Like the father of the Prodigal Son, our heavenly Father will not force us to remain with Him. If we ignore His guiding Holy Spirit and insist on following an ungodly path, He'll let us go our own way.
Examining the parable, we learn what happens if we move outside of God's plan.
• Our fellowship with the Father is significantly affected. The wayward son was no longer in close contact with his dad; their relationship was not as important to him as it had been. If we wander and make ourselves top priority over the Lord, we will also experience a disconnect with our heavenly Father. As Christians, we cannot move off God's chosen path without first closing our mind and heart to His truth and His call on our lives.
Our resources—time, talent, and treasure—are wasted. The son squandered his money on frivolous things and ended up worse off than the laborers at his father's house. God has bestowed spiritual gifts and material resources to build His kingdom, and He's also provided His Spirit to offer guidance. Pursuing our own plan wastes what He has given us.
Our deepest needs go unmet. Chasing after dreams that are outside of God's purposes will lead to discontent. Only in Christ can we find true fulfillment.
A great weariness will overtake us if we live apart from God. Poor choices can result in lifelong regrets, but they don't have to dictate our future. The heavenly Father will welcome us with great joy and love when we repent and turn back to Him. Have you wandered away? He's waiting for you.
Thanks Charles Stanley for this Devotion..
Examining the parable, we learn what happens if we move outside of God's plan.
• Our fellowship with the Father is significantly affected. The wayward son was no longer in close contact with his dad; their relationship was not as important to him as it had been. If we wander and make ourselves top priority over the Lord, we will also experience a disconnect with our heavenly Father. As Christians, we cannot move off God's chosen path without first closing our mind and heart to His truth and His call on our lives.
Our resources—time, talent, and treasure—are wasted. The son squandered his money on frivolous things and ended up worse off than the laborers at his father's house. God has bestowed spiritual gifts and material resources to build His kingdom, and He's also provided His Spirit to offer guidance. Pursuing our own plan wastes what He has given us.
Our deepest needs go unmet. Chasing after dreams that are outside of God's purposes will lead to discontent. Only in Christ can we find true fulfillment.
A great weariness will overtake us if we live apart from God. Poor choices can result in lifelong regrets, but they don't have to dictate our future. The heavenly Father will welcome us with great joy and love when we repent and turn back to Him. Have you wandered away? He's waiting for you.
Thanks Charles Stanley for this Devotion..
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After reading them all thrice not twice. This one is my favorite to date. It's very easy to relate the Parable of the Prodicgal son.This story has been repeated time and time again in everyday life. Everyone knows someone who has experienced this, maybe even with a slight twist.For moments like that I just continually repeat in my head ," But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Which shows up twice once in Matthew 6:33 KJV and Luke 12:31 KJV Some scriptures just have to be in your mind and ready to pull to the front when you need them. So yes :-) this is my favorite.