Jesus said to him, Thomas, because you have seen Me you have believed. Blessed are they who have not seen and have believed.  And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book.  John 20:29-30 MKJV

The Bible doesn't catalog all of the miracles Jesus did. It is simply a representation of them for one reason--that we might believe.

What does it take for us to believe Jesus is who He said He is? Or do we say we believe, but live like we don't. Or do we only take the parts that fit our own concepts, which puts Jesus in a box? We basically make up our own religion and wonder why God doesn't perform to our specifications.

Jesus isn't a performing monkey. He is Creator, Sustainer of the Universe. He asks us to trust and follow Him, accept the gift of life He offered by dying on the cross for our sin and rising again to give new and lasting life.

Anything less than this is false and not from God, including Oprah's foray into New Age theology with no salvation and no cross. It isn't new and it will not fill that God-shaped hole inside the soul.

V. 31 But these are written so that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you might have life in His name. 

Jesus Christ is the (only) way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him. John 14:6

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 8:34 AM CDT

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This happened so that the Scripture would come true: "None of his bones will be broken."  Another Scripture passage says, "They will look at the person whom they have stabbed."  John 19:36-37 GW

Over and over there are OT quotes, tying ancient prophecies to the present situation in Israel. Jesus is, indeed, the fulfillment of prophecy though missed by many who had so codified their own ideas that they could not see God at work. Most of the religious leaders missed the coming of the Messiah because they substituted tradition for faith and had it all nicely tucked away away in a sanitized box.

But you can't put Jesus in a box of our limitations. Jesus won't fit my expectations. My place is to accept Him for who He is, let Him change me as I follow Him.

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 8:58 AM CDT

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You call me teacher and Lord, and you're right because that's what I am. So if I, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you must wash each other's feet. I've given you an example that you should follow.  John 13:13-15 GW

What was Jesus' example? To not act like others should serve Him. To be willing to serve others, without reward or media spotlight. To think not "how does this benefit me" but "how can I reach out to help others and share God's love?" Jesus was so other-centered He sacrificed His life to save us.

Without the cross nothing else makes sense for it is the focus of love, the love that helps us step out of our comfort zone to help someone.

The greatest love you can show is to give your life for your friends. You are my friends if you obey my commandments.  John 15:13-14

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 8:04 AM CDT

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A large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was in Bethany. So they went there not only to see Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom Jesus had brought back to life. The chief priests planned to kill Lazarus too. Lazarus was the reason why many people were leaving the Jews and believing in Jesus.  John 12:9-11

Most of us have heard how Jesus called Lazarus from the tomb, but how many realized the leaders hated losing their power so much they began to plot to murder Lazarus as well as Jesus.

Power and hate warps the soul as well as the mind. Many of the religious leaders, who were supposed to direct the people in the ways of Godliness, righteousness and truth, were so twisted they became the embodiment of evil.

How easy it is to seek to elevate our position in this world and totally miss what is most important--love, self-sacrifice...and truth.

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 8:57 AM CDT

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O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, because with the LORD there is mercy and with him there is unlimited forgiveness.  Psalm 130:7 GW

Other religions create capricious "gods" who swing from sadistic to emotional, but, because they are created in man's image, there is little real real hope, security or comfort. To reach these so-called "gods," man must strive to gain and hold their attention through any number of benign to horrendous practices.

The God of the Bible, the God of Creation is different because He is the God of all. He is a God of principle, rationality, common sense...and love. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to take the punishment we deserve for our sin. We cannot clean ourselves up or do anything to win His favor, except for one thing.

Accept the gift of life Jesus offered by dying on the cross and rising again. We don't clean up to come to Him. We hand Him our broken lives and let His forgiveness and love give new life, new hope, new direction.

God is the God of forgiveness and hope. All we need do is come.

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 9:03 AM CDT

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 (Jesus said) I came so that my sheep will have life and so that they will have everything they need.  John 10:10b GW 

How many of us live like Jesus isn't enough? Like we have to do everything on our own and, for good measure, top it off with a bit of religion? But Christianity isn't a religion  with a set of traditions that give us points to the kingdom.

Christianity is a person, Jesus Christ, who came, died and rose again that we might live in and through Him. He wants a relationship with us, wants us to know and abide in Him, giving Him control of today...and tomorrow.

If Jesus is the Creator. If He truly is God, He knows the future. Do I think I can then do a better job of directing my life than the God of all, the God who loves me enough to die for me? How foolish am I? Umm. Sometimes I don't want an answer to that question.

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 9:58 AM CDT

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If the LORD does not build the house, it is useless for the builders to work on it. If the LORD does not protect a city, it is useless for the guard to stay alert.  Psalm 127:1 GW

We work, we strive, we finagle, not realizing God, not you or I is ultimately in control. Unless we are under His protecting Hand, unless we know His blessing by serving Him, everything we do is rubbish.

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 7:35 AM CDT

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As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people now and forever.  Psalm 125:2

If we follow Jesus and seek to live for Him, we do not need to fear. In fact, fear is the opposite of faith.

As we dwell in Him, God surrounds us with His protection, His provision and His peace.

I need not fear for Jesus is always near. He may not take away the problem, but will be with me to comfort and guide through or around it.

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 9:17 AM CDT

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The official said to him, "Sir, come with me before my little boy dies." 

   Jesus told him, "Go home. Your son will live." The man believed what Jesus told him and left. While the official was on his way to Capernaum, his servants met him and told him that his boy was alive.  John 4:49-51 GW

The official had a need. Desperate, he sought Jesus. But unlike most of the people, the official didn't need to see to believe. He took Jesus at His word and God blessed.

What about me? Do I insist on proof God is working or do I trust He is working even when I see no evidence of it? Do I fuss and fret? Yup, afraid so. You'd think by now I'd get it right when things spin out of my control.

Jesus loves me. He is working on my behalf and all He asks is for me to trust Him. Jesus help my unbelief.

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 8:39 AM CDT

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The LORD guards you as you come and go, now and forever.  Psalm 121:8 GW

NEVER ALONE

© 2008 Carolyn R Scheidies

In my home,

All alone?

Not really.

In my car going to and from

All by myself?

Not hardly.

When all around no one is there

Or seems to care.

I'm all alone in my despair.

Never.

For God cannot be kept out of houses or cars.

Only out of our lives.

But He's exactly where He needs to be

Where He's invited.

The saying is true.

Jesus really is

Always there,

Only a prayer away.

By invitation, and

Never again, truly,

Alone.

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 8:10 AM CDT

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While they were talking about what had happened, Jesus stood among them. He said to them, "Peace be with you!" They were terrified, and thought they were seeing a ghost. He asked them, "Why are you afraid? Why do you have doubts?  Luke 24:36-38 GW

Isn't this often our response when we pray and then see God answer our prayers? We're astonished and awed.

We claim God answers prayer. How lame is our faith when we're surprised when He does? Are we more comfortable with a maybe, a wait or a no, than a resounding yes?

If our faith is so weak and our trust in God so tenuous, is it any wonder He does so few miracles among us?

No wonder we don't penetrate the darkness with the gospel message. We don't believe it ourselves.

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 7:08 AM CST

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One day Jesus was teaching the people in the temple courtyard and telling them the Good News. The chief priests, scribes, and leaders came up to him.  They asked him, "Tell us, what gives you the right to do these things? Who told you that you could do this?" 
   Jesus answered them, "I, too, have a question for you. Tell me, did John's right to baptize come from heaven or from humans?" 
   They talked about this among themselves. They said, "If we say, 'from heaven,' he will ask, 'Why didn't you believe him?' But if we say, 'from humans,' everyone will stone us to death. They're convinced that John was a prophet."  So they answered that they didn't know who gave John the right to baptize.
   Jesus told them, "Then I won't tell you why I have the right to do these things." Luke 20:1-8 GW 

Both the secular and the religious leaders of Jesus' day were more concerned with appearance than truth. So too, many of our political and religious leaders of today. So,, too, you and me. The question is “Am I so afraid of what others say or what might happen that I don't stand up for Jesus or my faith?” When I don't, I deny Him. How are the ways I deny Him? Is fear crowding out faith? What steps can I take to change that?

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 7:56 AM CST

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He who is faithful in the least is also faithful in much. And he who is unjust in the least is also unjust in much.  Luke 16:10 MKJV

Why can't someone handle sudden wealth? Often it is because they already have a pattern of not managing their finances wisely. When someone regularly steals paper, clips or small things, it sets a pattern of stealing. What happens when that person has a chance at something bigger?

Do we tell small lies? Manipulate? Cheat? Often it is a matter of degree, but wrong is wrong. If we aren't honest in the small things, we'll be dishonest in the big things. Make no mistake, our behavior with be stamped not only on our reputation, but also on our character.

So also, when we choose to be honest even in the small things, we'll build positive patterns in our lives that help us become people of integrity and honor. That, too, will be reflected in both character (who we are) and reputation (what others think).

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 7:57 AM CST

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I got up before dawn, and I cried out for help. My hope is based on your word. Psalm 119:147 GW

Hope based on nothing, yields nothing. Hope built on deception, greed and evil, yields destruction and enslavement. Only hope based in Jesus Christ yields true help, a willing spirit, sacrifice, life and freedom.

On what is your hope based? Mine?

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 8:04 AM CST

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With this letter I'm introducing Phoebe to you. She is our sister in the Christian faith and a deacon of the church in the city of Cenchrea. Give her a Christian welcome that shows you are God's holy people. Provide her with anything she may need, because she has provided help to many people, including me.  Romans 16:1-2 GW

The beauty of the gospel is the elevation of women. From Jesus ministry onward, women were not considered 2nd class representatives. The women had great respect from church leaders. God used women in roles outside the home as well as within.

The author of Romans did not denigrate the gifts and ministry women brought to the table. Men and women had roles to play, including teaching, sharing, caring for others. The early church understood God called women as well as men.

Each of us need to use the gifts God has given and recognize and encourage the use of those gifts in others.

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 8:02 AM CST

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