, they are new creatures. We have, living in us, the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead. We have come out of the grave of the old life. Our old master has no more hold on us. The old debt has no more penalty that we have to pay.

When Jesus came out of that grave, we came out with Him and we have been raised to walk in newness of life.
ACTION POINT

Are you walking around in the grave clothes of your old life? Shed them, my friend! Jesus came to give you new life! Believe that you are now a new creation in Christ!

--LWF/AR~
[To have eternal life with Jesus, each person must ask Him to come into their heart. Please, invite Jesus into your heart and live eternally with Him and all fellow-believers. JESUS IS LORD."]

--"There is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved." --[ACTS 4:14]

**When Messiah Came
“Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.” (Daniel 9:25) --

This remarkable prophecy, given through the angel Gabriel to Daniel the prophet, actually predicted the date of the coming of Christ nearly 500 years in advance. From the announcement to the coming of “Messiah the Prince,” there would be 69 “weeks” (literally “sevens,” meaning in this context “seven-year periods”). That is, Messiah would come as the Prince 483 years after the commandment was given to rebuild Jerusalem. There is some uncertainty about the exact date of the decree, as well as the exact length of these prophetic years, but in each calculation the termination date is at least near or, in some cases, exactly the time when Christ entered Jerusalem to be acknowledged as its promised King.

However, Gabriel’s prophecy went on to say: “And after [the] threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off” (Daniel 9:26). That is, although He would come as promised, instead of being gladly crowned as King, He would be slain. Since the 483-year period terminated long ago, it is clear that Messiah must already have come and then been put to death at that time.

The terms of this remarkable prophecy have been precisely fulfilled in Jesus Christ alone, and no one coming later could have done so. It is no wonder that He wept over Jerusalem, pronouncing her coming judgment, “because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation” (Luke 19:44).

We, like He, should weep and pray for Israel. Yet, in God’s omniscient planning, “through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles” (Romans 11:11), and in this we can rejoice.

--ICR/HMM

--Children Will Welcome Jesus!

--"From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise."
--[Matthew 21:36] --

---The first Palm Sunday was a day of highs and lows. When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, the crowds enthusiastically shouted, "Hosanna!...Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" (Matthew 21:9). Yet many in the crowd were expecting a Messiah to free them from Rome, not a Savior who would die for their sins that same week.

Later that day, despite the anger of the chief priests who questioned Jesus' authority, children in the temple expressed their joy by shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David" (v.15), perhaps leaping and waving palm branches as they ran around the courtyard. They couldn't help but worship Him, Jesus told the indignant leaders, for "from the lips of children and infants [God has] called forth [His] praise" (v.16). They were in the presence of the Savior. And the children knew it!

Jesus invites us to also see Him for who He is. When we do, like a child overflowing with joy, we can't help but revel in His presence. ~

--"Loving God, thank You for all You've done for me! I'm amazed at the great lengths You went to so that I can find joy in You. Help me to keep my focus firmly on You, my Savior, Rock and Redeemer~"

--ODB/AK~

--THE MINISTRY OF PRAYER ~~
--[Please Read/ Acts 16:16-38]

---"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
--[James 5:16]--

~~~When we think of doing a great service for the Lord, what comes to our mind? Often we think of things like going to a foreign country as a missionary, passing out Gospel literature in a large city, or some other spectacular work. In deed these are all good things, and if God calls us to such ministries, we should obey.

But one great ministry is often unnoticed. It is the ministry of prayer. Everyone can be involved in this ministry, even those who are sick or disabled and don't do much physically. We don't have to be ordained preachers to participate in this ministry. Often the people who make the most difference and do the greatest service in God's kingdom are those behind the scenes, at home in their prayer closet, beseeching the heavenly Father, in Jesus Name.

Every powerful sermon that has been preached was born in prayer. Every evangelist that is mightily used by God has a deep and meaningful prayer life and is supported in prayer by others, such as his wife, his home church, and Christian friends.

Revelation 8:3-5 gives a glimpse of what happens when Christians pray. Their prayers ascend up before God as a sweet-smelling incense. God's heart is touched by those prayers, and He responds with great power: "voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake." When Paul and Silas were bound in prison, they had a choice to make. They could either be discourage or they could trust God and ask Him to help them. In direct answer to their prayers, God sent an earthquake and freed them from their stocks [chains]. God delights in doing mighty things for His children. May we never underestimate the power of prayer. ~~

--"Thank You, our Father, for your Son coming and answering our prayers. We give you all praise, in Jesus holy Name -- ."

--BSW/MM

---- YES, JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY TO HEAVEN ~~~

----'Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me."
---[JOHN 14:4 / NASB] --

----HE KNOWS YOUR NAME~~

~~"I have summoned you by name;
you are mine." --[Isaiah 43:1]

---AFTER breaking with our longtime church, my husband and I reunited with the fellowship after three long years. Would they welcome us back? Would they forgive us for leaving? We got our answer on a sunny Sunday morning. As we walked through the big church doors, we kept hearing our names. "Pat! Dan! It's so great to see you!" As children's author Kate DiCamillo wrote in one of her popular books, "Reader, nothing is sweeter in this sad world than the sound of someone you love calling your name."

The same assurance was true for the people of Israel. We had chosen a different church for a time, but they had turned their backs on God. Yet He welcomed them back. He sent the prophet Isaiah to assure them, "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine" (Isaiah 43:1).

In this world--where we can feel unseen, unappreciated, and even unknown--be assured that God knows each one of by name. "You are precious and honored in my sight," He promises (v.4). "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you" (v.2) This promise isn't just for Israel.

Jesus ransomed His life for us. He did it for you and He did it for me. He knows our names. Why? In love, we are His. ~~


--"Lord Jesus, when I stray from Your arms and Your fellowship, summon me home by name. I'm so grateful to be Yours."
--ODB/PR

--[**Friend, we must teach our little children that Jesus is God. He is the only way to heaven. Their minds are so pure and ready to hear this now. Please begin telling your children at an early age. Tell your grandchildren. Whoever you are around that is young needs Jesus. Sunday School is a great way to learn. Be sure they are teaching that Jesus loves them and He will never leave their side.]

---THE KINGDOM OF GOD~~

--"The kingdom of God belongs to such as these." --[Mark 10:14] --

---MY mother has been committed to many things over the course of her life, but one that has remained constant is her desire to see little children introduced to Jesus. Of the few times I've witnessed my mother display disagreement publicly, all were when someone attempted to cut a children's ministry budge in favor of what they felt were more "serious" expenditures. "I took off one summer when I was pregnant with your brother, but that's it," she told me. I did a little family math and I realized my mom had been working with children in the church for fifty-five years.

Mark 10 records one of the endearing stories in the Gospels commonly titled, "The Little Children and Jesus." People were bringing children to Jesus that He might touch and bless them. But the disciples tried to prevent this from happening. Mark records Jesus as saying, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these" (v.14).

Charles Dickens wrote, "I love these little people; and It's not a slight thing when they, who are so fresh from God, love us."

And it's not a slight thing when we, who are older, do all we can to make sure the little children are never hindered from the ever-fresh love of Jesus. ~~

--"Lord Jesus, help me to reveal Your love and presence to all people, including children. Make me mindful of ways to ensure that they can always come to You.
--ODB/JB~

-----FOUNDATION CHECK ~~

---"According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it.
But each man must be careful how he builds on it.
---"No one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ."
--[1 Corinthians 3:10-11]

--Have you ever lived in a house that was built on a crooked foundation? It causes all kinds of aggravating problems—... floors that sag, walls that crack, doors and windows that don’t open and close, cabinets that hang at odd angles, and other issues that are not so obvious. Living with a poorly constructed foundation can cause many homeowner headaches, and repairing a poorly constructed foundation can cost many dollars. We can be grateful that as followers of Jesus, we stand before Almighty God on a sure foundation that will never falter or fail. The foundation on which we stand before God, the Creator of all things, is Jesus Christ—not the local church to which we belong, not the denomination we embrace, not the Bible translation we prefer. We are people who belong to Jesus, the Son of God. We are people who worship Him and serve Him, and we owe Him everything. He is the one we call Lord, and we yield to Him fully and completely.

THINK ABOUT IT
--1 Corinthians, chapter 3, verses12-15, clearly tell us that anything we trust in and build our spiritual lives upon other than Jesus Christ will ultimately be exposed as faulty and be destroyed. Regular “foundation checks” will help ensure that you are building upon Jesus alone.

PRAYER
---"Heavenly Father, search me and help me to know my heart. Where I have built my life upon anything other than Jesus of Nazareth, help me tear down those foundations and rebuild again upon Him alone. May Jesus be praised for His transforming power at work in me. In Jesus’ name, amen."
Blessings,
Pastor Allen Jackson
--[He, (Jesus) is the Stone which was rejected by you, the builders, but which became the chief corner stone.
"And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved."]
----[ACTS 4:11 thru 12]

----DESTINATION ASSUMED ~~
--[Please Read / 2 Peter Chapter 1]

--"Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure;
for if ye do these, ye shall never fall." --[2 Peter 1:10]

--WE arrived at the place where we though the gathering would be, but nobody else was there. We had driven for an hour, only to discover that we were 45 minutes in the wrong direction from where we should have been. We had no choice but to head back home. It was a keen disappointment after all the efforts of preparing and traveling.

Then I thought of Jesus' words: "Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 7:21). How tragic it would be to plan our destination, sincerely follow our plan and miss the mark -- our heavenly goal !

What can we do to make certain that we are on the right track? Where can we turn? Let us go to God's Word. We need to read, study, and absorb its truths and let it speak to us, convict us, and study, and direct us. Our attitude needs to be like that of David: "Let my cry come near before thee, O Lord; give me understanding according to thy word" (Psalm 119:169).

God will provide direction for us if we make ourselves accountable to brethren in a Bible Church, asking them for advice and correction. Let's not go by our own thoughts and actions, but by God's Word and the wisdom of godly advisers. We need to measure ourselves by the truth, be open for correction, and sincerely see God's will..

We dare not assume our destination. We must make sure of our hope, Jesus our Savior, and our eternal destination, then our joy will be full. ~~

--"There is a way that seems right unto man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." --[Proverbs 14:12]
--BSW/ JR

---- 'Stay In the Word Of God To Prevent the Blurring'

--PLEASE READ / Hebrews 5: 11-14
----"Solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
--[Please Read All of Hebrews Chapter 5 in order to know how to Follow ''Our Perfect High Priest, Jesus Christ.'


---It should not be too hard to distinguish good from evil, but culturally we are blurring the lines between them. If you watch baseball, pay attention to how the precise lines around the batter’s box change over the first innings.

Hitters step into the box and begin to move the dirt around with their feet. Soon it’s hard to see where the chalk lines are. We’re living in a season where people are blurring the lines; a lot of people are moving dirt around with their feet. As a culture, we somehow feel imposed upon just by seeing ten moral boundaries given official sanction, and we’ve stood by as the Ten Commandments are removed from public places. A prayer for good sportsmanship and protection before a high school sporting event may cost someone a job. The only way for us to keep God’s perspective on right and wrong is through training ourselves by the constant use of His Word. It will not give a specific answer to every question, but the moral principles that run through it, from beginning to end, will give us guidance for how to live in this generation.

THINK ABOUT IT
What is your guide for determining right from wrong? Do you hold every decision up to the light of God’s Word?

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, help me recognize Your perspective in Your Word and obey it across the span of my life. Thank You for others who hold me accountable to Your boundaries. Use my life to make a difference in this generation. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Allen Jackson
~~~~~~~~

------THINGS ABOVE ~~

--"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated
at the right hand of God." --[Colossians 3:1] --

--Stepping outside and gazing heavenward on a star-studded evening always helps to sooth my soul after a trouble-filled day. When I peer into the night sky, I forget, at least for a moment, the cares of life on earth.


Ancient Israel's prolific songwriter wrote a poem thousands of years ago that still rings true: "When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, and human beings that you care for them?" --[Psalm 8:3-4]

When we try to imagine the immensity of God's heavens, our problems indeed seem trivial. Yet God doesn't think so! With all the galaxies He has to attend to, God is mindful of us. Not only are we on His mind, but He also cares for us.

"The heavens declare the glory of God (Psalm 19:1). Let's join creation in praise to the One great enough to create the world yet care for you and me. : ~~

---"You are loved with an everlasting love and underneath are HIs everlasting arms." ~

--ODB/JA~

----LOVE COMES FIRST ~~

--"We love because He first loved us."
---[1 JOHN 4:19] --

---ONE evening my friend showed me one of the three decorative plaques for a wall arrangement in her living room. "See, I've already got Love," she said, holding up the plaque with the word written on it. "Faith and Hope are on order."

So Love comes first, I thought. Faith and Hope soon follow!

Love did come first. In fact it originated with God. First John 4:19 reminds us that "we love [God] because he first loved us." God's love, described in 1 Corinthians 13 (known as the "love chapter"), explains a characteristic of real love when it says, "Love never fails" (v.8).

Faith and hope are essential to the believer. It is only because we are justified by faith that "we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ": (Romans 5:1). And hope is described in Hebrews 6 as "an anchor for the soul, firm and secure" (v.19).

"Now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love" It's first and last. (1 Corinthians 13:13).

--Jesus is God. Jesus is Love. Jesus is our Faith, Hope and Love. ~~

--ODB/CKH~

-----JESUS IS GOD ~~

--Jesus is God spelling himself out in language that man can understand.

--The birth of Christ brought God to man, but it took the cross of Christ to bring man to God.
To face Christ as Judge is to know him as a friend.
We may love Jesus too little, but we can never love Him too much.

The humble Carpenter of Nazareth was also the mighty Architect of the Universe.
Christ was born here below that we might be born from above.
--The Son of God became the Son of Man that He might change the sons of men into sons of God.

The Light of the World knows no power failures.
Christ's incarnation brought the infinite God within reach of finite men.
When Christ is the center of your focus, all else will come into proper perspective.

Jesus invested his life in you, have you shown any interest?
It's tragic to know Psalm 23 but not know the Shepherd.

Jesus began and ended his ministry the same way---alone.

We may travel the sea of life without Christ; but what about the landing?
Man's best friend, Jesus, has conquered man's worst enemy, death.

**'The Son of Man...is the stairway between heaven and earth." --[John 1:51 / NLT]

**WE ARE NEVER ALONE WHEN WE ARE ALONE WITH JESUS.**