On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
(John 20:19-22)
As the disciples were gathered together, confused, defeated, and locked away in fear they would be hunted down by the Jews, Jesus appeared! Not only did He reassure them that He was indeed alive, but he gave them
peace. However, He also gave them something else . . . He
breathed new life into every one of them . . . the Holy Spirit! There hearts were full and they were now equipped to carry out the Great Commission. (Matthew 18:19-20)
This same Spirit is avaialble to every one who is willing to accept Jesus even today as their Lord and Savior today! No matter the doubts. No matter the fears. This same Holy Spirit will enable you and me to carry out the tasks God has for us without having to
lock ourselves away from the rest of the world. Despite the pressures of the politically correct society we live in,
the Spirit relieves fear even today!
Jesus beckoned Thomas to
"Stop doubting and believe.”
(John 20:27)
How many of us
beleive, yet
doubt the power of the Holy Spirit within us? How many of us are waiting to receieve waht we already possess? Jesus challenged Thomas as He challenges each of us.
Love drives out all fear. Jesus' love for us and our love for Him combines to give not only
peace, but also the
strength to follow Him when all else seems lost. Try Him . . . Allow Jesus to
breathe new life into a dejected, hurting, and doubting heart.
He
cannot fail! He has
never failed me. He
will not fail you!
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