Scripture: Luke 15:11-24 (NIV)

11 Jesus continued: There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. 13 Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. 17 When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

Revelation:

Although I have many favorite stories in the Bible, as I am sure many of you do too, this one always just resonates a little more with me. When I look over my life, I realized how great of a Father I have. Yes, my earthly father is good to me, but my Heavenly Father is even better! May I be transparent with you on today? I consider myself a Christian, but this Christian walk gets hard for me. I have been the prodigal son on more than one account. There is a constant battle between my flesh and my spirit, and on many accounts, I have chosen my flesh over my spirit. I desired these earthy temptations for immediate gratification even when I knew they would not last. Then here I go like a dog with its tail tucked under running back to God. But do you know how good and loving my God is? Just like with the prodigal son, God welcomes me with his arms wide open! Glory to God!! He takes me back and loves on me and celebrates my return. The angels cry out Hallelujah because we were lost and are now found! If that is not a good enough reason to shout, then let’s talk about how His grace and mercy covered me while I was enjoying my fleshly choices. Death could have taken me out, but praise God, He kept me and covered me until my return home! He is doing the same for you, you, and you. God is interceding on our behalf everyday waiting for one or more of his lost children to return home! Give God a reason to celebrate, Come Back Home!

Prayer:

Father God we thank You for interceding on our behalf. We thank You for the numerous chances that You give us. Father I ask that if there is someone out there who has lost their way, God please let them return to You on today. God, we know that we do not do everything the way we should, but we are striving to be the children that You have called us to be. We love You God and it is in the mighty name of Jesus we pray. Amen, Amen, Amen!