Thoughts to encourage you to adore Jesus….

^{40  But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? 41  We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” 42  Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” 43  And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:40-43 (NLT2)}

³⁴  Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. Luke 23:34 (NLT2)

⁴³  “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. ⁴⁴  But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! ⁴⁵  In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:43-45 (NLT2)

It is 9-11.

And last night, another friend passed away. One who made me think often of the incredible dimensions of God’s love, displayed on the cross.

And I woke this moring, on 9/11, thinking about the thief on the cross next to Jesus. The one who would be with Jesus in heaven in just a few hours.

God’s mercy extended out to him, even a few pain filled hours before he died.

How incredible is GOd’s mercy!

I don’t know how many people in the towers, on the rescue crews, in the planes, knew Jesus prior ot that day.

Even if they didn’t, in their last moments, any of their cries would be met with the same kind of mercy. THe same forgiveness, the same love, the same promise… today you will be with ME, in heaven.

For God did not want any to perish – but all to come to repentance…. (2 Peter 3:9)

And God doesn’t rejoice in the death of the wicked… (Ezekiel 33:11)

We wil never forget the events of 9/11.

But I pray we remember them in such a way that we are motivated to see all reconciled in Christ to the Father. To love those who seem unlovable, to bless and pray for those who persecute God’s people.

Lord have mercy! CHrist have mercy! Lord have mercy on us all!