file: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db941027.txt
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OUR DAILY BREAD                         Thursday, October 27,1994
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READ: John 20:24-29


                        "INSENSITIVE THOMAS"

                 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
            sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.

                           - Proverbs 16:24

Some people are good at popping the balloon of those who are
feeling the excitement of a new experience. And their nega-
tive spirit tends to discourage others.

A new convert was excited about an answer to prayer. "I had
a flat tire and couldn't make my jack work," he told his
pastor. "I prayed that someone would stop to help me, and
within a minute a man came along and had me on my way in no
time." The pastor replied, "Now, don't get too excited. He
might have stopped even if you had not prayed!"

Jesus' disciples were excited. They had talked with the
risen Lord and were filled with joy and confidence. But
Thomas, who wasn't with them on that first Easter evening,
was skeptical. He said, "Unless I see ... I will not be-
lieve" (Jn. 20:25). Yes, it was astounding news. Yet Tho-
mas could have responded positively if he had recalled what
Jesus had promised. He might have said, "I'm having a hard
time believing you, but I can see how excited you are, and I
really want to see Jesus myself." Instead, he blurted out
his unbelief, and I can't help but feel that this dampened
the joy of the other disciples.

Lord, help us to respond to people with words that are kind
and sensitive - even when we have doubts.

Author: Herbert Vander Lugt

        Beware of those who stand aloof
        And greet each venture with reproof;
        The world would stop if things were run
        By men who say, "It can't be done!"

        - Anonymous


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
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Work at building people up,
   not tearing them down.

The Bible in One Year: Mark 14-162

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