Good Father

Last week we wrapped up Good Father and put a big bow on it...can you tell I'm ready for Christmas? In my own unbiased opinion, it was the best message of the whole series. Hope you didn't miss it...but if you did, I can catch you up!

When we get away from God's house, our relationship with Him suffers and too often when we have our own struggles in life, instead of running to God's house or God's people, we run from Him.

The first step towards ruin is deciding to run our lives independent of God. Yet, despite what you've done, God doesn't shun you. We learned from Luke 15 that the father in this story is a great parallel to our heavenly Father. If you know the story, you know that the younger son squandered all of his inheritance in wild living. When he came to his senses and headed home, the bible says

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.......32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’

This younger son went to his father and said, "give me..." The Lord won't always give us what we want but sometimes He will in order to teach us.

Thankful people realize what we've been given. What are you doing with the life God's given you? If you try and live your life without Jesus, you'll find yourself in need just like the younger brother.

Sin never looks good on anyone. Sin will make you look foolish and take you somewhere you don't want to be.

We do a great job at hiding our mess from people. Jesus embraces your mess.

Only Jesus can fill you. Everything else leaves you empty.

Repentance isn't just being sorry but then turning back and coming home.

The younger brother went from "give me..."(my inheritance) to "make me..." (your servant)

God gave us His best when we were at our worst...that's the GOSPEL!

Christians should CELEBRATE when people COME HOME!