PEACE
Today’s Reading: John 20-21
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).
A Nazareth Village family enjoying time with one another.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: John 20:19
Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
Jesus speaks “peace” three times to His disciples here. They were obviously in a state of great turmoil and fear. Jesus might have said, “Settle down, we’ve got some very practical matters to accomplish in the next 50 days.” After all, Jesus’ followers were very ordinary people. Peter and John came from two fishing families. Notice that John could not escape the competition motivation. He had to put in the Gospel that he beat Peter to the tomb. Of course, Mary Magdalene was first. She didn’t recognize Jesus until she heard His voice. We need to listen for Jesus. He’ll speak our names too. He has something unique to say to each one of us. He had a special message for Peter who had denied knowing Him three times. Three times He asked, “Do you love Me, Peter?” He had a message in the number of fish caught, 153. In Hebrew, each letter has a numerical value. The number 153 translates into “Ana Elohim = I am God.” The disciples had been to Hebrew school. They would have known exactly what Jesus was communicating. In our Bibles, let’s read again John 20:31. This is the reason for John to write. He was there in person when it happened!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Dear Lord Jesus, Help me to do that which You told Peter to do in today’s reading, “Feed My sheep,” and “Feed My lambs.” You know that I love You too. And help me, like John, to know my purpose in writing, speaking, and simply living the Gospel before others. May many more believe in You and have life in Your Name. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I’m simply a student. I’m hoping to learn more about God. In the Hebrew language, the word “disciple” is “talmudim,” and is what a kindergarten child in Israel is called today. Before moving from the weekly telecasts, Crossroads and Circle Square for children, to the daily telecast, 100 Huntley Street, I was begging God for guidance. I remember the spot on Highway 400, north of Toronto, where I heard the Lord say my name. He said to me so clearly I could never deny it, “David, I love you!” “Yes Lord,” I said, “What about specific guidance?” Again He said, “David, I love you!” I was so overcome that I had to pull over to the side of the road and sit there for a long time. I realized that the assurance of His love was all I needed. I was simply to go ahead, share my decisions with the Board of Directors for their approval, and His love would keep me on track to do His will.
Yours for “Life in His Name!”
David
Amen. Thank you for your message and prayer, today, David Mainse–so reassuring. I am always moved by John 20. Jesus appeared first to Mary Magdalene in the tomb. He said it is crucial to receive the Holy Spirit; to forgive others their sins so that they may be forgiven. Doubting Thomas stopped doubting and believed because he had seen the risen Christ with his own eyes. Blessed are those who have not seen and believe! Faith! Our faith makes us alive in the Spirit and the Spirit alive in us–all because of Jesus’ sacrifice for us. Thank You, Jesus! Our preciosu Lord and Saviour!
Blessings dear saints!
Amen!
I want to be a havester in the harvest field God help me
Heard “doubting Thomas” all my life from my parents and always wondered where that saying came from and what it really meant. Don’t know if I’m ‘slow’ or if my parents never had time to explain things to me since I came from a large family.
Have always known that Jesus loves me. At least my parents or Sunday school taught me that…..”Jesus loves me this I know.”
Really enjoying this book. Thank you Rev. DM. et al and may God bless you all.
Blessings fellow bloggers.
I didn’t get that one about “doubting Thomas” either Lynda till I was reading the bible one day although I had heard it used all my life.
The Lord’s Prayer…
rather cleverly done…
The prayer ( in blue)
and GOD (in red) in response.
It is very, very good.
*********
Our Father Who Art In Heaven.
Yes?
Don’t interrupt me. I’m praying.
But — you called Me!
Called you?
No, I didn’t call you.. I’m praying.
Our Father who art in Heaven.
There — you did it again!
Did what?
Called Me.
You said, “Our Father who art in Heaven”
Well, here I am —
What’s on your mind?
But I didn’t mean anything by it.
I was, you know, just saying my prayers for the day.
I always say the Lord’s Prayer.
It makes me feel good,
kind of like fulfilling a duty.
Well, all right.
Go on.
Okay, Hallowed be thy name.
Hold it right there.
What do you mean by that?
By what?
By ‘Hallowed be thy name’?
It means, it means … good grief,
I don’t know what it means.
How in the world should I know?
It’s just a part of the prayer.
By the way, what does it mean?
It means honored, holy, wonderful.
Hey, that makes sense..
I never thought about what ‘hallowed’ meant before.
Thanks.
Thy Kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
On earth as it is in Heaven.
Do you really mean that?
Sure, why not?
What are you doing about it?
Doing? Why, nothing, I guess.
I just think it would be kind of neat if you got
control of everything down here like you have up
there. We’re kinda in a mess down here you know.
Yes, I know.
But, have I got control of you?
Well, I go to church..
That isn’t what I asked you.
What about your bad temper?
You’ve really got a problem there, you know.
And then there’s the way you spend
your money — all on yourself.
And what about the kind of books you read?
Now hold on just a minute!
Stop picking on me!
I’m just as good as some of the rest
of those people at church!
Excuse Me —
I thought you were praying
for my will to be done —
If that is to happen,
it will have to start with the ones
who are praying for it.
Like you — for example.
Oh, all right. I guess I do have some hang-ups.
Now that you mention it,
I could probably name some others.
So could I.
I haven’t thought about it very much until now,
but I really would like to cut out some of those things.
I would like to, you know, be really free.
Good.
Now we’re getting somewhere.
We’ll work together — You and Me.
I’m proud of you.
Look, Lord, if you don’t mind,
I need to finish up here.
This is taking a lot longer than it usually does.
Give us this day, our daily bread.
You need to cut out the bread —
You’re overweight as it is.
Hey, wait a minute! What is this?
Here I was doing my religious duty,
and all of a sudden you break in
and remind me of all my hang-ups.
Praying is a dangerous thing.
You just might get what you ask for.
Remember, you called Me — and here I am.
It’s too late to stop now.
Keep praying. ( pause .. . )
Well, go on.
I’m scared to.
Scared? Of what?
I know what you’ll say.
Try Me.
Forgive us our sins,
As we forgive those who sin against us.
What about Ann?
See? I knew it!
I knew you would bring her up!
Why, Lord, she’s told lies about me, spread stories.
She never paid back the money she owes me..
I’ve sworn to get even with her!
But — your prayer —
What about your prayer?
I didn’t — mean it..
Well, at least you’re honest.
But, it’s quite a load carrying around all that
bitterness and resentment isn’t it?
Yes, but I’ll feel better as soon as I get even with her.
Boy, have I got some plans for her.
She’ll wish she had never been born.
No, you won’t feel any better.
You’ll feel worse.
Revenge isn’t sweet.
You know how unhappy you are —
Well, I can change that.
You can? How?
Forgive Ann.
Then, I’ll forgive you.
And the hate and the sin
will be Ann’s problem — not yours.
You will have settled the problem
as far as you are concerned.
Oh, you know, You’re right.
You always are.
And more than I want revenge,
I want to be right with You . . (sigh).
All right, all right . .
I forgive her.
There now!
Wonderful!
How do you feel?
Hmmmm. Well, not bad.
Not bad at all!
In fact, I feel pretty great!
You know, I don’t think I’ll go to bed uptight tonight.
I haven’t been getting much rest, you know.
Yes, I know.
But, you’re not through with your prayer, are you?
Go on.
Oh, all right.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Good! Good! I’ll do that.
Just don’t put yourself in a place
where you can be tempted.
What do you mean by that?
You know what I mean.
Yeah. I know..
Okay.
Go ahead. Finish your prayer.
For Thine is the kingdom,
and the power,
and the glory forever.
Amen.
Do you know what would bring me glory?
What would really make me happy?
No, but I’d like to know.
I want to please you now…
I’ve really made a mess of things.
I want to truly follow you….
I can see now how great that would be.
So, tell me . . .
How do I make you happy?
You just did.
______________________________
sorry,,red didn’t show up when I copied and pasted but am sure you can figure out, which is which. Enjoy!
Thank you Lynda….blessings on you.
Dear David: I have been doing your 100 words,for over a year and a half. Something started funny started to happen this week on Monday I received a March 9 edition the from Thursday on I have not been recieving any. I really miss them. I wonder if there is something wrong or am I not doing something that I should.. If it is not too much trouble could you look into this . Thank you; In Him Dean
Hi Dean. We will try to re-subscribe you. Hopefully that will fix it for you.
Thank you David for your inspirational writing for us and for your dedication to this blog. I have just read Finished and Peace, after a long absence from reading this page. May God continue to bless you with the good health to love and enjoy Him for ever. Thank you for proclaiming His Good News.
David, thank you for reminding me of the meaning of the 153 fish caught by Peter and companions. In 2012, I visited Israel with Dr. Larry Brice’s tour group, and we stopped at the site where it is thought Jesus had fed the fishermen breakfast. We did discuss the significance of the number but alas, I had forgotten it.
Likewise, on that tour we visited the site of the Garden Tomb and saw the rock formation that resembles a skull as pictured in yesterday’s (Nov 1) photo. There is a structure at the top of the hill that resembles a fortress where the crosses might have stood. What is that structure?
Also, the renowned Dr.Paul Maier has said, that this site (Garden Tomb), is not likely the correct one, and that the traditional site, now held by several religious orders, is more likely correct. Do we know why this may be the case?
Love this portion of scripture. Thanks for sharing David. That’s good Lynda. Getting a big snowstorm today. Blessings everyone.
No snowstorm here or in the Niagara area where we were today. We attended Lakemount Worship Centre (where they prayed for my husband who starts chemo this week) and from there we went to the Niagara area to see our new-born, great-grandson, and his lovely sister. Such a wonder – holding a new-born baby. The colours were beautiful down that way as well. A wonderful day. Thank you, Jesus.
just wondering Lynda, is there a website where a person can go and print that copy of the Lord’s Prayer off….it is very good, would like the colors, thank you please pray for me I have a chemical imbalance and it is very hard with the time change….please pray that I can find a small job looking after children perhaps a few hours in the evenings…I need to earn extra $$$$ and need to fill in my time also….I do go swimming but I really fight suicidal thoughts…this is an illness I was born with, that made me very happy to know I inhereited it…but it has been a REAL CHALLENGE, thankful I know the Lord, swimming..I appreciate prayers, and “SON” and sun shine enjoy this study God’s richest blessings to all
A friend sent me the lovely Lord’s Prayer and I’ve asked him where he got it, so when he gets back to me I’ll let u know if there is a place where u can go to copy it. As you probably know, I’m unable to give out email addresses.
So sorry to hear of your illness Sah and I’ll ask God to look after you and help u find peace and the help u need. There are wonderful health care professionals out there so please seek them out. Never give up! God is counting on you.
I know what u mean about the time change.
God bless.
Dear Lord Jesus…You are Our Provider…Thank You that You have heard Sah’s heart in his prayer…Thank You…that you know exactly the kind of work he is good at…I pray You Open that door for Sah…also Lord Jesus…You are the God of the impossible…I pray You for intervention in his mind and body. Thank you Jesus. AMEN!!
Lynda thank you for “The Lord’s Prayer”…I copied it and included the (red) and (blue)…it does make a difference.
Agreeing in prayer with you Irene for Sah.
Thank you Irene. Sah wants to copy it too. Did u copy it from this website? Thank you for the prayer for Sah. Amen.
Lord Jesus whisper in sah’s ear, let sah hear your voice, surround sah with your love. Thank you Jesus
hi Lynda…I copied of this Web site…
thank you everyone for your prayers..I was very suicidal so I just got back from swimming! I am a senior female! I was diagnosed at 47 years old.;…I have been through the life of HELL and I am trying to find a writer to do my story…I’ve learned so much and I feel I can help others in a very big way…mental illness is the most misunderstood illness. I walk, talk like anyone else….There are millions of us that have not been diagnosed and that is a very serious problem…..I was never able to hold a job, I’m very good in the evenings but not mornings…I married, had 4 children and he left and didn’t pay child support…..all in all…I wouldn’t trade my life…I’ve learned many wonderful things…also, God has been there all the way….He’s done some incredible things in my life but I’m living on a line of credit and I am thankful as there are many who do not have any credit, it’s just that I am getting tired of always living on the edge, Yes I am very thankful that God has provided, and as I said, I’ve known many horrible situations where people have taken their lives because they can’t live any longer with the stress, I don’t smoke, drink,gamble, I just sleep, eat and swim and do work at church or my neighbourhood, I really like cleaning cars and I’ve done many, again, please understand I am thankful for my life, and I know God understands. I need to be busy, all bills are paid, I just pay interest every month and again, I am thankful, but I ask God, is this it? I hope people can understand. Again, thank you for your prayers, Blessings