TUESDAY 7 April

MORNING PRAYERS (Ben Jones - lead, Latifah Makuyi - worship)

The Second word: “You will be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43).

There were 2 thieves who hung on crosses next to Jesus. Both thieves had a different response to Jesus. Whilst both enduring suffering and pain we see one of them mocking Jesus whilst the other thief cries out to Jesus in desperation. Jesus responds to the one who cried out to him and tells him that he will be with him in Paradise. The thief’s pain and suffering didn’t end in that moment but it was eclipsed by the very real hope of heaven.

In our suffering we have 2 responses we can make. We can turn away from Jesus and get angry at our circumstances or we can turn towards him and cry out to him and in that place He offers us Himself. He offers us Hope.

Materials needed at home: Paper and pen, downloaded colouring-in sheet (can be downloaded later on)

Creative response

What are the struggles or suffering that you are experiencing at the moment? Write them down on a piece of paper. Families spend time asking each other what you are finding hard/ways in which you are struggling. Take a moment to decide how you want to deal with the struggles you are facing. Have you been getting angry at God? Are you going to turn away or turn to Jesus? Place the paper in the bowl of your choosing. As you choose to trust in God in a time of hardship or suffering. What promise does He have for you?

Scripture

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15 v 13

A colouring-in print out will be available to download. Download it, print it out, colour it in and place it around your home to remember the hope that comes from trusting Jesus.