Do you have plans for today? The Kentucky Derby? Prom? A wedding? A graduation? Fun plans – but not all weekend plans are fun. Some are chores -- yard work, house cleaning, grocery shopping. And is Spring Cleaning still a thing? Even if you don’t have plans this weekend, God has a plan for you: “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). God has a plan for each of us! The lyrics of the song, If It Was Up to Me , by Ben Fuller (featuring Carrie Underwood) speak of how we don’t like going through difficult times but then remind us that “He always has a purpose through the joy and suffering. I’d be crazy not to trust Him with everything... I’d never know how good Your plans could be if it was up to me.” In my own life, I can look back on the hard times and see His hand over all of it, and I can now appreciate the growth that came from those experiences. Psalm 33:11 tells us, The plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations. It is comforting to know that His plans and His purpose never change – ever! Sometimes we may think God can’t use us for anything. We might feel like Esther who thought she was powerless and useless when the Jewish people were threatened. Her uncle reminded her: “Perhaps you were born for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). When we feel purposeless, we can reflect on this verse: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you” (Jeremiah 1:5a). According to Merriam-Webster, the word “consecrate” means to dedicate to a sacred purpose. Yes, we all have a sacred purpose – that’s His plan! Are you seeking to know God’s plan for your life? First, surrender your will to His will and walk with Him in prayer and Bible study. Second, seek godly counsel from and fellowship with faithful Christ-followers who know you and know Him. Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. (Proverbs 11:14) The church is a place where we can find community – community that helps us discern God’s will for our lives and where we can be encouraged and counseled in our faith walk. Hope to see you at church tomorrow! By Jennifer Preston

Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29) Thomas’ confession, “My Lord and my God,” was a powerful declaration of belief, but it came after seeing Jesus physically and touching His wounds. It was a significant moment of realization for Thomas, but in John 20:29, Jesus directs attention to an even greater kind of faith — the faith of those who believe without seeing. Jesus affirmed Thomas for his belief, but He also pointed beyond the need for physical evidence. He highlighted the blessing reserved for those who trust Him based solely on His Word instead of personal, visible proof. This statement was not just for Thomas; it was meant for every believer who would come after him — including us. We are among those who have not physically seen Jesus, yet through the testimony of Scripture and the work of the Holy Spirit, we believe. Believing without seeing is challenging. In a world that often demands evidence and proof, faith requires trusting in things unseen. Hebrews 11:1 says, Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Faith is not about ignoring logic or reason but about trusting the promises of God and the reality of His presence, even when we cannot see Him. Jesus’ words in this verse remind us that faith is not dependent on physical experience but on the trustworthiness of God’s promises. It is not merely wishful thinking but confidence in His unchanging character and His revealed truth. The blessing Jesus speaks of here — “blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” — is one of deep intimacy with God. It’s rooted in a relationship built on trust, rather than sight. For many of us, there are times when we might long for tangible proof of God’s presence or work in our lives. Like Thomas, we might cry out for something we can see or touch. Yet Jesus reassures us that believing without seeing carries a special blessing. Faith strengthens us, draws us closer to God, and anchors us in His promises even when circumstances seem uncertain. We can take comfort in knowing that Jesus Himself acknowledges the difficulty of believing without seeing, yet He celebrates those who trust in Him regardless. Through the gift of His Spirit and the testimony of His Word, we have all we need to live a life rooted in faith. Believing without seeing is a gift of trust, rewarded with a deeper connection to God and His unshakable promises, even in the absence of visible proof. By Jim Connell Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!" (John 20:26-28) Thomas had waited a full week since declaring his need for physical proof of Jesus’ resurrection. For seven long days, he must have wrestled with conflicting emotions—hope stirred by the testimony of the other disciples, yet doubt keeping him tied to his skepticism. But despite Thomas’ uncertainty, Jesus didn’t avoid him or write him off. Instead, Jesus returned specifically to meet and address Thomas’ doubts. When Jesus appeared, His greeting of “Peace be with you” once again set the tone. He came not to rebuke or humiliate Thomas, but to restore him. Jesus turned directly to Thomas and invited him to touch His wounds: “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side.” These were the exact words Thomas needed to hear, meeting his request for proof in a deeply personal way. By allowing Thomas to touch His wounds, Jesus emphasized the significance of His sacrifice. These were not just marks of suffering but evidence of victory over sin and death. Through this encounter, Thomas’ faith was transformed. His response, “My Lord and my God!” is one of the most powerful confessions in Scripture. In just a few words, Thomas affirmed both the lordship and divinity of Christ, proclaiming his complete surrender and faith. What’s beautiful about this interaction is that Jesus didn’t chastise Thomas for his doubt. Instead, He lovingly guided him from a place of hesitation to belief. This shows us that Jesus understands our struggles and meets us where we are. He is not threatened by our questions or uncertainties. He invites us to a deeper faith, just as He did with Thomas. Thomas’ story reminds us that Christ is both personal and patient in His dealings with us. Though we may not physically see or touch His wounds, we are still invited into that same intimacy of faith. Jesus’ wounds continually testify to His love, His sacrifice, and His victory over the grave. For anyone wrestling with doubt or longing to encounter God more deeply, Thomas’ confession speaks hope: when we encounter the risen Christ, the only response is worship. "My Lord and my God" becomes an expression of faith and surrender for every believer who truly sees Jesus for who He is. By Jim Connell Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “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.” (John 20:24-25) Thomas is often remembered as "Doubting Thomas," but his skepticism echoes a reality we all face at times. Doubt is not uncommon in the Christian walk, especially when faith collides with fear, disappointment, or things we cannot fully understand. In this passage, we find Thomas absent during Jesus’ first appearance to the disciples. Imagine his situation for a moment: his friends were rejoicing in utter disbelief, proclaiming that Jesus, who had died days earlier, was alive. For Thomas, who had just experienced the loss of his Teacher, this must have seemed impossible. He heard their testimony, but it was not enough for him to believe. Thomas’ response might feel jarring: "Unless I see the nail marks…and put my hand into his side, I will not believe." His words reflect a heart grappling with disappointment and despair. He’s saying, "I need evidence before I trust again." Perhaps you’ve been there—having lost hope, asking God to show you something tangible before you can believe again. It’s important to note that Thomas was not condemned for his doubt. Rather than dismissing him or rebuking his lack of faith, Jesus later met Thomas exactly where he was. But before that encounter, Thomas represents an aspect of faith that many are reluctant to acknowledge – the need to wrestle with doubt. Doubt isn't necessarily the opposite of faith; instead, it is often a stepping stone toward deeper trust. Thomas’ courage to voice his skepticism highlights the importance of honesty in our relationship with God. Faith isn’t pretending to believe when we struggle to; faith often involves bringing our struggles, questions, and uncertainties before the Lord. Though his insistence on seeing Jesus’ wounds might appear stubborn, it also reveals Thomas’ longing for truth. He didn’t want to believe blindly—he wanted his faith to be grounded in something real. In this, his doubt becomes a pathway to understanding. For us today, Thomas’ story is a reminder that God is not frightened by our doubts. He invites us to bring them to Him, trusting that He can meet us in the middle of our questions. Rather than run from doubt, we can press into it, knowing that faith grows not by avoiding doubts but by engaging with them honestly, just as Thomas did. By Jim Connell Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit." (John 20:21-22) After calming the disciples with His declaration of peace, Jesus quickly pivoted to their calling. He didn’t just reassure them of His presence; He gave them a purpose. "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." These words reveal the heart of Christ’s mission for His followers – a continuation of His work to proclaim the good news of salvation, bring healing, and demonstrate the love of God. Jesus’ "sending" of the disciples isn’t a random task but one anchored in the eternal plan of the Father. Just as He was sent to reveal God’s love through His life, death, and resurrection, the disciples were now being sent to carry forward the good news. Their fear and confusion didn’t disqualify them; instead, they became the very people Jesus entrusted with the mission. Notice also that Jesus didn’t leave the disciples to work in their own strength. He breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit." The "breath" echoes the creation story in Genesis 2:7, where God breathed life into Adam. Just as God breathed physical life into humanity, Jesus now breathes spiritual life into His followers. The Holy Spirit didn’t just equip them for their mission; He transformed them completely from fearful disciples into bold witnesses. Through this breathing of the Holy Spirit, Jesus prepared the disciples for their future ministry – one marked by forgiveness, reconciliation, and the work of sharing God’s kingdom. This moment is a reminder that the Christian life is not simply about receiving Christ’s peace and promises but stepping into the responsibility of sharing them with the world. The peace Jesus gave wasn’t simply to calm them; it was to prepare them. This passage calls us to embrace both the peace of Christ and the mission of Christ. As His followers today, we are sent out with the same purpose: to continue the work of the gospel. And just like the disciples, we are empowered by the same Holy Spirit. The mission is not always easy – like the disciples, we may feel unprepared or fearful at times. But Jesus equips those He sends. His presence, His peace, and His Spirit are enough to sustain us as we step into our callings with confidence. Lord Jesus, thank You for sending us with purpose and empowering us with Your Spirit. Help us overcome fear and step boldly into the mission You’ve called us to. Fill us with Your peace so that we can carry it to those around us. Amen. By Jim Connell Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. (John 20:19-20) Have you ever found yourself hiding behind locked doors that we create out of fear? Perhaps it’s fear of failure, the unknown, rejection, or the pain of past experiences. These barriers give the illusion of safety, but all too often they trap us in isolation and keep us from stepping into the fullness of what God has for us. The disciples knew this well. That night, just days after Jesus had been crucified, they locked themselves in a room, fearing for their lives. The disciples' fear is highly relatable. They had seen their Teacher arrested, brutalized, and crucified by the same authorities they feared would come for them next. What’s beautiful about this passage is that Jesus didn’t wait for the disciples to muster the courage to come out of hiding. Instead, He met them right where they were – behind locked doors, paralyzed by fear. Locked doors were no obstacle for Him. He entered their space, literally and emotionally, bringing the exact message they needed to hear: "Peace be with you." This peace Jesus announced wasn’t just a polite greeting; it was an authoritative declaration. Jesus’ peace was a gift rooted in His victory over sin and death. Because of His resurrection, they no longer had to live enslaved by fear. Then, Jesus showed them His hands and His side. The scars on His resurrected body were definitive proof of His identity. Jesus’ scars tell a story: He knew what it meant to suffer deeply, yet His suffering had resulted in triumph. This resonated with the disciples, who had seen those same wounds days earlier as a symbol of death — and now, they saw them glorified, a testament to life. Jesus’ presence transformed their fear into joy. Consider this: the situation hadn’t changed. The Jewish leaders still threatened their safety. Their fears weren’t baseless, yet something fundamental had shifted – they had encountered their risen Savior. Fear loses its power when it’s met with the reality of Christ’s presence. For us today, this story reminds us that Jesus is not deterred by the walls or barriers we put up. Whether fear, doubt, pain, or shame has erected walls in your heart, Jesus can and will meet you right there. When Jesus shows up, fear gives way to His peace, and sorrow turns to joy. By Jim Connell Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

When I was about to finish college, I remember feeling very nervous about all the decisions I would have to make following graduation. I had to figure out where to live, where to work for the next 40 years, how to pay off my student loans… and a hundred more conundrums. I was very concerned about discovering God’s will and making the right choices. Life presents many decision points similar to college graduation that make us ask: How can we know God’s will? Sometime in April 2013, just before I walked across the stage at Asbury University and claimed my diploma, I heard a very important sermon that has stuck with me even now, 12 years later. The thesis of the sermon was “Do the next right thing.” We often can’t see the whole bridge, staircase or pathway in front of us. But God won’t leave us in the dark; He will show us the next step, and that’s what we need to do. Something about that phrase “Do the next right thing” introduced a measure of peace to my heart. It was such great news, because it meant I didn’t have to have all the answers at the same time. For example, I didn’t have to decide where to work for the next 40 years. I just had to pick my first job. Someone told me that it was OK to quit if the job didn’t work out and that it wouldn’t ruin my resume forever. I really didn’t know that, so luckily someone told me. Often, the “next right thing” means simply following the general commands God gives us in the Bible. We need to make sure we are attending to the “basics.” It will be easier for us to discern the more specific will of God in our lives if we are making sure that we obey His commands that we already know of. The Bible commands us to pray, read His Word, forgive our enemies, care for our families, and confess our sins, to name a few. Here is a good prayer to pray about discovering God’s will that comes from Psalm 25:4-5. “Show me your ways, Lord. Teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” By Melissa Landon Schnell Melissa is an editor at automation.com, a member of Immanuel Baptist Church, a cyclist, a book lover, and a grammar enthusiast. She lives in Lexington with her husband Daykin, dog Zoey, and cat Scooter.

In John 20, Mary Magdalene went to the empty tomb looking for Jesus. She discovered He had risen from the grave! She saw Jesus face-to-face. When you seek and encounter Jesus, your life will be changed. You cannot stay the same. Mary went to find Jesus, and she found Him. And she now had a mission. Jesus was not finished with His ministry. He gave a command to Mary: “Don’t cling to me,” Jesus told her, “since I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them that I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” (John 20:17 CSB) Jesus did not want Mary to linger with Him any longer. There was work to be done! Jesus wanted Mary to continue to share this good news! And she did! Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them what he had said to her. (John 20:18 CSB) It had to be hard for Mary to leave Jesus right after finding Him. But Mary had good news! And she knew she needed to share that good news with Jesus’ followers. We too have the greatest news! Jesus is alive and provides salvation to all who accept it, and this is news we need to share with others. When Jesus sent the disciples out in Matthew 10, He sent them out with urgency. He told them to move quickly between towns, especially if people did not accept Him. This can be hard, but there is a lot of work to be done. The good news of Jesus’ resurrection almost 2000 years ago is still good news today – so let’s go forth in faith and share this great news with those that need to hear it! By Jason Grace Jason is a software engineering manager. He and his wife, Karen, have two children and have been active members at Immanuel for over 22 years.

In John 20:1-2, Mary Magdalene had visited Jesus’s tomb. Once she found the stone had been moved from the opening, she decided to enter the tomb, where two angels asked her why she was crying. Mary said: “Because they’ve taken away my Lord,” she told them, “and I don’t know where they’ve put him.” (John 20:13 CSB) Mary didn’t have to look for long! Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know it was Jesus. “Woman,” Jesus said to her, “why are you crying? Who is it that you’re seeking?” Supposing he was the gardener, she replied, “Sir, if you’ve carried him away, tell me where you’ve put him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” Turning around, she said to him in Aramaic, “ Rabboni !”—which means “Teacher.” (John 20:14-16 CSB) Mary had a wide range of emotions while looking for Jesus. Grief. Fear. Confusion. Doubt. And now excitement. She is seeing Jesus! And He is alive! Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount: “Seek, and you will find.” (Matthew 7:7 CSB) Mary was seeking Jesus, and she found Him. She was the first witness to the resurrection. We can feel far apart from Jesus. We can feel disconnected. And our spiritual life can feel dry at times. But Jesus does not change. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8 CSB) Even through the crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus was always God. And when Mary sought Him with all her heart, she found Him – her Savior and her Lord. By Jason Grace Jason is a software engineering manager. He and his wife, Karen, have two children and have been active members at Immanuel for over 22 years.