Alleluia.....tasted again, as if for the first time...

Almighty God, who through thine only-begotten Son Jesus Christ hast overcome death, and opened unto us the gate of everlasting life; We humbly beseech thee, that as by thy special grace thou dost put into our minds good desires, so by thy continual help may we bring the same to good effect; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

"When they saw him, the worshiped him; but some doubted..."

Before the Great Commission, Jesus appeared, tangible presence - some believed, some doubted. Jesus to Thomas, blessed are you who see and believe, how much more those who don't see (us) and yet believe.

I had prayed this holy week, that I would have a deeper revelation of a gracious God, who sees my sinful nature, my sins, and my heart, and who by His son, the Lord Jesus sympathizes, and suffers, with whose stripes I am healed.

Profound, beyond explanation I claimed the healing the deep wound of my heart, the wound we all bear, and demonstrate in one way or another.

Healing and hope - I pray this new awareness would result in the sentiments expressed in the ancient prayer above, a gracious growth in Christlikeness. Alleluia.

Perseverance...all will be well....

Attended a funeral yesterday of an acquaintance who had shared so much grief, pain, suffering,hardship during his life, layer after layer. Cancer, heart disease with major bypass surgery, severe diabetes, amputation of two legs, and yet throughout, a sense of humour and a trust in God - amazing....beautiful service, encouragement to keep on.

This week "let us run with pereverance the race marked out for us, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so you will not lose heart" (Hebrews 12:2,3)

We like Peter could be prone to a pity party (Henri Nouwen describes original sin as humanity's endless capacity for self-rejection). Here John Gowans take on post denial Peter:

Knowing my failing, knowing my fears,

Seeing my sorrow, drying my tears,

Jesus recall me, me re-ordain

You know I love you, use me again.

I have no secrets, unknown to you,

No special graces, talents are few,

Yet your intention I would fulfill;

You know I love you, ask what you will.

For the far future I cannot see,

Promise your presence, travel with me;

Sunshine or shadows? I cannot tell;

You know I love you, all will be well.