PARADISE

    If ever there was an example of effective prayer it would have to be the prayer of the thief on the cross in Luke 23:42-43.  ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’  Immediately Jesus replied, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’ This is a prayer of true repentance, in which the thief knowing it is to late to change the way he has lived his life, finds life in the one who is about to willingly give up his life to win eternity for all who will trust in his saving love.

    Next Sunday is Advent Sunday, the beginning of a new church year, and traditionally a season of penitence where Christians examine their hearts in preparation to celebrate Jesus birth, the coming of the Prince of Peace.  How will you use the season to prepare your heart.  What ever you decide to do, remember that Jesus words to a dying crook all those years ago apply just as much to you and me.  Word’s of life, words of love and words of freedom.  When like the thief on the cross all those years ago we turn our hearts to Jesus he looks on us with love and promises.  “Today you will be with me in paradise!”

​Till next time…..Andrew