Encouragement: Peace be with you

Here is your daily encouragement words and thoughts. Today I bring you encouragement from Luke 24:33-53

So they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem. They found the eleven and those with them gathered together 34 and saying, “The Lord has really risen, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how they recognized him when he broke the bread.
36 While they were saying these things, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 37 But they were startled and terrified, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 Then he said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Look at my hands and my feet; it’s me! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones like you see I have.” 40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 And while they still could not believe it (because of their joy) and were amazed, he said to them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 So they gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in front of them.
44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the scriptures, 46 and said to them, “Thus it stands written that the Christ would suffer and would rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And look, I am sending you what my Father promised. But stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
50 Then Jesus led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands, he blessed them. 51 Now during the blessing he departed and was taken up into heaven. 52 So they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple courts blessing God.

Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Lk 24:33-53). Biblical Studies Press.

In the stream of thought from yesterday, we find in this passage that even the disciples had to deal with fear and doubt. Jesus provides the answer to fear and doubt. He calls us to focus on him, He says "look at my hands and my feet, its me. Touch me and see." With all that Jesus has done for us, it is in him that our doubts and fears are carried away. Jesus tells us peace be with you.

In Luke's account Jesus's last act before he was taken up to heaven was to lift his arms and bless them. When ever some one blesses us, we are passed that peace of Christ. Blessings empower us at our core. Receive it with great joy.

When we offer blessing to someone we are proclaiming Jesus and passing on the peace and anointing that Jesus has to offer. Blessings change lives.

I always remember my grand mother. I spent a lot of time visiting her when I was growing up and every time we would part she would always say God bless you. She meant it with deepest conviction and as I have read through the bible I have come to greatly appreciate the anointing that she had passed on to me through her blessings.

So I now say to all of you. Peace be with you, May God bless you all and keep you in Christ Jesus, free from fear and free from doubt. This is how Jesus wants us to be.

Amen

Music Encouragement http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ym8pZhOPDI