July 24, 2018

July 24, 2018

Judy Hollaway

April 17

Running with Jesus

Luke 15:17-18 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,

 (The son realized that he had been very foolish. (NIV says came to His senses) He thought, ‘All my father’s hired workers have plenty of food. But here I am, almost dead because I have nothing to eat.  I will leave and go to my father. I will say to him: Father, I have sinned against God and have done wrong to you.)

                  In this parable we could focus from several angles. I chose to look at the younger brother who lives his life wastefully. He was very self-focused and thought little about his future. He lived it up and wound up broke, slopping pigs, the animals a Jew would have nothing to do with. You couldn't get much lower. Eating hog rations! 

                  I love the way it says He came to His senses; my father's servants eat better than this! 

  This man left filled with pride and a blown up ego. He was a hot head and wouldn't listen to His Father. Notice how he returned humbled and had a servant role mentality. This is where our spirit should be, in servant mode! When we realize what Christ has done for us, we should be willing to sweep floors, take out trash and wash feet for Him.

                Notice the Father never moved and was looking daily down that road for that son to return. Don't ever feel you have gone too far to come back to God. He is waiting for you to return. He watches and searches for us.

                God never moves He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Sometimes my feelings and emotions try to deceive me and I feel far away but God is as near as our breath. 

                My question today is: what mode is your mentality in? Are you in servant mode or looking for others to cater to you? 

Father we are sinners and help us to not listen to our self-righteousness but be a willing servant ready to live in and do kingdom work seeking You and helping others. Help us understand Father always knows best! Let us not live life recklessly and ignore our heavenly inheritance! Help us come to our senses and stay in them! 

Tomorrow: Grab your checkbook!