My Greatest Hope

And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” – Luke 23:43

Jesus spoke these words as He was hanging on the cross between two criminals.  He spoke in reply to the prisoner who humbled himself and said: "Lord, remember me."  Through His agony, in His most intense hour of suffering, Jesus showed mercy.

For us, it's never too late to repent, to humble, or to accept His grace and ask for forgiveness.  His love is beyond our ability to understand, and His wanting for us to come home, is a hunger that we taste when our own children stray. The intensity and passion of His promise comes from perfected love.

"Today you will be with me in Paradise." His promise is my greatest hope.  

My cousin relinquished to her 19-year battle against breast cancer this morning.  Her unwavering optimism was nothing less than awe inspiring.  Through her pain she always found joy. And though she could not win, she never loosened her grip on hope, nor lost her love for life. Today, she received her promise, and went home to be with Jesus in Paradise.  Peace be with you Lori.

Seeking and Following,

Dean

You go nowhere by accident. Wherever you go, God is sending you, wherever you are, God has put you there; He has a purpose in your being there. Christ who dwells within you has something He wants to do through you wherever you are. Believe this and go in His grace and love and power.