Acts 28: "1 And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita. 2 And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. 3 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 4 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live. 5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. 6 Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god. 7 In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously. 8 And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him. 9 So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed: 10 Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary. 11 And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux. 12 And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days. 13 And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli: 14 Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome. 15 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage. 16 And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him. 17 And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me. 19 But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of. 20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain. 21 And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee. 22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against. 23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. 24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. 25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, 26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: 27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. 28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. 29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves. 30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, 31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him."

This is solid evidence for those in doubt! I say to you though, never doubt in the Word of our Lord!

Devotion: Luke 10:19 Luke 10:19: “Listen! I have given you authority, so that you can walk on snakes and scorpions and overcome all the power of the Enemy, and nothing will hurt you.” Thoughts: Accepting Jesus Christ as your Saviour and thus inviting the Holy Spirit into your life, you also gain power through God; power to face even the most daunting enemies and challenges. If you live your life in honor of God, if you understand that His presence in your life is a constant, you never need to be afraid again. Fear makes us weak, it makes us doubt that God can intervene in time to save us. If we stand firm in the knowledge that we have power through our belief in the Lord, if we face the future with courageous hearts, we can (and will) overcome any obstacle in our way. Fear gives the devil a foothold, he thrives on us being afraid and uses it against us. When we take our stand against evil, against the world, knowing that we are children of the Almighty; children with God-given power, even the devil and his minions will fall. Luke 10:17: “....Even the demons obeyed us when we gave them a command in your name." A word of warning, though, remember that with this power comes a warning: Luke 10:17: “But don’t be glad because the evil spirits obey you; rather be glad because your names are written in heaven.” Therefore you should accept our God-given power and use it to quench the human fear still lurking in our lives. In our commitment to God we can use this power to overcome even the darkest of enemies and do so to glorify His name. For it is only through Him that we can claim this power and only with His blessing that we can use it in our daily battle. Ask yourself: Are you ready to accept God's challenge and take up the powerful sword God gave you? Are you ready to trust in Him so that you can live a life to His glory, victorious agaist the treachery of the world? #Luke10 #Devotion #PowerofGod

📌 Today's Readings are from the Book of 2 Kings 17–18 | Galatians 4 📌 👇 Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading) 👇 2 Kings 17 The Consequences of Persistent Rebellion 2 Kings 17 records one of the most significant turning points in the history of God's people—the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel to Assyria. After generations of rejecting the Lord, the nation experiences the judgment that God had repeatedly warned would come through His prophets. The chapter is not simply a historical account of military defeat; it is a theological explanation of why the nation fell. The final king of Israel reigns during a time when Assyria grows increasingly powerful. Eventually, Samaria is besieged, the people are carried into exile, and the northern kingdom comes to an end. Yet the inspired writer makes it clear that Assyria is only the instrument. The true reason for Israel's downfall is persistent covenant unfaithfulness. The chapter pauses to explain Israel's long history of rebellion. Despite God's continual faithfulness, the people repeatedly chose idolatry, ignored His commandments, rejected His prophets, and followed the practices of the surrounding nations. Again and again, the Lord patiently called them to repentance. He warned them through Elijah, Elisha, Amos, Hosea, and many other prophets. Yet they hardened their hearts and refused to return. God's judgment, therefore, is not sudden or unfair. It comes only after centuries of patience and repeated opportunities for repentance. The exile demonstrates that God's holiness requires Him to deal with sin while His patience reveals His desire to save rather than destroy. The chapter concludes by describing the resettlement of the land by foreign peoples who adopt a mixture of pagan worship and limited acknowledgment of the Lord. This blending of truth and idolatry becomes another reminder that God desires wholehearted devotion rather than divided allegiance. Theologically, 2 Kings 17 reveals both God's justice and His extraordinary patience. The Lord faithfully keeps both His promises of blessing for obedience and His warnings of judgment for persistent rebellion. The chapter also demonstrates that outward religion without genuine faithfulness can never substitute for wholehearted obedience. This chapter points to Christ, who bore the judgment that sinful humanity deserved. Israel experienced exile because of covenant unfaithfulness, but Jesus endured separation and judgment on the cross so that those who trust Him might be reconciled to God forever. Through Christ, believers are brought into a new covenant founded upon His perfect obedience rather than their own. For believers today, 2 Kings 17 reminds us not to take God's patience for granted. His mercy invites repentance, not complacency. We are called to reject every form of idolatry and remain wholly devoted to the Lord. In Christ, we have received grace beyond measure, and our response should be faithful obedience flowing from grateful hearts. 2 Kings 18 Trusting God Above Every Earthly Power 2 Kings 18 introduces the reign of Hezekiah, one of Judah's most faithful kings. In sharp contrast to many of his predecessors, Hezekiah wholeheartedly seeks the Lord and leads the nation through a season of genuine spiritual reform. He removes idols, destroys the high places, and restores proper worship according to God's Word. His leadership demonstrates that true revival begins when God's people return to wholehearted obedience. The chapter emphasizes that Hezekiah trusted the Lord with exceptional faith. Rather than simply maintaining religious traditions, he actively removed everything that competed with God's rightful place in the nation. Even objects that had once served a legitimate purpose were removed when they became idols. His actions remind us that anything replacing devotion to God must be surrendered, regardless of its history or significance. Because of Hezekiah's faithfulness, God blesses his reign. Yet obedience does not eliminate opposition. The powerful Assyrian Empire eventually invades Judah, placing enormous pressure upon the nation. Humanly speaking, Judah appears defenseless against such overwhelming military strength. The Assyrian commander attempts to undermine Judah's confidence through intimidation and deception. He mocks Hezekiah's trust in God, questions the Lord's ability to save His people, and encourages surrender rather than faith. His strategy is spiritual as well as military, seeking to replace confidence in God with fear and doubt. Throughout the chapter, the central question becomes this: Will God's people trust the Lord when circumstances appear impossible? The enemy's arguments sound persuasive from a human perspective, yet they ignore the sovereign power of the living God. Hezekiah's response is marked by restraint and quiet trust. Rather than engaging in fearful debate, the people remain silent according to the king's instruction. The chapter closes with the crisis unresolved, preparing the reader for God's remarkable deliverance in the chapters ahead. Theologically, 2 Kings 18 teaches that genuine faith is demonstrated not only during seasons of blessing but also in moments of overwhelming opposition. The chapter highlights the importance of removing idols, trusting God's promises, and refusing to allow fear to replace faith. This chapter points to Christ, who perfectly trusted the Father in every circumstance. Jesus faced opposition, temptation, and impossible situations without wavering in His confidence. He is the greater King who leads His people not merely against earthly enemies but to victory over sin, death, and Satan through His perfect obedience and finished work. For believers today, 2 Kings 18 reminds us that faithfulness to God does not guarantee an easy life, but it does guarantee God's presence. We will face voices that question God's promises and encourage compromise, yet we are called to trust the Lord above every earthly power. In Christ, we have a King who has already won the ultimate victory, giving us confidence to stand firm regardless of the challenges before us. Galatians 4 — Adopted as Sons Through the Christ Galatians chapter 4 continues Paul's explanation of the believer's freedom in the Christ, the Son of God. Having established that righteousness comes by faith rather than by the Law, Paul now reveals the intimate relationship believers have with God through adoption into His family. The chapter contrasts slavery under the Law with the freedom of sonship, demonstrating that the redemptive plan has always pointed toward a personal relationship with God through His Son rather than a life of religious bondage. The chapter begins with the illustration of an heir who, while still a child, lives under guardians and restrictions until the appointed time. Paul uses this picture to explain that before the coming of the Christ, God's people lived under the supervision of the Law. The Law served an important purpose, but it was temporary. It prepared people for the coming of the Son of God, who would bring the fullness of God's redemptive plan. At the perfect time in history, God sent His Son into the world. The Christ entered humanity, fulfilled the requirements of the Law, and accomplished redemption for those who were under its condemnation. Through His work, believers are no longer slaves but sons and daughters of God. Christian living begins with this new identity. The Son of God has not simply forgiven sinners; He has welcomed them into His family. Paul emphasizes the privilege of adoption. Believers are no longer distant from God but are able to know Him as their loving Father. The Holy Spirit confirms this relationship by producing confidence, assurance, and intimacy with God. The redemptive plan does not merely change a believer's legal standing before God; it transforms the relationship completely. Those who belong to the Christ become heirs of all that God has promised. The chapter then expresses Paul's concern that the Galatian believers were drifting back toward religious bondage. Having experienced the freedom found in the Christ, they were allowing themselves to become entangled again in regulations and external observances. This saddened Paul because it represented a return to slavery after having experienced true freedom. Christian living is never sustained through legalism but through continual dependence upon the grace of the Son of God. Paul reminds the Galatians of the love they once shared and recalls how they had joyfully received him when he first preached the gospel. His concern is not personal rejection but their spiritual well-being. Like the Christ, Paul longs to see believers fully mature in their faith. The redemptive plan is not complete until the character of the Son of God is increasingly formed within His people. Toward the end of the chapter, Paul uses an illustration from the lives of Abraham's two sons to explain the difference between living under the Law and living under God's promise. One son represents human effort and bondage, while the other represents God's promise fulfilled by grace. This comparison demonstrates that believers belong to the family established through God's promise rather than through human achievement. The Son of God fulfills the promise, and those who trust in Him become children of the promise as well. The chapter concludes by reminding believers that they are not children of slavery but children of freedom. Their identity is no longer defined by striving to earn God's acceptance but by receiving His grace through the Christ. Christian living flows from that secure relationship rather than attempting to achieve it. Throughout Galatians chapter 4, the Christ is revealed as the One who brings believers into God's family, secures their inheritance, and frees them from the bondage of legalism. The redemptive plan moves from law to grace, from slavery to sonship, and from fear to joyful fellowship with God. For believers today, this chapter reminds us to live in the freedom the Christ has secured for us. Christian living is rooted in our identity as God's beloved children, not in our ability to keep religious rules. We are encouraged to reject every form of spiritual bondage and to embrace the confidence that comes from knowing the Son of God. As we walk daily in the assurance of our adoption, we experience the joy, freedom, and intimacy that God's redemptive plan has provided through the Christ. #DailyBibleReading #OpenYourBible #StudyTheWord #ScriptureForToday #FaithJourney #GodsWord #BibleTime #WalkWithGod

DAILY DEVOTION…Thursday August 20, 2026 Colossians 2:6-7…"Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude." Standing Firm in Christ Think about a massive, ancient oak tree. When a violent storm hits, the tree doesn’t topple over. Why? Because underneath the soil lies a hidden, sprawling network of roots that dig deep into the earth, anchoring it firmly to the ground. Paul uses this exact imagery to describe how we are meant to live out our Christian faith. He reminds us that the way we started our journey with Jesus—by simple, humble faith—is the exact same way we must continue it every single day. Spiritual growth isn’t about discovering hidden secrets or chasing after the latest cultural trends; it is about sinking our roots deeper into the person of Jesus Christ. When our roots are firmly planted in His Word, we find the stability we need to survive life's storms. We are "built up" and "established." This means our faith isn't fragile or easily shaken by doubt, unexpected trials, or deceptive philosophies (Ephesians 4:14). Instead, we become strong, steady, and secure in our identity. But Paul adds a beautiful indicator of a healthy, deeply-rooted faith: an overflow of gratitude. A complaining heart is often a sign of shallow roots. When we are constantly pulling nourishment from God's grace, love, and faithfulness, thankfulness naturally bubbles up and pours out of our lives. Gratitude becomes our default response, shifting our focus from what we think we lack to the immense riches we already possess in Christ. Stay grounded in Him today, and let His truth stabilize your soul. 4 Key Spiritual Truths Gleaned from Colossians 2:6-7… 1. The Daily Walk Mirrors the Beginning: The same simple faith and total dependence required for salvation is the exact standard required for daily Christian living (Galatians 3:3). 2. Roots Determine Stability: A believer's capacity to withstand the storms and deceptions of life is directly connected to how deeply they are anchored in Christ (Jeremiah 17:7-8). 3. Growth is Continuous and Structural: Being "built up" is an ongoing, lifelong process where the Holy Spirit aligns every area of our lives to the foundation of Jesus (1 Corinthians 3:11). 4. Gratitude is the Ultimate Health Check: An overflowing heart of thankfulness is the natural, undeniable fruit of a spiritually mature and established faith (1 Thessalonians 5:18). THE BIBLE: God’s Compass For Our Daily Living

Lifeline Today Thursday August 20 Choices and Changes Who are those who fear the Lord? He will show them the path they should choose. Psalm 25:12 (NLT) Choices determine destiny. The ability to make a choice is a gift God has given every living human being. Every choice you make acts as a building block for life changes. Small daily decisions compound into major life transformations, shaping your health, career, and happiness over time. Choosing short-term comfort can lead to long-term struggle, while discipline brings future rewards. Everything in life reflects the choices you make in life. If you have chosen something, you will consequently get the results that will adhere to it. If you have made bad choices in the past, you can turn to God in repentance to resist future temptation. Life is too short to allow yourself to be an inmate in the prison of bad choices and weak decisions. Be guided by the Word and the Spirit in making your choices. This is your day. Wisdom Fountain: “It’s choice—not chance—that determines your destiny.” Prayer: Heavenly Father, grant me the wisdom to make righteous choices and the courage to embrace the changes they bring. Clear my mind of doubt, still my anxious thoughts, and align my heart with Your perfect will so I may walk forward with peace and absolute trust in Your guidance in Jesus’ name.

Critics claim the Gospels — Matthew, Mark, Luke and John — were written decades or more after the events they describe, which renders them at best of questionable reliability in providing accurate accounts. Strobel and Wallace leave no doubt that, to the contrary, judged on the basis of the same standards for admission of evidence in investigative journalism and law enforcement, the Gospels are based on absolutely solid reporting and description. https://www.hillfaith.org/agnosticism/case-files-heres-gospel-dating-evidence-youve-never-seen/

Heaven Will Be Worth the Wait There is a day coming for every child of God when faith will become sight, hope will become reality, and the long journey home will finally be over. Whatever trials we endure in this present life, whatever tears we shed, whatever prayers seem to wait unanswered, there is a glorious promise before us: Heaven will be worth the wait. The Bible does not describe eternity as an endless existence floating upon clouds. It presents something far greater—a restored creation, the presence of God, the glory of Jesus Christ, the resurrection of our bodies, the reunion of God’s people, and a world where sin, suffering, death, and sorrow are gone forever. The Greatest Gift: We Will See Jesus Above everything else, Heaven is glorious because Jesus will be there. Paul wrote that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). Jesus Himself promised His disciples: “I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” —John 14:3, KJV Imagine that moment. The One whom we have trusted without seeing, we will finally see face to face. The One whose name we have worshiped, whose Word we have believed, and whose grace has carried us through our darkest days will stand before us in glory. The Apostle John tells us: “We shall see him as he is.” —1 John 3:2 Every question about faith will be answered by His presence. Every doubt will disappear. Every struggle will seem small compared with the glory of being with Christ. Jesus is not merely the One who gets us to Heaven. Jesus is the treasure of Heaven. We Will See Our Loved Ones Again For those who have died in Christ, death is not the final goodbye. The Christian hope is resurrection. Paul comforted believers who were grieving their departed loved ones, telling them that Christians should not grieve “even as others which have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13). He then described the great day when Christ returns and the dead in Christ are raised. “And so shall we ever be with the Lord.” —1 Thessalonians 4:17 What a promise. The Christian does not believe that death permanently destroys the relationships God has given us. We look forward to the resurrection and the gathering together of God’s people in the presence of Christ. Can we imagine embracing a loved one again—without sickness, without separation, without the fear that another goodbye is coming? The reunion will not be marked by hospitals, funerals, tears, or graves. It will be life. And it will be eternal. No More Death, Sorrow, or Pain Perhaps one of the most beautiful promises concerning eternity is found in Revelation: “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.” —Revelation 21:4 Think about everything that causes us grief in this present world. There will be no more death. No more funeral services. No more cancer wards. No more broken hearts. No more loneliness. No more betrayal. No more fear. No more sin. No more crying ourselves to sleep. God Himself will wipe away the tears. The hands that created the universe will personally comfort His children. The New Heaven and the New Earth Scripture points beyond simply going to Heaven. God’s ultimate plan is the renewal of creation. John saw: “a new heaven and a new earth.” —Revelation 21:1 The Christian hope is not ultimately an escape from God’s creation but the redemption and renewal of creation. Peter likewise speaks of looking for: “new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” —2 Peter 3:13 Imagine a world where righteousness dwells completely. No corruption. No injustice. No violence. No exploitation. No pollution. No decay. No sin. Everything will finally exist as God intended it to exist. The curse will be gone, and creation itself will be brought into glorious freedom. The New Jerusalem And then Scripture gives us one of the most breathtaking visions in all of the Bible—the New Jerusalem. John saw the holy city descending from Heaven: “And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” —Revelation 21:2 The description is magnificent: gates of pearl, foundations adorned with precious stones, streets of pure gold, and the glory of God illuminating the city. But even these incredible descriptions point toward something greater. God Himself will dwell with His people. Revelation says: “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them.” —Revelation 21:3 The greatest beauty of the New Jerusalem will not be its gold. It will not be its gates. It will not be its walls. It will be the presence of God. And there will be no temple in the city, because: “the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” —Revelation 21:22 The Lamb is Jesus Christ. The One who died for us will be at the center of eternity. We Will Finally Understand There are things we cannot understand now. There are prayers we do not understand. There are disappointments whose purpose remains hidden. There are losses that still hurt. There are seasons when we wonder why God allowed something to happen. But Heaven will bring clarity. Paul wrote: “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face.” —1 Corinthians 13:12 One day we will see clearly. We will understand that God never abandoned His children. We will understand the meaning of grace. We will understand the purpose of perseverance. And perhaps many things that caused us to weep on earth will appear completely different when viewed from eternity. Heaven Will Make This Journey Worth It Paul, who suffered imprisonment, persecution, beatings, rejection, hunger, danger, and hardship, wrote: “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” —Romans 8:18 That is an extraordinary statement. Paul was not saying that suffering is insignificant. He was saying that future glory is infinitely greater. Whatever you are facing today, it will not last forever. The sickness will not last forever. The grief will not last forever. The struggle against sin will not last forever. The tears will not last forever. This present age is not the end of the story. There is a resurrection coming. There is a Kingdom coming. There is a New Jerusalem coming. There is a new heaven and a new earth coming. And, most importantly, Jesus is coming. Keep Going Sometimes the Christian life feels long. Sometimes the road is difficult. Sometimes faith feels like walking through darkness while holding onto a promise. But keep going. Keep trusting Christ. Keep praying. Keep believing. Keep your eyes on eternity. The writer of Hebrews tells us to run the race with endurance, “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1–2). The finish line is closer than it has ever been. And when we finally cross it, we will discover that every sacrifice made for Christ was worth it. Every prayer was worth it. Every act of obedience was worth it. Every tear was worth it. Every moment when we chose Christ over the world was worth it. Because on the other side of this life is not emptiness. There is glory. There is resurrection. There is reunion. There is righteousness. There is the New Jerusalem. There is the new heaven and the new earth. And there is Jesus. The Best Is Yet to Come Christian, do not let the temporary darkness of this world make you forget the eternal light that is coming. Jesus promised to prepare a place for His people. He promised to return. He promised resurrection. God promised to make all things new. And John heard the voice from the throne proclaim: “Behold, I make all things new.” —Revelation 21:5 One day, the journey will be over. One day, faith will become sight. One day, we will stand in the presence of the One who loved us enough to die for us. One day, we will see those who have gone before us in Christ. One day, there will be no more graves to visit because death will be gone. One day, there will be no more tears to shed because God Himself will wipe them away. One day, we will enter the fullness of the inheritance Christ purchased for us. And when that day comes, we will understand something with absolute certainty: Heaven was worth the wait. Until then, keep your eyes upon Jesus. The road may be difficult. The night may be long. But morning is coming. Christ is coming. And for those who belong to Him, the best is yet to come. “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” —Revelation 22:20

Breaking Free: Embrace the Journey 🌟 There comes a moment in life when we realize it’s time to let go of what's holding us back and embrace our true potential. Breaking free means liberating ourselves from doubt, fear, and negativity. It's about trusting our instincts and following our passions. Every step forward is a step towards discovering our true selves. Surround yourself with positivity, seek new experiences, and celebrate every small victory. Remember, it's not just about the destination, but the journey and growth along the way. Here's to new beginnings, personal growth, and the courage to be unapologetically you. 🕊️✨ 🌐Reach us on our Website: breakfreetoday.org #BreakingFree #EmbraceChange #NewBeginnings #PersonalGrowth

Dear Father, Edmund Gettier, a philosopher, proposed an addition to the concept of epistemology-- the study of knowledge, when he argued that a person can believe something without knowing it, but no one can claim to know something without believing it. How true is this of humanity? There is also a branch of epistemology called empiricism, which supports the idea that the most reliable source of human knowledge is experience or sensory perceptions. My problem with this view is that it limits the truth of humanity’s existence to what is attainable in his lifetime. I was reminded of Thomas, who, when the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” responded, “Unless I see the nail marks in His hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” The issue, however, lies not in the limitations that exist in obtaining the experience needed for an unwavering belief in You, but in how willing we are to pay the price to know what we have always believed. It is true that many of us are like Thomas, with certain doubts and confusions, believing in Jesus but not all that He purports to represent. Perhaps this is what Edmund communicates: that there is a risk in believing when sufficient knowledge is lacking. Isn’t this one of the reasons we struggle with our faith? Isn’t this the reason we doubt-- asking questions without necessarily seeking answers? Today, I took it upon myself to reflect on how much I have put into knowing all that I believe about You. Translations; Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindi Slide 5: Urdu Slide 6: Portuguese #LettertoGod #believe #knowledge #doubt #Thomasstory