A Divine "U Turn"

Several men were hung on crosses on the same day that Jesus was crucified.  All had been found guilty of crimes they'd committed.  One hanging next to Jesus was a thief...another was a murderer.  One of them confronted Jesus and said, "You, who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in 3 days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!"  [Matthew 27:44/Mark 15;29-30]  Jesus didn't answer him, but spoke these words to His Father instead:  "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing." 

Those words must have penetrated the heart of the thief, for he responded by saying, "Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!"  In other words, he made a "U-turn"....(he turned and gave his heart to Jesus).  He'd been walking on the wrong side of the road all his life--heading in the wrong direction.  He'd been standing in the dark, but now he moved into The Light!

This thief demonstrated "The Way" for all of us to follow.  He became the 1st to be carried out of darkness (by Jesus) into the marvelous light of heaven.  Love lifted him up out of the pit and carried him to the pinnacle!

The TONGUE or the THUMB?

If I could add or exchange a word in Proverbs 18:21, it would be this:  "Death and life are in the power of the tongue and the thumb!"  Yes, I said "THUMB!"  The newest way to communicate these days is by TEXTING.  It's not for me!  I prefer to talk to people face-to-face.  I even like to hand-write notes and thank you cards, etc.  I know....I'm "old fashioned," but I believe it's more personal--and more relational this way.

Another concern of mine with modern communication is FACE BOOK.  It can be used for evil or for good.  Unfortunately, too many are using it for evil.  A lot of bullying, gossip, and filth has been written on FACE BOOK!  I call it "vocabulary abuse!"  It's the coward's way to abuse others.

Verbal abuse can, and does, a great deal of damage....now one can "hide" behind a computer, I-Pod, or cell phone and use words to damage and destroy reputations, or cause some to even commit suicide.

In Matthew 12:36-37 Jesus says that "every idle word that we speak we'll have to account for in the day of judgment...for the words of our mouths will either CONDEMN us or JUSTIFY us."
[Paraphrased]  In other words--GOD WILL HAVE THE LAST WORD!!!

So may this verse get down into our hearts as we pray:  "Let the WORDS of my mouth (and those that I write)...plus the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord."  [Paraphrased]

P.S. - Know this...I'm trying to learn some senior texting.  For instance:  Today I'll be "ATD" (At the Doctor's).  I hope my visit is "CBM" (Covered by Medicare).

HABD (Have a Blessed Day)!

Ladies Who Broke The Law

It's nearing Easter...and I am beginning to meditate on Jesus' journey to the cross and the grave, which proceeded His resurrection.  I knew there were 3 women (Mary, Jesus' mother; Mary Magdelene, whom Jesus delivered of 7 demons; and Mary, the wife of Clopas) who faithfully stayed by His side and sat at the foot of the cross 'til He was carried to the grave....then, the next day, Mary Magdelene and one of the other Mary's even went to the tomb to anoint Him with spices (for burial).

What I didn't know is that these ladies all broke the law!  It was unlawful to publically mourn for criminals sentenced to death.  Also, public lamenting was usually done by hired mourners.  However, these women sidestepped tradition and the law of that day.

By going to Jesus' grave to anoint His body, the women may have risked further legal trouble with the Romans.  Jesus was crucified as a criminal; therefore, He was not to be buried with honor.  Mary Magdelene and one of the other Mary's went anyway to the tomb.  The soldiers could have arrested them, but such was not the case.

As a hospice chaplain I learned that it is one of the most "sacred" services you could render--to sit with one who is dying.  These women sat with Jesus as He was dying on the cross.  Setting with the dying is not easy, but it is an honor--it is such a testimony of friendship, loyalty, and love.

These women knew the surpassing reward of sharing in "the fellowship of His sufferings." 
I read this quote the other day:  "Friendship isn't about who you have known the longest...it's about those who came and never left your side."

(Question:  How many of us would be willing to go with Jesus all the way as did these 3 women?)