Introduction Please consider the Devotional Concepts as you read. —Mandates (Directives) Are Relevant— LIFE catches up to us all. Sometimes, changes occur unexpectedly, often during a challenging period in life. We don't seek or desire assistance from opposing forces that challenge our needs or wishes. Eighteen years ago, I published my second book, The Mandate . Recognizing the need to update and refresh its content for greater impact is a proactive step, especially since the world changes faster than we can breathe. I pondered redoing The Mandate and concluded it should retain some of the old while introducing a refreshed vision. At the same time, it presents enlightening insights about our current realities (The Nearness of Christ's Return). It offers encouraging words that resonate with those lacking knowledge or appreciation for the Risen Christ, Jesus. Awakening to the truth that the story of God in Christ Jesus is a True Story—possessing enough value for eternity- compels us to decide where our eternal destiny lies. We imagine this understanding to be more crucial than reality presents it. The Mandate wasn't overly preachy; Biblical language often deters readers from pursuing what lies within. Therefore, while incorporating much Biblical language, I'll also mix in ordinary, everyday speech to reach a broader audience. I wrote The Mandate because others typically depict us as failures when we don't conform to society's evolving standards and values, which seem to deteriorate faster than we can take the next breath [IBID]. Many never realize they're winners. It's easy to feel like losers when people expect us to be carbon copies of individuals who seemingly headline the winner's column at the racetrack. Life is a racetrack, and we are all runners. We need not be losers in this marathon. We race not against one another but against the odds that try to push us off the track. Instead of focusing on the goal ahead, we often jostle for position, which leaves us vulnerable to stumbling and falling. Some who fall never regain their strength; this is truly unfortunate due to the emotional injuries they've suffered. As I contemplate the planned rewrite of The Mandate , I've devised a new title and a completely redesigned cover that reflects its essence while addressing the frustrations people experience in 2025—ongoing feelings of being profoundly unloved, both physically and emotionally. LIFE DEMANDS LOVE'S VERDICT—LIFE IS NOT A SENTENCE OF PAIN AND FEAR. We aim to incorporate many elements from its predecessor with heartfelt hopes. First, let me briefly address life and its qualities. Relationally, much of the book focuses on life in the present. A key message is that it's the readers' responsibility to form their judgments rather than allowing the communicator to impose their view of life on the audience. Simultaneously, we must recognize that we need loving input without dismissing valuable information to fulfill our Mandate and our valued place in humanity. I believe any mandate's eternal success is related to Jesus Christ. At the outset, I give Him thanks, praise, and glory for all I am or ever will be. I humbly suggest that the reader do what John Maxwell challenges us in his book, Thinking For A Change — 'Think.' Before addressing life, please consider what I've identified as its source. Jesus, as recorded by the Gospel writer John, says, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no one comes to the Father except through Me." We don't often hear enough good news from media sources. I value the Bible as the ultimate resource, offering hope amid the pain and fear afflicting humanity and leading to an eternal condition in Christ, the best possible outcome or VERDICT. LIFE DEMANDS LOVE'S VERDICT IS FACTORED OR PRESENTED TO HELP US UNDERSTAND LIFE! CASUALLY OR INTENSIVELY, LIFE IS PURE REALITY! IT'S BEEN PURE JOY TO PRESENT THIS TO YOU..Jacob Bergen