Good Morning? My name is Bill Barrick and I was asked to give you a devotional thought from the book of Luke, chapters 14 and 15.
KEY VERSES:
Luke 15:24b ...he was lost and is found. So they began to celebrate.
REFLECTIONS:
Did you ever have a pet that ran away or was lost? Even though our pets love us they sometimes wander off and go their own way. Jesus told a story about a man and his discontented son. The son asked for his share of the family money and left home. He went astray like your lost pet, and spent all his money on foolishness. He got so hungry he had to beg for the same food that the pigs ate. He was hungry, lost and alone, just like your pet.
When the son finally realized the mistake he had made he cried out, "I have sinned against heaven and my father." He admitted his mistake and was ashamed. He decided he would asked his father to let him come back home.
Remember how glad you were when your pet was found and finally safe at home? Even though your pet ran away you were still happy to see him.
The son's father was so happy when the boy came home again, he invited all the friends and relatives to their house for a big party. Then the father joyously exclaimed, "This son of mine was dead (spiritually) and is alive again; he was lost and is found."
You may have been upset with your pet but you still forgave him and welcomed him back home because you loved him so much. In Jesus' story, that's how the father felt about his son when he changed his foolish ways and came back home.
APPLICATION:
God loves us more than the father in the story and more than we love our pets. He wants us to stay in His care. If you are ever far away from God, if you are ever lost because you've disobeyed God, He will always welcome you back home if you admit your mistake and ask for forgiveness. When you return to the family of God there will be a celebration in heaven!
Thanks for being part of the 100 day challenge. Thanks for reading and have a blessed day!
Your friend in Christ,
Bill Barrick
Bill Barrick
SAVED: September, 1971
FAVORITE BIBLE CHARACTER: Noah
FAMILY: Wife, Jane; Sons, Wilbur, Hank, Matt, Steve (in Heaven)
OCCUPATION: Graphic Artist and Teacher
HOBBIES: Piano, Travel, Keeping our roof repaired
AREA OF MINISTRY: Encouraging
FAVORITE BOOK IN BIBLE: Genesis
FAVORITE BIBLE CHARACTER: Noah
FAMILY: Wife, Jane; Sons, Wilbur, Hank, Matt, Steve (in Heaven)
OCCUPATION: Graphic Artist and Teacher
HOBBIES: Piano, Travel, Keeping our roof repaired
AREA OF MINISTRY: Encouraging
FAVORITE BOOK IN BIBLE: Genesis