Making Choices: Into Open Arms
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
Today's Scripture
"So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him." Luke 15:20 NLT
Thoughts for Today
Jesus taught the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32. This young man made many wrong choices, but ultimately, he accepted responsibility for the consequences of those choices.
Deciding to set out on his own, he had asked his father for his inheritance and off he went. He proceeded to make more bad choices, squandering his money on wild living. Eventually the money was gone, and he fell to the position of feeding another man's livestock. He was so hungry that even the food he was feeding the pigs looked good. He thought of home--even his father's servants would be eating better than this.
I think I'll return home and become one of my father's servants, he thought. I don't deserve more than that, but I believe he'll hire me. Good choices. To admit his error and not try to blame anyone else. To face up to responsibility.
The young man's father saw him coming home. He ran out to meet him with open arms, killed the fatted calf and had a huge party to celebrate his son's homecoming.
Consider this . . .
Have you made some bad choices? Wandered off and squandered your talents, your opportunities to do good? Be encouraged to make the right choice of coming to your Heavenly Father. He awaits you with open arms.
Prayer
Father, I've made so many mistakes. I know many of the things I have done have not pleased you, but I thank you for this assurance of your love. Please forgive me and take me into your loving arms. In Jesus' name . . .
These thoughts were drawn from . . . Free to Grow: Overcoming Setbacks and Disappointments by Jimmy Ray Lee, D.Min. The purpose of this group study is to help people overcome disappointments and setbacks that have arrested or are presently hindering their emotional and spiritual development. The group study will help participants understand how to be set free so that they can grow and become all that God has designed them to be. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
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