The Late Bloomer

• Printable Version - Share on Facebook - Posted by Dion Todd August 16, 2015 - Filed in Devotional - 9,785 views
  He said to Jesus, Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom. Jesus said to him, Assuredly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise. Luke 23:42 WEB
  
  As they hung bleeding on the crosses that they had been nailed to, one of the thieves asked Jesus to remember him, and Jesus said "today you will be with Me in paradise." After a life of crime, and with only moments left to live, this criminal made things right with God and was saved.
  
  Jesus told the thief that it would be a blissful place (Paradise), in the immediate future (Today), and with Jesus (With Me). A simple sentence and the right attitude and that man was saved. It could happen anywhere, and at anytime. Where there is breath, there is hope.
  
  I have met people who thought God would never forgive them for the things that they had done, but the sin problem was taken care of at the crucifixion of Jesus. Jesus took away the sin of the universe (kosmos - John 1:29). If you will let Jesus wash your sins away, you get to start completely fresh with a clean slate and nothing that you have done in the past will be held against you. Though our sins be like scarlet, He will wash us as white as snow (Isa. 1:18).
  
  When you fall, get up. This is an endurance race and we all trip at times. We all need His forgiveness. Your pastor needs forgiveness just as much as you do. As long as you keep trying, you are going to make it. Your past can no longer stop you and God is here to help with your future. It is never too late to get started and He can make what is left of your life count. No matter the situation or what you may have done, there is still hope.
  
  Prayer: Father I thank you so much for forgiving me of the things that I have done wrong. Fill my life with Your presence and let me be a living testimony of the power of God. Walk with me, talk to me and through me, let me live my life for You, in the name of Jesus I pray.
  
  Note: Happy Sunday! While many of us will be attending our local church today, I would like to invite you to connect on this website and find out about the features of the online church here. If you are already a member and haven''t participated in a while, we would love to see you again! In addition to the main page and forums where all members can interact all through the week, we have our amazing small groups (which are communities in themselves), a private area to receive and give prayer, places to grow in the Word through the Bible Study and teachings, and more! Like many of you, we love our local church, but our vision has always been to have a place to be available during the entire week, as well as refuge for those who have none. Have a blessed day!