The Gift Poured Out April 6

Posted on Apr 6, 2019 in Devotions, Newsletter, Uncategorized |

Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”  A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

John 20:24-28
 
In his weakness, after hearing the disciples excitedly proclaim that they had seen Jesus, Thomas made the choice, “Unless I see…., I will not believe.”
 
But what was Jesus’ response to Thomas’ doubts? “Jesus came.” Jesus showed Thomas such beautiful compassion, gentleness, patience, and kindness by coming right over to Thomas in all of HIs glory. Jesus then invited Thomas to touch His scars. Jesus invited Thomas to reach out and touch His side.
 
Even though Thomas’ doubts were not pleasing to God, Jesus came and met him where he was. Jesus walked right into the middle of Thomas’ weak faith and gave him the tangible evidence that he demanded. Jesus then encouraged Thomas with the words, “Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas’ response to Jesus was complete and total surrender, “My Lord and my God!”
 
Jesus never changes. Again and again, just like Jesus walked right into the middle of Thomas’ weakness and failure, Jesus walks right into the middle of our weaknesses and failures in all of His glory. He comes, filled with the same beautiful compassion, gentleness, patience, and kindness that He brought to Thomas. His message is the same to us, “Stop doubting and believe.”
 
Are you believing the lie that you’re stuck in a failure? “Stop doubting and believe!” Run to Jesus, your Lord and your God, again and ask for forgiveness. The truth is that He will forgive you each and every time you fail Him, each and every time you fall into that same old sin. His grace never, ever fails or ends.
 
Are you living into your weaknesses, instead of relying on God’s strength? Run to Jesus, your Lord and your God, again asking Him to be strong where you are weak. This brings Him great glory! It becomes about His power in you, not your weakness. Let Him fill you up to overflowing with, “That same power that raised Christ from the dead.” Let’s pray and listen to God today and begin living victorious, faith filled lives, keeping our eyes on Jesus!
 

Today’s Verses

Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”  A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

John 20:24-28
 

Scripture Inspired Prayer


Jesus, my Lord and my God I need You, right now in this moment, to come to me like You came to Thomas. I need Your complete and full forgiveness to wash me clean. Thank You! Help me stop doubting and instead, start believing that Your forgiveness is for me, and that Your forgiveness never ends. Christ Jesus come and fill up all of my many, many weaknesses with Your power and strength so that I am walking in You and You’re walking in me. Help me keep my eyes off of my weaknesses. Enable me to turn my focus onto You instead. You are my God! You are my Lord! You are my Savior! Thank You for Your gentle restoration, Your loving patience and kindness that brings me back into intimacy with You again and again.