Unless I See the Scars

Unless I See the Scars

I need to see the holes where the nails were. 

Before I believe–I need evidence to be sure. 

To feel, to touch, to know it’s true,  

I fear being deceived, as many do.  

 

“Blessed are you,” said Jesus long ago,  

“To those who believe, though don't always know.

Faith is the evidence of things unseen,  

Trusting the promise and all it will mean.  

Do you need to see the scars before committing?  

Do you need trust in the proof you’re admitting?  

Today’s culture cries, “Follow the facts!”  

“Follow the science!”—but faith often acts  

In contrast to what the world demands:  

Degrees and data, not nail-pierced hands.  

Yet God understands the heart that needs to know—  

Jesus showed His wounds so Thomas wouldn’t let go.  

He does that to those of us who need to know too. 

Because He loves us and will leads us to what is true. 

But blessed are you who have never seen

And still believe in Christ the King.

“I need to see the scars,” many say today,  

As they search for God, and hope, and pray.  

Afraid to believe, taught to doubt,  

They need more before they can work it out.

If you need to see his scars, dear friend, it’s okay.

If that is what it takes, for you I will pray. 

Just as Jesus met Thomas with grace back then,  

I pray He’ll show you what you need—Amen.

© 2025 Sandra C. Johnson

24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus[a]), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 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.”

26 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!” 27 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.”

28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

John 20:24-29

 

 

 

Its Time for an Upgrade

 “God’s promise is the “good news” that the Messiah was anointed to proclaim. Unfortunately, most Christians today seem to base their salvation upon their own will as they “decide” to follow Jesus and to be obedient to Him. They do not seem to believe that it is based, not on the will of man but of God (John 1:13). The result is that their salvation is based upon Old Covenant faith. They need an upgrade.”

Isaiah prophet of Salvation Book 9, chapter 1- Stephen Jones

https://godskingdom.org/studies/books/isaiah-prophet-of-salvation-the-complete-set/book-9/isaiah-61-chapter-1-releasing-all-captives/

It's Time For An Upgrade

It's time for an upgrade from the old covenant to the new.

It’s time for an upgrade to that which is true. 

We as people of God have long lived a lie. 

That our salvation is secured if only we try. 

It’s time for an upgrade from what we believe. 

Oh my dear church how you’ve been deceived. 

It’s time to upgrade from the carnal ways of man. 

And to learn from the father where you truly stand. 

It’s time for an upgrade in our way of life. 

From the chains of doom and destruction and all of the lies. 

It’s time to understand the true good news of the kingdom. 

That hell fire and brimstone is for a season.

It’s time for an upgrade. It’s time for the body of Christ to understand. 

God loves you and will work with you right where you stand.

He will write His law on your heart and teach you His ways

He alone will change us through His amazing grace. 

It’s time for an upgrade my friend. 

Time to let God change you from within. 

It's not done through hours of prayer 

Or reading your Bible and professing to care. 

Nor is it accomplished by going to church every Sunday. 

And beating your flesh into submission the following Monday. 

No, this upgrade will make you whole but not by your effort. 

Only God in His work in you will make you live better 

When we once and for all put aside all that we  know. 

And fall on our knees at his holy throne. 

When we reach people out of God's love for their soul 

Not out of fear of the big eternal hole

Yes, purchase your upgrade it’s not far off.

But wait the purchase was made that day on the cross. 

Just let go and let Him shed you of the old person you are today. 

And upgrade your life and thinking to his true way 

© 2024 Sandra C. Johnson