In Qumran there were found scrolls, that were contained in clay pots. The clay pots were common and ordinary, but the scrolls that they contained were priceless. 2 Corinthians 4:7 reminds us that our bodies are vessels like those clay pots, while they seem to be of little value at times by themselves, what those clay pots contain are priceless. We must understand that our lives have value because of the power of the gospel to transform us from darkness into the glorious light. As we go about our lives, we must understand that God will use us in significant ways to reveal to the world, who He is and His love for His creation. Today, choose to follow the Lord, and allow Him to make your life transformed by the power of the Spirit as that Spirit changes you through the power of the Word of God.… READ MORE

Thomas struggled with doubt, but he did not struggle with unbelief. He knew that Jesus could raise from the dead, but what would that look like, and is it true. The defining moment in Thomas’ life is found in John 20 where we see 5 things that helped him deal with his doubt. Let me take a few moments and explore them.1. Doubt develops in isolation: John 20:24 gives us the key to the passage when it says “Thomas .. was not with them when Jesus came.” Doubt flourishes in the dark. Thomas had drawn apart from the others and missed not only the consolation but also the miracle. Darkness feeds doubt; daylight has a way of dispelling the worst of it. Sometimes our questions have less to do with theological enigmas than with a simple case of the blues. If we stay connected to people, we are more likely to stay connected to our faith. 2. Doubt demands evidence (John 20:25): True doubt never turns away from the facts, wherever they may lead. Thomas says in this passage, “forgive me for not taking your word for it. I will make my own evaluation, if it’s all the same to … READ MORE

Perhaps the defining question for the human race is “Why?” Of all God’s creatures, we are the only ones wo seek to understand, and secure the reason and rationale for circumstances and events. When the answers elude our grasp and the void ignores our questions, we suffer a kind of spiritual vertigo we call doubt. But we need to recognize that doubt is not to opposition of faith, but the opportunity of faith, the growing pains of an eager, seeking spirit. The rue enemy of faith is unbelief, which refuses to consider truth. Doubt is a necessary leg of the journey, that when approached correctly leads to a deeper understanding of life and truth. In John 20 we see Thomas’ struggle to understand the truth that Jesus has raised from the dead. We was missing on the day Jesus first showed up in the upper room, and even though all 10 of the other disciples said they saw Jesus, he doubted the validity of their message. He wanted to come to a clear understanding of this truth for himself, as a result his doubt does not cause Him to abandon his faith, but we find him 8 days later still … READ MORE