---"JESUS/ [The God Who Knows Your Name]~"
--(New Book/ Max Lucado/ Highly Recommended/ 2020)

~~FOR THIRTY-THREE YEARS Jesus felt everything you and I have ever felt. Weakness. Weariness. Sadness. Rejection. His feet got tired. And His head ached. He was tempted and His strength was tested. To think of Jesus in such a light seems almost irreverent, doesn't it? It is much easier to keep the humanity out of the incarnation. Clean the manure from around the manger. There is something about keeping Jesus divine that keeps Him distant, packaged, predictable.

But it's only when we let Him into the muck and mire of our world that He can pull us out. In becoming human, Jesus made it possible for us to see G-D. His tears, God's tears. His voice, God's voice. Want to know what matters to God? Find out what matters to Jesus. Want to know what in the world God is doing? Ponder the words and life of Jesus.

God wants you to know Him. May the Hero of all history talk to you personally, and may you find in Him the answer to your deepest needs. Yes, the God of the Universe knows your name. He knows everything about you.
**Jehovah Yahweh of the Old Testament is Jesus of the New Testament/ They are inseparable**. ~~

~~"JESUS / The God Who Knows Your Name" /ML~
-["You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me;
And you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life.
I have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me;
If another comes in his own name, you will receive him.
For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote about Me.
But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words" [John 5:39,40,46,47 /NASB]~
~~~~~~~~~~~

~~He (Jehovah Jireh/ Our God Who Provides) is Our Refuge and Strength~~

~~In this season, talk of shortages is everywhere we turn. A shortage of hospital beds. A shortage of supplies in the grocery stores. A shortage of the needed vaccine. A shortage of answers for the questions everyone is asking.

-"My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" [Philippians 4:19]. --

But with all the talk of shortages, there is one thing of which we will never run short… We will never run short of God’s love. He is with us. He loves us. He is strengthening us. And he is watching over us. When it feels like we don’t have what we need, God promises to provide for us. When it feels like things are falling apart, God promises to be there for us.

What is God saying in this time? Among the answers must be this promise from Psalm 46:1: “He is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble.” Turn to Him today.~~

~~"Jesus, The God Who Knows Your Name"~

----JESUS NEVER CHANGES~~

~"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" [Hebrews 13:8].

~~"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword...
and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart"--[Hebrews 4:12].-

~~Today's key verse portrays the mighty power of God's Word. No other weapon is able to discern our secret thoughts and examine the intents of our heart as the Word does. The same power is evident in Jeremiah 23:28: "Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock to pieces?" The power of the Word is necessary because we naturally have a "stony heart" (Ezekiel 11:19).

How does the Word of God affect us when we read it or hear it preached? Does it convict us and move us to action? In times of weakness or sorrow, does the Word strengthen us and comfort us? Or does it run off like water from a duck's back? Remember, the Bible is not just an ordinary book; it is the Word of God written by inspiration from God Himself. "All things are naked and opened" before God (Hebrews 4:13), and someday we will give an account of our thoughts and actions to Him, whether good or bad.

In Nehemiah 8, when Ezra publicly read the Law of God, the people were convicted, they wept, and they confessed their sins. When Peter preached the Word of God on the day of Pentecost, the people were convicted and asked, "What shall we do?" Peter answered that they needed to repent.

When the Word of God convicts us of some area that needs improvement or of some hidden sin, what do we do? Let's never harden our heart, but respond to the power of God's Word as the people did in these Bible accounts. Let's repent of our sins and confess them to the Lord. Then He will forgive us and "cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). ~~

~"Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word. Help us, Lord to stay close to You and tell others of your life changing message. Only You can change hearts, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Our only salvation is in You. We pour out our praise to You only, Lord. ~amen"-
--"Beside Still Waters" /CM~
---"Great Are You Lord"/ Casting Crowns// <https://youtu.be/ZZqV6i98SkA>
~~~~~~~~~

-"Jesus, The G-D Who Knows Your Name~"

~~~Do They Know? // ~Have You Told Them?

~~"Your faithful followers will praise you. They will speak of the glory of your kingdom; they will give examples of your power. They will tell about your mighty deeds and about the majesty and glory of your reign."
~~~[Psalm 145:10-12 / NLT] -

~~The memory is fresh, all these years later. On the night I graduated from high school, the ceremony was over and my classmates were filing out.

--It was the first time I remember the Lord saying something to me. “You say you are a Christian,” I clearly heard. “That’s right,” I replied. I thought I was going to get a commendation. “You’ve been with most of these students for four years—some of them longer—but you’ve never made a single attempt to tell one of them what you think about Me.” At that time of my life, you couldn’t make me cry. That night, in front of all those people, I began to cry. That was a turning point in my life. I never again want to hear that sad reprimand from the Lord. I intend to spend my days telling people just how much I love Him and how grateful I am for what He has done for me.

THINK ABOUT IT
You are as free to describe what the Lord has done, as you are to recount the amazing plays of your favorite athlete or an episode from your favorite show. Don’t let anything cause you to self-censor your conversations about God’s power and kindnesses toward you.

PRAYER
~"Heavenly Father, I want to be ready to speak of Your Kingdom and give examples in my own life of Your power. Lord, help me put my gratitude to You into unashamed words that can open the door of faith in You for others. 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"--(Matther10:32-33].
~~~~~

--"JESUS/ The G-D Who Knows Your Name~"

---THE UNCHANGING CREATOR IS FOR US!
---[Max Lucado~]

~~Everything is changing! Flight schedules are changing. The economy is changing. The school schedule is changing. Changes, everywhere.

~~~But what hasn’t changed? God’s love for us. [1 John 4:8] ~~ The four most welcome words in the Bible are God is for us. GOD is for us— the unchanging Creator is FOR us. His love for us is constant and unchanging. He’s not plotting to take us down. He wants to build us up. He hasn’t turned away from us. He has turned toward us and is inviting us to run to him for peace and strength.~"If God be for us who can be against us" ~ [Romans 8:31].

Among all the changes in this season, find comfort in this steadfast promise from Christ. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27). Turn to Him today. ~~
~~~~~~

---"Jesus/ The G-D Who Knows Your Name"

~~~GOD IS TESTING THE CHURCH~~

~~~~I think God is testing the church. By that I mean He is strengthening us. He’s calling upon us to be the people He desires for His church to be.

You will remember that when Jesus fed that crowd of 5,000 men plus women and children, the gospel tells us that Jesus tested his followers by telling them to feed those people. They could have and they should have looked to him and said, “Lord, you can do this.” And so that’s the call of the church right now…to be the people who come to God and say, God we cannot solve this but you can.

~~"Bless our leaders, LORD. Bless those in research. Bless those who are vulnerable, we ask you, Father. Lord, lead, guide and direct our steps. 'Apart from You we can do nothing' [John 15:5]. Thank You, for always being available for us to come to. We praise You and bless your holy Name. In Jesus Name.~~ "

[So let’s be that people, folks. Let’s be people who call out to God in asking for help. We’re gonna get through this. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy. I’m not saying it’s gonna be quick. But God will take this and He will use it for good.--]
--Inspirational Reader/ML~~

--Transformed By Christ's Death and Resurrection!

~~"Then they [the religious council] became insistent. "But he is causing riots by his teaching
wherever he goes--all over Judea, from Galilee to Jerusalem!" [Luke 23:5 / (NLT)]--

~~~WORDS MATTER. TO THE AUTHOR--AND to the readers. Finding the exact word is a writer's constant quest.

~~Jesus was brought before Pilate. The council--jealous, angry, and afraid of losing its standing--tried fiercely to persuade Pilate, insisting that Jesus was dangerous, that His ministry should be stopped. At the cost of His life, if necessary.

The Bible tells us they became so desperate they chose a word they knew Pilate would react to Riot. Jesus had---in their words--been "causing riots everywhere."

Is that what He'd been doing? He certainly drew crowds. Most in those crowds returned home healed, amazed, faith-filled, or wanting to hear more. He caused a lot of wonder and soul-searching. He pricked a lot of consciences But He rarely raised His voice.

It was the doubters, the stubborn, and the rabble-rousers who caused the riots. Those who refused to believe fueled fires of controversy.

Jesus, the Christ, whose resistance was against the enemies of God and soul-condemning sin. Jesus, the Healer, Shepherd-King, the One who welcomed children onto His lap and restored the slashed ear of one of His captors--hours before He was accused of causing riots.

I wonder how many of those desperate council members were transformed by Christ's death and resurrection. How many later longed to reword their complaints against Him, saying, "He caused a riot in my soul, and I'll never be the same"?

--GUIDEPOSTS/CR~~
--"Nobody Loves Me Like You"--Chris Tomlin //<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyp_oL4m5k4>
~~~~~~~~~~~

---A NEW CALLING ~~ / LIVING FOR CHRIST ~

~~"He has saved us and called us to a holy life."
---(2 Timothy 1:9) ~~

[--PLEASE READ 2 TIMOTHY 1:6–14]

~~~Teenage gang leader Casey and his followers broke into homes and cars, robbed convenience stores, and fought other gangs. Eventually, Casey was arrested and sentenced. In prison, he became a “shot caller,” someone who handed out homemade knives during riots.

Sometime later, he was placed in solitary confinement. While daydreaming in his cell, Casey experienced a “movie” of sorts replaying key events of his life—and of Jesus, being led to and nailed to the cross and telling him, “I’m doing this for you.” Casey fell to the floor weeping and confessed his sins. Later, he shared his experience with a chaplain, who explained more about Jesus and gave him a Bible. “That was the start of my journey of faith,” Casey said. Eventually, he was released into the mainline prison population, where he was mistreated for his faith. But he felt at peace, because “[he] had found a new calling: telling other inmates about Jesus.”

In his letter to Timothy, the apostle Paul talks about the power of Christ to change lives: God calls us from lives of wrongdoing to follow and serve Jesus (2 Timothy 1:9). Like Casey, [born-again-believers] experience God’s grace, and now the Holy Spirit empowers them to be living witnesses of Christ’s love. Through the Holy Spirit’s enabling, we too have a new calling to share the good news (v. 8).
ODB/AK

~~~SHINE THROUGH~~

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
----[Matthew 5:16]

~~~Some of us might think saints are people of the past who lived perfect lives and did Jesus-like miracles. But when Scripture uses the word saint, it is actually referring to anyone who belongs to God through faith in Christ. In other words, saints are people like us who have the high calling of serving God while reflecting our relationship with Him in whatever we do. That is why the apostle Paul prayed that his readers would think of themselves as the treasured inheritance of Christ and saints of God (Ephesians 1:18).

If we are fulfilling our calling, we will look like people who, maybe even without realizing it, are letting the rich colors of the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control of God shine through. [Galatians 5:22-23] ~~

--ODB/KO
--"Reign Above It All"// The McClures==<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7tQRpKO0TY>
~~~~~~~~

~~~JESUS MEETS WITH US, AS WE PRAY ~~~

-"Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts."
---(Acts 2:46)

~~~Loneliness is one of the greatest threats to our sense of well-being, affecting our health through our behaviors on social media, food consumption, and the like. One study suggests that nearly two-thirds of all people--regardless of age or gender--feel lonely at least some of the time. One British supermarket has created "talking tables" in their store cafes as a way to foster connection between people. Those looking for human interaction simply seat themselves at a table designated for that purpose, joining others or indicating a desire to be joined. Conversation ensues, providing a sense of connection and community. As we pray together, the Lord is among us.

The people of the early church were committed to shared connection too. Without each other, they would likely have felt very alone in the practice of their faith, which was still new to the world. Not only did they "[devote] themselves to the apostles' teaching" to learn what following Jesus meant, they also "[met] together in the temple courts" and "broke bread in their homes" for mutual encouragement and fellowship (Acts 2:42, 46).

We need human connection; God designed us that way! Painful seasons of loneliness point to that need. Like the people of the early church, it's important for us to engage in the human companionship our well-being requires and to offer it to those around us who also need it. Truly, no one loves us like our Lord Jesus. ~~

--ODB/KH~
---"No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus" // Steffany Gretzinger (lyrics) <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsQgZzQDups>
~~~~~~~

~~PURPOSE IN A PANDEMIC/ ICR/ RK~

~~~Our family decided to plant a modest garden in our backyard. As I placed each seed in its hole and covered it with dirt, I began thinking about the amazing purpose seeds have to change a life. This tiny speck is a true miracle. We place this life-giving seed in the sunny, fertile ground, cover it, apply water, and the Lord does the rest. We trust that when storms may arise, the seed will stay firmly planted.

I was sitting with an individual I see regularly and we started chatting about when this pandemic started, before the “shelter in place” orders. She was telling me how a friend was texting her updates on infected counts according to the news they were watching. It was causing her to start to stress about the situation. I begin to share with her the hope I have! I started to tell told her in this life I am not promised tomorrow. There are a lot of things in this world I do not know. However, my Jesus knows it all. As I finished sharing my hope and faith in Christ, she told me it changed the stress within her. She said, “I am so glad I saw you today. There are so many thinking so negatively. I needed to hear that.”

In this present world of pandemics, wars, and tragedies, we begin to reassess our lives and seek peace. Challenging events may cause panic, giving us a window to share the hope within us, a seed of nourishment while others may need the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. We have a loving God trying to provoke us to “good works.” In Christ, let us be a seed planted in fertile ground, given the Son, and sprinkled with the water of His word to be fruitful and multiply, trusting in the Lord when storms arise.

We have a purpose every day! Bring “the peace of God which passeth all understanding” to everyone we meet.-[Philippians 4:6,7]- We all need a reminder of the hope we have. In a state of panic, fear, and unbelief, we have the very seed to help in these times of trouble. Give abundantly the life-giving seed to whosoever and allow the Lord to handle the rest.

Remember the words of Christ our Lord and Savior,

“Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”
~~~~~~~~~

---CHRIST THE LORD IS RISEN !

--"He is not here; for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place
where the Lord lay."--[Matthew 28:6]--

~~~What a glorious revelation when the truth comes to our hearts that Christ's tomb is empty! If it were not for this truth, we would be of all men most miserable. "But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept." The grave couldn't hold Him and the devil himself couldn't stop Him; Christ arose triumphant!

There is no other religion on earth with such a message. This is why we have victory! This is why we can be free! "Whom the Son sets free is free indeed."

Romans 8:11 tells us that the same Spirit who raised up Jesus can dwell in us. Once this is a living reality in our hearts, we will be done with lesser things and be among the most blessed people on earth. We won't walk around half the day with long faces or have a victim mentality. We will be truly joyful because the truth of Jesus' resurrection is the zeal of our hearts. The power of God will transform our lives because Jesus is risen!

There is no other victory like this. Christ has burst the gates of hell; he has opened paradise--Alleluia! "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain In the Lord" [1 Corinthians 15:57-58]. JESUS IS ALIVE!

--Beside Still Waters/KN~
--"GOOD GOOD FATHER" /(Chris Tomlin / with lyrics) //<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06ZN4wC-ono>
~~~~~~~~~~

~~~-We are Overcomers Through Christ Jesus~

--Today we are in a great spiritual battle against Satan and evil. We are fighting "against principalities, against powers, against rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:12).
Trying to overcome these enemies in our own strength will always end in defeat. What is the secret of victory? "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" (Ephesians 6:11). "This is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith" (1 John 5:4).

We serve the same God that David did. In God's strength and by the blood of Jesus, we can overcome any obstacle, wall, or temptation that Satan uses against us. But we must have the same faith and the same high view of God that David had. If we do, we can claim Christ's promise in Matthew 17:20 = "Nothing shall be impossible unto you." ~
--Beside Still Waters/ CL~
-"You're Gonna Be OK // Jenn Johnson //<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgvcw2vXRm4>
~~~~~

--"JESUS/ The G-D Who Knows Your Name ~~

---'HE CHANGED ME'

--"But if a wicked person...does what is just and right,
they will save their life." --[Ezekiel 18:27]-

~~~ WHEN John, who ran the biggest brothel in London, was sent to prison, he falsely believed, I'm a good guy. While there, he decided to attend the Bible study at the prison because there was cake and coffee, but he was struck by how happy the other inmates seemed to be. He started to cry during the first song and later received a Bible. Reading from the prophet Ezekiel changed him, hitting him "like a thunderbolt." He read, "But if a wicked person ...that person will surely live; they will not die" (18:27-28). God's Word came alive to him and he realized, "I wasn't a good guy....I was wicked and I needed to change." While praying with the pastor, he said, "I found Jesus Christ and He changed me."

These words from Ezekiel were spoken to God's people when they were in exile. Although they had turned from God, He longed that they would rid themselves of their offenses and "get a new heart and a new spirit" (v.31). Those words helped John to "Repent and live!" (v.32) as he followed Jesus, the One who called sinners to repentance (Luke 5:32).

May we respond to the Spirit's conviction of sin, that we too might enjoy forgiveness and freedom. ~~

"Father God, thank You for making me aware of my sinful behavior through Your Holy Spirit.
Soften my heart to repent and to receive Your forgiveness, in Jesus Name. ~ amen"

--ODB/ABP~
--"Graves Into Gardens"// Elevation Worship [lyrics] (feat Brandon Lake) <https://youtu.be/mPhJdvf8Zvg>
~~~~~~~~~

---FIX YOUR EYES ON JESUS~~

~~"May he enlighten the eyes of your mind so that you can see
what hope his call holds for you." --(Ephesians 1:18 / NIV )

~~What [does] it mean to be just like Jesus? The world has never known a heart so pure, a character so flawless. His spiritual hearing was so keen he never missed a heavenly whisper. His mercy so abundant he never missed a chance to forgive. No lie left his lips, no distraction marred his vision. He touched when others recoiled. He endured when others quit.

Jesus is the ultimate model for every person....God urges you to fix your eyes upon Jesus. Heaven invites you to set the lens of your heart on the heart of the Savior and make Him the object of your life. ~~
--Just Like Jesus/ML~

-"Only Jesus" (lyrics)// Casting Crowns // <https://youtu.be/TAtx1y58jS0>
~~~~~~~

---WHAT GOD OWES US ~~

"Live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way;
bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of
God." --( Colossians 1:10)

~~A story is told about a vendor who sold bagels for fifty cents each at a street corner food stand. A jogger ran past and threw a couple of quarters into the bucket but didn't take a bagel. This went on for months. One day as he was jogging by, the vendor stopped him. The runner asked, "You probably want to know why I put money in but never take a bagel, don't you?" "No," said the vendor. "I just wanted to tell you that the bagels have gone up to sixty cents."

Too often we treat God similarly . Not only are we grateful what what He's given us--but we also want more. Somehow we feel that God owes us good health, a comfortable life, material blessings. God doesn't owe us anything, yet He gives us everything.

The Psalmist said, "This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24 / NKJV). That should be enough.

Each day, whether good or bad, is one more gift from our God. Our grateful response should be to live to please Him. ~~
--ODB/CH-
-"KING JESUS" - (lyrics)// Matt Redman // <https://youtu.be/n2_Kt4cK8OU>
~~~~~~~~~

--**Friend, Every believer in Jesus, at the time of their salvation, has been called to spread Jesus's Words.
--"You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you" ~~
---[LUKE 24:48-49]

--"You Are Already Sent"

Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
---[John 20:21-22 / NIV)--

~~~People say to me, “If I just knew what God wanted me to do, I would do whatever, go wherever…if I just knew.” I’m going to help you with that: He has sent you. Just like the first disciples in this passage, He has appointed you His ambassador, filled you with the power of the Holy Spirit, and sent you—into a family, a group of friends, a neighborhood, a community, an office, a warehouse, a classroom, an operating room, a restaurant kitchen—you get the picture. Do the people in those places know that God sent you? We’ve been timid about this, fearing that someone might be offended by the expression of our faith. If God sent me to them, and they’re offended by Him, I’d say it’s better for them to process that now rather than when they are standing before the Judge of all the earth. Remember: No matter where you are, you are sent!

THINK ABOUT IT
A lot of us have been waiting for an “audible” commission when the Lord has already given us our assignment in writing. Be brave and willing to be part of the Lord’s “search and rescue” mission in your corner of the world. The Lord Jesus lives inside of you (spiritually), when you accept Him as your Savior. He speaks through you.

PRAYER
--"Heavenly Father, You have directed my steps with focused purpose and placed others around me for Your purposes. Let Your Holy Spirit’s fruit be made manifest in my life, and the power He provides give evidence of Your mercy and grace. Help me Lord, to never be ashamed to profess Your name in a lost and dying world. I want to be a vessel for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen."
Blessings,
Pastor Allen Jackson--"God With Us" (lyrics) //Terrain //v<https://youtu.be/XKjYHBLrW8s>
~~~~~~~~~~~

--An Easy Yoke~~

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and
you will find rest for your souls."
---(Matthew 11:29) --

~~A Sunday school teacher read Matthew 11:30 to her class and then asked, "Jesus said, 'My yoke is easy.' Who can tell me what a yoke is?" A boy raised his hand and replied, "A yoke is something they put on the necks of animals so they can help each other."

Then the teacher asked, "What is the yoke Jesus puts on us?" A quiet little girl raised her hand and said, It is God putting His arm around us."

When Jesus came, He offered an "easy" and "light" yoke compared to the yoke of the religious leaders (Matthew 11:30). They had placed "heavy burdens" on the people (Matthew 23:4 / NKJV), which no one could possibly keep.

As we recognize our need for forgiveness, Jesus comes alongside us. He places His yoke on us, freeing us from guilt and helping us live a life that's pleasing to our heavenly Father God.

Do you need Jesus's help? He says, "Come to me...Take my yoke upon you and learn from me" (Matthew 11:28-29). He longs to put His arm around you. Go ahead, ask Him. Jesus never turns away a sincere seeker. "You are loved with an everlasting love and underneath are His everlasting arms." ~~
--ODB/AC~~

[**If pictures (or visuals) of Jesus offend you, maybe just listen to the words of the song and be blessed. Some like to imagine who they're talking to. Jesus is always as close as the mention of His Name.~]
--"I God Saved" (lyrics) Selah ~ <https://youtu.be/sIetAxA49xE>
~~~~~~~~

--A Pleasant Diversion?

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of
your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good,
pleasing and perfect will." ~~[Romans 12:2] --

~~A friend who was looking for a church to attend told me she had found just what she was looking for: "I like this church because I don't have to change my lifestyle of partying. It doesn't make me feel guilty or require anything of me. I feel good about myself when I'm here."

But is this what Jesus calls us to? Author W. Waldo Beach says, "No amount of air-conditioning and pew-cushioning in the suburban church can cover over the hard truth that...discipleship is costly...No one can understand Christianity to its depths who comes to it to enjoy it as a pleasant weekend diversion."

Being a Christian means we know Jesus personally because we have received Him by faith as our Savior from sin. We deny our will and choose His instead. He transforms our thinking, our values, and our priorities to reflect what is acceptable to God (Romans 12:1-2).

True faith is not a pleasant weekend diversion with many people enjoying the excitement of music or the large capacity of people. We are there to give Jesus all praise and glory!

--ODB/AC
--"[You're] All To Us"/ (lyrics) Chris Tomlin // <https://youtu.be/pRJ8Hm-27rc>
~~~~~~~~

~~Jesus Is Always With Us ~~

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched."
---(Isaiah 43:2 /NASB-)--

---FACE-TO-FACE ~~
~~[Please Read /Exodus 33:7-14]

"The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend."
---(Exodus 33:11)--

~~Although we're all connected electronically like never before nothing beats time together in person. Those who love each other, whether family or friends, like to share with each other face-to-face.

We see this face-to-face relationship between the Lord and Moses, the man God chose to lead His people. Moses grew in confidence over the years of following God, and he continued to follow Him despite the people's rebelliousness and idolatry. After the people worshiped a golden calf instead of the Lord (see Exodus 32), Moses set up a tent outside of the camp in which to meet God, while they had to watch from a distance (33:7-11). As the pillar of cloud signifying God's presence descended to the tent, Moses spoke on their behalf. The Lord promised that His presence would go with them (v.14).

We no longer need someone like Moses to speak with God for us. Instead, just as Jesus offered His disciples, we can have friendship with God through Christ (John 15:15). We too can meet with Him, with the Lord speaking to us as one speaks to a friend. ~~

--ODB/ABP~
--"Oceans Where Feet May Fail" (lyrics/Taya Smith-worship leader) Hillsong United <https://youtu.be/xoZE2RsthRg>
~~~~~~~~~

--DANCING BEFORE THE LORD~~

--"Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another,
"Why this waste of perfume?" --[MARK 14:4]--

--A number of years ago, my wife and I visited a small church where during the worship service a woman began to dance in the aisle. She was soon joined by others. Carolyn and I looked at each other and an unspoken agreement passed between us; "Not me!" We come from church traditions that favor a serious liturgy, and this other form of worship was well beyond our comfort zone.

But if Mark's story of Mary's "waste" means anything at all, it suggests that our love for Jesus may express itself in ways that others find uncomfortable (Mark 14:1-9). A year's wages were involved in Mary's anointing. It was an "unwise" act that invited the disciples' scorn. The word Mark uses to describe their reaction means "to snort" and suggests disdain and mockery. Mary may have cringed, fearing Jesus' response. But He commended her for her act of devotion and defended her against His own disciples, for Jesus saw the love that prompted her action despite what some would consider the impractical nature of it. He said, "Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me" (v.6).-

Different forms of worship--informal, formal, quiet, exuberant--represent a sincere outpouring of love for Jesus. He's worthy of all worship that comes from a heart of love.~~

--"I bow before You, Almighty God, and worship You now. You're worthy of the highest praise and adoration. Be glorified, our Maker and Redeemer. King above all kings, King Jesus!" ~amen~
--ODB/DHR
--"Graves Into Gardens"/ (lyrics) /Feat/Brandon Lake/Elevation Worship//<https://youtu.be/mPhJdvf8Zvg>
~~~~~~~~~

--PRAYERS ON THE BEACH [LA PLAYA] ~~

--"Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for his name alone is exalted. [PSALM 148:13] --

---During a trip to celebrate our twenty-fifth anniversary, my husband and I read our Bibles on the beach. As vendors passed and called out the prices of their wares, we thanked each one but didn't buy anything. One vendor, Fernando, smiled wide at my rejection and insisted we consider buying gifts for friends. After I declined his invitation, Fernando packed up and began walking away...still grinning. "I pray God will bless your day," I said.

Fernando turned toward me and said, "He has! Jesus changed my life." Fernando knelt between our chairs. "I feel His presence here." He then shared how God had delivered him from drug and alcohol abuse more than fourteen years earlier.

My tears flowed as he recited entire poems from the book of Psalms and prayed for us. Together, we praised God and rejoiced in His presence...on la playa .

Psalm 148 is a prayer of praise. The psalmist encourages all of creation to "praise the name of the LORD, for at his command [everything was] created" (v.5), "for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens" (v.13).

Though God invites us to bring our needs before Him and trust He hears and cares for us, He also delights in prayers of grateful praise wherever we are. Even on the beach. If we go back to this place and see Fernando again, we will know him. Most importantly, Jehovah Yahweh, YHWH knows him by name.

--ODB/XD~
" Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? and yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. The very hairs of your head are numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows. Therefor 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 10:29 thru 33].

--"Just Be" (lyrics) Kim Walker-Smith //<https://youtu.be/1G8KVJBLwtg>
---------

--A FULL MOVIE // ALISON'S CHOICE ~~

--"Thus says the LORD who made you
And formed you from the womb, who will help you,
Do not fear...."

--JESUS KNOWS YOU! He LOVES YOU! He Formed you in your mother's womb."
--Hope to get the video, "ALISON'S CHOICE"


--[Movie by Bruce Marchiano]

<https://youtu.be/qIuR3eBxY3M>
~~~~~~~~~~~

---FREEDOM FROM GUILT ~~

--[Please Read/ 1 John 3:18-24) --

---Is there something from your past that continues to stir up feelings of guilt? Unless you rest in God’s complete forgiveness, you won’t experience the fullness of His divine grace.

If you feel ashamed but don’t know why, the problem could be a false sense of guilt. The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin so we can repent and be free. But guilt that persists with no specific cause comes from the devil. Ask the Lord to cleanse of you of any false guilt today.

Another source is legalistic teaching. Many people have been taught a distorted version of the gospel and think, I’ll never measure up. For example, the religious leaders of Jesus’ time followed a code of man-made rules, and they communicated the idea that “unless you do this, God won’t accept you.” Righteous deed by righteous deed, they tried to earn the Lord’s acceptance—and sometimes so do we. But this legalistic view always becomes an enslaving vicious cycle.

Remember, Jesus came to liberate us. The Bible says that when you are set free by Christ, your freedom is complete (John 8:36). It’s time to let His grace cleanse you from any shame. Ask the Lord to help you walk in this truth—and enjoy unhindered fellowship with your Savior.
--IN TOUCH~
-[**Friend, we must remember the 'accuser of the brethren' [Satan] is real. Jesus overcame him by dying on the Cross. [Revelation 12:10] ~~ Don't let him tell you you are no good. Or God can not forgive you. He is a liar and the father of lies.' // Jesus came to set you free. " Whom the Son sets free is free indeed." If there is sin in you life, claim 1 John 1: 9 // "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteouness". Then turn away from that sin, and follow in Jesus' steps. He will help you.]

--OUR FAITHFUL GOD ~~

--[Please Read/ Hebrews 13:5-9] --

--In troubled times we may begin to think that God doesn't care or has forsaken us, but that's not true. If we've trusted Christ as our Savior, He promises never to desert or abandon us (Hebrews 13:5). No matter how we may feel, God is always with us.

As great as this promise is we have yet another foundational truth on which to rely. We can fully trust whatever our Savior says because "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever" (v.8). He doesn't save us one day and then abandon us later. Jesus said, "All the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out" (John 6:37). He affirmed this same truth, saying that no one can snatch us out of His or the Father's hands (10:28-29).

If we think that the Lord has suddenly abandoned us, we are walking by sight and not by faith. The reality is that we are the ones wavering, but Jesus and His promises have not changed. He is present, providing for our needs, and working for our good in every situation. ~

-"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God not as a result of works so that no one may boast." --[Ephesians 2:8-9].


--IN TOUCH~

--LEGACY OF KINDNESS~~

--"All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas
had made while she was still with them." --[Acts 9:39] --

--Martha served as a teacher's aide at an elementary school for over thirty years. Every year, she saved money to buy new coats, scarves, and gloves for students in need. After she lost her fight with leukemia, we held a celebration of life service. In lieu of flowers, people donated hundreds of brand-new winter coats to the students she loved and served for decades. Many people shared stories about the countless ways Martha encouraged others with kind words and thoughtful deeds. Her fellow teachers honored her memory with an annual coat drive for three years after her life ended on this side of eternity. Her legacy of kindness still inspires others to generously serve those in need.

In Acts 9, the apostle Luke shares a story about Dorcas, a woman who was "always doing good and helping the poor" (v.36). After she got sick and died, the grieving community urged Peter to visit. All the widows showed Peter how Dorcas had lived to serve (v.39). In a miraculous act of compassion, Peter brought Dorcas back to life. The news of Dorcas' resurrection spread, and "many people believed in the Lord" (v.42). But it was Dorcas' commitment to serving others in practical ways that touched the hearts in her community and revealed the power of living generosity. ~~

--"Loving God, please help me to love others in practical ways each day so I can leave a legacy of kindness that points others straight to You. Thank You, Lord, that even as You know how many hairs are on our head (Matthew 10:30), we can have a personal relationship with You, our Rock, Redeemer, and Fortress. We give you praise. In Jesus Name." ~~

--ODB/XD~

---TAKE COURAGE ~~

--"Be strong and of a good courage."
--[Joshua 1:6]
--[Please Read / JOSHUA Chapter 1]

~~There was a reason why God told Joshua to be strong and of a good courage. He faced a situation that he had never faced before. Joshua would need to cross the Jordan River when the water was at its highest, and conquer the land that God had promised to Israel. After the priests stepped into the river, it stopped flowing and all the Israelites walked across on dry land. This certainly was a step of faith.

Courage is mental or moral strength to act in spite of danger, fear, of difficulty. It may include bravery and strength in pain or grief. Psalm 31:24 says, "Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord." Maybe God is asking us to cross asking us to cross some river we have never crossed before. Perhaps we hesitate to move forward because of disappointment, sickness, loss of a lover one, or a financial setback. Let's take a fresh courage, look beyond the circumstances, and focus our eyes on Heaven. Keep our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Remember, the same God who told Joshua to be strong and of good courage can be our God today.

Jesus understands just how we feel. Hebrews 4:15-16 says that He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. He invites us to "come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
Thank the Lord that we can cast all our care upon Him because He cares for us. "You are loved with an everlasting love and underneath are His everlasting arms. ~~
--"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart: wait I say on the LORD." --[Psalm 27:14]

--BSW/CM
-----"God Turn It Round" 'Church of the City' // Jon Reddick <https://youtu.be/5F0-qkP703Q>
~~~~~~~~~~~~

--Heaven / Our Home Sweet Home ~~

--"For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.
---[Hebrews 13:14]

--I RECENTLY saw a decorative sign with the familiar message "Home Sweet Home." I smiled as I thought of spending eternity with Jesus. That message carries a whole new mean since my life became transient. In the last year, I've averaged about only half of each month at home due to ministry travels and time spent with family.

Nowadays, home is where I touch base between trips, where I pack and unpack my suitcases, and where I catch up on emails before heading out again. Don't get me wrong, please. I love the life Jesus has entrusted to me. It gives me many opportunities to see where He's working around the world. I consider that a privilege. However--a little piece of my heart yearns for the day I'll put my suitcases away.

No longer will I need packing lists lest I forget something important. No longer will I wait in airport security lines or fear losing my passport. No longer will I need to get up early, head to the gym, hoist weights so I can stay strong enough to lift those fifty-pound suitcases!

Someday my transient lifestyle will end. I'll move to my permanent home in Heaven and stay put for a long, long time. The yearning in my heart to settle down will be satisfied once for all.

That sounds enticing, but meeting Jesus face to face will beat it all! He's ready and waiting to welcome me home. "Enter in, my faithful servant . Enter into to the joy of the LORD."

Is heaven your real home too? If not, it can be. Acknowledge that you are a sinner, ask Jesus to be your Savior, and give Him control over your life. Imagine the joy of hearing "Welcome Home, My child!"


--"Hymn Of Heaven"// Phil Wickham // https://youtu.be/VbqSm-_pDxA
~~~~~~~~~

---JESUS KNOWS YOUR NAME ~~

----God added, "Regarding Sarai your wife--her name is no longer 'Sarai' but 'Sarah'
('Princess'). And I will bless her and give you a son from her! Yes, I will bless her richly,
and make her the mother of nations! Many kings shall be among your posterity."
--[Genesis 17:15-16] --

---A PEDIATRITION and I coauthored a book about a baby's first year. In my research, I found a little paperback titled What's In a Name?
It was full of baby names and their meanings. The preface urged future parents to be prayerful about selecting a name instead of just picking something cute from a "Names Trending Now" list.

We see in the passage above, the Lord shows us with Sarah that He attaches great significance to names. After He spoke to her husband, Abram ("exalted father"), he changed his name to Abraham ('Father of nations"). He changed Sarai's name ("my princess") to Sarah (princess of many").

The Lord changed their identities and helped them own it by giving them new names. He enlarged their vision of themselves.

We also should give consideration to naming our child, or advising others, so that the name does not represent something evil. There are many names that are an insult to people after they grow older. Of course they can change it later.
We are no stranger to Jesus. He knew us before He formed us in our mother's womb.
--Guideposts/PTH~
--"No Stranger" // Natalie Grant // (lyric video_ <https://youtu.be/eERnLcdHRwM>
~~~~~~~~