Run To God’s Open Arms
Wednesday, September 27
Luke 15:11-13 (NKJV)
Then He said: “A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood. And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living.
Devotion
Imagine two brothers living together on a wealthy estate in the same conditions. They work alongside their father and his servants to cultivate and grow their possessions. The oldest is content with this scenario, yet the younger son wants a change. He wants to see what the world has to offer, so he takes his inheritance and goes off to live the dream. But the dream is not his reality. He finds a harsh, cruel world where he loses all he once held dear.
Compare this story to two brothers growing up in a Christian home, devoted to God’s word, the church, and family, only to have one decide he wants to go out and see what the world has to offer. He goes off chasing his dream, trying to fit into the world compromising all he once held dear. In a few years, he is far from his Heavenly Father, lost and alone in a dark and lonely place with an addiction from which he cannot free himself.
If you grew up having a personal relationship with God, but have strayed, remember that it is not too late to run back to your Heavenly Father. Like the prodigal son’s father, He is standing with open arms just awaiting your return. Come home.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I praise You because You never give up on me. I know there are times I have failed You, and for those times, I repent. I confess my sins to You and ask Your forgiveness. I ask that You wrap Your loving arms around me and bring me back into Your presence. I know it won’t always be easy, but I commit to following You and working alongside You with my whole heart. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
Are you in a place far from God? Have you made compromises that have led you astray from the relationship with Him that you once held so dear? Determine today to return to Him and become stronger in Him and bolder for Him than you ever were. Write down what you are willing to do to get to that point with your Heavenly Father. It is NOT too late, but you must take the first steps in order to get there. Keep walking toward Him. He’s waiting for you.
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