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
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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
February
Guard These Three Areas of VulnerabilitySimplify Your LifeOnward and UpwardYou Need Each Other (1)You Need Each Other (2)You Need Each Other (3)Showing Grace Toward Those Who Differ With YouAre You Having a Nighttime Experience?A Heart Filled With GoodnessChrist's Love for YouGive God All the GloryYou're a ReflectorYou Must Care for the Needy (1)You Must Care for the Needy (2)You Must Care for the Needy (3)Don't Give Up on Your SaulRecovering From BurnoutSetting Captives Free (1)Setting Captives Free (2)He Will Do It AgainBeware of Self-PityToday, Choose the Right AttitudeBuild a Relationship with Your Children"Servants" for LifeChange Your ExpectationsStart Memorizing ScripturesChrist is Coming Again!Friendship
March
Experiencing God's Presence And PleasureDon't Wait; Enjoy Your Life NowMoney Matters In MarriageUse Your God-Given CreativityA Prayer Of ForgivenessWhen God Sends You An Angel (1)When God Sends You An Angel (2)When God Sends You An Angel (3)When God Sends You An Angel (4)A Prayer For Financial ContentmentA Prayer Of Commitment To GodHaving A Vision For Your LifeChange Your Thinking, Change Your Life (1)Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life (2)Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life (3)Does It Glorify God?Lessons From A Broken HeartWhat You Must give UpYou Need OthersRebuilding Your Marriage (1)Rebuilding Your Marriage (2)Rebuilding Your Marriage (3)Rebuilding Your Marriage (4)Through Christ, You Can Do ItDepend More On GodStart Saying, "I Can"Refuse To Live In Fear (1)Refuse To Live In Fear (2)Refuse To Live In Fear (3)Refuse To Live In Fear (4)Prepare In Advance
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