My daughter, Ivey, was on a mission trip in West Africa. She met this older lady who, like the others, lived in a mud hut with little to eat. One day she brought Ivey an avocado knowing that she needed it more than Ivey, after all, it was all she had. But she fed Ivey, physically and spiritually. I had never seen Ivey so excited for something so small but she came home saying how rich the lady was. She said the lady literally gave her the fruit of her labor. Some people may just see how impoverished this lady is but I know Jesus sees her abundance!
Jesus was hanging on the cross between two criminals when they spoke to him in Luke 23: 39-43. "One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, 'So you're the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself and us, too, while you're at it!' But the other criminal protested, 'Don't you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn't done anything wrong.' Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.' And Jesus replied, 'I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.'" In the same way I believe the criminal knew Jesus comes with abundance.
Jesus offers us abundant hope, forgiveness, grace, mercy, love, opportunity, healing and the list goes on. The world may not think we are enough - no matter our past - if our heart is humble and seeks forgiveness we have eternal life! 1 Samuel 16: 7, "The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." It is overwhelming when we stop, be still, and soak in this thought. Psalm 46: 10, "Be still, and know that I am God." Just like that lady, God knows our heart! On the day I take my last breath I know I will be in paradise with Jesus. He will remember me! Thank You, Jesus!
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