Our church family is a blessed mix of professionals, hunter/gatherers, white collars, blue collars, rednecks and tree huggers.  It is not uncommon for people to ask me about what I have been reading, if I have shot anything lately or if I have been fishing.  I like fishing, I'm not especially good at catching but I do like fishing.  I have never fished with a net (except for minnows), I am an "angler."  When we were in Israel last year we took a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee and watched men fishing as they have for thousands of years.  They throw out a net and if they drop it over a shoal of fish they pull in multiples instead of one at a time.  Our text for this coming Sunday is John 21:1-14 where six of the disciples join Peter for a fishing trip.  They fish all night and catch nothing until the One who called them to be "fishers of men" suggests they try the other side of the boat.  They do as He said and catch more fish than they can pull in the boat.  If you hear my sermon Sunday you'll know that I don't believe the point of the text is whether or not the disciples should have been fishing.  I believe the text is about Jesus Christ; I believe this because of the words used in verses 1 and 14 of this great chapter.  Jesus is "manifesting" Himself or making Himself known to them.  He is not just making an appearance; He is revealing something about Himself to these men.  How do you think of Jesus?  What do you think He thinks about you?  Tune in on Sunday and/or read John 21 for some very encouraging glimpses of the Risen One.

Sunday's study will concentrate on the disciple Thomas and his journey from doubt to confession.  I find it very interesting that neither the disciples nor the Lord rebuked Thomas for his questions.  Could it be that this was because Thomas was looking for a reason to believe and not for a reason to doubt?  There is a difference of attitude among skeptics, cynics, doubters and seekers.  Some are asking questions because they really want to know.  Some are asking questions and expressing doubts because they think it makes them appear intellectual or "on the edge."  Some are expressing doubts because they want others to join their misery.  Only the Lord knows the heart.  Jesus Christ knew the heart of Thomas and Thomas wanted to believe.  I think it is such a beautiful scene when Thomas declares, "My Lord and my God."  I don't know if anyone has ever painted this scene, I wish I could paint, this would be a moment to capture with canvass and oil.  We all believe in something.  Those beliefs form values and values force decisions and decisions determine destinations.  Where will you be based on what you believe?  "Stop doubting and believe".