🕊️ 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.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. 

Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.

So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” 

And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 

If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” 🕊️

John 20:19-23

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Good morning. Father!

Thank You for this day!

Thank You for my life!

Thank You for my sweet bride!

Thank You for my beautiful daughter!

My spirit rejoices and I’m blessed, each time I read this scripture passage.

Specifically, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” 

When I first read these words, I felt them, in my spirit, I felt them as a commission, as if The Lord, Jesus Christ, was standing before me, saying these words to me, with no one else in the room.

I knew from that point, my life was different and would be filled with wonderful things.

Ever since that day, I have looked forward to each challenge and every interaction and experience.

When I rise up each morning I look forward to my prayers to You, O Lord!

I view every day as I did that same first day, with Jesus Christ standing before me, showing me His nail scarred hands, saying “Peace” and breathing His Holy Spirit on me.

I continue to sense Him showing me, teaching me, and admonishing me, in every daily encounter and experience. 

God’s Truth, guides my way and my purpose is clear, I must shine His light in the world around me, in all I say and do. I can’t say it enough, it drives me! 

At first I was so excited to share His word or love and kindness, I was like a torch instead of a candle to light my way through the darkness before me. 

Many years have passed and my interactions with different types of people, and with so many life challenges, I still meet each new challenge the same, with an open mind and a heart filled with Love. 

I feel so much more relaxed now, when speaking to believers and strangers alike, but I still feel the same excitement as when I first believed, it remains a driving force in my day. 

The key for me, the secret to my success, it’s not a secret at all, but simply remembering to commit to my daily prayer time before the start of my day.

When speaking to a store clerk, or someone at a bus stop, or anyone in my path as I work or play, I feel compelled to share His Love, in a simple smile, a kind word, or an act of compassion.

Father, thank You for this day, to see You again, standing before me and blessing me with Your Holy Spirit. 

I feel Your strength within me, to meet the challenges before me.

I earnestly pray early each day, reaching out to Your Holy Spirit to continue His work in and through me, in all I say and do, I pray all these things, in Jesus’ name, Amen!