DAY 10: INTIMACY THROUGH WEAKNESS

DAY 10: INTIMACY THROUGH WEAKNESS

SCRIPTURE:

Lk 15:20 …when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion,and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.

OBSERVATION:

The story of the prodigal son reminds us of the recklessness, selfishness and ingratitude of our human nature, and how if we were left to our own devices, we would end up in terrible trouble and disgrace. Yet, it is in those darkest moments, when we have lost everything and have no pride left, that God comes and comforts us and helps us, giving us hope and a future. The father did not condemn the prodigal son despite his many sins but simply embraced him and loved him. Such is the heart of our Heavenly Father who does not delight in punishing us as our sins deserve, but opens His hands warmly to embrace us and forgive us when we turn back to Him.

APPLICATION:

For some of us, we know we are currently far away from God. Perhaps we have drawn apart due to the attractions of the world, or selfish ambition. Do not ignore the Father' call to return to Him. Come back and find times of refreshing in communion with God. He accepts us freely and forgives us our sins when we turn back to Him. Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as the Israelites did so long ago but turn to God.

For some of us, perhaps we have been faithful and are struggling to go deeper in our Christian walk with God. Let us look back and remember and treasure the dark times where God came and helped us through. Let us remember how grateful we were that God sustained us, who brought us through the terrors of the night, and the dread of the day. Let us remember how precious God's intimacy was especially in those dark times, and draw strength from those memories, to help us push through in this current day.

PRAYER:

We praise You and thank You, Father God, for Your great love and forgiving heart to all Your children who turn back to You. You do not treat us as our sins deserve, but delight in us when we turn our hearts to You. Forgive us our sins O Lord, and restore the intimacy of our relationship with You. Bring us deeper and deeper in love with You, precious Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit. We thank You that in the darkest times, You were there for us, sustaining us, helping us, even when we did not realize it. We thank You for Your hand of protection that covered us from even worse calamities, than we even realized. In You O Lord, we have everlasting hope! May we grow strong in You as we learn to seek You day by day. In Jesus name, Amen.