No Doubt

John 20:25 (NET) - The other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “Unless I see the wounds from the nails in his hands and put my finger into the wounds from the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe it!”

The world is full of doubt.

We doubt the world will get better.

We doubt the economy will get better.

We doubt the news will get any better.

Many doubt the existence of God.

More doubt that Jesus was His Son.

The very same doubt His resurrection took place.

They are not alone.

A disciple named Thomas was told that the Lord was seen.

Thomas doubted.

He wanted proof.

He got the proof he wanted.

Eight days later the disciples gathered in a house.

The doors were locked.

Suddenly Jesus appeared beside them.

He wished them peace.

Then, He turned to Thomas.

John 20:27 (NET) - Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and examine my hands. Extend your hand and put it into my side. Do not continue in your unbelief but believe.”

Thomas no longer doubted.

In fact, He referred to Jesus as Lord.

John 20:29 (NET) - Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are the people who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Jesus really is the Son of God.

The same God who spoke the world into existence and called His work good.

God gave man free will.

It was mankind’s pride and disobedience that made a mess of things.

But the work of putting things right began with Jesus.

It is up to us to continue that work with the abilities He has given us.

Will the world ever be put completely right?

Yes, when Jesus returns all will be put right.

1 Peter 1:13 (NET) - Therefore, get your minds ready for action by being fully sober, and set your hope completely on the grace that will be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

The work has already begun.

No doubt about it!

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, May 3, 2019.

I’ll be back here on Friday, May 10, 2019

An Empty Package

Imagine arriving home and discovering someone had left you a gift.

You try to remember what the occasion might be.

Nothing comes to mind.

You try to remember what you did to earn it.

Again, nothing comes to mind.

You even try to remember what you did to deserve a gift.

Still, nothing comes to mind.

You decide to read the note attached.

It is simply signed: “From the One Who Loves You the Most”.

At a loss, you open the gift.

You discover the package is completely empty.

How would you react?

Would you be confused?

Would you be upset?

This scenario might seem farfetched, but something similar happened about 2,000 years ago.

Jesus had been tried, convicted and executed.

He was then buried in a borrowed tomb.

Three days later a group of women who followed Jesus in life went there.

As they walked, they wondered who would open the tomb for them.

When they arrived, they found the tomb had been unsealed.

What is more, they discovered Jesus was no longer there.

The disciples were then informed.

Although in hiding, two came to see for themselves.

Afterward, one of the women remained.

John 20:11 (NET) - But Mary stood outside the tomb weeping. As she wept, she bent down and looked into the tomb.

At that instant, no one realized the magnitude of the moment.

The disciples had gone back into hiding.

Mary was still upset

All involved were confused.

Not one of them realized that this was a gift.

It was the most precious gift imaginable.

It was a gift that was neither earned nor deserved.

It was a gift that completely changed everything forever!

Jesus was exactly who He claimed to be.

Jesus did exactly what He promised to do.

Ephesians 2:8 (NET) - For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God;

When you think about it, the very best gift you and I ever received was discovered in an empty package.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, April 19, 2019.

I’ll be back here on Friday, April 26, 2019