News you won't see in controlled mainstream media.

--The Infinite Wisdom and Knowledge of God~

--“In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2:3)

One of the most amazing of the divine attributes is God’s omniscience. He not only understands all the complexities of relativistic science and higher mathematics, He ordained them in the first place! The same applies to every other discipline of study and activity.

And He knows all about each of us! “O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off” (Psalm 139:1-2).

As far as human knowledge is concerned, it is vital to know that “the fear of the LORD” is the very foundation of “knowledge” and of “wisdom” (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10). All the greatest scientists of the past acknowledged that they were seeking merely to “think God’s thoughts after Him..”

How foolish it is to ignore or to oppose God! There are only four places in the Bible that speak of God laughing (Psalm 2:4; 37:13; 59:8; Proverbs 1:26), and each of them describes His response to such folly.

Instead, we should marvel at all the wonders of His creation and providence. “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” (Romans 11:33).

-Our text verse above (Colossians 2:3) is actually referring explicitly to the Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten and eternal Son of God.

It is He who has given us access to the Creator God and therefore access to the divine knowledge and understanding. Part of the still-effective dominion mandate (Genesis 1:26, 28) is to learn what we can about God’s creation, always remembering that Jesus insisted that—no matter what unbelievers say—“the scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35).

--ICR/ HMM--Indescribable! -- / Chris Tomlin
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpLqAUJcUbo>

--THE LORD GOD OF HEAVEN~~

“Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.” (Ezra 1:2)

-It is noteworthy that the words of this verse are almost the same as in the last verse of 2 Chronicles. This is an indication that Ezra the scribe (who wrote the book of Ezra) was also the compiler and editor of the two books of Chronicles.

Even more noteworthy is the fact that the great emperor Cyrus seemed to acknowledge that the God of Israel was not just a tribal god, as many have claimed, but the Lord God of heaven—that is, Jehovah Elohim—recognizing Him as both Creator and Redeemer of the world. The Persians were largely followers of Zoroaster, but his religious system did bear some resemblance to the true monotheism of Israel.

But Cyrus had been called, and even named, by God, long before he was born (Isaiah 44:28–45:6). When he conquered Babylon, the prophet Daniel was there (Daniel 6:28). The Jewish historian Josephus wrote that Daniel even became prime minister under Cyrus and was able to read Isaiah’s remarkable prophecy to him, thus influencing him to send the Jews back to Jerusalem.

There have also been other Gentile rulers who acknowledged God, even before Christ came. Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, once hating God, finally was forced to confess that He was “the most High” and “King of heaven” (Daniel 4:34, 37). Another was the Queen of Sheba, who recognized “the LORD thy God” (again Jehovah Elohim, 1 Kings 10:9). Then there was the king of Nineveh and Assyria, who believed in God at the preaching of Jonah (Jonah 3:6-10).

In fact, in the ages to come “the kings of the earth” will all “bring their glory and honour” to the Lord in the holy city (Revelation 21:24).
--ICR/ HMM

---WE ALL DIE / Eternally, Either Heaven or Hell.

--This heart will feel a final pulse. These lungs will empty a final breath. Barring the return of Christ, I will die and so will you. Psalm 89:48 says, “Who can live and not see death, or who can escape the power of the grave?” Young and old, good and bad, rich and poor. Neither gender is spared; no class exempt. Julius Caesar died. Elvis died. John Kennedy died. Princess Diana died. We all die.

The writer of Hebrews was blunt: “People are destined to die once” (9:27). Exercise all you want. Eat healthy food. Stay out of the sun, away from alcohol, and off drugs. Do your best and still, you die.

Death seems like such a dead end. Until we read the words of the angel in Jesus’ resurrection story, “He is not here. He has risen from the dead as he said he would!” (Matthew 28:6).

**From God is With You Every Day/Max Lucado~~
["Jesus said to her (Martha), "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies.
And everyone who lives and believes in Me, will never die. Do you believe this?"~ --(JOHN 11:25-26)
We all will stand before the Judgement Seat of Christ. Then He will send those who have accepted Him as Savoiur, to Heaven.
Those who have rejected His 'free gift' of salvation will go to the the Great White Throne Judgement. That is for unbelievers. 'There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth where the worm does not die.'.
Do you know where you will spend eternity? You can be sure today. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, live for Him, and thou shalt be saved." ~~

[ To understand this and ask questions, or give your heart to Jesus, call 1-800-789-1473 or visit intouch.org to receive our free resource, 'Now That You Believe: Beginning Your New Relationship With Jesus.']

--THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM~~

**Question: "How is the fear of the Lord the beginning of wisdom?"

**Answer: Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
Basically, this verse teaches that the fear of God is foundational to true wisdom; all other types of learning are worthless unless built upon a knowledge of the Lord Himself. Many other passages talk about the fear of the Lord (e.g., Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 1:7; 14:27; 15:33). Before we can understand how the fear of the Lord leads to wisdom, we need to define what the Bible means by “fear” in this context.

In the Bible, the word translated “fear” can mean several things. It can refer to the terror one feels in a frightening situation (Deuteronomy 2:25). It can mean “respect” in the way a servant fears his master and serves him faithfully (Joshua 24:14). Fear can also denote the reverence or awe a person feels in the presence of greatness (Isaiah 6:5). The fear of the Lord is a combination of all of these.

Fear of the Lord can be defined as “the continual awareness that our loving heavenly Father is watching and evaluating everything we think, say, and do” (Matthew 12:36; Psalm 139:2; Jeremiah 12:3). As Jesus told each of the seven churches in Revelation 1—2, “I know your works.” Nothing escapes His attention.

In order to develop the fear of the Lord, we must recognize God for who He is. We must glimpse with our spirits the power, might, beauty, and brilliance of the Lord God Almighty (Revelation 11:17; Hosea 12:5; Isaiah 6:1–5). Those who fear the Lord have a continual awareness of Him, a deep reverence for Him, and sincere commitment to obey Him.

**Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” This verse gives us some added insight with its antithetical parallelism—there is a sharp contrast between the wise life and the foolish life. A wise person fears/reverences/obeys the Lord; a fool despises God’s instruction and cannot be told what to do. The wise person is wise because he has started at the starting place; the fool has no foundation on which to build wisdom.

-Romans 1:21–22 speaks of those who “neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools.” This is a description of people who try to obtain wisdom while ignoring God—it cannot be done for the simple reason that God is the source of wisdom.

The link between the fear of God and wisdom means we cannot possess wisdom if we recreate God in our own image. Too many people want to “tame” God into a non-threatening nobody. But, if we redefine the Lord as a god that makes us feel comfortable, a permissive “buddy” who exists simply to bless us and give us what we want, we will not fear Him in the way He deserves to be feared. The Lord God Almighty is far greater than that, and the fear of the Lord begins when we see Him in His majesty and power (Revelation 4:11; Job 42:1–2) The Lord shows Job (and us) a glimpse of His power in Job 38—41 when He describes His absolute sovereignty over everything.

When the reality of God’s true nature has caused us to fall down in worship, we are then in the right position to gain wisdom. Wisdom is merely seeing life from God’s perspective and responding accordingly. Wisdom is a priority, and we are told to seek it above all else (Proverbs 3:13; 16:16). Proverbs is known as the wisdom book, and the entire second chapter gives a detailed explanation of the value of gaining wisdom.

Until our hearts are in a right relationship with God, we are unable to have the “wisdom that comes from heaven” (James 3:17). Without the fear of the Lord, we may gain knowledge of earthly things and make some practical choices for this life, but we are missing the one ingredient that defines a wise person (Psalm 14:1; Exodus 20:3; 34:14; Jeremiah 25:6; Matthew 22:37). In the parable of the rich farmer, the rich man had a “wise” and practical plan for his profits, but God said to him, “You fool!” because the farmer’s plans were made with no thought of God and eternity (Luke 12:16–21).

Without the fear of the Lord, we make final decisions based on our faulty human understanding (Proverbs 3:5–6). When we incorporate the fear of the Lord into every moment of our lives, we make decisions based upon His approval. We live with the knowledge that the Creator of the universe is intimately involved in our every move. He sees, knows, and evaluates all our choices, and we will answer to Him (Psalm 139:1–4).

-Our respect for God’s majesty causes us to honor Him (Psalm 29:2). Our gratitude for His mercy causes us to serve Him well (Psalm 2:11; 107:15). And the understanding that our God of love is also a God of wrath inspires enough fear to help us stay away from evil (Romans 1:18; Proverbs 8:13). Sin is foolish; righteousness is wise. When we live righteously, we are on the path to wisdom, and everyone in our lives benefits (Proverbs 13:20; 19:8).

-FROM: 'Knowing God'/ By: J.I. Packer

--THE FOUNDATION OF WISDOM~~
---(Please Read/ Proverbs 9:7-12)

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10). Initially, the connection between these two concepts may be difficult to grasp. How can fearing God make us wise?

First, we need to understand what it means to fear the Lord. This term is used to describe an awesome reverence for God that moves us to acknowledge Him as the sovereign ruler of heaven and earth, submit to His will, and walk in obedience. The result of such a response will be the acquisition of wisdom.

If we commit ourselves to living for God’s purposes rather than our own, we will gain greater understanding of Him. The Holy Spirit will enable us to see circumstances and people from His divine perspective. This kind of wisdom reaches beyond human perception and gives us discernment to make decisions that fit into the Lord’s plans for our life. Knowing that He always works for our best interests, we are empowered to walk confidently through both good and bad times.

But if we reject God’s instructions, we dishonor Him with our refusal to acknowledge His right to rule our life. It’s foolish to rebel against His authority and think we can ever win. Those who won’t fear God will never know real wisdom.

-What is your attitude toward the Lord? If you truly revere Him, you will listen for His directions and heed His warnings. A desire to honor and please Him will motivate you to turn from evil and seek to live in obedience. The result will be wisdom beyond human understanding.
--IN TOUCH~~-
-'We Choose the Fear of the Lord' / Marantha Singers~
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZ35aiGAchc>
-------------

---CALLED AND CHOSEN/ SET APART (SANCTIFICATION)~~

“But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14)-

Note the order established by God in His great plan of salvation. God had chosen these Thessalonian believers to salvation even before they were born, for it was from the beginning. Then He called them, and they heard the gospel, believed the truth, and were sanctified (that is, “set apart”) by the Holy Spirit, eventually destined to be glorified in Christ.

To accomplish this, however, the Spirit used human messengers. He first, in 'spiritual insight', directed Paul to go to Greece to preach the gospel (Acts 16:9), where he eventually reached Thessalonica and taught the truth to those he found in the synagogue. However, of the many who were “called” as Paul preached and taught, only “some of them believed” (17:4). Most of his listeners had not been “chosen,” so they resisted the “call” and refused to believe. As Jesus said, “Many be called, but few [are] chosen” (Matthew 20:16).

Such a truth may be difficult to understand with our finite minds, but (like Paul) “we are bound to give thanks” that we who believe today, like the Thessalonian believers then, have been both “chosen . . . in him before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4) and also “called . . . out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9).

This same mysterious but glorious truth is found throughout Scripture. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. . . . What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:28, 31).
--ICR/HMM --/ 'GOD IS HERE'~~ Darlene Zschech/ <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVv-imOH4x8>

--RIPE FOR HARVEST~~

-"Open your eyes and
look at the fields!
They are ripe for
harvest." -(John 4:35)-

--IN LATE SUMMER, we went for a walk in the New Forest in England and had fun picking the blackberries that grew in the wild while watching the horses frolicking nearby. As I enjoyed the bounty of the sweet fruit planted by others perhaps many years before, I thought of Jesus's words to His disciples; "I sent you to reap what you have not worked for" (John 4:38).

I love the generosity of God's kingdom reflected in those words. He lets us enjoy the fruits of someone else's labors, such as when we share our love for Jesus with a friend whose family--unbeknown to us--has been praying for her for years. I also love the implied limits of Jesus's words, for we may plant seeds that we will never harvest but someone else may. Therefore, we can rest in the tasks before us, not being hoodwinked into thinking that we are responsible for the outcomes. God's work, after all, doesn't depend on us. He has all of the resources for a bountiful harvest, and we are privileged to play a role in it.

I wonder what fields ready for harvest are before you? Before me? May we heed Jesus' loving instruction: "Open your eyes and look at the fields!" (V.35).~~

-'Creator God, thank You for Your great generosity in entrusting us to do Your work. May I be alert to the opportunities to share Your Good News. Thank you, Lord, in Jesus' Name.' ~amen ~

---WE CAN REAP WHAT OTHERS HAVE SOWN.~~

--ODB/ABP--/-'HALLELUJAH FOR THE CROSS'-/ By: Newsboys~
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvnsbUCnPBk>
--------

--FAITH= Your Life to Promise and Victory~~

-"Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not yet seen."--(Hebrews 11:1)

"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God."- (Romans 10:17)

"For we walk by faith, not by sight." --(2 Corinthians 5:7)
----
--BIBLE MEDITATION:
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, Who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

--DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
The life of Joshua in the Old Testament is an illustration of Jesus. As a matter of fact, Joshua is the Hebrew name of Jesus. The Lord Jesus is our heavenly Joshua who leads us into the land of promise and victory. And what is this victory? It is a victory of faith.

There is nothing more, nothing less that will achieve the victory in our lives but faith. Victory is not achieved by fighting. Victory is received by faith.

--ACTION POINT:
-You see, when God has a gigantic task He wants us to perform, He gives the contract to faith. Your faith links your nothingness to God’s almightiness and victory is yours for the taking!

--Adrian Rogers/LWF~--/'WHERE THERE IS FAITH'~4HIM ~
<https://youtu.be/VC5gTs0HgO0>
-------

----INTIMATE DETAILS~~~

'You know when I sit
and when I rise; you
perceive my thoughts
from afar.'
-(PSALM 139:2)--

--THE UNIVERSE IS astonishingly grand. Right now the moon is spinning around us at nearly 2,300 miles an hour. Our Earth is spinning around the sun at 66,000 miles an hour. Our sun is one of the 200 billion other stars and trillions more planets in our galaxy, and that galaxy is just one of the 100 billion others hurtling through space. --Astounding!

In comparison to this vast cosmos, our little Earth is no bigger than a pebble, and our individual lives no greater than a grain of sand. Yet according to Scripture, the God of the galaxies attends to each microscopic one of us in intimate detail. He saw us before we existed (PS (PS. 139:13-16); He watches us as we go about our days and listens for our every thought (VV. 1-6).

It can be hard to believe this sometimes. This tiny "pebble" has big problems like war and famine, and we can question God's care in times of personal suffering. But when King David wrote Psalm 139 he was in the midst of crisis himself (VV.19-20). And when Jesus said God counts each hair on our heads (MATT. 10:30), He was living in an age of crucifixion. Biblical talk of God's caring attention isn't a naive wish. It is real-world truth.

-The One who keeps the galaxies spinning knows us intimately. That can help us get through the worst of times~~

---THE GOD OF THE COSMOS KNOWS AND CARES FOR EACH OF US INTIMATELY.~~

--ODB/SV

--FAITHFUL AND JUST~~

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” ---(1 John 1:9)-

All too often when we read or quote a favorite verse of Scripture, its familiarity gets in the way of our complete understanding of the verse. Such may be the case with today’s verse, one of the most beloved and oft-quoted passages of Scripture. To begin with, we must remember that the topic is sinful behavior. The Bible says that “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23), therefore sin cannot go unpunished. A faithful and just judge must punish such behavior; to forgive it is neither faithful nor just. “Without shedding of blood is no remission” of sin (Hebrews 9:22).

But the Bible also says, “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father. . . . Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 2:1; 1:7).

Jesus Christ fully paid the penalty for our sins. He died so that we don’t have to die, for God “hath made him to be sin for us” (2 Corinthians 5:21). God has further promised that “whoso confesseth and forsaketh [his sins] shall have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13).

God in His mercy and grace has declared it to be so. What was once devised as merciful and gracious is now “faithful and just.”

Because He is just, He cannot allow the punishment for our sin to be inflicted twice. Because He is faithful and has promised to forgive a penitent and confessing sinner, He will not only “forgive us our sins,” but “cleanse us from all unrighteousness,” thereby restoring the sweet fellowship broken by our rebellion.

“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20).
--ICR/JDM --'GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS'/ Israel Houghton/ <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ry4Tb_B6KGc>
---------

--Blessings to everyone! 'You are loved with an everlasting love and underneath are His everlasting arms." ~~ +

--HOW MUCH MORE! (TALK TO ME) ~~

'If you then, though
you are evil, know how
to give good gifts to your
children, how much more will
your Father in Heaven give
the Holy Spirit to those who
ask Him!'--- (Luke 11:13)

--IN OCTOBER 1915, during World War I, Oswald Chambers arrived at Zeitoun Camp, a military training center near Cairo, Egypt, to serve as a YMCA chaplain to British Commonwealth soldiers. When he announced a weeknight religious service, 400 men packed the large YMCA hut to hear Chamber's talk titled, "What Is the Good of Prayer?" Later, when he spoke individually with men who were trying to find God in the midst of war,
Oswald often quoted Luke 11:13, "If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in Heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"

The free gift of God through His Son, Jesus, is forgiveness, hope, and His living presence in our lives through the Holy Spirit. "For everyone who asks
receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened" (V.10).

On November 15, 1917, Oswald died unexpectedly from a ruptured appendix. To honor him, a soldier led to faith in Christ by Oswald purchased a marble carving of a Bible with the message of Luke 11:13 on its open page and placed it beside his grave: "How much more will your Father in Heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" This amazing gift from God is available to each of us today~~

--GOD'S GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN OUR LIVES IS AVAILABLE TO EACH OF US TODAY. ~~
--ODB/DM~~(Song: Talk to Me by Chuck Girard, enjoy (below).
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRY5xFZWYVU>
+ + + <><
-----------

---TRAGIC IGNORANCE~~~

“For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.”
---(Romans 10:3)--

There are several important doctrinal truths about which unbelievers—and sometimes even Christians—seem tragically ignorant, with an ignorance affecting their very lives and destinies. Perhaps the most tragic is that mentioned in our text. Paul was writing specifically of the Jews, but the same ignorance is found in countless others—people who seek to earn salvation by their own religious and moral works rather than through faith in the imputed righteousness of Christ, who died for their sins.

There is also widespread ignorance concerning death and life beyond the grave. “I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14). With respect to Christian life and ministry, Paul says: “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant” (1 Corinthians 12:1). Yet, most Christians neglect to develop or use their gifts, mainly because of ignorance concerning their proper function as described in 1 Corinthians 12, 14; Romans 12:3-21; Ephesians 4:7-16, and other key passages.

---We urgently also need to be instructed concerning the deceptions of the wicked one: “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11).

For all who seek instruction rather than ignorance, let them study God’s Word, for “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work."
--(2 Timothy 3:16 NASB).
--ICR/HMM --/-"We Choose the Fear of the Lord"/ Marantha Music =(Fear=reverential awe, or reverence for our Creator.)<https://youtu.be/JJHAa9gAlsA>
---------

----MAN'S AWARENESS OF GOD~~

-"Come, let us worship and
bow down, let us kneel before
the the LORD our Maker."
--(Psalm 95:6)--

--THE ANTHROPOLOGICAL ARGUMENT is a powerful evidence for the existence of God based on the presence of human beings on Earth. Even if the evolutionary theory answered the question of the existence of human beings, then how do we explain human consciousness? Why are we aware of our existence? The evolutionist answers that consciousness is the result of evolutionary development. Given enough time, an organism will experience enough slight mutations until it eventually develops an awareness of its existence.

Yet beyond our basic human consciousness, human beings also have an awareness of the supernatural. Since the beginning of mankind, humans in all cultures have demonstrated the desire to worship a deity. Some evolutionists explain such desires as part of the evolutionary process. However, the basis of evolution is survival of the fittest, which means that a desire for God could be attributed to evolutionary development only if such a desire promoted the survival of the species.

While there are positive benefits to those who believe in God, many times those who believe in God act in a way that is contrary to their self-interest. Think about martyrs throughout history who sacrificed their lives became of their belief in God. This contradicts the survival of the fittest. A better explanation for man's awareness of God is that such awareness is rooted in reality.

--HUMAN BEINGS ARE AWARE OF THE SUPERNATURAL BECAUSE JEHOVAH GOD REALLY EXISTS.

--PTV/RJ --/"Can I Get A Witness"/ Phillips, Craig and Dean~ (Bruce Marchiano stars as Jesus in the video)~
<https://youtu.be/f-q1qzOo4iw>
-----------

---OUR LORD JESUS HAD A SENSE OF HUMOR WHILE ON EARTH~~

--JESUS [GOD-MAN], SMILED AND LAUGHED/--ML

--I have a sketch of Jesus laughing. It hangs on the wall across from my desk.

It's quite a drawing. His head is back. His mouth is open. His eyes are sparkling. He isn't just grinning. He isn't just chuckling. He's roaring. He hasn't heard or seen one like that in quite a while. He's having trouble catching his breath.

It was given to me by an Episcopal priest who carries cigars in his pocket and collects portraits of Jesus smiling. "I give them to anyone who might be inclined to take God too seriously," he explained as he handed me the gift.

He pegged me well.
I'm not one who easily envisions a smiling God. A weeping God, yes. An angry God, OK. A mighty God, you bet. But a chuckling God? It seems too...too...too unlike what God should do--and be. Which just shows how much I know--or don't know--about God.

What do I think he was doing when he stretched the neck of the giraffe? An exercise in engineering? What do I think he had in mind when he told the ostrich where to put his head? Spelunking? What do I think he was doing when he designed the mating call of an ape? Or the eight legs of the octopus? And what do I envision on his face when he saw Adam's first glance at Eve? A yawn?
--Hardly!

As my vision improves and I'm able to read without my stained glasses, I'm seeing that a sense of humor is perhaps the only way God has put up with us for so long.

Is that Him with a smile as Moses does a double take at the burning bush that speaks?
Is He smiling again as Jonah lands on the beach, dripping gastric juices and smelling like whale breath?

Is that a twinkle in his eyes as He watches the disciples feed thousands with one boy's lunch?

Do you think that His face is deadpan as he speaks about the man with a two-by-four in his eye who points out a speck in a friend's eye?

Can you honestly imagine Jesus bouncing children on his knee with a somber face? Nor can I.

No, I think that Jesus smiled. I think that He smiled a bit at people and a lot with people...

When I think about the prayers God has answered for me in spite of the life I've lived, I think He must be smiling still.--

--So I think I'll keep his picture on the wall. It brings me joy.~~~

"You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever."
--PSALM 17:11~~ --
~~~~~~

---EVIDENCE, NOT PROOF~~

-"He did not leave
Himself without witness,
in that He did good and
gave you rains from heaven
and fruitful seasons,
satisfying your hearts
with food and gladness."
--(ACTS 14:17)----

--WE CANNOT prove the existence of GOD. It is not a case of proof; it is a case of evidence. So when you add up all the evidence, does it ague for or against the reality of GOD? Every day, you and I have to make decisions on the best available evidence. The amount of evidence we require to make a decision depends on the importance of that decision, doesn't it?

Let me illustrate it this way. Let's say you are at a party, and the hostess approaches with a tray on which there are two glasses of iced tea. You like sweet tea, so you ask which one is sweet. Your hostess says, "I'm sorry, but I can't remember which one I sweetened." You are probably willing to take a 50-50 risk to grab one of those glasses of iced tea. After all, the consequences of drinking unsweetened tea aren't that grave. Now imagine that some hostess approaches you with a tray of two iced tea glasses, and she says, "A cyanide tablet fell into one of these glasses, and I can't remember which glass it is." Before you took one of those glasses, you would want to have a lot of evidence that you are drinking from the right glass, wouldn't you?
The consequences of not believing in God if He exists are far graver than drinking a glass of poisoned tea. The consequences last for eternity. ~~

--PTV/RJ~
---------

--THE ENDURING WORK OF GOD~~

--“Whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.” (Ecclesiastes 3:14)--

God is both omniscient and omnipotent. He has the wisdom to know what is best to do and the power to do it. Thus, He makes no mistakes and never needs to go back and revise or redirect something He started. What He does is forever!

This fundamental principle has many profound implications. It anticipates the basic scientific law of conservation, the most important and universal law of science. The basic physical entities which comprise and organize all natural processes—energy, mass, momentum, electric charge—are all “conserved” throughout nature, being neither created nor destroyed in the present natural order of things.

The same applies to the basic kinds of plants and animals— evolutionists to the contrary notwithstanding. “After its kind” is the universal law of reproduction, and there is not the slightest evidence in the real data of biology that this law has ever been violated, or even could be violated.

And it also applies to the created cosmos, as a whole. Many Scriptures (e.g.., Psalm 148:1-6) assure us that the sun, moon, and stars, as well as the renewed earth, will continue to function through all the endless ages to come. Nothing can defeat God’s primeval purposes in creating them.

-- Most of all, it applies to our great salvation: “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish” (John 10:28). “The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him” (Psalm 103:17). “His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away” (Daniel 7:14). “My salvation shall be for ever” (Isaiah 51:6). “The word of our God shall stand for ever” (Isaiah 40:8). The remarkable principle of universal conservation is given “that men should fear before him.”--"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." GIVE HIM PRAISE!
---ICR/HMM ---"FOREVER" / Chris Tomlin~ <https://youtu.be/JKKOMTCThlc>
-------

---AVAILABLE AND ALERT ~

--"He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep."
---(Psalm 121:3-4 / NIV)--

---Humans are hard-wired to need sleep. Newborns sleep many hours of the day, and if we are healthy that amount decreases as we grow older. Doctors say that adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each day, but many of us get by with less. One of the many astounding ways that God is different from us is that He never needs to sleep—never!—and that means He is watching us and available to us around the clock. In the morning when you open your eyes, He is with you. When you open your Bible to read His Word, He is there to illuminate it for you. As you deal with a difficult coworker, He is there to answer your pleas for patience and wisdom. When you bow to give thanks for your blessings, He is there to hear your gratitude. Remember that no matter the time of day, or the place, or the circumstances, God is with you, to hear you and help you.

**THINK ABOUT IT
What a reassuring comfort it is to know that the Creator of Heaven and Earth never tires in His watchful care over the lives of His people. At all times, and above all else, let your greatest confidence be in the Lord.

**PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for teaching me in Your Word that You are an ever-present God, ready to hear my cry and protect, provide, guide, and sustain me—even when I am asleep. Help me maintain the realization that You are near. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Blessings,
-Pastor Allen Jackson ~
[O Come To the Altar, the Father's arms are open wide. Forgiveness was bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus paid your sin-debt. Hallelujah! Give Him Praise~ There is no sin that He will not forgive. COME, JUST AS YOU ARE!]
--"O Come To The Altar" --/ Elevation Worship~ / --<https://youtu.be/rYQ5yXCc_CA>
------------

----ANGELS PROTECT US FROM SPIRITUAL DANGER -- / A GREAT COSMIC BATTLE NOW!
---PTV/RJ

--"Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."
---–(Ephesians 6:12)--

---Not only do angels protect us from physical harm, but the Bible also says that God uses angels to protect us from spiritual harm.

--Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that everyone is involved in a life-or-death struggle, but it is not against other people or against our circumstances. We think our biggest struggle in life is against other people. We say, “If only that person would get out of my life.” Or we think our adversity comes from circumstances–“Oh, if only my circumstances had turned out differently.” Ephesians 6:12 says we battle not against flesh and blood, but our battle is against the unseen “spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

There is a cosmic battle going on for your soul right now. I do not begin to understand it, but the Bible says just as angels are real, so are demons. Demons are the tools Satan uses to carry out his evil purpose for our lives. Demons are fallen angels, and like the angels they have tremendous power. And I believe much of what happens to Christians today can only be understood through the oppression of demons. I think Satan uses demons to discourage us, to depress us, to tempt us, and to bring all kind of evil into our lives.

Yet God says He sends His angels to do spiritual battle for us in ways we never see. Where do I find that in the Bible? In Daniel 10:2-14, there is a fascinating story about Daniel praying to God for three weeks, during which Daniel felt no answer to his prayer. Finally, at the end of the third week an angel came to Daniel and said, “I have come to answer your prayer.” The angel explained that he was sent by God the first day of Daniel’s prayer, but he was hindered from coming earlier by a demon. Finally, Michael the archangel had to come and free him so that he could come and answer Daniel’s prayer.

Now I do not begin to understand what all of that means, but this passage of Scripture tells us there is a great cosmic battle going on in the Heavenlies right now. This cosmic battle should terrify us, if it were not for the reality and the presence of angels. The Bible says God uses His angels to protect us not only from physical harm but also from spiritual harm.
-[The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, And rescues them." --(PSALM 34:7) -]
***

--ANGELS SUSTAIN AND ENCOURAGE US / ANGELS PROTECT US~

--"Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
--(–Matthew 6:33)

-"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it."
--(Hebrews 13:2)

--"The angel of the LORD encamps around those who *fear Him,
And rescues them." (*Holy Reverence)~ / (Psalm 34:7)--

Another reason the angels were created, according to the Bible, is to sustain and encourage us. This is particularly true in the realm of our physical well-being.

Ken and Susie Ware were missionaries in Lucerne, Switzerland. One morning in September 1944, they awakened in their tiny apartment to discover that the pantry was empty, and their bank account was also empty. They had no food for themselves or for their infant son. So Susie Ware decided to pray, and she was very specific in her prayer. She said, “God, You know we have no food today, so I’m asking that You deliver some flour, some apples, some pears, and some veal cutlets to our home.”

About three hours later, there was a knock at the door of their apartment. Susie and her husband opened the door, and standing in the doorway was a man somewhere between 30 and 40 years of age carrying a sack of groceries. She asked, “What can I do for you?” He answered, “I’m here to bring you what you’ve ordered.” She said, “There must be some mistake–I didn’t order any groceries.” He insisted, “I have come to bring you what you ordered.”

The man came into their apartment and emptied the contents of that sack on the kitchen table–and there, Susie says, was everything she had prayed for. She and her husband were dumbfounded. They ushered the man back outside and then stood by the window to watch him leave by the only route available to exit the apartment building. Susie and Ken stood there for an hour and never saw him pass by.

Ken and Susie Ware were certain they were the recipients of an angelic visit that day. You know, we should not be surprised at such things. Since the Bible says that God created angels to minister to us (Hebrews 1:14), it would seem to follow that the angels are powerful enough to bring sustenance and encouragement to us in our times of need.
-"With God all things are possible." --(Matthew 19:26)~

--PTV/RJ

--WORSHIP IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH~~

"God is Spirit, and those who worship
Him must worship in spirit and truth."
--(John 4:24)--

--There is no better way to know God than through His Word. The Bible is God's perfect revelation to us. Jesus is the Word of God. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him [Jesus], was life, and the life was the Light of men." -(John 1:1-4).

The goal of reading the Bible is not to know about the Bible; it's to know the God of the Bible. To have a personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible is the means by which we learn about God and what He desires for our life. There are people who love to learn about the Bible and fight about the Bible and argue about doctrine and act just like unbelievers. That is not worship.

The goal of all Bible study is to get us in touch with the Creator. We need to be careful that we don't reduce God, downsize God, through our means of worship. Because God is Spirit, He cannot be worshiped through images or tangible means. He shouldn't be worshiped or defined by our own prejudices and traditions.

We can be in His presence by our inner-man connecting with His Spirit. This is done with a complete attitude of the heart. We must be careful that we do not allow television ministries, internet, DVD's, etc, to cause us to have their excitement. No, it is a peaceful connecting with the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.
--PTV/RJ --/ --"In Your Presence"--/ Paul Wilbur ~ --<https://youtu.be/KkfczjtUASo>
---------

--THE PROFITABLE WORD OF GOD~~
----(Please Read/ 2 Timothy 3:10-17)

Why should you read the Bible? To some people, it’s just an archaic book that has little relevance today. But for believers, God’s Word is essential and life-changing. Christians living in countries where Bibles are illegal would love to have the access to Scripture that you and I take for granted.

Consider what the world would be like if God had not given us His Word. Though we would still have the testimony of creation to tell us who He is (Rom. 1:20), our understanding of God and how to follow Him wouldn’t be as clear. The Bible’s pages contain everything we need for life and godliness through the true knowledge of God (2 Peter 1:3).

Reading God’s Word has many benefits. The apostle Paul describes four ways Scripture is profitable for believers (2 Timothy 3:16).

Teaching. The Bible has all the divine truth that God wants us to know. From Scripture, we deepen our relationship with the Lord, see life from His perspective, and understand how He wants us to live.

Reproof. God’s Word is a light that reveals our sins and a sword that pierces and convicts so we can confess and receive forgiveness.

Correction. Scripture restores and points us to godly living and obedience.

Training in righteousness. The Word of God trains us to stay on the path of righteousness and mature spiritually.

The end result of teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness is a life adequately equipped to live as the Lord desires. With so much to gain, why would we ever neglect this most precious gift from God?
--IN TOUCH~
[In Psalm 91 David penned one of his most referred to Psalms. "Security of the One Who Trusts in the LORD." ~
--Psalm 91 / "On Eagle's Wings" / By: /Shane and Shane / <https://youtu.be/rG_y6X2K_dM>
--------------

--TOTAL PROVISION / THE BATTLE IS THE LORDS

--"Let those who love the LORD
hate evil, for he guards the lives
of his faithful ones and delivers
them from the hand of the wicked."
--(PSALM 97:10)--

-"For this reason also, God highly
exalted Him, and bestowed on Him
the name which is above every name,
So that at the name of Jesus
'Every knee will bow, of those who are
in heaven and on earth and under
the Earth, and that every tongue will
confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to
the glory of God the Father. "
---(Philippians 2:9-11)

--There is a battle in the Earth between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness, and this is a battle we cannot win on our own.
If we were left to our own devices to outsmart or outtalk evil, we could not do it. We need the power of God to help us break the spiritual
influences that stand opposed to God's purposes in our lives because the only thing evil will yield to is a power greater than itself. On the
Cross, God made complete and total provision for your well-being and mine. You and I, through our beliefs and our choices, either reject
His provision or we claim it for our own and cooperate with it. The wicked are powerful in our world, but we can rely on His greater power
and His promise to guard and deliver. The battle is the Lord's!

--Prayer~

--"Heavenly Father, thank You for the sufficiency of Your power demonstrated on the Cross. Thank You that it is not up to me to define it or
defend it, for it is a power beyond my comprehension. Again I claim Your provision for me and Your power over anything or anyone who
would oppose Your purposes in my life. I praise You for all You will accomplish in and through me, in my Lord and my Saviour, Jesus Christ.~ Amen"

--Turn Up the Light/AJ--/ "The Lion and The Lamb" - / Big Daddy Weave ~--<https://youtu.be/8xeLgkpcpM0>
----------

--THE SAVIOR WHO KNOWS US~~

"How do you know me?" Nathanael
asked." (John 1:48)

----We catch a glimpse of intimate knowledge Jesus has of His people in John 1. As Nathanael, who Philip had urged to meet Jesus, moves toward Him Jesus pronounced, "Here truly is an Israelite in who there is no deceit. (v.47). Nathanael responded, "How do you know me?" Jesus replied, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you" (vs 48).

We may not know why Jesus chose to share this particular detail, but it seems Nathanael did! Overwhelmed, he responded, "Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!"
----(VS 49 /NKJV).

Jesus knows each of us intimately, completely, and perfectly--the way we long to be known. And He accepts us completely--inviting us to be, not only His followers, but His beloved friends (John 15:15) ~~

--"Lord Jesus, thank You for inviting me into the adventure of following and knowing You, my Rock, Redeemer, Savior and Lord! Even so, Come Lord Jesus, Come!" ~

--ODB/AH~--"Lord I Need You"--Matt Maher / <https://youtu.be/gS9e0nxHP-w>
~~~~~~~~

----WE NEVER KNOW WHAT TOMORROW HOLDS~~

--It's true, we never know what tomorrow holds. But we do know Who holds tomorrow. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.--(Hebrews 13:8)

"He will wipe every tear
from their eyes."
--(Revelation 21:4)

--Some days can feel mundane and tedious, while other days are filled with joy. Still other times, life can be grueling, agonizing even, for long periods of time.

But despite life's unpredictable ups and downs, we can still be securely grounded in God's peace. Because we know the end of the story. We know who "wins." JESUS HAS OVERCOME!

Revelation, the Bible's final book, lifts the curtain on that spectacular finale. After the final defeat of death and evil (20:10,14), John describes a beautiful victory scene (21:1-3) where God makes His home with His people (V.3) and wipes "every tear from their eyes" in a world with "no more death or mourning or crying or pain" (V.4).

On difficult days, we can cling to this promise. No more loss or weeping. No more what-ifs or broken hearts. Instead, we'll spend eternity together with our Savior. Our King above all kings. The Alpha and the Omega. Yes, Jesus is the Beginning and the End. We keep praying, "Even so, Come Lord Jesus." ~~

--ODB/AH~ ----/ "ON AND ON" --/ Meredith Andrews ----<https://youtu.be/m_SOm1uN8FM>
~~~~~~~~~~~

--Be Filled To the Measure of All the Fullness of God ~~

-"I pray that you...
may be filled to the
measure of all the
fullness of God."
--(Ephesians 3:17,19).--

--Most summer mornings, a delightful drama plays out in the park behind our house. It involves a sprinkler. And a bulldog. About 6:30 or so, the sprinklers come on. Shortly thereafter, Fifi the bulldog (our family's name for her) arrives.

Fifi's owner lets her off her leash. The bulldog springs with all her might to the nearest sprinkler, attacking the stream of water as it douses her face. It's a portrait of utter exuberance, of Fifi's seemingly infinite desire to be drenched by the liquid she can never get enough of.

In a way, Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3 reminds me of Fifi. There, Paul prays that the Ephesian believers might be filled with God's love and "have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ." He prayed that we might be "filled to the measure of all the fullness of God" (vv.18-19).

--Still today, we're invited to experience a God whose infinite love exceeds anything we can comprehend, that we too might be drenched, saturated, and utterly satisfied by His goodness. We're free to plunge with abandon, relish, and delight into a relationship with the One who alone can fill our hearts and lives with love, meaning, and purpose. ~~

--"Lord Jehovah G-D, thank You for Your infinite and satisfying love. Please help us to know and experience the love You have for each one of us. Also, by the Holy Spirit, help us to never be ashamed to tell others of the love, joy and peace found in Christ alone. Thank You, Abba Father, in Jesus Name. ~ Amen~ "

---[Belonging Company] - "Isn't He (This Jesus)-Natalie Grant / <https://youtu.be/wDa3Yu0ZGU4>
~~~~~~~~

--FREE FROM EVERY FEAR, IN JESUS NAME~

"I sought the LORD, and he answered me; He
delivered me from all my fears.--(Psalm 34:4)--

--FEAR SNEAKS into my heart without permission. It paints a pictures of hopelessness and steals my peace. What am I fearful about? Safety of my family or the health of loved ones. The loss of a job or a broken relationship. Fear turns my focus inward and reveals an untrusting heart. This fear is no respecter of persons. It happens to believers in Christ, as well as the **unbelievers.

When these fears and worries strike, how good it is to read David's prayer in Psalm 34 = "I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears" (v.4). And how does God deliver us from our fears? When we "look to Him" (v.5), we trust Him to be in control. Then David mentions a different type of fear--a deep respect and awe of the One who surrounds us and delivers us (v.7). We can take refuge in Him because He is good. The Lord watches over His people.

This awe of His goodness helps put our fears into perspective. When we remember who God is and how much He loves us, we can relax into His peace. In seeking the Lord we can be delivered from our fears.~~

--ODB/OK
--[**For those people not yet saved, please come to Jesus. He will deliver you from the spirit of fear. He will fill you with His love, grace and peace. Jesus is the Prince of peace. Do it now. We might not be here tomorrow. Jesus loves you and is waiting for you to call upon His Name. "There is no other name given among men whereby we must be saved. (JESUS SAVES)." [ACTS 4:12]
["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.
"For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand
so that we would walk in them. [Ephesians 2:8,9,10]

-"Everyone who calls on the Name of the LORD will be saved."
--(ACTS 2:21) ] --["Desert Song" / Hillsong United / Brooke Fraser]<https://youtu.be/J60LUhJhPBo>
~~~~~~~~~~~

~~Jehovah G-D Hears and Answers Our Prayers ~~

~~LOVING OTHERS WITH OUR PRAYERS~~

--"This happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead."
--[2 Corinthians 1:9] --

~~"ARE people still praying for me?"

--That was one of the first questions a missionary asked his wife whenever she was allowed to visit him in prison. He had been falsely accused and incarcerated for his faith for two years. His life was frequently in danger because of the conditions and hostility in the prison, and believers around the world were earnestly praying for him. He wanted to be assured they wouldn't stop, because he believed God was using their prayers in a powerful way.

Our prayers for others--especially those who are persecuted for their faith--are a vital gift. Paul made this clear when he wrote the believers in Corinth about hardships he faced during his missionary journey. He "was under great pressure," so much that he "despaired of life itself" (2 Corinthians 1:8). But then he told them God had delivered him and described the tool He'd used to do it: "We have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers" [vv.10-11].

God moves through our prayers to accomplish great good in the lives of His people. One of the best ways to love others is to pray for them, because through our prayers we open the door to help only God can provide. When we pray for others, we love them in His strength. There's none greater or more loving than He.

--"Loving God, thank You for the amazing gift of prayer and the ways You move through it. Please help me to pray faithfully for others today. Thank You, Lord that you answer even before we ask. We give You all praise, honor and glory, in Jesus Name.~ amen"
--ODB/JB~

--JESUS CHRIST OUR CREATOR ~~

“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.” (Colossians 1:16) --

~~Before one can really know Jesus Christ as Savior or Lord, he must acknowledge Him as offended and rejected Creator, because He was our Creator first of all. This is such an important doctrine of the New Testament that it is remarkable how rarely it is emphasized in modern evangelicalism.

Creation by Jesus Christ is the doctrine with which John begins his great gospel of salvation: “In the beginning was the Word,…All things were made by him;…and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not” (John 1:1, 3, 10). It is the foundational message of the book of Hebrews: “God .…hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds” (Hebrews 1:1-2).

The apostle Paul said that he had been called specifically to preach “the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 3:8-9). When a person becomes a believer in Christ, receiving His very life by the new birth, he is said to be “renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him” (Colossians 3:10).

In the final book of the Bible, Jesus Christ is called “the beginning of the creation of God” (Revelation 3:14). But of all the biblical passages identifying Jesus Christ as Creator, the most definitive of all is our text for today. Everything in heaven and Earth was created by Him and for Him! “For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen” (Romans 11:36).
--ICR/HMM
~~~~~~~~~

---WHY WE CAN TRUST GOD~~

--[Please Read Romans 11:33 thru 36]

~What situations cause you to doubt God? Do fears come because the future seems uncertain? Are hardships a challenge since they make the Lord appear unkind? Or perhaps your expectations and dreams have come crashing down, and it seems God is nowhere to be found.

Since our heavenly Father is omniscient, sovereign, and loving, we have every reason to trust Him regardless of the circumstances.

**GOD IS INFINITELY WISE. We may have all the information that is humanly possible to gather, but God alone knows the future, the details of every situation, and the best possible plan for our life.

**THE LORD HAS COMPLETE AUTHORITY OVER ALL EVENTS. Even though God's ways are beyond our comprehension, we can trust Him, knowing that His control is exercised perfectly according to His complete knowledge and great love.

**GOD'S LOVE IS UNFAILING. No matter what we are facing, nothing can separate us from His love, which is in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:31-39).

Let's take some time today to ponder God's limitless love, wisdom, and sovereignty. When you are trusting in Him, you'll be able to follow His path for your life, and your heart won't be troubled (John 14:1).

[Thank You, LORD, that You know my heart. Help me to live for you and show others the path to eternal life. Because of Your grace you will never let go of me (us). On Christ the solid Rock I stand. In Christ Jesus Name. Amen."- ]

--IN TOUCH~
--"Desert Song" // (Hillsong United / lyrics)<https://youtu.be/J60LUhJhPBo>
~~~~~~~~~~

--The Infinite Wisdom and Knowledge of God~

--HAVE YOU SEEN GOD?
--[Please Read/ PSALM 19 [AND] JOHN 1:1-18]

--"Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."
---[John 20:29] --

---"Seeing is believing" is an old adage frequently used to establish the veracity of an unusual claim. "Have you seen God?" a trucker asked me one morning at the shop where I worked. My affirmative response was gruffly dismissed as he determined that the conversation would proceed no further. While my answer certainly is not in harmony with natural man's reasoning, in one sense it is sound and irrefutable. For example, have you ever seen the wind? Can you describe its dimensions, its form, or its color? What is it composed of, and what is its life span?

"The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whench it cometh, and whither it goest" (John 3:8). Although the presence of the wind and its effects in the world are easily manifest, the wind itself eludes the sight of man. Foolish indeed would be the one who denied its existence because he cannot see it. So it is with God. The beautiful natural world that He created gives plain evidence of the existence of the wonderful God whom we see with eyes of faith.

Upon completion of His masterpiece of creation, "God saw every thing that he had made, and behold, it was very good" (Genesis 1:31). The universal and invariable laws of gravity, of thermodynamics, and the entropy reveal a God of perfect order. A newborn baby and a repentant sinner clearly reveal a merciful and loving God, the Author of both physical and spiritual life. And even though "no man hath seen God at any time" (John 1:18), He has been "declared" by His Son [Jesus],--the clearest revelation of God ever given. Now can you see God? ~~

--'Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now you see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory." --[1 Peter 1:8]

--BSW/PL
~~~~~~~~

--AMERICA IS A CHRISTIAN NATION ~~
--PTV/RJ~

~~"Come, let us worship and bow down,
let us kneel before the LORD our
Maker."
--[Psalm 96:6]--

--In the 1860s, it was constitutional to teach the Bible or to pray or to put the nativity scenes in the public school, but in 1980, 120 years later, you couldn't even post the copies of the Ten Commandments. What changed? Did the Constitution change? Do today's Supreme Court justices have greater insight into what our nation's founders meant than those who lived closer to the founders? No, what changed is this: We have allowed the atheists, the infidels, and the humanists to seize control of this country and to pervert our Constitution into something the founders never intended. That is what's happening, and we've got to say, "enough!"

Now our founders were clear. In the First Amendment, they said, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." Our forefather came from a country where there was a state church, and people were coerced to worship in churches they didn't want to be in. That was wrong. Our forefathers said: We want no part of that." And you and I don't want any part of that. But the First Amendment has nothing to say about nativity scenes, prayers at graduations, or Ten Commandments displays. It has absolutely nothing to say about that.
Although our country allows and welcomes people of all faiths or no faiths, the fact is, America was founded as a Christian Nation. 'IN GOD WE TRUST' ~~

- JESUS IS GOD IN FLESH ~

Question: "Is Jesus God in the flesh? -- Why is it important that Jesus is God in the flesh?"

Answer: Since Jesus’ conception by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the virgin Mary (Luke 1:26-38), the real identity of Jesus Christ has always been questioned by skeptics. It began with Mary’s fiancé, Joseph, who was afraid to marry her when she revealed that she was pregnant (Matthew 1:18-24). He took her as his wife only after the angel confirmed to him that the child she carried was the Son of God.

Hundreds of years before the birth of Christ, the prophet Isaiah foretold the coming of God’s Son: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). When the angel spoke to Joseph and announced the impending birth of Jesus, he alluded to Isaiah’s prophecy: "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God with us’)" (Matthew 1:23). This did not mean they were to name the baby Immanuel; it meant that "God with us" was the baby’s identity. Jesus was God coming in the flesh to dwell with man.

Jesus Himself understood the speculation about His identity. He asked His disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" (Matthew 16:13; Mark 8:27). The answers varied, as they do today. Then Jesus asked a more pressing question: "Who do you say that I am?" (Matthew 16:15). Peter gave the right answer: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16). Jesus affirmed the truth of Peter’s answer and promised that, upon that truth, He would build His church (Matthew 16:18).

The true nature and identity of Jesus Christ has eternal significance. Every person must answer the question Jesus asked His disciples: "Who do you say that I am?"
--[Please click on link regarding Jesus being GOD/MAN. // JESUS IS MESSIAH / HE IS ALIVE TODAY~~]
<https://www.gotquestions.org/God-in-the-flesh.html>
~~~~~~~

--WE HAVE BEEN LIED TO~~
--~~[Abiding Word Ministries
--Rick Barnhart~~]

~~[The Declaration of Independence includes a phrase that appeals to the Almighty. Today, forty-four state constitutions contain a form of this phrase--an appeal to the Almighty.~]

---Our nation's Godly foundation is well documented. Although forces in our society work to reinterpret this Godly heritage, an examination of history shows it clearly. The popular assertion that most of our founders were Deists, not Christians, is often taught in schools and blindly accepted by many. One one occasion President Obama went so far as to publically declare that America is not a Christian nation. On that point, he may have been speaking for himself and some citizens, but I suspect a majority of Americans believe otherwise. Here are a few examples of our Christian heritage:

-[Many of our founding fathers, through their own writings, declared themselves to be Christians.
These include some well-known names: John Adams, Samuel Adams, Alexander Hamilton, John
Hancock, John Hart, Patrick Henry, and James Madison. --

The Continental Congress made its first official act a call for prayer, setting aside May 17,1776, as a
national day of fasting, repentance, and prayer for the colonies. In this act. they specifically mentioned
Jesus Christ.

The Continental Congress ordered the importation of 20,000 Bibles for distribution to the American troops.
The Continental Congress authorized its endorsement to be printed on the front page of the Bible edition
approved for the American people, to be used in our schools.

The Continental Congress passed a law that stated, "Religion, morality, and knowledge being necessary
to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall be forever
encouraged." -[Source. David Barton's ministry, Wall Builders.]

Congress did not intend a government and society free of religion but rather a government that is not biased
toward a particular denomination or religion. Freedom of religion was never meant to be freedom from religion.
The greatest issue of today is not so much a political tyranny but a spiritual one. Many influential leaders, prompt-
-ed by dark spiritual powers, are trying to rewrite our history and systematically eliminate all references to God
and faith in public culture.

-- Christianity is increasingly depicted as being bigoted and extreme. This is not what our founders envisioned or
believed. Unfortunately, today's churches are losing their rightful influence on society. / 'IN GOD WE TRUST' ~
~~~~~~~

--THE SECRET OF AMERICA'S GREATNESS ~~
--[Pathway to Victory/ Pastor Robert Jeffress ~]

~~~"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you
but to do justice, to love kindness (mercy), and walk humbly with your God?"
---(Micah 6:8) --

--Dr. W.A. Criswell said thirty-five years ago, talking abut America, "The nation cannot turn to God if I do not turn to God. The nation cannot repent if I do not repent. God doesn't win nations, or companies, or crowds, or throngs. He wins souls, one by one. And the only way we can lift our nation Godward is if I am moved Godward."

The mission statement of our church, 'First Baptist Church of Dallas', is very simple: "Transforming the world with God's Word one life at a time." In the nineteenth century, French diplomat Alexis de Tocqueville came and visited our country. He then wrote a book about his discoveries in America. He said, "I sought for the greatness of the United States in her commodious harbors, her ample rivers, her fertile fields, and ample rivers, and boundless forests--and it was not there. I sought for it in her rich mines, her vast world commerce, her public school system, and in her institutions of higher learning--and it was not there. I looked for it in her Congress and her matchless Constitution--and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great!"

-- "IN GOD WE TRUST ~ -- / MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA!"
~~~~~~~~~

--- --NEW TESTAMENT UPHOLDS CREATED KIND STASIS // [Back to Genesis / ICR]

-" God the Father through His Son, Jesus Christ, not only created the world and its biosphere but is sustaining and upholding it according to Genesis 1 principles and will soon
reconcile this sin-cursed world to Himself."

[Clink on the link. / Dr. Tomkins is Director of Research at the Institute For Creation Research~]
<https://www.icr.org/article/new-testament-upholds-created-kind-stasis/>

--LONGING FOR HEAVEN ~~

--"For in this (house/ body) we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven."
--[2 Corinthians 5:2]

-[Please Read // Romans 8:18-39]

--DO YOU sometimes get a desire to be done with this life and to be with Christ, which is "far better" : as Paul said in Philippians 1:23? When one gets older and has met with many trials and physical afflictions, those longings become quite strong. But as Paul pointed out in the next verse, it may be "more needful" for other people that we continue in this present world.

My wife once told me "It is a miracle that you are still here. Your work is not over." As I ponder that statement, the groaning mentioned in today's key verse becomes very personal to me. Today's Bible reading speaks of the same thing: "Even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to with, the redemption of our body."

Yet we continue to live on earth because God still has a mission for us here. This may be to do something physically, to encourage other pilgrims along the way, or simply to pray. We can pray for the lost and for all Christians, that they may have victory in this present evil world. Indeed, as long as we are alive and have a sound mind, we can be a help to others by praying for them. We all need the prayers of fellow Christians as we pass through this dark world.

Longing for heaven is a powerful incentive to press on without quitting. "For which cause we faint now; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (2 Corinthians 4:16-17).

--BSW/FB
--'And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.' --(Galatian 6:9)

--EVIDENCE FOR GOD -- HIS CREATION ~~

--"He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion."
---[Jeremiah 10:12] --

---There have always been agnostics and atheists who question or deny the reality of God. An atheist flatly rejects God's existence, while and agnostic says we cannot be positively sure that God exists. Various theories of evolution have been widely accepted,, , largely because people do not want to be accountable to a Supreme Being. Faith itself provides a firm foundation for our belief in God, yet there is much physical evidence that God is real.

The awesome and mind-boggling wonders of the natural world are compelling evidence of an infinite, all-wise Being. Psalm 91:1 says, "The heaves declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." Think, for instance, of the vast expanse of the Universe, including thousands of galaxies out in space, each containing countless mammoth stars blazing with energy. In our galaxy alone, the Milky Way, there are hundreds of billion of stars.

The sun, moon, and stars function in a precise order. The earth is ninety-three million miles from the sun. If the earth were to suddenly move closer to the sun, it would soon be scorched.

The complex design and harmonious functions of our human bodies also give evidence of an all-wise Creator. The brain, for instance, has been described a more powerful and more wonderful than any human machine ever built. Truly we are "fearfully and wonderfully made." (Psalm 139:14).

The intricate beauty of a flower, the breathtaking grandeur of a snowcapped peak, and the dazzling splendor of a lovely sunset are all examples of God's marvelous handiwork. These marvels demonstrate the creativity and power of our Almighty God. ~~

--BSW/MK~
~~~~~~

---CHRIST THE KING ~~

“Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords.” (1 Timothy 6:15)

Of the many descriptive titles of the Lord Jesus Christ, perhaps the most significant is that of King because this speaks of His universal dominion. The day is coming when “every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth” (Philippians 2:10). .

First of all, since He created all things, He is the King of creation. “For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land” (Psalm 95:3-5).

In a special sense, of course, He is the King of the Jews. “He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end” (Luke 1:33).

He is also our King of redemption, having set us free from the kingdom of the wicked one. He “hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:13-14).

There is a day coming in which all the kings of the earth shall unite against Him. “These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful” (Revelation 17:14). “And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron...
.And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS” (Revelation 19:15- 16). Until then, let us serve Him as King and submit to Him as Lord.

--ICR/HMM