Quote from Forum Archives on April 12, 2001, 9:35 am

Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>

Dear friends,

The weekend of Easter is fast approaching. As the season has
come upon us, I have tried to share a few messages that relate
specifically to the days approaching Easter, which are commonly
known as Holy Week. Several Christian writers have made that job
easier. One of my favorites, of course, is my friend Larry
Davies. This week, he shares, in his "Sowing Seeds of Faith", a
message about Easter, dealing with doubts, and building a lasting
faith.

As Larry opens his message, he encourages us to participate in
our local churches. As Larry observes, each church has its set
of strengths and weaknesses - after all, a church body consists
of people, like you and me. We all know that we have strengths
and weaknesses. But as a collective body, working together to
encourage and love one another, drawing not on our own strength,
but instead on the strength of God Himself, and the unity that
the Holy Spirit brings to us, all things are possible.

Dear Lord,

I confess that doubts, frustrations, and my own limitations seek
to keep me from accomplishing all that You intend for me today.
But I come to You right now, asking You to intervene, once again
in my life, to make me what You want me to be. For I know that
You are able... no, more than able, to accomplish what concerns
You today - in my life, and in the life of those I love. So I
welcome You into my life today, and ask You to do a work in each
of us, especially for the sake of Your Name, and for the sake of
Your Son. Amen.

Brother Brian

From: "Sowing Seeds Ministry" <sowseeds@nesbeonline.com>
Subject: A Doubting Thomas and Resurrection Faith
Sowing Seeds Ministry Devotion 4/12/2001

We at Sowing Seeds Ministry wish you a very special Holy Week and
an exciting Easter. May God touch your life in a unique way and
help you discover and fulfill your ministry. Remember your church
this week and how much they need your unique talents and gifts.
Whatever their strengths and weaknesses, God put you there for a
reason. May you fulfill God's purpose for your life.

Sowing Seeds of Faith

A Doubting Thomas and Resurrection Faith
Larry Davies

You must endure the darkness before you can experience the dawn.
Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary
Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. (Matthew
28:1)

Anyone could be a Doubting Thomas even you. Imagine: you and
others have been holed up inside a house, fearful, confused and
desperately seeking answers. What happened? Your leader,
spiritual guide and closest friend was brutally tortured and
executed. The word out on the street says they are searching for
you and your friends. As you huddle together, you have to wonder
who will be next?

Eleven frightened disciples followed Jesus faithfully until the
cross. Could there be a Kingdom if the king was dead? Could
there be miracles if the miracle worker disappeared? Could you
offer sight to the blind, healing to the sick or hope for the
poor if the one who made the promises ceased to exist?

Now Mary Magdalene and the other Mary come running from the tomb
to claim they saw him alive!

No way! you say. I heard his final words. I saw the spear
thrust into his body. I saw him die! I wont believe it unless I
see the nail wounds for myself and place my hand into the wound
on his side!

Suddenly Jesus was standing there among us! Peace be with you,
he said. As he spoke, he held out his hands for us to see and he
showed his side. Most of us were filled with joy when we saw our
Lord but not you. Then Jesus walks over and says to you: Thomas,
put your finger here in my hands. Put your hand into the wound in
my side. Dont be faithless any longer. Believe! (from John
20:20-27)

What else can you say? My Lord and my God! Please forgive me for
doubting but I am so afraid!

Jesus replies: You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are
those who havent seen me and believe anyway. Wow! Jesus is
alive! Hes reassuring everyone in the room, just like the old
days only different. Something has changed. You can feel it.
Then he said, When I was with you before, I told you that
everything written about me by Moses and the prophets and in the
Psalms must all come true. Then he opened their minds to
understand these many Scriptures. (Luke 26:44-45)

Finally, you realize that Jesus Christs death and resurrection
had a purpose and was predicted by scripture. After years of
confusion while sitting at Christs feet, the teaching becomes
clear. Then Jesus said: With my authority, take this message of
repentance to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: there is
forgiveness of sins for all who turn to me. You are witnesses
(Luke 26:47-48)

1. Youve just experienced the miracle of knowing Christ is
alive! You are a witness!

2. You are to take Christs message of forgiveness to
everyone starting here in our community.

3. You can share the message with confidence because we are
Christs living witnesses.

But what about those who are waiting outside? What if others do
not believe us? You are so afraid! Will they crucify you just
like they did to Jesus? Its one thing to believe its another
to face fear. Then Jesus said: And now I will send the Holy
Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city
until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from
heaven. (Luke 26:49)

There is the final answer! Did you catch it? God understands your
fear and is sending help

1. Jesus is alive and you just witnessed it now believe it!

2. You are to extend Christs message of faith and hope to
others.

3. Do not be afraid for the Holy Spirit will fill you with
power from heaven!

Are you a Doubting Thomas still holed up, fearful, confused and
desperately looking for answers and courage? Hear the Good News!
Christ was dead! Christ is risen! Christ will come again! Easter
is the promise that you will be filled with the power of Gods
Holy Spirit do not be afraid! Confidently open your doors and
take Christs message of forgiveness and hope to all the nations.
Christ is risen!

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Sowing Seeds Ministry Prayer challenge for 2001: Prayer of Jabez
1 Chronicles 4:10

And Jabez called on the God Israel saying, "Oh, that You would
bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would
be with me, and that You would keep me from evil." So God granted
him what he requested.

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=====
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Brian Masinick, "The Mas", mailto:masinick@yahoo.com
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