Sacrificial Love

And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”
And they divided His garments and cast lots. And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.” 
The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.” 
And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew:

      THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” 
But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” 
And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”


~ Luke 23:33-43


If you like the mosaic cross design shown in this post, you can buy it as a mosaic treasure box here, along with other items in my shop.

The Lord Alone is my Judge

Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.
~ 1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Dear Heavenly Father, Help me to walk with you, caring not about the judgments of others, nor even the judgments of myself, but in pureness of heart, only for You. Amen.

The God of Second Chances

If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
~ 2 Chronicles 7:14

Sometimes we don't even know we are on the wrong track until we realize that God has a better plan for our lives, if we would just turn toward Him. He is always ready to hear our prayer and show us a better life.