Summer! Summer! Summer! Blessings! Blessings! Blessings!
With love, Rev. Dr. Sandy Seaton-Todd
Bible Passage Romans 7:22-25 I delight in what is right in my inmost self, but my actions are captive to what is wrong. Wretched one that I am. Who can rescue me? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ!
Bible Story Luke 23:39-43 The Repentant Thief One of the criminals who was being crucified next to Jesus kept deriding Jesus. But the other criminal rebuked the first one, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we have been condemned justly and are getting what we deserve, but this man has done nothing wrong." He continued, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus replied, "Truly, I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
Like the first thief, it can be difficult for us to soften our hearts when we have been closed off from God for a long time. Yet the second thief found the courage at the end of his life to soften his heart, take responsibility for his sins, and call on Jesus for eternal life. I imagine the thief sensed the grace and forgiveness pouring out of Jesus. The thief's words to Jesus seem vulnerable, sincere, and full of faith. And Jesus spoke words of eternal comfort in return. Our faith, no matter how little or how late, is never in vain when we take responsibility for our sins, ask for forgiveness, and dedicate our lives to Jesus.
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