Friday, January 31, 2014

Israel breaking News: Mass Prayer Rally At Western Wall Against 'Kerry's Decrees'

WesternWall Prayer Rally
A massive gathering brought thousands together at the Kotel (Western Wall) Thursdaynight, in prayers beseeching G-d to "cancel the decrees" of US Secretary of State John Kerry, whose peace plans would create an Arab capital in Jerusalem. 

The prayer rally, which was held under the title "prayer for the redemption of the people of Israel and their portion," was attended by Jewish Home coalition members including Housing and Construction Minister Uri Ariel, Deputy Religious Minister Rabbi Eli Ben-Dahan, MK Orit Struk and MK Moti Yogev. Rabbi Chaim Druckman, head of the Bnei Akiva yeshivas, Chief Rabbi of Kiryat Arba Rabbi Dov Lior and Chief Rabbi of Tzfat Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu led the prayers, asking G-d to "give strength, courage, truth and faith to our leaders. Give them fear and great awe of You, that they will fear greatly to harm our holy land."
Ariel commented that "thousands of people came to prayer for the people of Israel, to strengthen the government and the one who stands at its head, that he may be able to stand firm against the different pressures coming from the other side of the ocean," reports Mako. Reports in early January indicated that Kerry is manipulating the European boycotts to force Israel to submit to territorial withdrawals. 
"We came here to strengthen the prime minister in guarding the land of Israel," said Rabbi Ben-Dahan, who added that if the proposed plans match the rumors surrounding them, they will not be accepted by his Jewish Home party. "Most residents of the country aren't ready to divide Jerusalem, as is said to be proposed in the plan." 
The plan also reportedly would have the PA create a state along the 1949 Armistice lines. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu proposed on Sundaythat Jews lived under the Palestinian Authority (PA) in Judea and Samaria as part of peace plans, a proposal that led to a crisis between Netanyahu and Jewish Home Chairman Naftali Bennett.
Source: Arutz Sheva

More "Open Doors" prophetic words have come for 2014...

Tim Sheets:
Leap Into Your Future – 
Doors of New History 
Will Now Be Open
Steve ShultzFrom the desk of Steve Shultz:

In 2014, many of God's prophets and prophetic people are receiving words, dreams and visions about this "year of open doors!"

Such is the case with Tim Sheets. In this potent word, expect to be encouraged by these promises of God for this year and the time going forward.

Here is just a glimpse of some of the things you are about to read:

Tim Sheets: "Notable miracles are leaping forth. Notable miracles are leaping into your region. Notable miracles are leaping into your households. 

The revival in the womb of My intercessors is now leaping in them. It's leaping from the womb of those in travail. It is now time for the birthing of forerunners who will run. Leap into your future. The door is open!"

Let a spirit of expectation and excitement rise up from within you as you read this word through Tim Sheets!

Enjoy!

Steve Shultz
 
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Blessings,
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Steve Shultz, Founder and Publisher
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Tim Sheets:
Leap Into Your Future – 
Doors of New History 
Will Now Be Open

Tim SheetsOn January 24, 2014, we hosted our Annual Prophetic Summit. The speakers were Tim Sheets, Dutch Sheets, and Barbara Wentroble. The following word was given by Apostle Tim Sheets:

God Is Opening Doors

The year 2014 is 5774 on the Hebraic calendar – Ayin Dalet. The Hebrew calendar speaks to us prophetically. The number 4 is the letter Dalet. Dalet is the word for "door," or an open tent flap, or the opening into a new territory. 

5774 is also a Leap Year in the Hebraic cycle. Ayin Dalet references a year of open doors – so you can leap forward, that is, a year of open doors so you can spring forward.
God is opening doors
Holy Spirit is going to open doors supernaturally for His people this year to surge ahead. 

Many in the Body of Christ have had doors closed by adverse circumstances, by demon attacks, by financial attacks, even people attacks, but we come together to declare the word of the Lord.

God is right now opening doors for us to leap forward. He is opening doors for us to surge ahead, and we are now going to run through open doors and spring into our future. 

We're going to leap over adverse circumstances. We're going to leap over demon attacks. We're going to leap over financial attacks. We're going to spring into hope that is sure. It is steadfast. It is immoveable. We're going to overcome and we're going to reign – demonstrating a superior power in our Kingdom.  

(Open Door Photo by Eric Foltz)

"Arise, And I Will Empower You"

The Spirit of the Lord declares to the Church,"Doors of new history will now be opened

A new movement will now spring forth. A new stream from My throne will begin to flow. It is a pure stream of pure Gospel; for the stream of My Gospel has been diverted and dammed up by those who wanted the benefits of reservoired blessings, but I will now blow up the dams.

"I will have a Gospel that flows and flows freely. My movement will move. It is built to move and it will move. Empowered by fresh downpours, fresh rain – the downpours of Heaven will fill it to overflowing. It will leap to flood stage. It will not be confined by Laodiceans. It shall be a pure Gospel stream that is lit with the fire of My cause, one that I can back with signs, with wonders, and with miracles; one that is not diluted by pride, immorality or greed, one that I can marshal Heaven's army behind, one that I can back with awesome Kingdom power.

God will empower you"And the generations will synergize their efforts together for the revival of ingathering such has not been seen heretofore. I am calling My Gideons to come out of hiding and stop the raiding of My harvest. I have seen you behind the winepress. I have seen your secret toil. I have heard your cries. Now hear Mine. Arise and I will empower you. Arise for the days that are in front of you, and leap into the future that I have ordained for you. 

(Mural Photo via Empower Yourself/by Jay Moli)

"I will synergize the warriors, the eagle warriors with my remnant warriors, those who have faithfully committed themselves to Me. I will synergize them together now for the greatest move that I have ever released upon this earth. You shall now see and you shall now know that there is a Kingdom that is indeed at hand, and it is an awesome Kingdom. 

I've seen your heart and I will empower you. You will defeat your enemy, and you will enjoy the spoils of victory. You will say, 'Our enemy has resourced us. Our enemy has poured abundance for us. We have more because of war.'

ElijahList Prophetic Resources

"A shift in leadership will now come," says the Lord. "A new breed of leaders will be revealed in My Kingdom. 

The obscure ones who have served faithfully will now receive promotion man has not seen – but have seen. 

It will be said, 'Where did they come from? Who are they?' And I will advocate for them.
"I will say, 'These are they who came from My presence. 

These are they who would not compromise

These are they who would not be muzzled; they would not bow to darkness. These are they who have not been appeasing of humanistic ways with enticing words, but have stood for Me and My words. These are they that did not flinch. These are they that would not bend their knee to blended religion or doctrines of demons. They stood unashamed for Me; now I will stand unashamed for them. I will side with them. I have proclaimed their victory, and now I will oversee its completion."

Divine Alignment Will Spring Forth In Your Life

"Can there be an abundance in Goshen? Can there be plenty in My remnant camp? Watch and see. 

Great deliverance is coming. New history is coming. Abundance is coming. 

The set time has come for the war eagle generation of young reformers to partner with the remnant generation, and there will now come a divine alignment. This will spring forth.
Aligned"There will now come a functioning Church in the midst of dysfunction. Multiplied grace is now being poured forth. Bound souls shall be set free. 

Captives in heart will be delivered. Those blinded by sin and iniquity will be liberated from Hell's bondage as the revival of the ingathering now leaps ahead. The synergized generations in sync with My angel armies and soaked in the fresh rains of Heaven will now leap forward into great revival. 

It will be a movement that moves in power, in passion, and in purity. I will back it with signs, wonders and with miracles. 

(Properly Aligned Photo via AndyStevensLive.com)

"Notable miracles are leaping forth. Notable miracles are leaping into your region. Notable miracles are leaping into your households. 

The revival in the womb of My intercessors is now leaping in them. It's leaping from the womb of those in travail. 

It is now time for the birthing of forerunners who will run. Leap into your future. The door is open!"

Tim Sheets
Tim Sheets Ministries | The Oasis, a CityGate Church

Dr. Tim Sheets is an apostle, pastor, and author based in southwestern Ohio. A graduate of Christ For the Nations Institute in Dallas, Texas, he returned to Ohio in 1979 to pastor The Oasis, a CityGate Church, in Middletown, Ohio. The site is one of the largest in the Cincinnati-Dayton area and is host to many ministries/conferences. 

His vision is to raise up people who will authentically demonstrate the Church on the earth and passionately evangelize the world. His heart is for awakening and reformation in America.

Dr. Sheets is a teacher and speaker nationally at conferences, churches, seminars, Bible schools, and served as an instructor with the Christian Life School of Theology for eleven years. He has written and personally published two books, Armed and Battle Ready and Being Led by the Spirit, and a third book published by Destiny Image, Heaven Made Real. 

Dr. Sheets founded Destiny Bible School, and in 2009 Dr. Sheets was asked by Apostle Cindy Jacobs to be the Apostolic Director for Ohio Reformation Prayer Network and has organized 24/7 Prayer across the State. In 2013 Dr. Sheets launched AwakeningNow TV on DirecTV. Dr. Tim Sheets resides with his wife, Carol, in Lebanon, Ohio. They have two children and five grandchildren.

Nature says "Shabbat Shalom" too!

To my friends in Israel, Europe, Asia and India (and all points in between...) who are about to enjoy a day of rest...





Shabbat Shalom from our home to yours. 
Blessings on ye heads! 

Steve & Laurie Martin
Love For His People


Why Was this Photo Sold at an Auction for more than $120,000?

Israel's History - a Picture a Day (Beta)


Posted: 30 Jan 2014
The Kidron Valley and the ancient tombs carved into the Mount of Olives cemetery in Jerusalem (Christie's)

Why was this picture so valuable? Because it was one of the first photographs ever taken in Jerusalem -- taken 170 years ago.

The photograph was taken in 1844 by a French photographer, Joseph-Philibert Girault de Prangey (1804 - 1898), believed to be a student of Louis Daguerre who is credited with inventing photography in 1839.

The daguerreotype photos were found in a storeroom in Girault de Prangey's estate in the 1920s, but only in recent years, when libraries digitized them, did the photographs become well known. Girault de Prangey was a student of architecture and art who traveled in the Middle East between 1841 and 1844 and produced some 900 daguerreotypes.

Responsible archivists and librarians digitize 
the vintage photographs in their archives.

Panoramic photo of Jerusalem's Old City from the southeast. (1844)

Panoramic picture of Jerusalem taken from the Mt. of Olives (1844)
The Smithsonian Magazine published a feature on the photos this month, based on pictures published by Retronaut - "The photographic time machine."
This photo is labeled "Damascus Gate."
Actually, it is the city wall just to the
right of the gate. The photographer
was fascinated with stonework on the
shrines in the Middle East. (1844)

Lions Gate of the Old City (1844)













Jaffa Gate of the Old City (Christie's 1844)










                     H/T: AA



We found more than 200 photographs by Gerault de Prangey in the French National Library and on the websites of leading auction houses. The pictures included scenes from Jerusalem, Damascus, Cairo, and Lebanon. We present here pictures of Jerusalem from the Library's collection and from Christie's.  According to the French Library, the pictures are in the public domain.

Click on pictures to enlarge.  Click on the caption to view the original picture.

The following is a quotation attributed to Girault de Prangey:

My long pilgrimage is coming to a close... after spending 55 days in the holy city [of Jerusalem] and its environs...I am sure you can share my natural delight in fulfilling a dream cherished since childhood.... And as I speak now of these places, how happy I am to realise that in a few months I will be able to share them with you as they are, as I bear with me their precious and unquestionably faithful trace that cannot be diminished by time or distance. For this we must thank most sincerely our compatriot Daguerre, destined to be known forever for his wondrous discovery. 


CHARISMANEWS - Why Did Christian Artist Natalie Grant Leave the Grammys Early?

Why Did Christian Artist Natalie Grant Leave the Grammys Early?

Natalie Grant
Natalie Grant (Facebook)
Award-winning Christian music artist Natalie Grant left the Grammy Awards early on Sunday but has not said why.
“We left the Grammy’s early. I’ve many thoughts about the show tonight, most of which are probably better left inside my head,” Grant wrote on her Facebook page Sunday night. “But I'll say this: I've never been more honored to sing about Jesus and for Jesus. And I've never been more sure of the path I've chosen.”
The post received more than 4,700 comments, and bloggers took to the Web to speculate on why the gospel singer walked out. Shortly before she left, Katy Perry and Juicy J performed a song called “Dark Horse” that some have described as “satanic.”
Perry, who was raised in a strong Christian household, has publicly rejected her faith. Her Grammy performance displayed images evocative of the occult, including witchcraft, fire and beasts. The 29-year-old pop superstar pole-danced on a broom and closed her act with a burning on a stake.
But another performance may have caused Grant to leave, bloggers have said. During Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ song “Same Love,” 33 couples—heterosexual and homosexual—were married on stage.
Grant responded to the speculation in a statement on her Facebook page Monday afternoon. It has more than 111,000 likes and more than 9,000 comments so far.
“It does sadden me when people argue, judge and hurl insults at each other from both sides of the fence,” she wrote.
Though she said she would not engage in arguments, she made a few clarifications.
“I NEVER said I left during any particular performance. I only said I left early,” she said. “I never pointed out any one particular performance, I only said I had many thoughts about the entire show, which were best left inside my head and that is where they will stay.”
She continued, “So those who say I condemned one performance but then condoned others clearly did not read the post. What I DID say is this: I am honored to be a part of the Christian music community. I've had many people throughout my career ask why I never tried to go in to mainstream music and last night was a beautiful reminder that I love singing about Jesus and FOR Jesus."
“I've judged no one,” Grant insisted. “I hate no one. And I believe that every person has been created in the image of God. ... I won't use my platform to engage in political arguments that will only divide and not unite. I will continue to pray that my life will be my message.”
She thanked the Grammys and said she is grateful for her nominations. Grant then concluded with Romans 1:16: “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus for it is the power of God who brings salvation to ALL who believe.”

Love For His People blog Editor's Note: "Thank you Natalie Grant for your stand. We stand with you." Steve Martin

No, Hollywood, You Can't Have My Kids! DANIEL K. NORRIS (From The Frontlines by Steve Hill)

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No, Hollywood, 

You Can't Have My Kids!

Daniel Norris
Daniel Norris
I was sitting in a green room with a well-known individual when my wife walked in, holding our little princess. The gentleman sitting next to me took notice of what her mom and I already knew. 
“That girl is absolutely gorgeous!” he exclaimed. Then he added, “She needs to be on TV.”
Instinctively, I responded, “I love her too much to prostitute her to the world like that.”
Extreme? Not at all. I’m not interested in raising a star. I’m raising a saint!
Right now, the world is watching as Justin Bieber becomes the latest to take the all-too-familiar path that so many have blazed before him. It’s striking to see how many of these fallen stars begin their ascent to fame in the church. They left God’s house for the promise of bright lights, adoring fans and big paydays. Many times they end up in the jailhouse, crack house or funeral home. 
How many celebrity parents wish they had fought harder to keep their kids out of the limelight so that they might remain in the Lord’s light? Probably fewer than I’d hope.
These stories offer a very real and public example of why we parents have to fight hard to keep our gifted children out of the world's hands. It’s time we tell Hollywood, “You can’t have our kids!”
Personally, I am completely uninterested in what Justin is doing. I don’t care about his latest tattoo. I don’t care about who he is dating. I don’t care what club he was caught walking out of, and I don’t care about the house he just egged.
What I do care about is my kids. 
We live in a world where achieving celebrity status is touted as the apex of success. We celebrate and idolize individuals in every arena of life. Even in the church!
I’m not concerned about how many people know my child’s name; I’m concerned that my child knows the name above all names. I don’t care how many people follow her; I care that she only follows Him.
Parents, we haven’t fought the world hard enough for our children. It is our job to nurture, protect and train them up in the ways of the Lord. Let's learn from the mistakes of the past and not fail our gifted children in the future. Here are a few ways how:
1. Fight to help them discover all their God-given gifts. 
If you’re gifted to speak, sing or shake a hand, there is a place for you to serve in the sanctuary. However, those gifted with other skills, like leadership, athletics, academics, acting, writing and so many more, rarely find a place for those gifts to be discovered and developed in the house of God.
God is the giver of the child and the gift. He commissions the family first, then the church to steward those gifts. We have to seek ways to encourage their talents and teach them to use their gifts to glorify the Lord. 
2. Fight to guard the gift.
I'm sure you've seen the “my child can beat up your honor student” bumper sticker. Every proud parent should celebrate their child’s accomplishments. But when celebration turns to bragging, we’ve stepped over the line.
Many parents attempt to live vicariously through their children's accomplishments. They believe what their child can do says something about them as parents. This teaches our children that “doing” is more important than “being.” (Honey Boo Boo, anybody?)
My child’s spiritual life is not secondary. It comes first, and nothing else compares. We don’t skip church or pass up prayer time or devotions for school, athletics or anything else. 
When you choose to forego spiritual things for secular things, you are silently teaching a dangerous lesson. Parents will push their children to excel in life on the field, stage or classroom but neglect to see them excel first before the Lord. If we fail here, we fail everywhere!
3. Fight to celebrate the Giver of gifts.
“First of all, I want to thank God” is the nod you often hear thrown out after an award or championship game is won. I’ve been in rooms with people watching who say, “Oh, I didn’t know he was a Christian!"
He’s probably not. 
If you can’t see the fruit of the Spirit in their lyrics, acting or sportsmanship, you will not find it in their life either. No shout-out to Lord can make up for a loose life. 
We must teach our children to glorify the Giver, not the gift. They must learn they are gifted only because God is good. 
If the gift gets elevated, it becomes an idol. When God is elevated, the gift can bring Him glory.
We teach our children that true worship is a lifestyle and that everything they do can be done as unto the Lord. It is only when God takes priority in their life that the gifts can find their proper position.
The Lord has blessed us with three amazing children, which means I’ve got three incredible reasons to fight for this generation. I know that God has an amazing plan for each of them, just as He does for each and every child. I also know that the enemy has a plan for them as well. He desires to kill, steal and destroy. Not on my watch! I’ll fight to see God’s dreams accomplished in them to the fullest. 
Sorry, world—you can’t have my kids!
Daniel K. Norris is an evangelist who works alongside Steve Hill bringing the message of revival and repentance to the nations. Together, they co-host a broadcast called From the Frontlines. Norris also hosts the Collision Youth Conference that is broadcast all over the world. He can be contacted at danielknorris.com.
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The Apostle Who Went Further Than Them All by Ian Johnson - by Ian Johnson (Identity Network)

The Apostle Who Went Further 

Than Them All 

by Ian Johnson 

(Identity Network) 

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Thomas the Apostle is one of my gospel heroes. He thrust his arm into eternity when he was asked to do so by Jesus, "put your hand in my side." I had one of the biggest encounters of my life when I came into contact with Thomas, at the entry point of the gospel in India. 

It was here I experienced apostolic fire and gospel power unlike anything else I had ever seen. This was in 2005, having just returned from 6 weeks in India and seeing firsthand the impact that Thomas had and is still having on that land I wanted to find out who Thomas was from a biblical point of view and discover some of his motivations.  What drove this man so far from Jerusalem? 

It seems fairly clear from historical evidence that Thomas was in India from 58AD until he was martyred in 72AD. The Church in Southern India was founded by Him, and He was buried in modern day Chennai at the Church of St Thomas on Marina beach. 

So what was it that drove Thomas to leave all He knew and travel a vast distance and even die for the cause? He is often labeled doubting Thomas, but the evidence in India would suggest He doesn't deserve this label. 

I had the privilege to go to 5 of the seven churches he established in Kerala, I claimed the mount where he received his instructions to go to the other side of India, I visited his final resting place and I went up a little mount in Chennai to the place where he was murdered for the cause of Christ. It is a very high hill where he used to go and pray, He also lived in a cave nearby. From a strategic point of view there would be no better position to pray from, as you can see the entire region. 

So what was the deal with the Apostle Thomas? I've gleaned as much as I can from the 3 times He is mentioned as speaking in scripture.
 
Was He Thomas the Doubter or Thomas the Doer? 

It seems to me He wasn't a doubter but he was; willing to risk his life. Willing to ask the hard questions and willing to accept the truth 

1.    Thomas was Willing to Risk His Life (John 11:1-16)  
        
The first time that we see the nature of Thomas mentioned is found in the passage about Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead -

John 11:1-16 - A man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in Bethany with his sisters, Mary and Martha. This is the Mary who poured the expensive perfume on the Lord's feet and wiped them with her hair. Her brother, Lazarus, was sick. So the two sisters sent a message to Jesus telling him, "Lord, the one you love is very sick." But when Jesus heard about it he said, "Lazarus's sickness will not end in death. No, it is for the glory of God. I, the Son of God, will receive glory from this." 

Although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, he stayed where he was for the next two days and did not go to them. Finally after two days, he said to his disciples, "Let's go to Judea again." But his disciples objected. "Teacher," they said, "only a few days ago the Jewish leaders in Judea were trying to kill you. Are you going there again?" 

Jesus replied, "There are twelve hours of daylight every day. As long as it is light, people can walk safely. They can see because they have the light of this world. Only at night is there danger of stumbling because there is no light." Then he said, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but now I will go and wake him up." 

The disciples said, "Lord, if he is sleeping, that means he is getting better!" They thought Jesus meant Lazarus was having a good night's rest, but Jesus meant Lazarus had died. Then he told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead. And for your sake, I am glad I wasn't there, because this will give you another opportunity to believe in me. Come, let's go see him." Thomas, nicknamed the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, "Let's go, too - and die with Jesus." 

The disciples have a good point here. They tell Jesus that isn't such a great idea going to Jerusalem, You know there are people out there who are trying to kill you. Jesus insists that they still go. 

Verses 11 and 12 are a bit humorous if you ask me.  Jesus trying to be kind says that Lazarus is sleeping and the disciples respond with don't wake him up. Then Jesus has to say, ok he is not sleeping he is dead.  Verse 16 is what we're going to key in on. 

Thomas said, "Let's go too - and die with Jesus."  Thomas, the one who we always refer to as doubting Thomas, makes the bold statement "I am willing to follow with you, Jesus, even if it means death." Thomas was willing to put it all on the line. In his mind there was a strong chance that he would be killed if he went to Judea. 

Thomas was willing to risk death to follow Jesus.  Do you have the same boldness to follow Jesus? 

In India I was challenged with similar feelings - my ministry companion did not want to go into an area controlled by the communist Laxelights who had been kidnapping and killing people for their cause. Yes it was dangerous.  Yes we could have been caught and killed. But I was confronted with this one thing...Will I obey Christ even if it means death or will I play it safe? We went in and we were protected.  

The fruit was an amazing outpouring of power and grace and many where saved, delivered, healed and set free. Thomas confronts us with this question - Are we willing to obey even unto death? He did...and we should to. 

2.    Thomas was willing to ask the questions that we all were wondering about, but too afraid to ask. 

John 14:1-6 "Don't be troubled. You trust God, now trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father's home, and I am going to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would tell you plainly. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. 

And you know where I am going and how to get there." "No, we don't know, Lord," Thomas said. "We haven't any idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?" 

Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." 

Jesus just gets done giving the disciples some comfort. Let us be honest, if this was the first time you heard about all this you would be confused too. I can see the disciples sitting around and shaking their heads and pretending they understand what Jesus was talking about.  I get that look from time and time when I am preaching, I say I don't think you understand what I am saying but people smile and nod anyways. 

Thomas raises his hand and says Lord I don't get it. I am confused. Help me understand, what a bold question. 

Notice Jesus did not rebuke Thomas, Jesus did not make fun of him for his honest question Jesus used a different way and expanded on some things to answer the questions that Thomas and the rest of the disciples had in their mind. I am sure they were saying thank you Thomas for asking that question 

What can We Learn from this? 

You know one of the biggest misconceptions that we have been taught is, that questions are wrong. Honest questions are not sin. To want a better understanding of a situation is not a sin. There are some things that we do not understand at first. So be willing to ask the questions, be willing to examine things, figure out what exactly is going on.

What are you trying to tell me Lord? 

When I was in Goa India, I felt I was somehow missing the mark as far as reaching people for Jesus. I had witnessed to people on a one on one basis but had been unable to break through, I said "Lord I don't understand who you sent me here to speak to."  

He just said, "Take the bus to Bangalore." When it was time to leave we booked a bus trip to end all bus trips...13 hours on a bus with no suspension, The answer to whom we had been sent to became clear. Both my companion and myself where given seats next to people whom God had hand-picked for us to speak to. 

The result was fruit! Imagine if I had not questioned the Lord about the wisdom of the trip, and him saying there is someone you must speak to. I could have taken matters into my own hands it would have been easy to cancel the bus and take the train or even fly, but the Lord wanted me on that bus.

Thomas was willing to ask the hard questions of Jesus and we need to be able to do the same. 

3.    Thomas was willing to accept the truth (John 20:24-29). 

I am sure that you all remember the famous story of doubting Thomas, that we read in the beginning of this passage. 

Thomas gets a bad rap here; we have to understand what had been leading up to this point. 
First thing that the disciples know is; Mary came and said "Jesus appeared to her." None of the disciples believed her; if they had they would have not been in the room gathered together hiding in fear. 

Now when they were together and Jesus appeared to them, Thomas was not there.  Where was Thomas? The Bible does not say. Thomas did not want to blindly accept what his fellow disciples said. He wanted to make sure that everything was correct. So the Lord showed up again and showed him 

Thomas makes one of the most overlooked Messianic statements in the Bible - "My Lord and my God." 

This statement is amazing. For a Jew to make that statement is incredible. To call a human associate "My Lord and My God" could be considered blasphemy and punishable by death, He saw something in the side of Jesus that turned him around. 

Thomas was Willing - What can We Gain from this Story? 

First of all understand that doubt is not sin It is not sin to doubt. If it were Jesus would have said why you are sinning against me, he did not say that. We all wrestle with doubt from time to time. 

Notice something here, Thomas never doubted Jesus, he doubted his fellow disciples, Once Jesus showed him, Thomas believed, then declared his belief, in the most powerful messianic statement in the NT. 

Unbelief and doubt are not the same Unbelief is deliberate denial, disobedience, rebellion, resistance, and is always condemned. Doubt is the sincere question, but unbelief is an unwillingness to hear the answer. 

To doubt the resurrection would not be that uncommon, dead people had rarely got up and become alive again. Thomas had just lost his friend Jesus (so he thought) with dashed hope; it is hard to make faith fit in with the painful realities of life; this occurs when: a loved one dies, our children are in trouble, we lose our job - just life really.  What is funny is we often doubt that miracles can happen at times like this, but our desire for them is even stronger. 

The writer of the Psalms sometimes expresses much anger and sings about doubts and disappointments. However, they always seem to realize in the end that God is God, God cares for them, and God listens to them. 

In Kakanada I was faced with a woman who was totally insane. She had been a university graduate who had been indwelt by demonic forces to the point where she was going about saying she was an angel of light and talking with the voice of a man, trying to kill them with a machete.  I have to admit when I was confronted with her issues, I doubted for a moment that there was hope! 

But then the Lord came through. As I prayed the demons threw the woman to the ground. I commanded them in the name of Jesus to come out, and one by one they came out, the last going with terrible scream. At which point the woman returned to her right mind. She was set free and restored to her family. I saw her again the next day and the transformation was amazing. 

Imagine if I had of succumbed to doubt. But I was able to look to Jesus for the answers just as Thomas did. This is all Jesus wants from us, to look to Him. 

I hope I have made a good case to stop calling Thomas, "Doubting Thomas."  Thomas was not so much doubting Thomas as he was "willing Thomas." 

He was willing to risk his life and follow Jesus.  In the end He gave his life for Jesus, further away from Jerusalem than any of the others. 

He was willing to ask some really hard questions. Those questions caused him to trust so much He went to the other side of the world for Jesus. 

He was willing to accept the truth. In the end He was so committed to the truth that he planted many churches in Kerala & Tamil Nadu in India, and established an apostolic stronghold there still operating today. 

So be like Thomas.  Ask the hard questions of Jesus.  Be willing to follow Jesus even unto death. Be willing to accept the truth when confronted with it.  Thomas is my apostolic hero, a giant among the Sons of Christ. 

Ian Johnson

 
 
 
 
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