July 17, 2020

July 17

Running with Jesus

Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.

     As Jesus was lifted up on the cross, on each side of him were two thieves.  Worthy of death on a cross but in the middle was Jesus whom one of the thieves said, “It is right for us to be punished because we have done wrong things. But this man has done nothing bad.”  Turning to Jesus he said, “Lord remember me when you become King.”  That is when salvation came to this man and Jesus said, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.”

     When we look around and measure ourselves with the others in the world we may feel  we are not so bad.  When we look at Jesus and measure ourselves we come up short.  We deserve death but when we cry out to God and acknowledge we come up short we too can have paradise awaiting us.

     I ask today which thief do you want to be, the one saying if you are the son of man get us down from here or the one who realizes Jesus was the pure One and needs to be forgiven.  Until we learn that we are a sinner in need of forgiveness we cannot receive paradise.

Father, I thank You I saw my need at the age of 7 and I have never forgotten the night I said yes I need You and I realized I no longer have to fear death and that I have a home awaiting me in heaven for all of  eternity.  I have someone who helps me bear crosses that life brings my way and I never walk alone. 

     Do you have this assurance today?  Are you walking through this life without a friend and helper? If not pray this prayer:  Father I know I am a sinner.  I know that You sent Jesus to die as a sinless Sacrifice for my sins.  Please forgive me and come into my life and give me eternal life and the security of knowing should I die today I can know I will be in paradise because of Jesus death and resurrection for me.  Now go tell someone.  I promise this will be the best day of your life.  Can I get an amen, hallelujah this morning.  If you know Jesus rejoice!

Tomorrow: Darkness fills the earth.