I remember the time I fooled my mom. I did a phone prank one afternoon. I used my “radio” voice as a disguise. When she answered the phone, I told her I was Billy Bob from “Dialing for Dollars.” I asked her to guess a number and of course she won. I told mom she had won $500. She immediately went into her unique voice of amazement…As she talked, I could tell she was spending the money in her mind. It was about then it dawned on me…how do I get out of this? I had her going until…I laughed. Then she knew! She called me by name. She was mad. She may have even hung up on me. I didn’t do that again.

Who do you know so well that when they speak, laugh or even clear their throat…you know they are here? You know even before seeing them. Now, what is common to all these people? It’s time… hanging out, personal, special time together. That’s the difference between acquaintances and best friends. It’s time.

I discovered this nugget of thought sometime back,  The world’s currency is money. The currency of relationships is time. Think about. The more we invest our time in prayer and reading His Word, the more we know Him. The Scriptures says it like this, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” James 4:8

Two thousand years ago, on the dawn of the morning, Mary Magdalene stood at the tomb of Jesus. She was heartbroken, confused, not knowing what to do next. We pick up what happened in John 20:15-16, “He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking He was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have put Him, and I will get Him.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).” When Jesus called her name, she knew! There was no doubt. Mary and Jesus “KNEW” each other.

Jesus told us in John 10:27, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Did you catch the key word? It’s “listen”! We can show up, put in our time, and yet never listen. The listening is with our heart. It’s the desire to know… to draw near. Jesus repeated this core Scripture from Deuteronomy 10:12 when He was asked, “what is the greatest commandment in the Law?” “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.” Matthew 22:37-28

The question that Easter raises is, “Do I know Jesus enough?” What follows is something I have recognized from Scripture. God calls us to act. To walk the talk. To begin each day with Him on your heart & mind. When we desire Jesus… to know Him so well we even sense His Presence… hear His whisper, life changes. That’s when Joy and Peace flood our heart. The Joy and Peace that only comes from knowing Jesus. That is exactly what Mary had that Easter morning.

Good News… it’s available to everyone. No matter who you are or what you have done, we know from Scripture, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

The journey Home begins with, “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9. Jesus, Our Savior calls us “Friend.” Spend daily time with Him. Talk with Him throughout your day. Read His “Love Letter” the Bible. It’s in the Bible where you will discover His unique ways, guidance, warnings, and path to Victory. Make Jesus the priority of your time… your heart’s desire. Jesus desires to have a relationship with you.

Isn’t it time you said “YES” to Jesus?