Wednesday Writing...5/6/19...."Never Too Late"

Good Morning,

It is very good news to know that it is "Never Too Late" to find redemption if there is repentance or being ignorant until the very end. Karen Bennett cites the story of the man being crucified beside Jesus. He told the other thief to be quiet because they deserved death and Jesus did not. Karen wrote, "That thief rebuked the other one for taunting Jesus, telling him Jesus had done no wrong as they had. Then he looked at Jesus and asked Him to remember him when He entered His kingdom." Jesus answered him, that day he would be with Him in heaven. It does not get much later than the case of this man. 

Have a blessed day,
Karen
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Today's Devotional 

"Never Too Late" 

Written by 

Karen Bennett

As long as we live, it’s never too late to seek redemption from our loving and compassionate Lord. I have been involved with evangelism programs at churches I’ve attended. Knowing we are commanded to teach all nations, it was a great honor for me to be a part of them.

The first one was in Lakewood, Colorado. It was a group of dedicated Christians with the pastor, of course, going out to visit people who had filled out guest cards when they attended our church. What a great experience and what a thrill to watch the Holy Spirit working in those people. I was quite sad to leave that program when we left Colorado. It did, however, instill in me the great need to share the love and sacrifice of Jesus. I love sharing my faith!

Openings appear in conversations when you listen for them. God makes a way. You may not always see results from your discussions, but we are seed planters, and we plant the seeds for the Holy Spirit to cultivate. Where it goes from there, of course, is up to the person. It will be acceptance or rejection. We pray they accept, repent, and are saved.

There is an attitude that is truly sad. For some it’s an excuse. For others, it’s a genuine concern. “It’s too late for me. I’m too far gone. I’ve done so much wrong in my life, there is no hope for me.” What a perfect opportunity to share the good news of the gospel. You can share the parable of the Workers in the Vineyard written in Matthew 20. It’s a wonderful explanation that there is no time frame to worry about for a truly repentant heart. Each worker received the same amount of pay at the end of the day regardless of what time of that day he was hired. Heaven is ours no matter what stage of our lives we are in.

My favorite to tell is Jesus’ reply to one of the two thieves He was crucified with. That thief rebuked the other one for taunting Jesus, telling him Jesus had done no wrong as they had. Then he looked at Jesus and asked Him to remember him when He entered His kingdom. Jesus answered him, 

“I tell you the truth,
today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Luke 23:43. 

The perfect response and certainly crystal clear. The thief was dying and was forgiven.

Father, help us to assure those we talk to who feel they are beyond hope that there is no condemnation for a repentant sinner. You greet with open arms all who are sorry for their sins and ask Your forgiveness. May we have the determination and the love to share Your word at every opportunity presented to us! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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"Redeemed" 

     sung by

          Big Daddy Weave

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Prayers are lifted up daily for you

 by the Devotional Writers and the Monthly Writing Staff

 of Women's Focus Ministries.

Blog Writers:

Jan Andersen, Sandy Billingham, Carol Steficek,   

 Brother Thomas Ukwute, Jody Ward,  Karen Bennett, 

Bre Miller, Cathy Friberg, and  Corinne Mustafa

Elizabeth McElderry, Betty Espindola,  Lynda Kinnard

Amie Spruiell, and Debbie Rodriguez

Occasional Contributors:

Kathy Bireley, Terri Baker, Beverley Napier,

 Kelly Dobyns, Glenna Williamson,

  Amie Spruiell, and Lisabeth Lipp