Anglican Devotional 3 July 2023 – Be Courageous

The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 3 July 2023 – Be Courageous

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TOPIC: Be Courageous

READ: John 20:24-29 (NKJV)

Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.

The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”

And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!”

Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand [here,] and put [it] into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.”

And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”

Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed [are] those who have not seen and [yet] have believed.”

THE MESSAGE:

Today we remember Thomas Didymus, one of the disciples of Jesus (Matthew 10:3, John 11:16, 20-24). when Jesus declared His intention of going to Bethany to heal Lazarus, despite imminent danger from the hostile Jews, Thomas spoke with courage, “Let us also go; that we may die with him” (John 11:6). Also on the eve of Jesus passion, Thomas was the only disciple who boldly told Jesus, “Lord we do not know where you are going, and how can we know the way?” (John 14: 5). This question made Jesus to reveal the all-time truth about Himself, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the father except through me” (John 14:6). This courageous character and his ardent search for the truth made him declare “… except I shall see … I will not believe” (John 20:25) On the eighth day, having received the proofs, he made a heartfelt confession “My Lord and my God” (John 20: 28). Though reproved by Jesus for his previous unbelief, yet Thomas’ action and courage availed the modern world the proof beyond every reasonable doubt that Jesus indeed resurrected from the grave.

Beloved, God has not given us the spirit of fear but that of power, love and sound mind (2 Tim. 1:7). Do not be afraid to declare the gospel of salvation to your friends and neighbours. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life; no one gets to the father but by him. Like Thomas, let us courageously combat heretical teachings wherever may be found. Preach the truth and defend it today. Thomas had a personal encounter with the Saviour; seek him today and He will reveal Himself to you.

PRAYER: Lord reveal Yourself to me and give me grace to declare You to the world.

The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) provides daily scriptural readings and reflections to help individuals deepen their relationship with God. This edition for 3 July 2023 focuses on the theme of forgiveness and explores how we can receive and extend forgiveness to others as Christ did for us. Join us in this enriching journey of faith and discover the power of forgiveness in your life.

The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) provides daily scriptural readings and reflections to help individuals deepen their relationship with God. This edition for 3 July 2023 focuses on the theme of forgiveness and explores how we can receive and extend forgiveness to others as Christ did for us. Join us in this enriching journey of faith and discover the power of forgiveness in your life.