Forgiveness Heals
Boyd Bailey
Morning
Verse
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Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. ” John 20:27
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Spin the Wheel NowReflection
John 20:27 is nestled within a pivotal moment in the Gospel of John, where Jesus appears to his disciples after His resurrection, specifically addressing Thomas's doubts. Thomas, known for his skepticism, declared he would not believe in Jesus's resurrection without tangible proof. This verse captures Jesus's response to Thomas, inviting him to touch His wounds as evidence of His resurrection. It's a moment of profound compassion and understanding from Jesus, acknowledging Thomas's need for concrete evidence to overcome his disbelief.
This interaction is emblematic of Jesus's approach to faith and doubt throughout His ministry. He meets people where they are, understanding their struggles and providing what they need to believe. The acknowledgment of Thomas's doubts without condemnation is a powerful testament to the nature of faith, one that is personal and can accommodate questions and uncertainties.
Reflecting on this verse, the acknowledgment that faith can coexist with doubt and questioning can be incredibly liberating. It suggests that the journey of faith is not about achieving perfect certainty but about being open to encounter and relationship with the divine, even in the midst of uncertainty. This narrative encourages embracing a faith that seeks understanding, where doubts can lead to deeper conviction and personal growth. It's a reminder that spiritual growth often involves wrestling with questions and that this process is a vital part of developing a resilient and authentic faith. Jesus's response to Thomas shows that faith is not a one-size-fits-all experience but a personal journey that can be strengthened through sincere seeking and openness to divine encounter.
Evening
Verse
Monday, Mar 2
Today's Theme: Protection
But the Lord your God ye shall fear; and he shall deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies. ” 2 Kings 17:39
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Reflection
2 Kings 17:39 delivers a clear and compelling promise: “Rather, worship the Lord your God; it is He who will deliver you from the hand of all your enemies.” These words were spoken during a time of crisis in Israel’s history when the nation had fallen into idolatry and faced the consequences of their choices. Despite their turning away from God, this verse offers a call back to devotion and the assurance that God’s protection is tied to their relationship with Him. If they return to worshiping Him alone, they will experience His deliverance from every enemy.
What makes this verse so unique is the simplicity of the exchange: *worship the Lord, and He will deliver you.* It’s not a complicated formula but a profound truth. The people had placed their trust in false gods, in alliances, and in their own strength, but all of it had failed them. Here, God calls them back to the essence of faith—worshiping Him, the One true God—and promises that in doing so, they would find the protection they had been seeking elsewhere. This isn’t about a transaction but about aligning their hearts with the One who has the power to save.
There’s something deeply compelling in how this verse ties together worship and deliverance. It’s a reminder that true protection isn’t found in human strength or strategy, but in a heart fully devoted to God. Worship isn’t just about singing or rituals; it’s about where we place our trust. The promise of deliverance from “all your enemies” speaks to the totality of God’s protection. He doesn’t just shield us from one battle or one struggle—His deliverance encompasses everything that stands against us, both seen and unseen.
This verse invites us to consider where we place our trust. In times of fear or opposition, we often look for solutions in all the wrong places—our own strength, the world’s distractions, or temporary fixes. But the promise here is that God Himself is our deliverer. When we turn to Him in worship, surrendering our fears and devoting ourselves to Him, we find a protection that no enemy can overcome. It’s not about earning God’s deliverance; it’s about embracing the relationship with the One who holds victory in His hands. His protection isn’t just a response to our devotion—it’s a natural extension of who He is when we place our trust fully in Him.
