Title
When He Was On the Cross, You Were On His Mind
Scripture
And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
(Luke 23:43)
Devotional
The two thieves represent the totality of mankind. One rejected Christ, and the other accepted Him. One mocked and cursed; the other honored and worshipped. One sought the things of this world, the other the things of heaven. One was self-centered; the other Christ-centered. One was assigned to hell, the other to the Paradise of God. Both were criminals; both were guilty. Christ was falsely accused and condemned. He was not only innocent; He was totally pure and righteous. Because of who He is, He was able to forgive and pardon the repentant thief. And because of who He is today, He is able to forgive and pardon even you. All we have to do is realize our condition, call upon His name for forgiveness, and receive His promises. When we do, there will be a time when He will say, “Today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
Thought For The Night
“It is not when I am going to meet him, but when I am just turning away and leaving him alone, that I discover that God is.” Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862), American Writer and poet.
Evening Text
Luke 23:43: And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
Looking for Answers
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What does it take to be forgiven of sins?
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What did the thief in this text do?
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What did you do to be forgiven of sins?
Evening Study Guide
Defining: “Repentance” is not just the turning away from sin; it is the turning to Christ. Many people have turned from their sins, just to turn to others. Unless one turns to Christ, there can be no repentance.
Referencing: “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom,” Luke 23:42.
Applying: Stop focusing on your sin(s) and start focusing on Christ. Keep your eyes on Him (His Word, in prayer and through worship and praise) and you will without doubt turn from sin. Therein is repentance.