If you are reading this to object to it, then don’t bother. If you are reading these words to oppose what is being written, then don’t bother. If you are reading this because you are curious about who Jesus is or would like to bump into him, then read on. You see, Jesus will never force his ways or his truth on anyone. He says that he will stand at your door and knock, but you have to OPEN THE DOOR AND INVITE HIM IN. No one else can do this for you, no one else can answer the knock for you. You and you alone must open the door and invite him in. This is who Jesus is. He will stand at your door for a lifetime knocking if that what it takes. No one else—whether it be mom or dad or your wife or your best friend can answer the knock. My hope is that you will at some point in your life open the door and invite Jesus in and be changed forever.

Revelation 3:20 – Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come and eat with that person, and they with me.

Writer and author Bob Gass put into words the disconnect that people have with Jesus because we don’t fully understand who Jesus is and what he is all about. Bob Gass writes, “God is not interested in religion: He is interested in having a relationship with you. Religion only becomes significant when it enhances that relationship. which it doesn’t always do. Often. religious rules and regulation become a deterrent to a relationship with God. The Bible is filled with religious people who missed connecting with God altogether. Sometimes we are so preoccupied with our religious ideologies, teachings, doctrines and principles that we fail to understand that what really matters most in life is a personal, intimate, daily, talking-and- listening relationship with God.

Matthew 6:33 – But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

I am just an ordinary person trying to find my way in this jungle of a world who bumped into an extraordinary person who calls himself Jesus and my life has been changed forever. As I learn about this man named Jesus, I have learned that He is the Truth and the Way. As I pursue him and His truth, my life has taken on new meaning and purpose. As I learn about his ways through the reading of his word in the Holy Bible, I have learned that He is the Word. Not only is He the Word, but He was also with God and is God in the Beginning. He is the Creator of the universe. How He created this world is still a mystery to me, but I believe He did it. I believe everything He says, has said and has done. He is incredible, awesome. majestic, etc. etc. Words do not come close to describing him and his story that is told in the Holy Bible. I feel that there is so much more to know about Jesus, and I feel that I will never stop learning about his mysteries.

John 14:6 – I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

As we live our lives here on earth going from one day to another, we hear, see, and feel a lot of condemnation. Seems like today’s world is very condemning and not very forgiving. But there is good news in Jesus. He does not condemn us………Ever! Jesus loves everyone unconditionally with amazing grace always. Even if we don’t believe in Him, He believes in us. He never rejects us; we reject Him and when we reject Him, we reject eternal life in his Kingdom. We are the problem, not Jesus. We need to answer the door when He knocks and welcome Him in and begin the greatest journey this life has to offer.

Revelation 3:20 – Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

The Holy Bible opens up with the words “In the Beginning, God…” The Bible doesn’t argue for God’s existence. It simply assumes it. John 1:1 speaks the following words, “In the Beginning was the Word(Jesus) , and the Word(Jesus) was with God, and the Word(Jesus) was God. Thus God and Jesus was always there “in the Beginning.” Before man existed, God acted. Thus God is the initiator of everything. The creator God of the universe brings everything into being and it is good. There was no conflict, no destruction, no disease, no pollution. There was unity, wholeness and harmony Everything was the way God intended it to be. It was into this world that humanity was born. This was the world God made for us.

Genesis 1:27 – So God created man in his own image, in this image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Correction is defined in the dictionary as putting something right or to put right a fault. Criticism is defined as disapproval of someone, or something based in perceived faults or mistakes. So, the big question here is ……what is God in the business of … correcting or criticizing. Disapproval or putting something right. In the Holy Bible Proverbs 15: 31-33 says, “Whoever heeds life giving instruction correction will be at home among the wise”. Although many believe criticism and correction are interchangeable, it’s my opinion that criticism does little good. I am of the school of thought that criticism can make a person angry and tear down his or her self- esteem. I am not a Bible expert, but I never read where Jesus tore down a person’s self-esteem. He did some correcting in his time, but it was always positive. He was and is the most positive, forgiving and loving person that has ever walked on this earth. He desires that everyone choses to believe in Him. He offers everyone unconditional love and grace. He meets you right where you are at this moment. His word is the Truth, and his desires are Holy. All we have to do is open the door when He knocks.

Revelation 3:20 – Here I am. I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will come in and eat with that person and they with Me.

On this Memorial Day I would like to share the lyrics of a song by Twila Paris. This song, “What Did He Die For”, says it all about God and Country. Following are the lyrics….. He was 21 in 1944. He was hope and he was courage on a lonely shore. Simply remind his mother, with love beyond her tears. Just a young American who chose to rise above his fears. And as I watch him struggle up that hill without a thought of turning back I can not help but wonder. What did he die for, when he died for you and me? Made the sacrifice so that we could all be free. I believe we will answer each to heaven. For the way we spend a priceless liberty. Look inside and ask the question what did he die for? When he died for me. To the darkest day in A.D. 33 . Came the mercy and compassion of eternity. Sent there by a Father with love beyond His tears. Blameless One, the only Son to bear the guilt of these years.. And as I watch Him struggle up that hill.. Without a thought of turning back. I cannot help but wonder what did He die for? When He died for you and me? Made the Sacrifice so that we could all be free. I believe we will answer each to heaven. For the way we spend a priceless liberty. Look inside and ask the question. What did He die for? He died for Freedom. He died for love. And all the things we do not pay Him back for could never be enough. What did He die for? When He died for you and me. Made the sacrifice so that we could all be free. I believe we will answer each to heaven for the way we spend a priceless liberty. Look inside and ask the question. What did He die for. WHEN HE DIED FOR ME.

GOD BLESS AMERICA? Take care and stay safe this week.