Luke 23:42-43

Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise.”

Last night I was speaking with a dear friend. Our conversation moved to the death of an acquaintance who had passed away a few months ago. He mentioned that he had shared the gospel with her shortly before her death, but she told him that she was not convinced that Jesus was no more than an illegitimate child of a country girl and who had deceived his followers. It makes me shudder just to think of her words so near to her death.

We could only hope that in the last fleeting moments of her life she had repented and confessed that she was a sinner in need of God’s grace. We will never know until we reach eternity, but we fervently hope that she had a change of heart.

We know that one of the thieves who hung next to Jesus changed from a mocking sinner to a trusting believer. What words of comfort the Lord gave the man when he assured him that he would be with Him (Jesus) that very day.

I will never forget my experience at the bedside of a dying man. He seemed to be in a coma and unresponsive. I shared the plan of salvation with him but felt it to be too late. Then I saw a tear form in his eye and roll down his cheek. I fully expect to meet that man in heaven.

Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!

—Pastor Cecil

P.S. – You can find previous E-Votionals covering a variety of Scriptures and topics to help you in your walk with the Lord at www.Daily-E-Votional.com

My book, 100 of Pastor Cecil’s Select Illustrations, is now available on Kindle books. Just go the Kindle store and type in Pastor Cecil’s Select Illustrations, or Pastor Cecil Thompson.

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