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.

How many of us live in the past. We make mistakes, we sin, some big and some small. But we believe that our mistakes and sins are unforgiveable and that we are stuck in them and cannot move on. We believe there is no future for us because of our past. But here is the good news, God through Jesus will meet us right where we are. He will forgive or past sins with an unconditional love and grace that is beyond our understanding. We can move forward in his grace. FROM NOW ON we can live a different life than our past. We can accept the love and forgiveness of Jesus and began our life anew. FROM NOW ON we can live a life of purpose and meaning. We can change the way we have been doing things. We can start living with the Holy Bible as our blueprint for our future. FROM NOW ON can be the three words that change our life. We have got to believe that Jesus really is God. He is The Way and The Truth. Our salvation and redemption come through Jesus and only him. We need to step out in faith and believe.

Galatians 6:17 – From now on. Let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.