March 18th, 2022
by CJ Terry
by CJ Terry
Good morning with a word for the day-
Luke 23:43 says, “And Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.’”
As I sat in quietness this morning, waiting for my day to start, seeking what to say, it felt as if the Lord spoke to my Spirit. So often I try to teach my church not to just read our Bible, but take time to examine it as we read. Ask yourself questions, ponder on the words, seek different meanings and clearer understanding. Also, be open to every word, why it was said, where it was spoken, and why it was important enough to be mentioned.
No greater words were spoken that day than the words spoken to that thief. Jesus didn't say ‘your sins are forgiven,’ or even ‘I forgive you,’ or ‘thank you for believing in Me,’ at the worst possible moment, while they were on the cross. But, what Jesus did say, and we all desire to hear, sealed that man's destiny. Jesus’ words said not tomorrow, but today, not someone else, but you, not with somebody else but with Me, and not somewhere else but Paradise. Jesus never promised to stop the pain or the humiliation or change the circumstances the man was in. Jesus just spoke words of life and it was above and beyond where both of them were. The beauty of this set of verses shows Jesus was there with the thief when he needed Jesus the most.
Today, when we are getting through the things we are facing, you will be where I am. No greater words were spoken on that day than those. It's from the pain of life that we find ourselves in the presence of the One who knows the pain we are facing more than anyone. It's from there we are given words of encouragement, hope, and inspiration. It's there when we are given the strength to carry on to face the day or even the moment. It is there we find and hear those words we all need and desire to hear. ‘I am with you,’ ‘I have not forsaken you’ and ‘I will not abandon you,’ ‘I might not be able to change what is happening, but we will get through this together.,’ and ‘It will not be tomorrow but today.’
‘It's going to be ok.’
Hebrews 13:5
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