When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful Matthew 28:17

Do you still doubt Jesus? The disciples of Jesus who spent over three years with him, witnessing amazing miracles and awesome power, yet some of them still had doubt. Why do we have such a hard time accepting Jesus as our Lord?

The disciple Thomas, who earned the nickname “Doubting”, wouldn’t even believe Jesus was resurrected until he got to touch the wounds from the cross. So if some of these disciples still had doubts, it’s not surprising some Christians today have doubts.

Jesus said “Blessed are those have not seen yet still believe (John 20:29) He understands that faith can sometimes be difficult, but if we have faith even the size of a mustard seed , we can move mountains (Matthew 17:20)

But consider this, his disciples gave up everything to follow him. They gave up their professions, families, agendas; they sacrificed everything because in their heart they knew he is the one Messiah.  And from a worldly perspective it would seem they lost everything, but in Gods Kingdom they gained everything

So when your doubt starts to creep in, remember what Jesus has already done for you. It’s a historic fact he died for our sins and defeated sin and death at the cross. Jesus is our hope and salvation, there is no other way to God

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Matthew 28:18

After some of them doubted , Jesus made it clear, all authority on Heaven and Earth was given to him by God. Make no doubt about it , Jesus is our Lord and Savior, Every knee will bow and tongue will confess in Jesus Name Amen

“The second is this, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:31

If Jesus came back today, what would he think?  Violence and racism is at an all time high, here in America. With the recent acts in Virginia over the weekend, we can’t help reflect on what happened to humanity? How did we get to this place where love and respect are nonexistent?

Jesus commanded us to love our neighbor as yourself, not to just love your family or friends but everyone. First part is if we don’t even love ourselves, how can we love others? We need to understand we are all Children of God through Jesus Christ. Your neighbor is a Child of that same God, when you hate your Neighbor, you essentially hate yourself and God.

Who is your Neighbor? Your neighbor is essentially everyone outside your family. Is God saying you need to be best friends with everyone? No, but to display mutual love and respect for one another is essential. That state that society has gotten to at this point is at a critical level.

“If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. Mark 3:24

A kingdom or nation divided against itself will not stand. We can’t expect this country or world to continue to function with chaos and anarchy taking control. Its time we stop the violence and hatred and turn back to God
AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.’ Mark 12:30

Goes back to the first and greatest commandment, to love God with all your heart and soul. When you put God first and Love your Neighbor as yourself, you have resolved many of the worlds problems. Love is the answer and the only way to get there is through God in Jesus Name Amen

“Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions. Mark 11:25

One of the hardest and most liberating things to do is forgive. By human nature we like to hold on to grudges. Maybe somebody hurt or wronged you, we feel like it gives us power to hold these people hostage for their sins. But really what we are doing, is trapping ourselves in our own prisons. When we get the power to forgive someone, God gives us the power to have peace!

I know it sound cliché and maybe even impossible. How can you forgive someone who has hurt you? The problem is the tragedy already happened, so while you can’t go back in the past, you can control your future. God didn’t tell us to forgive people to be cruel to us, he told us this because he wants us to be free.

When you don’t allow people or circumstances to control you, you now experienced total freedom. What about justice? Don’t worry our God is a just God, and everyone will be accountable for their actions and sins. We don’t have to worry about convicting people, because they have already convicted themselves.

God also says we can’t be forgiven unless we are willing to forgive. Sounds like a harsh lesson but if we don’t allow God to judge others for us, do we really trust him? We need to let go of our control, and this will allow the Peace of God to enter our hearts and minds in Jesus Name Amen

but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life. John 4:14

The other morning we drove by an early block party*, there were people standing in line looking to buy beer at the crack of dawn. There wasn’t just a few people, there was many. Got me thinking , was is it about the alcohol that compelled people to get out of bed early and stand in a long line?

Could it be that people’s lives are so stressful and chaotic , they are looking for an escape? Are they searching for that euphoric feeling of being drunk? Then made me think, what if these people knew about Gods “Living Water” Jesus Christ?

Jesus said whoever drinks of this water will never thirst again. How can this be? Well think about why are people determined to get drunk? They want a solution to their problems, but Jesus is the permanent solution

Makes me wonder why people have no issues getting out of bed to drink, but where is the same enthusiasm for Church? Perhaps our churches failed to deliver the “Living Water”? Perhaps if people really knew what God has already done for us, and he can provide for all our needs, then they would drink from the “Living Water”?

If your looking for a permanent solution, a drink that has overcome the world, drink from the “Living Water” and never thirst again in Jesus name Amen

*block party is equivalent to our local street fair

“For long ago I broke your yoke And tore off your bonds; But you said, ‘I will not serve!’ For on every high hill And under every green tree You have lain down as a harlot. Jeremiah 2:20

The Israelites were slaves to Egypt for over 400 years, then God freed them through Moses. Even though God “broke their yokes” and “tore there bonds” they were still rebellious and refused to be faithful. God even compares them to a harlot!

Fast forward and God sent his only Son Jesus to once agree free us from the slavery and bondage of sin. But do we serve him or are we still the rebellious harlots that refuse to acknowledge our Heavenly Father? Problem is when things are going good, we don’t acknowledge God at all. But as soon as a disease or  struggle sets in, we immediately blame God.

Is this a true relationship with your Redeemer? Are we really being faithful to God when the only time we acknowledge him is through pain and tragedy? God has given us everything, he has freed us from the bondages and slavery of sin and death. The only thing he wants in return is your heart!

But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter. Romans 7:6

We were bound to the Law through the wages of our sins. We are all guilty yet God freed us from that bond through Jesus Christ. Now we will serve God through the anointing of the Holy Spirit! Let God break your yoke and chains today in Jesus Name Amen!

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32

Do you worry about your future? Maybe your struggling financially or spiritually right now, be encouraged knowing that God takes pleasure in giving you his Kingdom.

As a husband and father myself, it gives me great pleasure to be able to provide for my family.  From the big things to the basic things, from food or shelter. Being able to give my family what they need makes me happy. It brings great joy to give to those you love and depend on you!

The same is with God, our Heavenly Father. It gives him great pleasure to provide for all our needs also. When we truly put our trust in God, we have the peace and comfort, knowing God will provide all our needs (Philippians 4:19)

“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matthew 7:9-11

Once we understand God views us as his Children, it changes your relationship with him. When you understand he is a Good Father, who takes pleasure in giving and providing for his children. So maybe your stressed out right now, not knowing where your next meal is coming from. Put your trust in your Heavenly Father, he will provide for you!

When you understand this, you understand that you don’t have to worry or panic. Just develop that relationship with your “Good Father” in Jesus name Amen