Wednesday, September 21, 2011
KEN'S MERCYSHIP ADVENTURE: EAST TEXAS TRAINING
Rejected
Paradise
Read Luke 23:34-43
And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
-Luke 23:43 (NLT)
I have pondered these verses quite often. Looking to the Bible for inspiration, I often likened myself to one of the Roman guards. Standing at the foot of the cross, carrying out an execution, like a good soldier, as ordered. People standing around this death scene, some family, friends and followers of the three condemned to die this day. But most came to mock and jeer. I saw myself as one of the Romans, gambling for the condemned’s clothing, laughing, mocking and taunting with bitter wine. Could I have been the one who came to believe at the moment of Jesus’ death? “Surly this man was innocent.”(Luke 23:47) I imagined myself saying these words.
Now I see myself more like the thief hanging beside Christ. Like him, more troubles, most self inflicted, than I care to want. Hanging there, taking in all the clamor and din around him, seeing his beaten, bloodied, mocked and scorned companion in all his humanity, humility, godliness and dignity, he turns to him and asks, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”(Luke 23:42) This broken piece of humanity replies with truth and dignity, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”(Luke 23:43)
When I need strength, I think of this scene and the simple prayer of the thief and I am reminded that all I have to do is ask God to remember me and He will reward me with paradise.
Ray Mickol (Ohio, USA)
Prayer
God, as you remembered the thief, remember me. As the thief tuned to you in need, let me also remember you in my times of need. Amen.
Thought for the Day
Keep Christ close to your heart
Prayer Focus
For those in a painful struggle with regrets
Monday, September 19, 2011
Does God Answer a Sinners Prayer?
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” Hebrews: 4:16 (NIV)
Prayer can be a scary thing. I know for me, I have had worry about my prayers being heard and answered by God. Like a lot of you out there, alcoholic, addicted or just your garden variety sinner, I have implored God and begged God to help me, to take my affliction, my sin away. I claim to believe but I worry. Being a chronic backslider doesn’t help.
Does God hear and answer my prayers? A friend of mine recently told me that he didn’t think God hears the prayers of a backslider, a sinner. Man, this has a guy like me worried. I never feel I measure up. I always have that sin on my heart. If God does not hear my prayers, why bother then? What good is it?
Until the answer becomes clearer, I will approach the throne with as much confidence as I can muster.