Intro: During Holy Week, seven staff members from Cypress Creek Christian Church will reflect on the same passage of scripture from Luke’s Gospel. Today, it is Rev. Paula Gembala…
Scripture: Luke 23:33-34
When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots to divide his clothing.
Thought for the Day: In his book, “Into the Light,” Dr. Lerma talks about a hospice patient he works with named George. This 53 year old man was delivered in handcuffs to the hospice unit, by the Texas Department of Corrections. Dr. Lerma learned that George had been convicted of multiple murders and now had stage 4 lung cancer. I loved what Dr. Lerma said to George, “You are no longer in a prison facility, but in a pain management hospital unit. I know you are scared, George, but don’t be. You will come to know that I am not here to judge or harass you, but to help you.”
Dr. Lerma continues to speak with George, and at one point he asks him “Do you believe in God?” When George lowered his head Dr. Lerma went on to say, “Do you believe in a loving and forgiving God?” The prison chaplain had told Dr. Lerma that George was a Christian, so he continued, “You must know that God’s son, Jesus, died for your sins and unconditionally loves you.”
The story goes on sharing how George had many visions of angels, and at the end prayed to Jesus, saying that he loved him and was ready to give his life back to Jesus, knowing he was forgiven. At that moment he died.
This story reminded me of the way we need to treat others, no matter what their background or history. We are all children of God, and need to be reminded of Jesus dying on the cross for our sins and his unconditional love for all.
Prayer: Loving God, keep us ever mindful of your love, and in turn, teach us how to share your unconditional love with those around us. Let us learn from you, how to forgive and make this a better place to live. Amen.
Join Together
Invite a Friend
Don’t Miss it
If there is rain,
the Sunrise Service will
move inside the Centrum Lobby
Dove Releases
at 7:45am & 10:45am…
assuming no rain.
