"We have seen the Lord"

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve,

was not with them when Jesus came.
So the other disciples said to him, "We have seen the Lord."
But Thomas said to them,
"Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands
and put my finger into the nailmarks
and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."
Now a week later his disciples were again inside
and Thomas was with them.
Jesus came, although the doors were locked,
and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you."
Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands,
and bring your hand and put it into my side,
and do not be unbelieving, but believe."
Thomas answered and said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
Jesus said to him, "Have you come to believe because you have seen me?
Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."

Consideration: Lord Jesus, increase our faith, that we may believe in the things that we cannot see when it comes from your word. You are the Way, Truth, and Life; if we place complete trust in you, we will have nothing to fear. Amen.

Blind to Sin

After entering the boat, Jesus made the crossing and came into his own town. And there, people brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Courage, child, your sins are forgiven." At that, some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man is blaspheming." Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, "Why do you harbor evil thoughts? Which is easier to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins' - he then said to the paralytic, "Rise, pick up your stretcher and go home." He rose and went home. When the crowds saw this, they were struck with awe, and glorified God who had given such authority to men.

Consideration: Mankind has become blind to the realization to sin. We need to admit our human nature has been compromised through sin, and we continue to fall short, time and time again. Jesus is clearly telling us that he has the authority to free us from all unrighteousness, and sinfulness. He is waiting to heal us, just as he healed the paralytic, and glorified his Father in heaven. Amen.

Demoniacs

When Jesus came to the territory of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him. They were so savage that no one could travel by the road. They cried out, "What do you have to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?" Some distance away a herd of many swine was feeding. The demons pleaded with him, "if you drive us out, send us into the herd of the swine." And he said to them, "Go then!" They came out and entered the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea where they drowned. The swineherds ran away, and when they came to the town they reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs. Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district.

​Consideration: Demons are real. When we do not follow the laws of God, we leave ourselves open to the evil one and his minions. And if we do not repent of our sinfulness, we open the door for them to enter our lives. Seek out the mercy of the Lord and his forgiveness, and the demons will flee from your life. Amen.

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Storms of Life

As Jesus got into the boat, his disciples followed him. Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. They came and woke him saying, "Lord, save us! We are perishing!" He said to them, "Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?" Then he got up, rebuked the winds and sea, and there was great calm. The men were amazed and said, "What sort of man is this, whom even the winds and the sea obey?"

Consideration: We too, will be battered by violent storms, and difficulties of all sorts in our lifetime. At times we will become greatly troubled by heartaches, and trials; be at peace. Stay close to the Lord always; endure all the burdens that come your way with patients, love, and faith. Remember, Jesus said to us, "Be not afraid." He is with us, and will never abandon us during our times of need. Amen. 

Set Free!

 

Early blue sky, sunshine

Around the lake exercise

Absolutely beautiful day

Spirit moving me to pray

God used hands of man

To carve a piece of land

Nature is at its very best

Peace of feeling blessed

A white bearded man, was clearly on a mission

Readying his little green boat for some fishing

The sweetness of living, simple things are always free

Just the way I like it; just the way I hoped it would be

Just the way for enjoying life; just the way for peace

It's all good, this lifeline, just the way I like it...serenity

It doesn't get any better

It doesn't cost you a dime

Graceful perfect weather

Early blue sky, sunshine

The sweetness of living, simple things are always free

Just the way I like it; just the way I hoped it would be

Just the way for enjoying life; just the way for peace

It's all good, this lifeline, just the way I like it...serenity

Just the way I like, blue sky, sunshine, prayer, serenity

I love you Lord...Just the way I like to be...set free!

Lead us Lord

When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other shore. A scribe approached and said to him, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus answered him, "Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head." Another of his disciples said to him, "Lord, let me go first and bury my father." But Jesus answered him, "Follow me, and let the dead bury their dead."

Lord Jesus, we are all guilty of being dead in spirit at times. The world beats us down day after day, doing everything in its power to take our focus off of you. We pray for the grace to overcome the weaknesses in our daily lives and remain focused on following you wherever you may lead us. Amen. 

Envy of Evil

God did not make death, nor does he rejoice in the destruction of the living. For he fashioned all things that they may have being; and the creatures of the world are wholesome, and there is not a destructive drug among them nor any domain of the netherworld on earth, for justice is undying. For God formed man to be Imperishable; the Image of his own nature he made him. But by the envy of the devil, death entered the world, and they who belong to his company experience it.

​Consideration: All wisdom is from God; and our God is a great God. He created us in his image and likeness; to be perfect without blemish. But evil had a different plan for man; and because of that plan we find ourselves where we are today. Man has been deceived by evil and is now paying the price for his actions. Evil entered the world, and we must now experience death to leave this world and to return home to experience the perfection that God created us for. We must turn to our Father and seek his mercy, that one day will shall be made clean in the blood of the Lamb. Amen.