A Devotional Moment

AND HE SAID UNTO JESUS, LORD, REMEMBER ME WHEN THOU COMEST INTO THY KINGDOM. AND JESUS SAID UNTO HIM, VERILY I SAY UNTO THEE, TODAY SHALT THOU BE WITH ME IN PARADISE. ~ LUKE 23: 42-43

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God gives each person many opportunities to come to Him. No matter what we have done, no matter what hate, anger, and bitterness has been in our hearts, God offers salvation without reservation and with His unconditional love.

In The Christmas Mission, the protagonist has gone from great wealth and privilege to the depths of human despair. The unfairness and hardness of life causes her to lose her family and friends, and she has to work to survive in a cold world she has never experienced. As God moves in her life, she tentatively learns to trust again, but vows to never forget what she built with God’s help. When someone moves into her orbit offering what she once had, she has to discern God’s plan for her life and decide if she is meant to step into that world again.

Have you ever found yourself doubting that God can forgive all you’ve done wrong? Perhaps you felt that the losses you’ve experienced are punishments meant to last forever. When you feel unworthy of mercy, of salvation, remember that God’s love is unconditional. Your faith in Him and your true repentance is all He asks. Just as the penitent thief on the Cross traveled into eternity with Jesus, so also the Lord wants you to be in paradise forever. It may be difficult to accept that truth when you consider all your flaws, all your sins, and with all the harm you may have done in the past, but God does still want you. He wants to permeate your soul; He wants to help you to live your dreams; He wants you to experience meaningful relationships with others in this life, and to build a relationship with Him that is everlasting.

LORD, HELP ME TO DISCERN TRUE FRIENDSHIP AND TRUST FROM THOSE WHOM YOU PLACE IN MY LIFE. IN JESUS’ NAME I PRAY. AMEN.