Scripture Reading: Mark 3:13-19, John 14:1-7, John 20:24-29, Acts 1:9-14
It is easy to look at the disciples and wonder how they could’ve been so slow to understand who Jesus was. How could they have any doubts about Him? He was right in front of them. But we have the advantage of being on this side of the resurrection, so we can see the whole story of Scripture. And some of us still have the propensity to doubt! Had we been with the disciples, we likely would’ve been just like them.
While Peter was the most bold and outspoken of the disciples, Thomas wasn’t afraid to express questions that made it hard for him to believe. In John 14, in the middle of the upper room discourse, Jesus was assuring His disciples that He would come again and gave His final encouragement and charge to them just before being arrested. Immediately after Jesus said definitively, “If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also,” Thomas piped up with a question, asking how they could know where Jesus was going or how to get there (John 14:3–5). Jesus’s response leaves little room for doubt.
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
—John 14:6–7
Twice in four verses Jesus made declarations of His lordship and about the way of salvation. Scripture defines faith as “the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). This is where I see Thomas wanting to have faith but wrestling to believe in what he could not see. He was a disciple, one of Jesus’s closest friends for three years. He was with Jesus at His arrest and with the rest of His followers after His death. He was a true follower of Christ, but he still struggled to believe.
After Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to the rest of the disciples, Thomas was absent. When the other disciples told Thomas about their encounter with the risen Lord, Thomas said, “If I don’t see the mark of the nails in his hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe” (John 20:25). Maybe he said this with arrogant defiance, but it seems more likely that he yearned to believe and simply could not. He had followed Jesus to the very end, but he did not know how to reconcile a man He saw die with one who had supposedly risen again.
So Jesus did what He does when seeking His beloved people: He gave Thomas reason to believe. He appeared again and showed Thomas His wounds. He didn’t leave any room for misunderstanding—with the same clarity that He had in the upper room.
“Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”
—John 20:29
He was summoning Thomas, and everyone who reads these words, to faith. For His “righteous one will live by faith,” which is how He calls us to live (Hebrews 10:38).
We have the whole of Scripture, yet we still doubt. Like Thomas, we struggle to follow Jesus, who we forget is always with us (Psalm 46:1, Hebrews 13:5). And so Jesus’s words are for us too. He is preparing a place for us to be with Him (John 14:3). He is the way, the truth, and the life (v.6). And we are blessed if we believe without seeing, by faith.
Written by Barnabas Piper
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60 thoughts on "Thomas"
Amen
I love that Jesus never made Thomas feel “less than” by asking questions. Praying I can work on my “belief without seeing”.
Also asking for prayers form the She’s! I’m feeling a little overwhelmed with working full time as a nurse, going back to school for a career change to teaching, and trying to get the rest of the mom/wife duties done.
Just read your message, Mercy!! “ We struggle to trust when we can’t see the outcome.” So true!!! … trust in Him, and lean not on our own understanding. Lord, please help me!!
I am praying for each request as I read through them.
I’m thankful for the story of Thomas. He seems, and is, so human. Sometimes doubts can slither in so easily. Thomas’ story is a reminder that Jesus understands, and is always willing to remind me that He is not only alive, but living in me, and waiting for me to say, “My Lord and My God.”
Amand got the drain removed from her surgery today. It’s been three weeks, and she is thrilled to have it out. She has started PT to keep from developing lymphodema and is back to work. She will begin radiation probably in September. Thank you all for your continued prayers for her.
that’s a great step forward! ❤️
I want to thank you all for your prayers on my upcoming surgery. I would be lying if I said I am not nervous. Today my stomach is telling me that. I keep reminding myself to keep my eyes on Jesus. My husband already had a sleepless night. I’m like Tina, I am good when encouraging others, but when it comes to myself, it is a different story. Like others, I am unable to reply. I have all apple products and it does not work on any device.
Praying, Elaine – you’re on my calendar :) ❤️
The reply button does not work for me yet (on computer) so back to the old way:)
@RHONDA: so good, the doubter series, preach sister. Prayers for Crystal’s faith and healing of cancer.
@TERESA DONLEY: healing for Amanda, strength for her family and your mama heart.
@INDIANA ELAINE: calmness and peace before surgery.
@SHARON JG: for DANIELLE.
@DONNA WOLCOTT: continuing recovery for MATT.
@SEARCHING & KELLY NEO: praying your prayer lists ❤️
@CEE GEE: ❤️
Morning shes. Before clicking in, I saw Thomas’ name and I chuckled. Oh boy, isn’t this study so brutal at addressing the states we can face as the disciples did? From Martha (anxiety, resentment, comparison), Judas (betrayal, greed for wealth), John (zealous, ambition for self glory) and now doubting (Thomas). No where to hide lol. I love this very much though. Good job SRT. We see the connection between the disciples’ struggles and our own today, the work of the flesh and the challenge of believing in the unseen spiritual reality. “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe”. Isn’t that the definition of faith just in different words? Though they walk with Jesus daily, they are still subject to the flesh, weakness, emotion, fear, and misunderstanding. They have their own personal backgrounds that shape their thinking, and different temperaments. They were still growing and yet to be filled with the Holy Spirit (until after Pentecost). Discipleship truly is a long process, and even with close proximity to Jesus that did not mean instant maturity. We are no different. Our human heart still wrestles with the same age old issues. We struggle to trust when we can’t see the outcome. We battle fear, envy, pride and comparison more than we care to admit. Our culture promotes self reliance which fights against faith in God that calls us to trust in Him, and lean not on our own understanding. But God! by grace has given us the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, and the community of believers (virtual SRT or local small groups). We are not meant to walk alone but to grow through fellowship and accountability. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe”- something I will meditate on today. Faith and foolishness often look the same to the unbelieving world. Genuine faith can make one look irrational, extreme or even delusional in the eyes of those who operate in pure logic, sight or culture norms. The Scripture repeatedly shows that what looks foolish to man is wisdom to God. God uses the foolish things to confound the wise, He chooses the weak things to shame the strong (1 Corinthians 1:27). I always remember Noah and the ark, his obedience looks absurd and he endures a mocking crowd for decades up until the flood comes. Abraham left everything behind to leave for God, not knowing where he would end up. Moses chose to leave the luxury and palace of Egypt to suffer along with the Jewish people. Absolute foolishness to the world. So today if you follow the call of faith, don’t be afraid to look foolish. Faith will often ask you to step out while others stay behind. It may call you to build, speak, believe, or obey in ways that defy logic, timing, or public approval. Remember without faith it is impossible to please God. Behind each act of “foolishness” was a deeper wisdom, a trust in the voice of God that always proves true in the end. Don’t let the fear of man silence the steps of your obedience. Don’t shrink back when faith makes you look strange, different, or misunderstood. You’re not called to impress the crowd, you’re called to follow the Shepherd. @ALEIDA: prayers and hugs, praying for Victor and progresses. @KELLY NEO: for young mama to start work smoothly. Be blessed dear sisters.
blessed by your insight, Mercy ❤️
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Thomas’s story is such a beautiful story of how God meets us at those points of unbelief and reminds us of who He is!
God is faithful!
Welcome Brenda Pouncey! You will find that these beautiful ladies are a constant source of encouragement and will to pray for you!
Thank you all for the prayers! Praying over all the requests.
Good morning ladies! As a child, I remember hearing my pastor preach about “doubting Thomas” and wondering how someone who saw Jesus could doubt His words. Now as an adult, I understand! There are days when I retain my childlike faith and others where I have to work a little harder to maintain my relationship with God. Regardless, I’m thankful God has blessed us with the ability to come to Him with questions and find answers within His words. //Prayer request update: I didn’t get the job I interviewed for which is sad, but I’m continuing to trust in God’s plan & timing!
Praying for the right opportunity to show up soon, and for the Lord’s guidance in these decisions.
Good morning and happy Monday! I wish I could say that I have never doubted and never questioned God but I have. I feel very much like Thomas needing the proof needing a physical sign. Praise be to Lord that he meets us exactly where we are at with a loving and compassionate heart.
SEARCHING – B-I-B-L-E
Basic
Instruction
Before
Leaving
Earth
Thanks for that reminder!
Continued prayers for family member and teens! ❤
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RHONDA J-
“Make me the center of your life, for I know what is best.
I love you. Love me.
Trust.”
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Great word, today, sister! ❤
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TAYLOR- Prayers for discernment re: relationship. ❤
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TAYLOR Your church is experiencing the same tough situation as mine. Talk about doubts! I will definitely be praying for it as well as mine. The grieving and sense of loss is sometimes overwhelming..
KIMBERLY. “In our broken belief, grow something real” spoke to me mightily.
Surrendering my will is proving to be an unexpected challenge.
Good morning and HAPPY Monday! MY Jesus, OUR Jesus made us a promise, HE will NEVER leave us or forsake us! I believe this promise! Yep, I go back to work today! NO students, just meetings and training.
Thank you for the text sweet Rhonda! Gotta run…. Love you all to the moon and back and more.. Wish I had more time but slept in, and went on a VERY short walk!
Amen to what Barnabas said about being on this side of the resurrection. I also look at Thomas and the disciples as a whole and wonder… “How do you not get it? Come on!” As Barnabas mentioned, I probably would have been like them. Aren’t we thankful that the Bible explains it all to us?!
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It is definitely His love letter to us! Let’s write back!
I thought this verse of the day from Biblegateway was right on time!
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Jeremiah 33:2-3 NLT
“This is what the Lord says—the Lord who made the earth, who formed and established it, whose name is the Lord: Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.
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Thomas bravely asked questions about things to come- some things he didn’t understand. How often do I/we question God about things we don’t understand?
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Is my/our FAITH anchored in personal security or spiritual security? I know I have landed on the wrong (personal) side of that question too many times. The older I get, the easier it is to land on the right (spiritual) side. Even without understanding’ the mysteries’ I must hold on to FAITH. Father, help my unbelief (doubting).
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The song, I BELIEVE, just popped into my mind (partial lyrics):
Every mystery
The questions I’ve carried
Are safe within Your will
So I trust You even still
I believe You are who You say You are
You do what You say You’ll do
You’ll come through, You are always able
I believe You’ve already made a way
So I’m running through parted waves
Straight to You, You are always faithful
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
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As I’ve gotten older and lost more people in my life, I don’t see Thomas as a belligerent doubter so much as a grieving friend. When someone we love dies, don’t we all long for there to have been some mistake, for it to not be real? Thomas’ response when he was told about Jesus being alive sounds like a man who won’t believe that his innermost wish actually came true until he sees it with his own eyes. I can relate to that. And Jesus demonstrated His love for Thomas by meeting him exactly where he was, just like He does with all of us.
A reply! Yay!
Good thoughts Emily!
Taylor—Praying for your new relationship! Like Sharon, many of us have had you and other of our single sisters in our prayers over the years! I remember how I yearned to find a husband. Having a young toddler…I felt time was wasting as he was growing up quickly in my singleness. I made many mistakes/regrets trying to bring it to fruition on my own. God’s timing is always perfect!! Keep seeking and trusting in obedience in his perfect will for your life! :) Oh, how you/we will receive blessing for obedience and pain for our own way.
Brenda-Welcome!
Great insights from all of you!
The song I think of today is “Give Me Faith” by Elevation Worship! We played it last week as our opening song! Give us Faith Lord! Break us apart!
Emily, you make such a good point about my opinion of Thomas changing as I matured. I always remember hearing of him as Doubting Thomas. But looking at his questions now, I can understand how difficult it would be to grab onto the thought that the person I loved the most, whom I had seen die, was actually alive again. I’m so thankful that we are on the other side of not only the resurrection, but also Pentecost, so we can know with absolute certainty that Jesus does, indeed, live, and we, too, will rise from the dead one day.
amen.
Thank you Father that you are the Way, the Truth and the Life. You are our Savior and forgive me Lord for the countless times I am like Thomas and doubt in so many ways. Be the One to lead and guide my heart. Remind me of Your presence and that You are who You say You are, that Your Word is Truth. Amen ❤️
There are times I;to doubt.when I should know better.
I’m very thankful that God allows us to ask those hard questions, without judgement. I’ve always been so quick to judge Thomas when really I should have been examining my own heart.
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I’m also thankful that we have the written word. It tells the whole story – beginning to end, something Thomas did not have.
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May I always be faithful to be in the word and to search the scriptures daily!
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@Brenda Pouncey – welcome to this wonderful community of sisterhood!
@Taylor – continued prayers for your dads recovery, also for this new relationship that you are in. I have been praying for you & the other singles here for a long time. Trusting that in God’s perfect timing He will bring each of you the Godly mates you desire.
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Thank you for the prayers for my niece Danielle. Please continue as she’s had a little setback concerning her uvula that got stuck in the suction cup.
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Have a blessed day sweet She’s – one more day in RI then we head home!
praying for Danille’s continued recovery.
Oh doubting Thomas…is all of us at points in our walk with Jesus. But, seems crazy after being one of his inside followers for 3 years. Yet, would I believe after seeing the cross, that a man could be alive after that??! Of course not, it would be unreal. Because he was so beaten and battered and hung there dead.
We have the word to explain everything to us. Yet many still think there are many ways to “a god” that might be there. That’s fine for the unbeliever, but when I have friends that go to church, and still kinda hem haw around the fact that Jesus is the only way, it is mouth dropping. And the “we are all God’s children.” No- the bible tells us Jesus is the ONLY way to the Father. We become his children THROUGH his Son only. We have to make this very clear in our jail ministry. And you, as a Christ-follower have to make it clear. That is the call, to go and tell- truth. Tell the doubters that believe that all love is okay, The doubters that believe that that have the right of their bodies over a baby. The doubters that think there is no life after death. The doubters that think dabbling in tarot cards, horoscopes and more is okay. The doubters that don’t believe yoga is opening doors.
We are told by Jesus himself what is good and right. Follow my commandments and live for me. Believe upon me and my ways. Make me the center of your life, for I know what is best. I love you. Love me. Trust. Oh the ones that have not seen me, and believe!!! He prays for our faith and unbelief to the Father!! Thank you Jesus for being an advocate for us!! We believe. We trust. We put our doubts away the more we read the scriptures daily! Because then it is in our hearts and minds, and souls!! Amen!
Oh this is so good, Rhonda! Yes, “Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Amen Thank you Rhonda for saying these truths out loud!!
Amen, Rhonda. People rebel when you say through Jesus is the ONLY way to heaven – satan has convinced so many that there are other options. Years ago a pastor preached on this and compared it to our specific phone numbers. If someone told you that you could dial any number you wanted and you would reach your home – we would dismiss that crazy statement. One specific number reaches your home (or pocket), and belief in one specific Savior takes us to heaven.
God is so faithful and gentle to us. I believe Lord, help my unbelief.
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We can connect with Thomas not by being perfect, but by being real. His journey shows that faith isn’t a straight line—it’s a relationship where God meets us again and again, even when we’ve missed the first encounter.
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Meet me here.
In my questions, show me truth.
In my fears, show me peace.
In my waiting, show me trust.
And in my broken belief, grow something real.
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Help me to say with courage, even with trembling, “My Lord and my God”.
Amen❤️
Love this, Kimberley! My prayer today.
Amen.
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Good morning sisters! How grateful I am to spend a morning in the Word. What a good reminder that Jesus is our only hope. He IS the way, the Truth, and the Life.
Thank you for praying for my dad. He is recovering slower than expected, but each day gets a little stronger. Will you also pray for my church? There’s been a really tough situation that has revealed a lot of brokenness within our church leadership and it breaks my heart. I love my church so much, but a lot of people are leaving over this situation and I don’t know what to do. Also will you please join me in praying for a new relationship of mine? You ladies know my heart and longing for partnership, and I would appreciate prayers that God’s will be done in this new relationship and that I would trust in God above my own efforts and hopes.
Thank you and praying everyone has a blessed Monday!
Praying for these things this morning❤️❤️❤️
Praying, Taylor, for your dad, your church, and your new relationship.
praying, Taylor, for your dad’s continued recovery and that his spirits would remain high; and for your church as these hurts can cut so deep, there will always be those who choose to leave and those who stay – the remnant that rebuilds the church body; and for this new relationship, that you will both be guided by the Lord as things develop.
Welcome Brenda Pouncey!
Basic Instruction before leaving earth. Made me smile.
How much we all can relate to Thomas. SMH ♀️ when I think of how The Lord works and does things and how I would have handle them. I sure am glad I’m not in charge. To serve an Almighty Sovereign God, who loves us while we are still sinners. Doesn’t treat us as our sin deserves.Gives us what we need when we need it. Lavishes His love on us.♥️Have a blessed day. Another hot one in Florida.
Doubting Thomas and seeing is believing … Lord, may we read Your words written long ago for us and believe the truth in them and in You.
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In this world, there has always been deception in some form but nothing gives me pause like the proliferation of AI and its influence. I’ve always been a bit skeptical of many things but am a doubter these days of anything I can’t touch or see right in front of me. If only the deceivers would use their minds and skills for good :(
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Welcome, BRENDA POUNCEY! Joining our sisters here in welcoming you ❤️ It’s an awesome community and we look forward to studying with you. Heads up that the “reply” option is currently hit or miss and the SRT tech team is working to get that sorted out.
RHONDA J – praying for Crystal, adjusting to life after release and healing from the devastating diagnoses
MARI V and other school staff- praying for y’all and the students in this new school year
CEE GEE – thankful for Christ, our solid Rock! ❤️
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AZ WALKER ❤️ joining you in praying for:
DONNA’s son,
TERESA’s daughter Amanda,
SHARON JERSEY GIRL & Jeff – for their church & members, and also the crying baby situation(praying the conversation delay has resulted in them recognizing the disruption and taking advantage of the nursery or offers of help),
WENDY B’s kidney stone,
TINA’s dream ❤️,
M E’s illness flare up,
ROYAL KID’s family issue,
SUSAN’s job and location decisions,
SANDI’s husband’s job conditions,
A WALTON’s housing and other issues,
INDIANA ELAINE’s pain and her upcoming surgery on the 7th.
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CHERYL BLOW – praying for you as you step in again next week for kids pastor ❤️
LYNNE FROM AL – thank you for prayer share, and good to see you!
TINA ❤️ wow, what an awesome memory and lesson on viewing God’s word to us. Reminded me of BIBLE – Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth – yet the Bible is so much more than basic instructions ❤️
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Praying for the lost, for my recovering family member and for the teens.
Praying over the prayer list! Thank you for taking the time to write it all out!
I agree, Searching, that AI is making knowing and understanding what is real and what is truth even more difficult than ever before. May I keep my eye on what I know is truth – Jesus Christ, the way, the truth and the life.
Searching, I am praying for your recovering family member and for the teens.
thank you, Teresa, as these needs are great.
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Thankful for Thomas’s words of declaration. May I also proclaim, “My Lord, and my God!”
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BRENDA POUNCEY – welcome
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RHONDA J. – praying for Crystal as she begins a new life on the outside. May your church family be a siurce of comfort and support in her battle with the cancer.
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CHERYL BLOW – praying for you and the children you will be teaching.
Praying for Crystal!
Good morning, precious sisters!
Welcome to Brenda Pouncey! This is a wonderful sisterhood!
Mari V—Have a wonderful school year! May all our teachers and students have God’s hand of protection on them as they start this new year!
Praying for you all! ❤️
Praying for this new school year and for families who home school!
Are you sure?
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Really?
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I don’t believe you!
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Noooo!
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How often do we use these phrases when told something by a reliable source, not the gossips or the teasers, but genuine reliable people..
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I know that because I know the story of Jesus and how the story goes, it is easy to believe, to know, without a doubt that Jesus is the way.
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The truth.
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The life.
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That is the truth. Doubt, doesn’t change that, NO, not one bit..
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There is much of Thomas in me, however, I can see that every day! There are days when I am on fire with belief and conviction and the truth of who Jesus is, oftentimes when I am praying and believing for others, because I have seen what He can do. Then there are those times, I struggle, especially when it comes to me personally..
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“..Lord help me in my unbelief..”
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BUT GOD..
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HE reminds me, like the Ebenezer stones, HE reminds me of our journey and how HE has always been there, always been the WAY, always had open arms, always been the TRUTH, always, always guided and directed even when I lacked conviction, HE has always been the LIFE.. my life, my home, my hope..
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AMEN.
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Happy Monday, dear hearts.. much much love, hugs and prayers …❤️
Tina, I also have my moments where my belief waivers! I love how God sends me reminders of how He has always come through for me!
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I love how He reaches out to us. He knows our heart and draws us to Himseif
Jesus is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in time of need! He is our way to access the Father! He never ever will leave or forsake us or let us go!