hat do you believe? No, not what you say you believe, what do you really believe? Last Sunday at Hillside Christian Church we looked at the trouble one of the apostles had with believing that Jesus really was alive again after His crucifixion. It almost seems silly to think that after being with Jesus and seeing all the miracles he did that one of Jesus' own hand picked followers wouldn't believe. Thomas said he had to touch the Lord's scars to believe. Even though he personally knew the witnesses stating that they had seen Him alive, Thomas couldn't get past his doubts.

Who would have thought that Thomas could be such an unreliable follower? Jesus was counting on him to help spread the good news. Thomas should have known better. The others believed, why didn't he?

In our quiet moments, or when the crush of life bears down on our faith don't we find our own doubts? After all, if it could happen to Thomas, it could be the same with us. In the passage in John's gospel we studied Christ's response to this broken leader's weakness. Jesus greeted him with "peace". The Lord knows that we are prone to have doubts and questions. He doesn't condemn. What He does do is help us find what we need to strengthen our unbelief and restore us in Him.

We can learn from Jesus' response that He isn't judgmental or condemning in the face of honest doubt. We can also learn from Thomas that doubts expressed honestly can lead to greater strength and peace with God. It is up to us to trust the Lord enough to let Him know what is really on our mind and heart. All the grace and peace in the universe won't do us any good or bring any healing if we don't "get real" with the Savior who is ready to help.

This Sunday evening at 5:00pm will be our annual Thanksgiving and New Members Dinner. This is one of the richest fellowships ever. Of course, the food is wonderful, but the sharing of what we're thankful for is even better. After the meal we always open the microphone to anyone willing to tell what God has been doing in his or her life. It is uplifting and gratifying to be able to praise God in this way. His blessings are many and real. Praise Him, Praise Him.