He was a common thief. Who knows how long he had been engaged in that lifestyle. Maybe he had been a thief since his childhood. Maybe he had only stolen one time, but got caught. He was punished for his law breaking right at the side of the Savior.
What right did He have to ask for forgiveness? "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom," (Luke 23:42). No, Jesus. Don't do it!. He hadn't remembered you or your father with his life. What is this - a last minute confession and repentance?
"I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise," (vs. 43). Jesus did it. He forgave him!
You know, we are not any different. It makes no difference when we come to Jesus to be forgiven. What is important/urgent is that we do it!
If I don't have the heart to "allow" the thief to be forgiven, then I do not understand Forgiveness or the Forgiver.
Today, Jesus, remember me!
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Who is Jesus? #61 (Forgiver Cont.)
It is almost an impossible situation. Someone says there is no way that Jesus will forgive me. He doesn't know all I have done. I have been too terrible - too black - too sinfull - too rebellious. He will just look right past me.
I think I have felt that way, myself, in times past.
Let's take a look at the forgiver of sins.
Jesus forgave a prostitute. Jesus forgave a dishonest tax collector. Jesus' forgiveness gave a man spiritual healing when he came looking for physical healing. Jesus forgave that thief hanging right there beside Him. Jesus asked God to forgive those who were responsible for crucifying Him. Jesus forgave one who captured and brought Christians to their execution - Paul.
He forgave liars, adulterers, prostitutes, false witnesses, those that drove the nails in His hands, the ones who mocked Him, those who spit at him, those murderers who killed him.
Jesus' forgiveness meets everyone everywhere no matter where they have been.
Something for us to consider. Is it that we don't think Jesus can forgive us because we can't seem to forgive ourselves?
God's hand is not too short to reach out and forgive everyone.
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
I think I have felt that way, myself, in times past.
Let's take a look at the forgiver of sins.
Jesus forgave a prostitute. Jesus forgave a dishonest tax collector. Jesus' forgiveness gave a man spiritual healing when he came looking for physical healing. Jesus forgave that thief hanging right there beside Him. Jesus asked God to forgive those who were responsible for crucifying Him. Jesus forgave one who captured and brought Christians to their execution - Paul.
He forgave liars, adulterers, prostitutes, false witnesses, those that drove the nails in His hands, the ones who mocked Him, those who spit at him, those murderers who killed him.
Jesus' forgiveness meets everyone everywhere no matter where they have been.
Something for us to consider. Is it that we don't think Jesus can forgive us because we can't seem to forgive ourselves?
God's hand is not too short to reach out and forgive everyone.
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
Monday, June 13, 2005
Random Reflections
In the last couple of weeks, much has happened in our lives.
We married off our last child - all four have now committed themselves to their chosen partners for life. It causes me to stop and think. How have I lived out my commitment to my wife? I am afraid I have failed miserably way too often.
Marriage/family - there is nothing more important than this except, of course, God. Our families are being attacked daily if not hourly. Satan knows that the best way to undermine godliness is to weaken, if not destroy families; and, he is having a fair amount of success.
Isn't it time we stood up and said very straightforwardly, that we have had enough? We are not going to allow Satan any more inroads into our families! He has got all he is going to get! We will not tolerate any more destruction!
He will not stop until we stop him - until we stand up to him! It is way past time. Who's in?
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
We married off our last child - all four have now committed themselves to their chosen partners for life. It causes me to stop and think. How have I lived out my commitment to my wife? I am afraid I have failed miserably way too often.
Marriage/family - there is nothing more important than this except, of course, God. Our families are being attacked daily if not hourly. Satan knows that the best way to undermine godliness is to weaken, if not destroy families; and, he is having a fair amount of success.
Isn't it time we stood up and said very straightforwardly, that we have had enough? We are not going to allow Satan any more inroads into our families! He has got all he is going to get! We will not tolerate any more destruction!
He will not stop until we stop him - until we stand up to him! It is way past time. Who's in?
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
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