"Knowing Jesus!"

 "Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fishers coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea." (John 21:7 KJV)

  "My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back will save that person from death and bring about forgiveness of many sins." (James 5:19-20 NLT)

 Changing the direction of this, just a little; I wanted to illustrate the picture we see here today, making the point that I said before, how John had stopped trying to compete with Peter, and turned towards loving him and seeing him get restored. If you recall, it started at the tomb, as he had raced Peter to the tomb, but stopped short of going in, after seeing the grave cloths laying there empty; and then seeing the napkin that had covered His face folded and neatly, sitting on the slab of rock. 

 Maybe there are things that help you to know Jesus in your own personal way; as you discovered the way He encourages you, as if you can feel His hand upon your back, edging you forward, saying, "You got this!" Maybe, like John, you know the signs and gestures Jesus uses, as if to say, in just, "I got this!" 

 I absolutely believe that John was very concerned about Peter, hoping and praying that he would get his boldness back and really feel secure about his relationship with the Lord. As we shall see, he doesn't stop; as a matter of fact, Peter and John became bolder, the pair; turning the whole region up-side-down, in the name of Jesus! 

 Sometimes we really need to do whatever it takes to just get to know Jesus! Not just by what we read about and hear in messages; but by what He does for you; how He makes things happen, or not happen, when you least expect it. It's really all of those little things that make our relationship personal and feel so real; especially the stuff that makes you laugh, like telling skilled fishermen to cast the net to the other side...

"It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration, so Jesus went to Jerusalem. In the Temple area he saw merchants selling cattle, sheep, and doves for sacrifices; he also saw dealers at tables exchanging foreign money. Jesus made a whip from some ropes and chased them all out of the Temple. He drove out the sheep and cattle, scattered the money changers' coins over the floor and turned over their tables. Then, going over to the people who sold doves, he told them, "Get these things out of here. Stop turning my Father's house into a marketplace!" Then the disciples remembered this prophecy from the Scriptures: "Passion for God's house will consume me." But the Jewish leaders demanded, "What are you doing? If God gave you authority to do this, show us a miraculous sign to prove it." "All right," Jesus replied. "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." "What," they exclaimed. "It has taken forty-six years to build this Temple, and you can rebuild it in three days?" But when Jesus said, "this temple," he meant his own body. After he was raised from the dead, the disciples remembered he had said this, and they believed both the Scriptures and what Jesus had said." (John 2:13-22 NLT)   

"The Right Side!"

"And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They case therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes." (John 21:6 KJV)

  "O LORD, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens. You have taught children and infants to tell of your strength, silencing your enemies and all who oppose you. When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers - the moon and the stars you set in place - what are mere mortals that you should think about them? Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor. You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority - the flocks and the herds and the all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents. O LORD, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!" (PSALM 8 NLT)

 We should know by now; God's ways are always easier than our ways; they might not make sense or be what the world might say is right; but when it is God speaking and telling you what to do, it is the right thing to do, no matter what! Besides, He made this all with us in mind, that we could fellowship with Him and enjoy all of the marvelous things He has done! 

 If you are at some sort of crossroad, not sure what path you are meant to take, then you need to stop and wait on God to show you; simply take the time to wait on the Lord, so that you can follow everything He says, at each and every step! How can you follow the Lord if you are always moving ahead of Him, and then asking for His approval? 

 This is a very good lesson on what happens when we do it on our own! Sure, the disciples were there near the ocean, the boat was available, and it seemed like the right thing to do; but they wasted a whole night and caught nothing. Who knew that Jesus was going to show up? Who took the time to pray that He would! 

 That might be one of my biggest problems, that I don't think most of my issues are worth calling out for the Lord! But in so doing, what I find that I have is many little issues, all of which are things that take me away from spending time with the Lord. In case you did not know, spending time with the Lord includes spending time with your brothers and sisters in Christ! 

 Do you know why I say the Lord's ways are easier? Some say the Lord's ways are simple, as if they are understandable and we only need to just do what He says. Truth be told, I have to believe that God's ways are so complex and so far above my paygrade, thinking that they are simple, makes me think that I can somehow figure them out; like that will ever happen! 

 They are easy because He is in control! If there is a problem with His plan, it is His problem, not mine! Knowing that, I can rest and know that He works all things out for good, even if I think it isn't going to work, He makes a way, which is always much better and greater than I could have planned! Doesn't that seem as though it is easy? Isn't it easier to be the passenger, than the One that is in control of the ride?  

 If only I could maintain that belief and not find myself going down certain roads on my own! I must make myself understand this simple fact, from my abilities: I need to pray about everything I am going to do and thank God for everything that He does! Isn't that easy...

"Always be full of joy in the Lord. I will say it again - rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything: instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:4-7 NLT) 

"Preparation!"

 "Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No." (John 21:5 KJV)

  "Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart's desires. Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you." (PSALM 37:3-5 NLT)

 Looking back at the title for yesterday's post, the question mark was to illustrate something we need to understand, whether we like it or not, sometimes we need to be broken! Yes, it is just the way God gets us into the place that He wants us: which will usually mean we need to be pulled apart or separated from the things which bind us up, or which hold us down, making us too attached to this world. 

 Does it feel good? Most likely not! But it is better to be where God would have us, then to be where we are not meant to be! Then we ask, "God, where do you want me? And what must I do?" This is called the Way! Surprisingly, that is where it all started, by following Jesus, who is the Way! We must obey what He tells us to do: starting with simple and easy steps; we will be given more once we step in the right direction. 

 Think about Father Abraham, who was given just one simple step: "Pack up you family and go to a place that I will show you." There was nothing to worry about, if he was trusting the LORD. But did it go as well as it should? No! God had to ask him twice; and when he finally did go, he took Lot and his family with him. 

 But he went, none the less, and God worked out the rest! That is how it works! We can't follow Him in everything, because we are not perfect, as He is! We will mess up, and we will get off the path; but He is more than able to get us back on the path, one way or another! We just need to be willing to turn and give up those things that weigh us down, causing us to continually stumble. 

 So, with those things in mind: Do we really want to be Kept Intact? Does the pot say to the Potter, 'You can't take my handle away! No, you can't change my spout, I like it the way it is!' He is the Potter, and we are the clay; He gets to do whatever He wants, because we are His! Thank goodness for that...

""What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator. Does the clay pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with the one who shaped it, saying, 'Stop, you're doing it wrong!' Does the pot exclaim, 'How clumsy can you be?' "" (Isaiah 45:9 NLT)

"Kept Intact?"

 "But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus." (John 21:4 KJV) 

  "Sing to the LORD, all you godly ones! Praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. When I was prosperous, I said, "Nothing can stop me now!" Your favor, O LORD, made me as secure as a mountain. Then you turned away from me, and I was shattered. I cried out to you, O LORD. I begged the Lord for mercy, saying, "What will you gain if I die, if I sink into the grave? Can my dust praise you? Can it tell of your faithfulness? Hear me, O LORD, and have mercy on me. Help me, O LORD."" (PSALM 30:4-10 NLT)

 The point is this: We do not stop trying! Yes, they fished all night, catching nothing; but when you give up, making it about what happened, instead of what might be, what good does that do? It does nothing at all! Sometimes we must have a pause, if you catch my meaning! It doesn't require much, but it does give us a chance to wait on the Lord, to follow Him more closely. 

 Yesterday two young girls showed up at my door, saying that they were giving out inspiration notes, and one of them handed me a note. It wasn't much, but it said enough: "Never quit trying." That was it, and as I finished reading it, I asked if this meant I was to give them some money. They said, "No, we are just giving them out; but we do accept tips." So, I gave them a few dollars and said, "Thank you, I needed the inspiration!" 

 Maybe it was the Lord's way of making me take a pause, if for no other reason, than to sit and listen to what He would have me to do. Because my mind was all over the place, thinking of ways to hold it all together, hiring people to do what I do; making this the point of building a large company again, as if it was something God might want me to do. 

 Anywho; this is primarily the point of where we are at, as the disciples are making themselves feel, if you will, like it might be time to get back in the game! However, there attempt to do so, turned into nothing, not even a single fish was caught, and then Jesus shows up! 

 As Matthew Henry says: "Christ's time of making himself known to his people is when they are most at a lost. When they think they have lost themselves, he will let them know that they have not lost him." It is the same way all the time, you lose what you count as dear, only to find that Christ is near! 

 To you that feel as though all is lost, there is really another way to look at it, because you still have Jesus! When all is stripped away, Jesus will seem closer and closer...

 "So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor." (James 4:7-10 NLT) 

"Let's Go Fishing!" -Too

 "Simon Peter saith unto them, I go fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing." (John 21:3 KJV)

  "And now, dear brothers and sisters, we give you this command in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ: Stay away from all believers who live idle lives and don't follow the tradition they received from us. For you know that you ought to imitate us. We were not idle when we were with you. We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you. We certainly had the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow. Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: "Those unwilling to work will not get to eat."" (2 Thessalonians 3:6-10 NLT)

 Maybe it doesn't make sense yet, but if you are in any kind of ministry that requires your full attention, you know that it takes money to survive and make it work. Not that I have anything to say about that, as I have basically not worked for anyone in over 33 years, so I can't relate to what that might be like. 

 Then again, ministry can take place in everyday life! You don't need a church or a license to be a servant of the Lord; you just need to be willing to serve, to contribute, and to share your faith; everything else is taken care of by God! You really don't need to worry about the finances, although it is hard not to! When things get tight, I still get concerned, in the flesh; but when I turn all of that over to the Provider, He does what He does, and I just trust Him and obey. 

 What else can we do? If God says to trust Him with all that we have, then we must consider all that we have is His; making these things His makes us to be stewards of what He has given us. If it gets taken away, it was His in the first place; He will replace it with something else, material or not, it will do us good! 

 Right now, the thing I feel most concerned with is being here for my wife! Over the last five months I have been dealing with symptoms of illness, of what, I have no idea. I discovered it briefly back in May, when I was training for a bike ride down the coast. So, I had to cancel the ride and make different plans, that didn't involve stress and too much energy. 

 At man camp, in September, I was helping some younger men move picnic tables, after about three of them, I found myself out of breath, and needing to stop moving tables. This is something new for me, as I have never not been able to work! Even when sick with the flu, I still worked and hardly ever stayed in bed during regular working days. If I was really sick, I would wait until the weekend, and then try to get better for the next week. 

 For the very first time, I had to pull off of a repair job this last Thursday. I was crawling a subarea, taking measurements for the materials I needed to repair some termite damage, and suddenly felt that I needed to get out. I felt like it was some kind of panic attack, which doesn't happen, ever; I can stay in a subarea working for several hours, and never feel uncomfortable. 

 After I could catch my breath, which seemed like 15 or 20 minutes, I had to tell the customer that I could not finish the job and would come back at a later date with a helper. Maybe it's over 40 years of crawling into subareas and attics, where there is insulation, rodent droppings, waste, and whatever else might be harmful to breath; let alone, that I treat subareas without wearing a respirator; that could be a small part of the issue. 

 I say these things to share about how I feel, both physically and mentally; things are probably going to change, and there is something that matters more than material things and trying to make money! I must be able to care for my wife, because I am responsible as her husband to do so. 

 I know that she has people that care for her, but I don't think it would be the same if I were gone. Not that they wouldn't be willing to help, but that the powers-to-be might want to place her in hospice or some kind of facility, where she would most likely not be cared for very well. 

 All of that said, I believe that God is going to work all things out! No matter what, we will all be with Jesus sooner or later; the sooner the better, is good enough for me... 

"Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct. Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them. Don't be misled - you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let's not get tired of doing good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessings if we don't give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone - especially to those in the family of faith." (Galatians 6:4-10 NLT)

     

"Let's Go Fishing!"

 "Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing." (John 21:3 KJV)

  "As apostles of Christ we certainly had a right to make some demands of you, but instead we were like children among you. Or we were like a mother feeding and caring for her own children. We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God's Good News but our own lives, too. Don't you remember, dear brothers and sisters, how hard we worked among you? Night and day we toiled to earn a living so that we would not be a burden to any of you as we preached God's Good News to you." (1 Thessalonians 2:7-9 NLT)

 Once upon a time, I thought about quitting my profession and making ministry the priority of my life. It wasn't hard to change my mind, as I had a wife and kid to provide for; making that out to be the reason, seemed reason enough to keep making money and being the provider, as I thought a good husband should. 

 Paul, although he doesn't share about it, must have been married at one time, as it was a requirement for anyone that was appointed to be a Sanhedrin that they be married. With that, he did end up single and able to minister freely, without having to worry about feeding anyone but himself. 

 He could have been widower, as he had several things to share about widows. Or, he could have been divorced, which might have happened after he was converted and followed Christ. To be the wife of a Pharisee was a comfortable life for a woman; but to be the wife of a member of the Sanhedrin, that was like being the wife of a Senator or high-ranking politician. 

 I think you see where this is going, because Paul was also passionate about divorce! If you are married and one of you are a Christian, then you should not leave your unbelieving spouse; however, if they leave you, then you are free to divorce. Don't you think it was something he lived through, most likely rather abruptly? 

 Where does this go from here? Peter was absolutely married, this much we know, other than that, Philip was also most likely married. This might be the reason Peter was intending to go fishing, to earn some money and provide for his family. All of these men had left their livelihood to follow Jesus; for three and a half years they learned to be Fisher's of Men! 

 Many of the Pastor's that I have served under, if not all, at Calvary Chapel, had to work to help provide for their families. Pastor Bill, who was first, lived off of the offerings that were given, but then again, his wife had resources and the ability to earn income. All the Pastor's from then on, that took over the church, had to supplement their income, in one way or another. 

 Money should not be the issue! God will provide where He guides, but we must adhere to His guidance and not step out on our own! Case in point...

""Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink - even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk - it's all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food."" (ISAIAH 55:1-2 NLT) 

"Completion"

 "There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples." (John 21:2 KJV)

  "When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, "Don't be afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living one. I died, but look - I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave. White down what you have seen - both the things that are now happening and the things that will happen. This is the meaning of the mystery of the seven stars you saw in my right hand and the seven gold lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of seven churches, the seven lampstands are the seven churches."" (Revelation 1:17-20 NLT)

 I have always been searching for numerical meanings of certain numbers, like the number 6 is likened to man, the number 7 is to represent completion, perfection, or God, and the number 8, will sometimes show new beginnings. Within the Bible are so many things which overlap and can take us down so many different trials, as we discover a very complex web of the Truth; the likes of which are very hard to explain! 

 Dr. Chuck would always begin his presentations saying, "The Bible has 66 books and 40 authors," which is a fact that cannot be denied. However, when it comes right down to it, there is only One author, who spoke and wrote through 40 different people! This can only be how it was, because many of the authors wrote at various times and in various places, yet they all come together as a perfect beautiful masterpiece! 

 Other than that, as Matthew Henry points out, Roman law required seven witnesses to attest to any fact or happening. Three are spoken of by name; two are spoken of by their association, which were James and John; and the other two are not named, but were most likely Andrew and Philip, based upon their occupation as fishermen. 

 Matthew Henry also mentions how this particular chapter, according to some, might have been written by someone other than John; which, as he points out, "John says, 'This disciple testifies to these things,' after the dialog with Jesus and Peter in verses 20-23. So, there is no truth in that, whatsoever! 

 Which then brings me back to my earlier discussion about who were the first two disciples, if it even matters! Many commentators have them being Andrew and Peter, but it was Andrew and John that first followed Jesus! Andrew left John with Jesus and went to go find Peter; and then Peter came and meet Jesus. But it was John who stayed with Jesus as Andrew went to get Peter. 

 How do I know this? John never mentions his own name, but he does give the time of day, as he shares about his visit with Jesus! Why is that so important? Because his Book was written many years after these events happened, yet he still remembered the time of day that he fell in love with Jesus! I may not remember what date it was, but I know it was Sunday, and I know it was about 11:00 in the morning! 

 There is no way that he could know the time, if it wasn't his experience with Jesus...

"The following day John was again standing with two of his disciples. As Jesus walked by, John looked at him and declared, "Look! There is the Lamb of God!" When John's two disciples heard this, they followed Jesus. Jesus looked around and saw them following, "What do you want?" he asked them. They replied, "Rabbi" (which means "Teacher"), "where are you staying?" "Come and see," he said. It was about four o'clock in the afternoon when they went with him to the place where he was staying, and they remained with him the rest of the day." (John 1:35-39 NLT)  

"Make Manifest"

 "After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and of this wise shewed he himself." (John 21:1 KJV)

 ""God is leading you away from danger, Job, to a place free from distress. He is setting your table with the best food. But you are obsessed with whether the godless will be judged. Don't worry, judgment and justice will be upheld. But watch out, or you may be seduced by wealth. Don't let yourself be bribed into sin. Could all your wealth or all your mighty efforts keep you from distress? Do not long for the cover of night, for that is when people will be destroyed. Be on guard! Turn your back from evil, for God sent this suffering to keep you from a life of evil!""  (Job 36:16-21 NLT)

 After what things? Well, in the case of those who had been paying attention, "So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was filled full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father's one and only Son." (John 1:14 NLT) 

 Yesterday's post ended rather abruptly, as I had to put down my laptop and come to a point where I could see what it was that had already written. I think sometimes we really don't understand how much God's hand is upon your lives; as if He just allows us to mess up, just to fix us; or that He catches us, just before we get ourselves into something that we could never get ourselves out of.

 No, I don't buy it! God is the Creator who creates and knows the beginning to the end; everything is His, there is nothing made, that He has not made; and life itself, is in His control, from beginning to end, He is GOD! So, what do we do with that? We trust Him! There is really nothing more that we can do, but to trust Him! If you find yourself in the middle of a situation or circumstance, then you trust God to take you through it, because He knows how it's going to end! 

 Yesterday I heard a rather confusing message, one which I have heard before, but this time is had a different twist. The message was based upon the census which David took, which shares the idea being planted in David's heart between God and the devil. If you don't know what I am talking about, then you should check it out for yourself. 

 The part that gets confusing, now, is why God would have wanted it, and if He did, why did He put the blame on David? I know it might sound strange and doesn't make much sense; but God sometimes doesn't do things that make sense, He does things to change hearts! 

 You really need to understand something about David, because David's heart was way out of whack! His fathering ways were not all that great, he was still dealing with the consequences of the past, and he really had some doubts about the relationship he once had with God. So, God intervened! 

 That's what God does! He takes the time to use opportunities, even bad ones, to intervene in the daily routine of our lives, and shake us up a little, or a lot; whatever it takes to get our attention! We don't know why, while it is happening; we probably still won't know why after it is done. But hopefully you come out the other side knowing that He loves you and cares dearly about you, no matter what you have done, or what's been done to you!  

 Besides all of that, I said it before, and I will say it again: Our mistakes are goods opportunities! He takes the messes that we make, and somehow works them for His purposes...

"But now that their father was dead, Joseph's brothers became fearful. "Now Joseph will show his anger and pay us back for all the wrong we did to him," they said. So they sent this message to Joseph: "Before your father died, he instructed us to say to you: 'Please forgive your brothers for the great wrong they did to you - for their sin in treating you so cruelly.' So we, the servants of the God of your father, beg you to forgive our sin." When Joseph received the message, he broke down and wept. Then his brothers came and threw themselves down before Joseph. "Look, we are your slaves!" they said. But Joseph replied, "Don't be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. No, don't be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children." So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them." (Genesis 50:15-21 NLT) 

"Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples"

  "Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. This is how it happened. Several of the disciples were there - Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), Nathanael from Cana of Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples. 

 Simon Peter said, "I'm going fishing." "We'll come too," they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night.

 At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn't see who he was. He called out, "Fellows, have you caught any fish?" "No," they replied.

 Then he said, "Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you'll get some!" So they did, and they couldn't haul in the net because there were so many fish in it. 

 Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, "It's the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore. The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore, for they were only about a hundred yards from shore. When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them - fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread. 

 "Bring some of the fish you've caught," Jesus said. So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore. There were 153 large fish, and yet the net hadn't torn." (John 21:1-11 NLT)

  "Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands." (PSALMS 102:25 KJV)

 Have you ever felt as if you are not where you should be? Feeling as though you might be stuck in midst of a fog, hoping for the light of day? Well, this is where we find these seven disciples. Oddly enough, even when you don't do what you should, and might even go off course, you are always, somehow, going to be on the right path! 

 We might not see that is the truth, because we hardly ever feel everything we have done was for the good. Even when we do good, we sometimes feel as though we could have done better. Someone we know might have done the same, with less and without the help of others; and yet, they did it better than you. 

 This is something I have dealt with, for many years; over and over, coming to the same feeling of remorse and pity for myself, having done this or that, praying, as it were, that I could somehow take it back! "But God!" (I have been told, time and time again,) "He makes all things new!" 

 If you could undo something that you have done, then there would be something missing in your life! Whatever it was, you might have done, there was something that was somehow made good of it, most of which you don't even know! 

 When I was discharged from the Navy in February of 1979, I thought I was going to settle down in Texas, as that was where grandfather lived. They had planned to come out and get me, after all of my stuff I shipped from Japan had reached my mother's house. 

 While visiting a friend, I meet Marianne! I had no clue who she was, but she knew who I was, and she came by to meet me. I was a pretty bad kid in school, and someone had told her to stay away from me, because I was nothing but trouble. 

 Oddly enough, I think of that quite often, wondering what it was that drew her to me...

"They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old as a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed. But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end. The children of thy servants shall continue, and their seed shall be established before thee." (PSALMS 102:26-28 KJV)     

"Epilogue"

 "JOHN Chapter 21"

"That's the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone's duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad." (ECCLESIASTES 12:13-14 NLT)

 This might seem a little odd, but there is good reason. 'An Epilogue is a concluding section (essentially an extra chapter) that comes at the very end of a piece of literature, usually a novel or play.' Basically, it is the end of the book or play that sums up all that the story was about; a conclusion to all that has happened.  

 In this case, John's message about Jesus is to prove to the reader that He was a human being, yet God! The body that Jesus lived within, was no different than yours and mine; yet, within that body dwelt the Son of the Living God, who could manifest and disappear as if He was a vapor, control the elements of our world, and came to defeat sin and death! 

 I'm not a teacher or preacher, but I do have certain days when I believe that God places things on my heart to share, whether they speak to some, all, or one, it really does not matter; almost every day it speaks to me! In my particular situation, which I don't really have any complaints about, I feel that God shows me how to continue and love, just as God loves me, as messed up as I can be! 

 Thank you for putting up with me, as I know that I can get weird sometimes and get way outside the lines. We must continue to put up with each other, praying for one another, and making every effort to love one another, just as the Lord loves us...

"Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith. Watch out for those dogs, those people who do evil, those mutilators who say you must be circumcised to be saved. For we who worship by the Spirit of God are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort, though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more!" (Philippians 3:1-4 NLT) 

"Beyond the Pale"

 "But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." (John 20:31 KJV)

  "The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. As the Scriptures say, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent." So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the worlds brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it's all nonsense." (1 Corinthians 1:18-23 NLT)

 If you take the time to look this phrase up, "Beyond the Pale," you will at first picture it as if it was a phrase that shows being outside the bounds of morality or good behavior. However, depending on the region, time, or ethnicity, it takes on a whole different meaning. 

 Having said that, even in the light of the current meaning, 'outside the bounds of morality or good behavior,' it would appear that being a Christian in the modern world is offensive and wrong to a large portion of the world's population! Even some that believe in God, if you place Jesus in the certain context as God, they too will be offended and mark you as wicked. 

 Yesterday I had some J.W.s come to my door, who wanted to talk about the terrible things happening here on earth, and how God was going to rid earth of all of the evil. I was nice enough, shook their hands, and told them that Jesus was coming soon to take His church off of this evil world, and that they haven't seen anything yet. 

 Having been there, I could feel the hatred boiling up inside of them. But I sent them away with a, "God Bless You," and said a silent prayer for God to draw them to the real truth. It is useless to argue with them, which is why they come in sets of two; if you get one alone, you might be able to prove who Jesus is by walking them through Scripture; but then, they will go to their Elder, and he will twist up everything you showed them, hardening their heart even more. 

 I know this is so, as I had tried for decades to get my sister to see the truth; but she believed the truth was in the 'Scripture Studies,' because reading the Bible by itself will put you in darkness. This kind of hold is spiritual, not just intellectual. If it was all about the plain truth, then the Bible makes the case for the Real Jesus! 

 Anywho, I don't want to overstep, as I know that I have some secret J.W. followers, whom I love and pray for every day! Besides, this is meant to be about something else, something that will most likely also include them, as a believer in God, the Creator of heaven and earth. 

 Thursday I was at a Continuing Education Class, and the last speaker was really a piece of work. I have shared the words of Dr. Lewis before, but this speaker went far beyond the pale of logic! She put up a slide that showed the history of the world, relating the process and evolution of Termites. What Dr. Lewis did, she did ten times greater! Her presentation had the history running off the page, as if they still haven't gotten to the end yet, of where life began; even though she was showing that Termites came to be about 800 billion years ago! 

 I was squirming in my seat, almost ready to raise my hand, saying, "I object!" But when I looked around the room, it appeared that most of the people present were swallowing it up, in amazement. Glass-eyed and filled with new knowledge; it would have been a shame to disrupt the party. 

 This is the new world we must live in, but we do not need to belong to it or accept what is taught! By that, we will be considered Beyond the Pale, an offense to all that is right and worldly...

"For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control." (Philippians 3:18-21 NLT)  

 

"So Much More!"

 "And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:" (John 20:30 KJV)

  "We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn't live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, "The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me." Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises to be fulfilled." (Romans 15:1-4 NLT)

 I guess you needed to be there to see all that Jesus did, as much of what John is talking about is most likely things which are hard to explain, without actually seeing them in person. It is really hard to explain feelings and acts of real love, because what is truly unique in my heart based upon what I see, may not be all that important or unique to someone else. 

 It is pretty much the same with the Scriptures, as you read something that is really powerful, in some certain season of your life; yet go back to that powerful Scripture at a different time, and you don't feel or get the same meaning that you had before. Call it the time and place happening, if you will; as you are in a certain place in life, at which time God softens your heart at the time, to see something that ministers to your heart, at just the right moment. 

 I can recall being at a Men's Conference back in the late 90's, which took place in San Jose. Pastor Damion was starting to teach and told us to turn to the Book of Ephesians. As he started to read, within the first couple words that he read, my spirit broke, and I was literally shaken! I started to weep, feeling as though God was telling me something that I needed to know. Yet, serval weeks later, I read the same verse again, and there was nothing slightly exciting about the words I was reading. 

 Trying to explain what happen to a friend of mine, was like trying to explain colors of the sky to a blind person; he couldn't see what it was that had caused my excitement, no matter how hard I tried, it just didn't click! We are all hoping for something to help us cope with certain trials and circumstances; most of those "promise Scriptures" are good but may not actually made a big difference. 

 Then we have those, (which are sometimes joked about,) who open the Scriptures, put their finger to a place, and then read the Scripture, as if God took them there for the answers they seek. It might work out okay; but then again, it might be something that makes you feel worse, giving you thoughts of giving up, or doing something else that you should not do. 

 Have feelings like I have painted myself into a corner! Having said all of that, I don't quite know what to do, except to pray and ask God for closure! 

 By the way: we must realize that we are all unique and special, each having different reactions to certain things, based upon where we are in our spiritual journey. It really isn't that hard to see when someone we love is struggling with something, but the answers we have may not help, and only make things worse. 

 If you want my advice, you need to pray that God will show them His special message for this specific time in their life, that they would comprehend what He says, and be strengthened! That is what I think happened to me; someone was praying for me and asking for God to speak; and He spoke load and clear...

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT) 

"Purpose of the Book"

 "The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name." (John 20:30-31 NLT)

  "And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (1 John 5:11-12 KJV)

 Basically, it all comes down to believing in Jesus Christ, the Son of God; the One who came, dwelt among us, mere humans, as a human Himself, to be sacrificed on a cross for our sins, that we might have eternal life through Him! Call it what it is: God showing us His great love towards us, even though we didn't deserve it, were not asking for it, and in the case of some, not accepting it! 

 The moment that I believed, my heart was broken and torn, as I envisioned Him on that cross! The Creator of heaven and earth, hanging there to free me from sin and death! It shattered my world and made me see how much God loved me, in spite of all the times I had rejected the call upon my life! 

 He does not give up! I hope you know that, because He knows who you are, who you will be, and what it is going to take in order for you to accept His perfect love! Yes, we have free will, we always have the choice to say no; but He knows you better than you know yourself: thankfully...

"For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." (Ephesians 3:14-21 KJV) 

"True Confidence"

"Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." (John 20:29 KJV) 

  "You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him and you rejoice with a glorious inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls." (1 Peter 1:8-9 NLT)

 Hopefully this has been something that has caused us to think about foolish doubt, because there is more satisfaction in believing! When we doubt, we can become weak and sick, sometimes even feel as though we don't deserve to live; so why waste the chance to feel alive and be someone with a purpose! What a difference it makes to have true confidence in what you have been made for: To serve your King! 

 By the way, Jesus did not say anything about the expression Thomas made, except that he has believed in Him by seeing Him! What that means, is that Thomas expressed who Jesus was: 'Lord and God!' You really can't get much clearer than that! This is really a pretty big deal, because a good Jewish boy like Thomas would not have used the LORD'S name in vain; just saying!  

 Having been though the fire, (maybe still in it,) I can say with true confidence that I believe my faith is real and that I am looking forward to getting into Heaven. Even with that, there are still days when I might feel as though I am not worthy; but that is only because I am not! It is only because of the blood of Jesus that I am clean enough to get into Heaven; nothing is about me; it is all about Christ Jesus! 

 Therefore, put all of your confidence in Jesus Christ and the work He finished on the cross! Thou you cannot see Him, you can know that it is true; though you did not see Him after He rose, you can also know that is true, too, because all of His followers did not deny it, even to the death! That is true confidence...

"So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. For we live by believing and not by seeing. Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him. For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body." (2 Corinthians 5:6-10 NLT)

"Turn Around Thomas!"

 "And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God." (John 20:28 KJV)

  "He broke my strength in midlife, cutting short my days. But I cried to him, "O my God, who lives forever, don't take my life while I am so young! Long ago you laid the foundations of the earth and made the heavens with your hands. They will perish, but you remain forever; they will wear out like old clothing. You will change them like a garment and discard them. But you are always the same; you will live forever. The children of your people will live in security. Their children's children will thrive in your presence."" (PSALM 102:23-28 NLT)

 As most of you should know, God's Word is the most important thing to Him, as it should also be for us! We should treat His written Word as if it is as important as life itself, as if our lives depend upon every single thing which He has to say, because He is Life! There is no life without God! 

 This is where we are at, right now, whether you believe it or not, the powers to be in this world are going to try to make the case that there is no God, because they want the world system to be god! Get ready and get right! That's what I have to say about that! 

 This portion of Scripture is where John takes a little break, as it where, to set some things in order. As to the verse we have before us today, some of those I have shared this with, from the J.W. bunch, try to say that Thomas was cursing, not exclaiming who Jesus was; as if Thomas was so shocked, he belched out by using the Lord's name in vain!  

 This is almost as untrue, as Jesus' sinning, by turning over the money tables and chasing people out of the Temple! Anything to take away the Glory and Majesty of the KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS! The One who never changes: THE LIVING WORD OF GOD!

 As to the point I was trying so hard to make yesterday, we must take His written word seriously and treat it as if it is a roadmap for our lives! I know that some people will try to say that it is mostly allegory and of metaphors and representations to life; but it is more than anything else! It is God's love letter to us, His children; those that hear Him, know Him, and want to know Him more! 

 And, as to the other point, the one about asking God to prove Himself right: you seriously don't want to go there unless you are prepared to get turned inside-out. It is best to just accept Him at His Word, letting that be the answer to your questions and your doubts! It's all right there, everything you need to know, is all spelled out with four letters: LOVE...

 ""He has brought to his banqueting place, And his banner over me is love [waving overhead to protect and comfort me]."" (SONG OF SONGS 2:4 Amplified Bible) 

"Being Convinced"

 "Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing." (John 20:27 KJV)

  "The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflower, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone - as though we had never been there." (PSALM 103:8-16 NLT)

 You have got to love the Lord's candor and ability to get right to the point. Thomas said he wanted proof, and Jesus shows up to give him what he asked for; even as crude as his request was, Jesus was willing to allow him to feel the truth! 

 I must admit, when I first accepted Christ into my heart, I was overwhelmed by the revelation of who He was, and that He, being God, was willing to die on the cross for my sins! However, several years later I began to doubt and struggled with what I had come to believe, as if those things I was taught as a child had started to creep back into my mind. 

 It really didn't take too long to sort things out, but it was rather interesting to me that it even happened, in the first place. So, I began to try and figure out why the change of heart. One of those things I found was the meaning of PSALM 103:12, as I had always been confused by the two points of view: one being the distance God takes away our sins, the other being the direction we can turn back to our sins. 

 When it comes right down to it, if we don't get certain things right, we can get way off course, even to the point of forgetting what it was that brought us into the Light! God absolutely keeps His promises! When He says your sins have been removed, you can believe that your sins are removed. But if you sin again, you are likely to feel as though your sins are no longer removed, as if God no longer needs to keep His promise! 

 Can you see where this is going? The most important thing that we must do, is to Trust God in all that He says! He does not lie or play games with us, everything He says He will do; He will do! If we ask Him to prove something because we have little faith, guess what! He will show us something that will help us with our faith! It might feel a little awkward or cause you to be challenged to the test; but He is more than willing to teach you to trust Him, one way or another! 

 That said, I can promise you, it is best to take Him at His word! He gave us His word for a reason, (no pun intended,) that we can study it and understand the Truth, without having to be shown too many times what it feels like to experience how true it really is...

"Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshipping him with holy fear and awe. For our God is a devouring fire." (Hebrews 12:28-29 NLT)

"He Shows Up!"

 "And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you." (John 20:26 KJV)

  "Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the LORD that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously." (Isaiah 55:6-7 NLT)

 Having expressed the points which were made yesterday, I could have spent all morning sharing about why it matters to know God's heart is for us, not against us! Even when it might feel that we are being punished or that God is taking us through something to correct our path, we must not forget that He loves those that He disciplines, and He cares about those who He chastises; He does so because we need to see Him more clearly! 

 I know you have heard me say this, over and over; but it must be made clear, again and again: I truly believe that God will heal my wife! There is 100% chance that she will be made whole, because each and every one of us, that are His children, will be given perfect bodies, that do not decay and never get sick! That said, I also believe that she is still with us for a reason! 

 Not that it makes much difference to our daily lives, which seem to be going by quickly, because it is more about others, the people that God places into our lives! Those are the ones that get touched, however that might be, if God shows up, there will be something that happens; good, bad, or indifferent, it all works towards the good and for His purposes! 

 To be perfectly honest, I gave up on the past a long time ago; those days of my wife and I playing golf together are over, and I am just looking forward to being with her in Heaven. My duty has never changed, to care for her and keep showing her that I love her! Other than that, I just keep praying that God heals her, and I bath her in the Word! 

 Does it still hurt? It hurts all the time! That is the whole point of this blog! Every day is another day that hurts! But it isn't really a bad thing, as long as it keeps me focused on the Lord! Besides, He is coming back real soon, so none of this really matters! What matters is that we remain ready and keep looking up...

"So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold - though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world." (1 Peter 1:6-7 NLT) 

 

"Doubt" - Too

 "The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe." (John 20:25 KJV)

  "I cry out to God; yes, I shout. Oh, that God would listen to me! When I was in deep trouble, I searched for the Lord. All night long I prayed, with hands lifted toward heaven, but my soul was not comforted. I think of God, and I moan, overwhelmed with longing for his help. Interlude

  "You don't let me sleep. I am too destressed even to pray! I think of the good old days, long since ended, when my nights were filled with joyful songs. I search my soul and ponder the difference now. Has the Lord rejected me forever? Will he never again be kind to me? Is his unfailing love gone forever? Have his promises permanently failed? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he slammed the door on his compassion?" Interlude  (PSALM 77:1-9 NLT)

 Not that I need to prove anything, or defend God's honor, but if you don't think God's hand isn't in the suffering and the trials, then you really need to think again! Starting with Job, God did allow Satan to do what he did to Job; as a matter of fact, He even put limits on the damage that he could do to him. "All right, you may test him," the LORD said to Satan. "Do whatever you want with everything he possesses, but don't harm him physically." (Job 1:12 NLT)

 Next, we have Peter, as Jesus said, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers." (Luke 22:31-32 NLT) 

 And then, we have Jesus, God's One and Only Son! I don't need to detail all that He had to go through; put it was the Father's choice to have everything done, that was done! Even though Jesus pleaded, saying, "Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine." (Luke 22:42 NLT) Do you know what the Father said? Nothing! 

 Something to think about when you might be feeling sorry for your situation, as you seek God for answers, saying, "Why is this happening?" If you don't get an answer, don't feel as though He doesn't care or that He doesn't love you! It is for you that He sacrificed His Son! That is enough for me...

"My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help? Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. Every night you hear my voice, but I find no relief." (PSALM 22:1-2 NLT)   

"Doubt"

 "The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe." (John 20:25 KJV)

  ""So who am I, that I should try to answer God or even reason with him? Even if I were right, I would have no defense. I could only plead for mercy. And even if I summoned him and he responded, I'm not sure he would listen to me. For he attacks me with a storm and repeatedly wounds me without cause. He will not let me catch my breath, but fills me instead with bitter sorrows. If it's a question of strength, he's the strong one. If it's a matter of justice, who dares to summon him to court? Though I am innocent, my own mouth would pronounce me guilty. Though I am blameless, it would prove me wicked."" (Job 9:14-20 NLT)

 I have said it before, and will say it again: "I believe the only question Jesus will ask, when I stand before Him, will be: "Did you believe that I loved you?"" That might not seem too hard of a question to answer, depending on the journey you might have had, and the way you might have felt you were treated. But if you really wanted to examine things from His point of view, you might then feel blessed to have been able to share in His suffering, as we ought to do! 

 The Scripture above from Job, although Job does not doubt God's existence, (neither did Thomas,) he did doubt God's care and concern about his life! We have no idea what was going on in Thomas' heart; as far as we can tell, he might have just felt betrayed from his own anticipations of what should have happened, not considering the truth of what actually happened. 

 Isn't that where we see Job, as he wonders how God could allow this, knowing full well He has the power to stop it, yet feeling as though God really doesn't care what he thinks or feels, because He doesn't care! If only Job knew God's heart for him, how much He was for him, and how much He defended him, knowing what the end would be, from the beginning! 

 Yesterday evening, as I was driving home, I heard a message which caused me to fire back at the radio, "That is not so!" I usually don't do that, unless the message speaks against God's nature or His abilities to comprehend what He allows to happen or knows to be the way things will be. This message involved the question of friendship with others; and the example was given about Herod and Pilate becoming friends; that their friendship allowed and expedited the death of Jesus. And, then he added, "That was surely not God's doing!"

 There are some things we just need to get right! Much like the commercial for "Pre-Born," where the announcer say, "God sees the life the child, seeing what could have had," as if God doesn't know the child will be aborted! The whole point of the Holy Scriptures, is that God is the Author and Finisher of all that was, is, and ever will be! There is nothing that He does not know! There is nothing that He has no control over or cannot do! He is still on the Throne!  

 As far as the whole thing with Herod and Pilate: the Father wanted His Son to be crucified: that was the whole reason that He came! Anything that would bring that event about, was all His plan and for His purpose! Even the Jews that were pressing for it to happen, they really did not know what they were doing; they just hated Jesus! 

 As I was saying, Thomas was probably the lone true believer, who really did believe that Jesus was God! He felt betrayed because of the hope he had in a wrong conclusion; as if Jesus could not be killed, because of who He was! Not really knowing the truth, he needed real proof; to put his finger in the holes of His hands and thrust his fist in His side! 

 We cannot see the whole picture! The entire story is like a giant masterpiece canvas which God has been painting, and we are on it! Imagine how that looks, if you were a dot on the canvas, how much of the painting could you see? You would only see that which was right beside you; other than that, you would be clueless to everything else!

 The whole point about doubt, is not that there is anything wrong with it, but that it allows us to make a choice! When we have doubt, we are allowed to compare the differences; the good and the bad, the right and the wrong! C. S. Lewis, who was disillusioned about Christianity as a youth, most likely because his mother died when he was 10, re-embraced it later, and became a champion for Christ! 

 Here are certain quotes where they are brought on by doubt: "The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us." "Now that I am a Christian I do have moods in which the whole thing looks improbable; but when I was an atheist I had moods in which Christianity looked terribly probable." "I didn't go to religion to make me happy. I always knew a bottle of Port would do that. If you want a religion to make you feel really comfortable, I certainly don't recommend Christianity." "Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing is cannot be is moderately important." "Nothing is yet in its true form." 

 There are reasons that God has given us choices, as we are made to choose to love Him! It must be something that we are familiar with, the yes and the no, so we make the commitment to love Him, regardless of the yes or the no...

"For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes - the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life."" (Romans 1:16-17 NLT)

 

   

"All Alone?"

 "But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came." (John 20:24 KJV)

  "Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." (Hebrews 10:23-25 NLT)

 Get this: The name, 'Didymus,' means "Two-fold," or "Twain." There must be something more to this, but for now, I will not try and put much into it; except to say that this is pretty much the normal Christian life! Matthew Henry expresses concern over Thomas' not being there with the other disciples, as if he might have been discouraged or unhappy because of the recent destruction of his hopes and dreams; having thought that Jesus, being the Messiah, would have delivered them from Roman rule. 

 This is also the issue that was bothering Judas, the one that killed himself after he betrayed Jesus. The point of the Messiah coming to free people, as to set the captives free, was the spiritual freedom, not a physical freedom that many were looking to happen. 

 Other than that, Thomas could have been kept away by sin, or work, or fear of being seen with the others; regardless, he chose not to be there with his brothers! Which, whether or not you might have been there, you more than likely have, without even realizing doing so! 

 What happens when we forsake going to church, or to a Bible study? Let's just say, it is usually not good! When God puts it upon your heart to go, you need to go, whether you feel like it or not, there is a good reason to go there! However, if we choose not to go, it is usually only for one reason, sin! Not that you are in the act of sinning, but you might; but because there is something important that you will take part in, that will help you to get free from something, and the devil knows it! 

 Anywho! You have got to understand and know that you are living in a spiritual battle! When it looks to be that you are going to make a difference towards the Kingdom of God, you are going to be a target of the devil, that you can be sure of. You must go! If God is prompting you to go, don't let there be a reason that you can't, because the enemy will try and stop you! 

 Maybe Thomas had a backache, and couldn't move? Maybe he ate something that kept him in the bathroom? You name it, it could have happened! Sadly, it happens way too often; especially for Senior Pastors and special guest speakers, as they are about to deliver a message that will take down some strongholds! 

 We are not alone! If it is God's will, then God will make it happen, regardless of what might be holding you back; but you must hold tightly to the call upon your life, whatever the situation might be, God will make it happen...

"Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News and fully carry out the ministry God has given you." (2 Timothy 4:2-5 NLT) 

 

"Jesus Appears to Thomas"

  "One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. They told him, "We have seen the Lord!" 

 But he replied, "I won't believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side." 

 Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. "Peace be with you," he said. Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don't be faithless and longer. Believe!" 

 "My Lord and my God!" Thomas exclaimed.

 Then Jesus told him, "You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me."" (John 20:24-29 NLT)

  "Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?" (Isaiah 53:1 KJV)

 It has been quite a while since I have thought about quitting this, so called, 'Adventure.' Not that I am sick of it, because it seriously moves me and breaks me, day after day; but because I feel as though it tends to make me weary some days, almost as if I am all alone, beating a drum, that becomes annoying and real unpleasant to some. 

 Before we start in this, "Doubting Thomas," adventure, I would like to share something that I took away from church last night, that I might have already known, but never really given much thought to, at least not like I did last night. Pastor Bryan mentioned two things that caught my attention: one being, "Heaven is for you!" Which basically means, that God loves you, and wants to see you make it into heaven! The other was: "You have to work towards going to hell!" Which means that you need to make hell your destination, because God is going to offer you Heaven! 

 I hope that anyone reading this understands what all that means, because our God is filled with mercy and grace! He doesn't send anyone to hell, they make a way to get there on their own, by rejecting His great love, and choosing to turn away from His open arms, which offer salvation! 

 This is the bottom line! You just need to Believe! No matter what they say, believing is the key to the door into salvation! Once you believe, all the other things will become your desire and passion: confessing with your mouth, getting baptized, walking away from things that are bad, doing the things that are right; whatever it is that moves you, you will be either amazed or convicted; but you will never again be alone! 

 Sometimes I don't say enough, sometimes I say too much; but today I am focused on believing...

"For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16 Amplified Bible) 

 

"Seize the Day"

 "Whose so ever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained." (John 20:23 KJV)

  "Elisha told him, "Get a bow and some arrows." And the king did as he was told. Elisha told him, "Put your hand on the bow," and Elisha laid his own hands on the king's hands. Then he commanded, "Open that eastern window," and he opened it. Then he said, "Shoot!" So he shot an arrow. Elisha proclaimed, "This is the LORD'S arrow, an arrow of victory over Aram, for you will completely conquer the Arameans at Aphek." Then he said, "Now pick up the other arrows and strike them against the ground." So the king picked them up and struck the ground three times. But the man of God was angry with him. "You should have struck the ground five or six times!" he exclaimed. "Then you would have beaten Aram until it was entirely destroyed. Now you will be victorious only three times."" (2 Kings 13:15-19 NLT)

 There are some things which the church should do, and then there are those things that they must do; but doing nothing, is mostly what gets done, in most situations. When I was an elder, I tried to convince the Senior Pastor that he needed to get an Associate Pastor to take on the act of discipline for agitator's or those that might be disruptive in the church. I felt that he needed to reframe from any act of looking like he was the Enforcer, but instead, show himself as the Uniter and Peacekeeper. 

 Unfortunately, that never happened, and he ended up having to step down, handing the church over to someone else. That might not be the best illustration I could find; but it is the best one for those that are leading a church. Besides that, this command that Jesus gives the disciples involves the structure of a good fellowship of believers. 

 I do not think this was about the act of forgiveness, as if, they would lead someone in the sinner's prayer, and judge whether or not they were sincere enough to be granted salvation. However, if those who are within the church, after having been saved, become a gossip or a distractor within the fellowship, they must be called out, and removed from the church. 

 I am sure it goes further than that; but I do not think any Christian has the right or ability to judge if the salvation of someone is real or not, unless they are obviously living in sin' However! Peter had the gift of discernment, (or maybe he was given a clue,) because we see him casting judgment on a certain husband and wife, for lying about how much money they gave to the church. 

 This goes back to my opening statement; there are some things which the church should do, and then there are those things that they must do! So many churches, especially in this current age, do not want to disrupt or hinder anyone from coming to church, for fear that they might have less people attend or come back to their church. 

 'I must be careful, not to offend!' is the new normal in many churches today. But, in the real world, too much of that kind of action, or nonaction, will cause those who care the most about the fellowship to pack their bags and leave; much like leaving a sinking ship! 

 The point about Elisha's Final Prophecy, (which was his last act just before he died,) is that we must do what God directs us to do; and we should do it as if God means for it to be done! God's arrow, in this story, was the victory arrow, based upon what God wanted done; but the king's passion for God's victory was not all that enthusiastic, as if he was passive or unwilling to do his part. 

 Sometimes we expect God to do it all, when it is our responsibility to do our part! How often is that the case, even within our own lives? We pray for God to deliver us from something, yet we do nothing to stop whatever it is that keeps us in bondage to what we want to be delivered from. That simply does not work! 

 We must do our part, in whatever it is that God puts before us! If you are looking for answers to what Jesus is telling the disciples, that is what I believe He is telling them: Have a little discernment and do your part...

 "Now I, Paul, appeal to you with the gentleness and kindness of Christ - though I realize you think I am timid in person and bold only when I write from far away. Well, I am begging you now so that when I come I won't have to be bold with those who think we act from human motives. We are human, but we don't wage war as humans do. We use God's mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. And after you have become fully obedient, we will punish everyone who remains disobedient. Look at these obvious facts. Those who say they belong to Christ must recognize that we belong to Christ as much as they do. I may seem to be boasting too much about the authority given to us by the Lord. But our authority builds you up; it doesn't tear you down. So I will not be ashamed of using my authority." (2 Corinthians 10:1-8 NLT)  

"The Breath of Life"

 "And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:" (John 20:22 KJV)

  "Then the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man's nostrils, and the man became a living person." (Genesis 2:7 NLT)

 The word, "emphysao," which is only used this once in the New Testament, is the same word used in the creation of man, as the LORD breathed the breath of life into man, making him a living soul! This word, "person," used in the NLT is by itself not adequate, but when it is accompanied with the word "living", it takes on a whole new meaning. 

 As most of us have come to the understanding, God created everything else prior to man by His command, but man was formed from the dust of the ground, as if God wanted to make man, as He had said, "Let Us make man in Our image." As for the other living creatures, God had spoken them into existence, saying, "Let there be," and they became what He said. It is said, that the other living creatures do not have a spiritual connection with God, as man did, which does not mean they will not be in heaven, but that they are not drawn to worship Him as we do. 

 Anywho; that's what I have come to understand, but we truly will not know clearly until we get into heaven and can see everything as it really will be. Otherwise, everything is still mysterious, yet we still try to connect the dots, while missing dots along the way! 

 One thing is for sure, God breathed in man the breath of life in the garden, and Jesus breathed the life-giving Spirit into the disciples while they were in that room! Same breath, because the same God had breathed it! There is only One God! It is really not that hard to understand! 

 Take a really close look at all of creation, most of it is a complete mystery to the scientific world; all of what they have gathered is based on guesses and connecting dots; but hardly 10% of it is based on facts. They have yet to determine where the soul is, or even if there is one. I have always wondered if the weight of man changes at the time of death; and if it does, does it get lighter or heavier? 

 Does the breath from God lighten man's body? If there is an eternal life, does it contain weight, or does it float? In Revelation, the New Jerusalem comes floating down from somewhere; yet the mass of that new city is enormous! When we are walking in the Spirit, we feel indestructible, as if there is no fear of what man might do; does that involve some kind of lightening within us, as if we have less connection to the world?  

 See what I mean; these are just guesses that have no way to be proven; but one day we will not guess, we will completely know! That said, we cannot doubt that God is Three Persons, if that is what's shown in the Bible; because if He says it, then we just take it as truth, without trying to figure out how it all works! 

 Besides, from what I have gathered: we will not be questioned on believing what He says; but we will be questioned on why we did not believe it...

 "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation. By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed by God's command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen." (Hebrews 11:1-3 NLT)

"The Commission"

 "Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you." (John 20:21 KJV) 

  "Who is this who comes from Edom, from the city of Bozrah, with his clothing stained red? Who is this in royal robes, matching in his great strength? "It is I, the LORD, announcing your salvation! It is I, the LORD, who has the power to save!" Why are your clothes so red, as if you have been treading grapes? "I have been treading the winepress alone; no one was there to help me. In my anger I have trampled my enemies as if they were grapes. In my fury I have trampled my foes. Their blood has stained my clothes."" (Isaiah 63:1-3 NLT)

 I hope none of you were offended; but I had to make a point. Unlike some of the people who might not point out the differences in what we should believe, I feel that we only have one chance to believe the truth; because once this life is over, it will be time to be judged! And like to or not, you will bow down to the LORD; hopefully, not just to say that you are sorry for not taking His offer! 

 This is really a very serious thing! It's not like you have a choice as to who you believe Christ Jesus is, as long as you understand that He was sacrificed for you to be able to work towards being saved; what He did was won and done! When the LORD makes you clean, you are clean, absolutely and completely! We have nothing to do with the removal of sin: only God is able to remove and cast away your sins! 

 Now we can not only celebrate what He has done, but we have a responsibility to share what He has done! That doesn't mean that you have to go from house to house sharing about the Lord and the gift of salvation; but you do need to live out the great commission in whatever way God has you! Even if you don't feel worthy, it is not about you; it is about Jesus Christ and the blood that has washed away your sins, all sins! 

 Again, Jesus says, "Peace be unto you!" The word is "eirene," which is the kind of peace which Jesus gives, not just for comfort or tranquility, because there are times when we will be made uncomfortable and times when we will be confused and full of doubt! No, this is about peace towards salvation, as we must absolutely believe that He has taken away our sin, that we are absolutely secure in Him, and that even though we might mess up, He will still stand up for us, as our Defender! 

 Sometimes you just have to get right to the point...

"But - "When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life." This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone." (Titus 3:4-8 NLT)

"Fabric of Love" - 2

 "And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord." (John 20:20 KJV)

  ""But look," Jacob replied to Rebekah, "my brother, Esau, is a hairy man, and my skin is smooth. What if my father touches me? He'll see that I'm trying to trick him, and then he'll curse me instead of blessing me." But his mother replied, "Then let the curse fall on me, my son! Just do what I tell you. Go out and get the goats for be!" So Jacob went out and got the goats for his mother. Rebekah took them and prepared a delicious meal, just the way Isaac liked it. Then she took Esau's favorite clothes, which were there in the house, and gave them to her younger son, Jacob. She covered his arms and the smooth part of his neck with the skin of the young goats. Then she gave Jacob the delicious meal, including freshly baked bread. So Jacob took the food to his father. "My father?" he said. "Yes, my son," Isaac answered. "Who are you - Esau or Jacob?" Jacob replied, "It's Esau, your firstborn son. I've done as you told me. Here is the wild game. Now sit up and eat it so you can give me a blessing." Isaac asked, "How did you find it so quickly, my son?" "The LORD your God put it in my path!" Jacob replied." (Genesis 27:11-20 NLT)

 Oddly enough, this is where the Lord took me, so I am just going to see where it goes; hopefully I don't look like a fool when it's all said and done. The interesting thing is that I taught a little message about this very portion of Scripture, which many people did not understand, but for some reason, it really didn't hurt my feelings, because it is what it is, a mystery! 

 Did you know, that when Jesus returns, actually putting His feet upon this earth, He will still have these same marks! He will be showing them to those that are in Jerusalem, as the Bible says, "Then I will pour out a spirit of grace on the family of David and on the people of Jerusalem. They will look on me whom they have pierced and mourn for him as for an only son. They will grieve bitterly for him as for a firstborn son who has died." (Zechariah 12:10 NLT)

 Any clue as to why this verse says, "They shall look at me"? Anyone see who it is that is speaking to the prophet, Zechariah? For you that might be J.W.'s, you might want to pay special attention to who it is that was pierced, because He goes by the name of LORD! Which, for the sake of making some noise, is the word that is used, in your translations, to say, JEHOVAH! 

 Anywho! The point to the Jacob's blessing, is that Jacob didn't think it would work! Thus, the reason that there is a question mark after he announces his presence in the room: "My Father?" Is Jesus LORD? Did the LORD come and sacrifice Himself for your sins? Was that really Him who hung upon that cross? Are those real scars that He has in His hands, feet, and side? 

 Did what He do on that cross work? Well, that is up to do to decide; because if you believe it, then it works for you; but if you don't, then it won't! He did this for you, and whether you believe it or not, right now, you will totally and completely believe it, later...

"He who, while he was in the form of God, did not esteem this as a prize, that he was the equal of God, but he stripped himself and took the form of a Servant and was in the form of the children of men, and was found in fashion as a man. And he humbled himself and was obedient unto death, even the death of being crucified. Because of this, God has also greatly exalted him and he has given him The Name which is greater than all names, that in The Name of Yeshua, every knee shall bow, which is in Heaven and in The Earth and which is under The Earth, and every tongue shall confess that Yeshua The Messiah is THE LORD JEHOVAH to the glory of God his Father." (Philippians 2:6-11 Aramaic Bible in Plain English)  

"Fabric of Love"

 "And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord." (John 20:20 KJV)

  "And they shall say to him: What are these wounds in the midst of they hands? And he shall say: With these I was wounded in the house of them that loved me." (Zechariah 13:6 DRB) 

 We should know by now what these wounds stand for, as Isaiah says, "And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion." (Isaiah 53:4b-5a NLT) I have heard it said that we will see Jesus in Heaven, and He will still have these marks! 

 If you have certain scars that you might be proud of, such as the scars you received while saving anyone, or fighting in battle, then you know that they remind you of something that was a sacrifice of your own body, to do something good or fight for a certain cause. However, these scars are unlike any others! 

 Others, is the main point, (no pun intended,) because those scars represent to transgressions and the iniquity of our sins! If you are not familiar with what those terms represent, they are a little bit higher than just missing the mark; they represent the acts of rebellion and disregard, as if, you aren't even aiming for the mark, because you really don't care, but want to do what you want to do. 

 By the way, I realized yesterday afternoon, that I made a mistake in my post yesterday morning, because the term, Purification, I wrote was incorrect; it should be, Justification! I know this, I have shared it before, so why I did it, I don't even know: I obviously missed the mark...

 "But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all the future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness towards us, as shown by all he has done for us what are united with Christ Jesus. God saved you be his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this, it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." (Ephesians 2:4-10 NLT)  

"A Soul Assured" - To

 "Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus, and stood in the midst, and said unto them, Peace be unto you." (John 20:19 KJV) 

  "Show us your unfailing love, O LORD, and grant us your salvation. I listen carefully to what God the LORD is saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people. But let them not return to their foolish ways. Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, so our land will be filled with his glory. Unfailing love and truth have met together. Righteousness and peace have kissed!" (PSALM 85:7-10 NLT)

 I was watching a little bit of a trailer yesterday, from the movie Michael; which was a movie from the 90's that stared John Travolta as Michael the Arch Angel, who was allowed to get a little free time here on earth, supposably because he earned it by fighting glorious battles. When the news team first met him, one of them asked if he had written anything in the Bible, to which he answered, "I did write some of Psalm 85." 

 I know, it is not that great of a movie to show the angelic being, such as Michael; but the real story about the movie is what happens to that news team, not what Micheal is or is not. That is the point to this post, because no matter what, I believe we that have been called of God, who are chosen by God, who have been born-again, and are now the children of God; we have blessed assurance that eternal life is ours! 

 Without getting too far outside the box, I will try to explain what I believe, without making too many of you offended by what I say; after all this is just my point of view, so don't take it as doctrine or some sort of revelation. Once we have been born into the Kingdom of God, we are His children, adopted into the family of God; purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ, and securely sealed with our place in Heaven, for all eternity. 

 Now then, we have been Purified by the blood of the Lamb; made righteous in the eyes of the Father, free from sin, because those sins, past, present, or future, have been totally removed. Hopefully you are still with me, because we are taking about the soul, not this body of flesh! This is where things get a little, shall we say, 'like walking on thin ice,' because we are going to sin! 

 We sin; as much as we try to avoid it, not think about it, or don't want to confess it; we still have to battle with sin. This is what is known as, Sanctification, which where God brings us through the process of being Sanctified! Call it whatever you want, but it is something different for each and every one of us. Some will go through the water, some through storms; some will maybe experience total calamity, while others have great enjoyment; and still, there will be some that go through the fire! 

 To be clear, this process is something that is meant for the life to come, lessons and learning, how to be holy! Some make it through better than others; but regardless, all of God's children will make it to the other side! Because on that other side, is Glorification! No if, ands, or buts; we are going to make it to the other side...

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people, then you won't become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin. And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, "My child, don't make light of the LORD's discipline, and don't give up when he corrects you. For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child."" (Hebrews 12:1-6 NLT)   

 

"A Soul Assured"

 "Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you." (John 20:19 KJV)

  "O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help. Listen closely to my prayer, O LORD; hear my urgent cry. I will call to you whenever I'm in trouble, and you will answer me. No pagan god is like you, O Lord. None can do what you do! All the nations you made will come and bow before you, Lord; they will praise your holy name. For you are great and perform wonderful deeds. You alone are God. Teach me your ways, O LORD, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you. With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever, for your love for me is very great. You have rescued me from the depths of death." (PSALM 86:5-13 NLT)

 There are several things we need to realize from this, very special moment; the first of which, is the reason that the disciples were hiding out from the Jews. As you should already know, the disciples were blamed for taking the body of Jesus, as the Jews were trying to claim that they had stolen the body of Jesus in order to show that He was telling the truth about rising from the dead after three days. So, they were obviously fearful for their lives, not really knowing what might happen next. 

 And then! With the doors shut tight, and them huddled around the room, there appears Jesus in their midst! He just appears in the room, as if out of the blue! Some people try to imagine that He was raised as a phantom, or a ghost as if He did not have a physical body. Absolutely untrue! The way I see it, (if that matters to anyone,) is that He has been doing this all along, several times, He just vanishes and appears, out of the blue! Just now, He is doing it after being dead! A little more surprising and a little more shocking! 

 I have tried to find a way to explain this, but it really comes down to one basic principle: Jesus has, is, and always will be the Creator of everything! He created it, and He can control it! He walked on the water; He told the water to be still; why wouldn't He be able to control the molecules, which make up for every space, within everything around us? He could and He does! 

 The other elephant in the room, is Peter! If anyone might have a reason to fear, I believe Peter is the one who feared the most. Most everyone else, besides John, had abandoned Jesus; running away when He was arrested, standing far off at the time He was nailed to the cross. But Peter, he had denied Him three times, saying that he did not know the Man! And then, when the rooster crowed, their eyes met! 

 What does Jesus say, first and foremost? "Peace be unto you!" A song just popped into my head, that has the essence of what we see here today: "Way Maker." No matter what we might have done, He is always more than willing to forgive us, because He knew, beforehand, what it is we have done! I know it might seem crazy, but it is true! He knows you better than you know yourself! 

 This is why we can have peace that passes all understanding! This peace is based upon the eternity of our souls, not the temporary things we see and feel all around us! You think you understand all of this, these things you see all around you? No one does, nor do they see the spiritual world all around them. 

 Yesterday I heard something totally ridiculous, but not all that surprising, that many people on the internet believe that the earth is flat, including some Christians! What happened to our planet? Our people getting more and more stupid, as we get closer to the end! 

 I heard Pastor Chuck last night, on my way home from church, he was explaining all of the ways that God created things, so that they could work on their own, such as seeds, which depending upon the seed, can have several different ways to find a way to be planted and grow on their own. I have seen seeds that jump, crazy as it might sound, but it's true! 

 No matter what happens here on this earth, my soul is assured a place in Heaven...

 "All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance - an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change or decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see." (1 Peter 1:3-5 NLT)