Today's devotional brought to you by Prayer Warrior Jon Vasgar.
Coming Home
Luke 15:18-20 "'I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.' And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. (NKJV) (Whole story in verses 11-32.)
You may wonder what the prodigal son has to do with Christmas. I did too, while I was reading this. Think about it. Have you lost your relationship with your Father? I don't just mean your earthly father or family, though if you have division in your life, now is a great time to make it right!
I'm talking about a relationship with your Heavenly Father. Maybe you don't have one in which case you need to start. Are you fed up with the emptiness that the world offers you every year? Does it feel unsatisfying after the wrapping has been torn off the gifts and all you're left with are bills? What better time than at Christmas to fill that lonely spot? Think of the innocent babe who grew up to be an innocent man and then bore your sins, my sins, to Calvary's tree so we could have a home in heaven. Why not receive the greatest gift this holiday season? One whose debt was paid long ago.
And you, my fellow believer, who haven't darkened a church's door in years or who raises their hands in empty worship every year, what about you? Have you gotten your fill of the world's food and are still hungry? Do you remember what it was like at your Father's table? It's time to come home for Christmas. Notice how the son's Father approaches his son's return. He RUNS to him. He doesn't walk or send a servant or shoo him away. He drops everything and sweeps him up and throws a party. Let God throw you a party! Turn from the foulness of this world. God is waiting.
Don't let your return be "only in your dreams". Let it be real, let it be this week! Turn around, He's right there, arms held open wide.
Prayer:
Lord, I pray today for those of us that are dreading Christmas. Dreading the broken relationships they have. Dreading the emptiness that comes year after year. May those who are searching find their answer in You. Those who are hurting find their healing in You. Those who have wandered, find their return in You. Let this be a Christmas of new beginnings. Thank you for being our gracious and loving Father.
AMEN
Song:
Coming Home
Luke 15:18-20 "'I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.' And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. (NKJV) (Whole story in verses 11-32.)
You may wonder what the prodigal son has to do with Christmas. I did too, while I was reading this. Think about it. Have you lost your relationship with your Father? I don't just mean your earthly father or family, though if you have division in your life, now is a great time to make it right!
I'm talking about a relationship with your Heavenly Father. Maybe you don't have one in which case you need to start. Are you fed up with the emptiness that the world offers you every year? Does it feel unsatisfying after the wrapping has been torn off the gifts and all you're left with are bills? What better time than at Christmas to fill that lonely spot? Think of the innocent babe who grew up to be an innocent man and then bore your sins, my sins, to Calvary's tree so we could have a home in heaven. Why not receive the greatest gift this holiday season? One whose debt was paid long ago.
And you, my fellow believer, who haven't darkened a church's door in years or who raises their hands in empty worship every year, what about you? Have you gotten your fill of the world's food and are still hungry? Do you remember what it was like at your Father's table? It's time to come home for Christmas. Notice how the son's Father approaches his son's return. He RUNS to him. He doesn't walk or send a servant or shoo him away. He drops everything and sweeps him up and throws a party. Let God throw you a party! Turn from the foulness of this world. God is waiting.
Don't let your return be "only in your dreams". Let it be real, let it be this week! Turn around, He's right there, arms held open wide.
Prayer:
Lord, I pray today for those of us that are dreading Christmas. Dreading the broken relationships they have. Dreading the emptiness that comes year after year. May those who are searching find their answer in You. Those who are hurting find their healing in You. Those who have wandered, find their return in You. Let this be a Christmas of new beginnings. Thank you for being our gracious and loving Father.
AMEN
Song:
No comments:
Post a Comment