You Represent Your Father
"His heart went out to him." Luke 15:20 PHPS
When the father saw his prodigal son, "his heart went out to him." Jack Graham writes: "This isn't a father who can't wait to punish his sinful son... who has written him off as wasted and worthless. This is a loving, caring father who can't wait to embrace and welcome him. He runs down the road to meet him... What you see... is a picture of the Father's love for you... eager... excessive... approachable... abundant." Max Lucado adds: "The tale involves a wealthy father and a willful son [who]... takes his inheritance [to] Las Vegas and... wastes [it] on slot machines and call girls... Broke [and] too proud to go home, he gets a job sweeping... stables at the racetrack. When he finds himself... [eating]... their oats, he realizes enough is enough... Off he goes, rehearsing his repentance speech... But... 'When he was... a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion' [v. 20 NKJV]... We expect crossed arms... a furrowed brow... a guarded handshake... a stern lecture... Instead [the father said], 'Bring out the best robe... a ring... sandals... and... the fatted calf' [vv. 22-23 NKJV]." The ring symbolized delegated authority. The one who wore it carried on business in the name of the one who gave it. Would you have given this prodigal the power of attorney over your matters? Entrusted him with your credit card? When you came to God, you were given authority to conduct business in His name. When you speak truth, you're His ambassador (See 2 Corinthians 5:20). As you steward finances He gives, you're His business manager. When you proclaim forgiveness, you're His priest. He has given you the privilege to do for others what He does for you. Don't withhold encouragement or affirmation! Speak words that strengthen others. Why? Because you represent your Father!
This message taken from: Daily Devotional - The Word for You Today
When the father saw his prodigal son, "his heart went out to him." Jack Graham writes: "This isn't a father who can't wait to punish his sinful son... who has written him off as wasted and worthless. This is a loving, caring father who can't wait to embrace and welcome him. He runs down the road to meet him... What you see... is a picture of the Father's love for you... eager... excessive... approachable... abundant." Max Lucado adds: "The tale involves a wealthy father and a willful son [who]... takes his inheritance [to] Las Vegas and... wastes [it] on slot machines and call girls... Broke [and] too proud to go home, he gets a job sweeping... stables at the racetrack. When he finds himself... [eating]... their oats, he realizes enough is enough... Off he goes, rehearsing his repentance speech... But... 'When he was... a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion' [v. 20 NKJV]... We expect crossed arms... a furrowed brow... a guarded handshake... a stern lecture... Instead [the father said], 'Bring out the best robe... a ring... sandals... and... the fatted calf' [vv. 22-23 NKJV]." The ring symbolized delegated authority. The one who wore it carried on business in the name of the one who gave it. Would you have given this prodigal the power of attorney over your matters? Entrusted him with your credit card? When you came to God, you were given authority to conduct business in His name. When you speak truth, you're His ambassador (See 2 Corinthians 5:20). As you steward finances He gives, you're His business manager. When you proclaim forgiveness, you're His priest. He has given you the privilege to do for others what He does for you. Don't withhold encouragement or affirmation! Speak words that strengthen others. Why? Because you represent your Father!
This message taken from: Daily Devotional - The Word for You Today
Recent
Archive
2023
January
Enjoy Each Day Of This New Year (1)Enjoy Each Day Of This New Year (2)This Year Think "Possible" (1)This Year Think "Possible" (2)This Year Think "Possible" (3)Let God Lead YouGod Is Your ProviderYour Overflowing Cup Of BlessingSteps To Overcoming Your WorriesFocus On Your God-Given VisionThe Story Of Your BibleHow God Leads UsHow Jesus Dealt With SinAre You Joy-Deprived?It's Time To Pray (1)It's Time To Pray (2)Faith That Brings ResultsBe Faithful To God At WorkWhen Your Best Isn't Good EnoughToday, Give Your Problem To GodSteps To Forgiveness (1)Steps To Forgiveness (2)The Joys Of Heaven (1)The Joys Of Heaven (2)The Joys Of Heaven (3)Learn To Control Your AngerSeek God For DirectionTry A Power NapGo To The Right SourceHow God Sees YouYou Have To "Walk Out" The Process
2022
January
This Year, Glorify God And Enjoy HimHow To Be Fruitful (1)How To Be Fruitful (2)How To Be Fruitful (3)How To Be Fruitful (4)How To Be Fruitful (5)Don't Lose Your JoyThe Pharisee And The ProstituteBecome A WorshiperPeople With A Past (1)People With A Past (2)People With A Past (3)Acknowledging God's SovereigntyDon't Let Your Feelings Control YouLearning From LepersForgive Your Parents (1)Forgive Your Parents (2)Stick With God's Plan (1)Stick With God's Plan (2)Become A ConduitHave You Sinned? God Will Forgive YouHeaven Is RealBe A Restorer (1)Be A Restorer (2)Self-ControlYoked Together With JesusLiving By FaithChoose PeaceSay No To SinBe Courageous (1)Be Courageous (2)
February
Love Wherever We GoA Humble PostureA Fresh StartThe Wonder of CreationNot for Our ComfortSweet SleepGetting What We WantSuccess and SacrificeMortality and HumilityHis Amazing HelpThe Voice of the FatherLiving by FaithNot ForgottenThe Power of LoveWe Are OneWise AdviceBeing SeenLiftSpotting GodLeaning Into GodNever Say "Can't"Love Your Loved OnesThe Challenge of the StarsFollow the LeaderAvoid the DoorPart of the FamilyThe Joy of Good NewsChoosing Celebration
Categories
no categories