Parable of the Prodigal Son

Today, as I was reading Luke 15:11-32, I realized that I have been both the younger son, wanting to have it all and be free, do my own thing, in my own way. I’ve fallen on my face. I have sinned in so many ways but most importantly, I sinned against my Father in heaven, Who loves me dearly. When I was finally at the end of my rope and truly ready to surrender my whole life to Him, He welcomed me with open arms. He never brought up my failures and sin, He loved me right where I was. He continues to love me right where I am.

Sadly, I can also see that I’ve been the other brother, looking on as people welcomed my brother home. I looked on with envy…”no one has ever done that for me” and I totally felt sorry for myself. No one has ever been happy to see me or recognized what I have done. I felt used and certainly not appreciated.

I already had my Father’s forgiveness and eternal life…isn’t that everything? But no, I wanted to be recognized. I did not realize that my brother was lost, condemned to hell and he came home to Father a broken man.

Yes, I’ve been in both places. I wanted the freedom of life but was bound by the sin of this world. It looks like it offered lots of fun but it almost killed me. The pleasures of this world are nothing compared to the joy of living a life for the Lord.

Then, I have been the ever faithful one, doing the Father’s will, seemingly unnoticed and unappreciated. In this state, I too, had to repent of the anger I felt. Repent of the bitterness deep within me. I had to repent of the unforgiveness I felt for my brother and yes, even my Father.

In reality, we all carry a bit of both brothers within and we certainly need the Father’s love and forgiveness on a daily basis. Each of us needs Him! Are you ready to surrender your life to Him? He’s waiting, He has compassion for you, and He’s ready to meet you and embrace you with the love that only He can offer.

Reassurance for Tomorrow

As Christ followers, led by the Spirit, our life often is not an easy one but the Lord has given us guidance and hope for each new day in His precious Word. Accordingly, this is the importance of looking to Him daily to gain our strength from Him alone. He will provide us exactly what we need at the precise moment we need it. “And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

Oftentimes our needs are Spiritual rather physical, yet we don’t look beyond the money we need, or a new job, or a nicer place to live. What spiritual lessons are we to learn?

Our hope is only found in Christ, not in anything else. As we release our desire for more material possessions, watch Him draw you ever closer spiritually, as you bathe in His Words of wisdom and truth.

Perseverance in following His instructions, not wavering with our emotions to give up, should be our prayers as we struggle through these difficult times. But after you have suffered for a little while and He brings relief, don’t stop praying. Don’t put your guard down! That is when we need the Lord’s protection and guidance the most as we seek what the next step is concerning our future.

Adapted from Ephesians 6:10-18.

Promotional and Update

I just want to let everyone know that it's been four weeks since I announced that I am working on book number 3, possible title "Full Moon Rising, a missionary's adventure". But on the day that I made the big announcement, I missed a step and fell and broke my thumb. I truly am so thankful that nothing else was broken but having a cast on my right hand puts a damper on using a keyboard. So things have slowed down until after the cast is taken off, hopefully June 5.

So today I set up a promotional on Amazon. Starting May 23rd, "Faithful Promises" will be discounted in the Kindle version. This discount goes for five days so take advantage of the savings. During this time of many changes in our country, look to the Word of God for your comfort. God's blessings on each one of you.