We’ve all sinned and Jesus died to cover them all! All Christians in church should be there remembering and rejoicing over God’s forgiveness of their sins!
I am so sorry you feel ashamed. But God already knows and he wants you to come back to him and be cleaned of the shame you feel! Church is for imperfect people. Don’t be afraid to return ❤️
“Thus says God, ‘Why do you break the commandments of the Lord, so that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken the Lord, he has forsaken you.’” -ellie
It is sobering to read of Joash’s quickness to forget and depart from the wise counsel of Jehoida. These are souls prone to wander and pursue the world just like today. May we see the kindness and mercy of God who is steadfast while we are not.
I love the story of the prodigal son…because as much as it’s about the sons, it’s really all about the Father! What an amazing Father God we have, that no matter how we waste our opportunities or favour, he is always there for us to come running back to. ❤️
I was never raised with religion. I tried to attend church as a teen with a friend of mine, but I don’t recall a thing. I’m now 32, with an 8 year old son & would really like to have God in our hearts & our homes. The problem is, I don’t know how. I don’t know where to begin & everything I’m reading is only confusing me further. I feel AWFUL :( I want to let God in & I want to feel him there, but I don’t know how.
Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I feel this is why so many people shut the Lord out – because they just cannot understand. I don’t want to do that.
I think the biggest thing to know is God’s unconditional love. It’s okay to not understand everything now but in time you will. It is important to know God’s word because it is our shield to the world. But pray for patience and understanding God will guide you through this. I think what you are doing is amazing and I am in awe of how you just want to know more, it’s awesome. I’m 18 years old and I am from the south so I have been in church my whole life. I don’t know everything I need to know but I do know God is there and his love is amazing and we are his servants. He will take care of us and he will help you. Hang on to this desire to want to learn.
I think first and foremost it’s understanding that God loves you. There is nothing you can do to take his love away and all he wants it to spend time with you. I grew up in church and left it when I turned 18, I’m now 27 and learning for myself all there is to God (with the help of a couple teachers). He gives so much grace, love and mercy. He has amazing plans for you. He gives peace and strength. I think the more time you spend reading about him and talking with him, you will realize just who He is. Also, might I suggest a song that helps me so much it’s called “out of hiding” by Steffany Gretzinger…it’s kind of like a letter to his daughters from Him. Also, start reading about him in the New Testament (John is a great book).
It’s never easy to start but I was told read the Bible from the New Testament as stories like a novel to gain interest then re-read them listen to a worship song read the word meditate on what u have read and pray for application to ur life. I hope it helps it’s not easy I still struggle you need to make the time is all
Crystal – when my boys were small and I didn’t know a thing either I started with a good children’s bible. Start there and God will guide your thirst for Him! I’ll be praying for you.
You do not need to feel awful. You are on the right path! Start to read bible stories with your son. Something like The Beginner’s Bible: Timeless Children’s Stories. Also, Adventures in Odyssey is a great radio program. I borrow them from the library on cd or you can listen to episodes free online. Awesome stories! Learning about God in real life adventures.
I was once listening to a sermon where the preacher said “sometimes we forget what a miracle it was that God saved us ” we can forget that all of us were prodigal sons who had taken what really belonged to God , tried to live our own way and failed before returning to a gracious father who had always loved us. We can sometimes then look at others like the older brother ” they don’t deserve it – they are sinners – they shouldn’t get the blessing I got” yet we too didn’t deserve it – are sinners and yet God pours out blessings! He forgives us! What a good good father!
Tears because I’ve been both sons! At one time lost and away from my God, then next phase bitter for the blessing another lost sheep receives. Oh Lord in your great love, help us rejoice when another turns from their wicked ways to a life with You, knowing their acceptance does not affect our good standing with You — “My son, you are always with me and all I have is yours” are your words to us Father, we as your children partake in all your blessings so help us rejoice with you when our brother returns & not grow bitter!
Luke 15:4-7 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
God’s ways are so amazing to me. This part of Luke just sums up God’s all-encompassing grace that I cannot even begin to fathom – he never leaves anyone behind. My friend is currently on a Mission trip in Africa and she emailed a story about how many of her (and other interns’) belongings were stolen. They ended up finding the man who stole their things. My initial thought was that the man should be punished. But what my friend explained in the email was that the interns wanted to maintain a relationship with the man and show him God’s grace, as opposed to being angry with him.
God works in incredible ways and i was truly amazed with the fact that they were willing to forgive and even teach the man about God’s word. Jesus said it himself, he came not to save the righteous but to save the sinners, and although I (we) may not be the same type of sinner as this man (who was known for theft multiple times in the area), I am still a sinner (we are all sinners) and i (we) always will be. God, however , is always willing to take me (us) into his loving arms and forgive me (us).
This makes me want to be strong in the Lord. I don’t want to get an ego boost from some big people if it leads me to turn away from God in any way. I want to be cautious of where my security comes from.
It is a comfort to know that God’s eyes are always searching for us; that he never gives up on us. He always desires a relationship with us, despite what we have done or how far we have wandered. Wow.
ever feel like the lost son? As if you try so hard to obey, but often don’t get noticed for it? This is a hard thing to overcome but it’s really not worth the resentment. Give is to God who knows and will reward in full – then share in the celebration, knowing that God is good. He is faithful. He is fair. He is compassionate!
Luke 15 is an amazing illustration of God’s everlasting love for us! Once we are adopted into His family through belief in His son, there is NOTHING that can separate us. “He is faithful when we are not!” Likewise, the son in Jesus’ parable never stopped being his fathers son when he turned his back on him. Once the son returned home (changed his mind aka repenting) his father welcomed him right back into close relationship!! We have everlasting life through Jesus all because of what He did not because of what we continue to do! When we do not follow His principles we are always welcome back if we decide to change our mind and return to relationship with Him. But our righteous standing in His eyes never changes. I praise God for that fact and assurance we receive in Scripture.
I am guilty of this very thing. My days get away from me. The kids/my spouse have me going in a million different directions and before I know it I have walked out on God. I haven’t take the time to be in his word, to thoughtfully pray and meditate, or listen to the still small voice of the spirit. Dehydrated is a great visual of how I feel because I have lost the order of things in my life
20 Then the Spirit of God moved Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest to speak up: “God’s word: Why have you deliberately walked away from God’s commandments? You can’t live this way! If you walk out on God, he’ll walk out on you.”
To me this means to celebrate in what others have/other people’s triumphs rather than be thinking about what you don’t have.
“Comparison is the their of fulfillment.”
So often I get frustrated when I don’t get what I want or what I pray for. I see a lot of the other brother in myself in assuming that since I’m doing the right thing and living a “Christian” life that I should constantly be rewarded for that. But what think about is that my ultimate reward is getting to spend my eternal life in heaven with God himself. It’s not my job to get praised for what I do here on earth, that comes later. It’s my job to seek out the lost sinners and bring them home, and rejoice when they do because that’s one more person joining God’s kingdom.
this is sorta confusing but it doesn’t make any sense to go after a short fix in happiness because while going after the little things you might loose the big picture and get stuck with close to nothing in the end.
I believe that this passage is trying to say that it doesn’t make sense to go after a short “fix” in happiness because while going after the little things you might loose the big picture and get stuck with close to nothing in the end.
I really think this impacts me in that it points out any sinner can be saved from the wrath of God if they realize their faults and repent. We can’t compare ourselves to others like the second brother does to the first. We have to be joyful for any of the lost sheep, not judge and not be self-centered. I often struggle with comparing myself to others as well as wondering what is in it for me, instead of what I should be doing for others and the joy I should be extending to the lost.
I have just finished reading the New Testament and I’ve started this plan to help me better understand the word of God (I am a very new Christian). Would anyone be able to help me better understand the layout for this plan? For example, is the message from both of these texts linked or does one help explain the other? Please excuse my ignorance.
Never mind, I have just realized that because it’s mid year I’ve jumped in mid way through the reading plan. Phew, no wonder some of it went over my head :) Off to the beginning of the plan I go. Happy reading ladies xo
Oh how often I’ve been the older son, resentful of the prodigal son’s return because I’ve always been here by my Father’s side! …or have I?? Then I remember when I haven’t been…when I’ve actually been the younger son skipping happily towards sin, my inheritance in hand to blow, embracing a lifestyle of reckless abandon and doing it my way. Coming up short, ending on empty, tearfully looking up to where I know the source of all the good I once had waits, pondering my next step, lovingly inviting me home. Oh, yes, Lord you were there- when I was in fact the prodigal daughter. How could I forget I’ve been both sons?
Seeking instead the heart of the Father who welcomed both sons home, the younger while yet still on the road with a fattened calf, the older while in the field steeped in resentment for his brother. Both sons welcomed back in the way that most spoke to their hearts. Thank you God for welcoming us home into your arms….in exactly the way we need to be reached. I’m so grateful.
I’ve heard a lot of comparison this week to how Christians should treat those of the LGBT community with the way that Jesus loved and ate with sinners. However, I think that we sometimes forget to keep reading. Jesus tells the Pharisees that he comes to save those who are lost and that Heaven rejoices over the repentant sinner. Repentance is key. Jesus didn’t just hang out with people who lived in sin, he loved and spent time with them to bring them to repentance and into his flock!
On this subject, I have a question that I’ve wanted clarified for a while. If we don’t really take into account the laws that were put forth in the Old Testament, things like markings on your bodies (tattoos) and such, then why do we hold onto the fact that homosexuality is a sin? As far as I am aware, and please correct me if I am wrong, there’s nothing said in the New Testament about homosexuality. I just don’t really understand this.
I think to understand this, you should explore why gender is so important and the purpose of sex. I am still learning these things, so I don’t want to throw out a bunch of random snippets of info. But gender and the purpose for gender is significant and important and REAL. And sex is meant to bind two people into one and for babies and both of those must happen in marriage.
The last thing to remember is to read the bible as one narrative. So even if homosexuality isn’t explicitly mentioned in the NT, God is God and what he says and creates in the beginning stands now.
But I’m still learning a lot about this too lauren! Those are definitely great questions and I have so many more off of those.
I’ve had this same question on my mind about a year or so ago, and my dad helped explain it to me. The laws of the Old Testament that you mentioned were for the Jews and Israelites. But we are Gentiles! The law was never meant for us; even if it was, when Christ overcame the grave, he fulfilled the law. And there are a few mentions in the NT. Romans 1:26-28, mark 10:6-9, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Matthew 19:4-6 and others. Hope this helps!
I’m not sure “fulfilled the law means scratch it out & make it void”:: “www.thefreedictionary.com › fulfill
– ful·filled, ful·fill·ing, ful·fills also ful·fils. 1. To bring into actuality; effect or make real”:: so actually, Christ’s fulfillment of the law made the law more real than ever before! But we can’t do what the law is asking alone. The grace that came with this fulfillment is what covers our sin & makes us a holy vessel able to receive forgiveness from the Father (whereas there was no way for this to happen apart from sacrifices, before Christ)- not as a blanket pardon from our sin, aka the law, what we are powerless to do without Christ.
Being Gentiles we are adopted into the family, into sons hip, so it’s not like the law doesn’t apply – we choose the law & believe in its ultimate fulfillment through the shedding of Christ’s blood! We are just as accountable for our actions as the Jews/Israelites.
So back to the question// is homosexuality a sin? The bible makes it clear. But is it any different than my sin? My gossiping, my temper, my stubbornness and my fear? Nope. Not even by a fraction! Sin is sin is sin is sin, and no one is without it. Lord let us be a people that imitate your Son and point all our friends to you in spite of our sin, whatever it may be. I hope my opinion drenches grace over the conversation and doesn’t incite any flames. All love!
I know that it has been a while since you posted this, but , this is a very important point for me. Jesus was the ULTIMATE sacrifice. His blood shed covers all sin- past, present and future. His sacrifice fulfilled the laws requirements for sacrifice and made us holy. Not by our works, but by his goodness. We are no longer held by the Old Testament Law. It has no power over us anymore. The law was given to show the people their flaws and to realize the need for a savior. Grace was given to expunge our records. Sin is still sin, but God no longer holds our sins against us after we take him into our hearts and confess our sins. This includes ALL sin.
Grace gives us freedom from the condemnation of the law. As Christians, we do our best and try to live a life that will bring glory to his name, but when we fall, there is no longer condemnation.
My struggle with the subject has led me more to focus on how I am to behave and love, and less on whether or not what an unbeliever is doing is a sin. What someone else does is between them and God, and if I can be a witness and bring them into a relationship with Jesus the conviction and repentance will follow. It’s not my job to say “this is a sin.” It’s my job to say, “you can be free, and here is how.”
Also, thank you Lauren for being able to lovingly give your response and opinion without anger or pride coloring your words. Too many Christians are using this as a platform to destroy each other and tear down, not build up. We need to have these conversations!!
I have had this explanation given to me: all things are now permissible not all things are profitable. In other word we will suffer the consequences of our choices.
Hi Lauren, some Christians don’t hold on to them! As a Christian another Christian writer called Glennon Doyle Melton sums up my thoughts on Christianity and sexuality. If you google Momastry you’ll find her!
The parable of the prodigal son is one I have always loved but also struggled with. My soul is torn open. I am brought to tears every time I read v.20, “[…] 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.” This is the most beautiful picture to me in the entire Bible of our Father’s unconditional love and grace for us. And oh how many times I have been the younger son, falling into my Father’s arms after struggling to do things my way. But sadly, I also often relate much too closely to the older son. Entitled, judgmental, and filled with frustration at the grace extended to those I view as unworthy of my Father’s grace and abundance. What strikes me is the father’s compassion too on the older son in v.31, “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.” This parable hits my soul in such deep places that I see so much of my humanity…so much of me that is so far from being Christ-like. It illuminates parts of my heart I wish to keep dark and dusty. The younger brother intent on making his own way. The older brother angry at the grace extended to someone unworthy. I am both. This is a parable I will read many more times throughout my years and it will continue to bring me to my knees. Lord, you know my heart. You know the parts I wish to keep secret. Nothing is hidden from you. You rejoice of over my repentance. And yet you lovingly remind me of my place as your child when I can’t understand your grace. Lord thank you for your compassion and your merciful love for me. I pray that you will always shine light in the dark places of my heart.
Thank you for your honesty. I can relate to every word you said. I have myself been on both sides of this. I don’t like the feeling of each son’s position, but I need to fully rest in HIS grace. I am ever thankful for Jesus covering all my sin.
True examples that leaders are impactful and sometimes we must stand up to be the leaders who always speak Gods word! In the Luke chapter, it hit me to remember no matter what – when I was saved God rejoiced but having his love each and every day is my prize!
Good morning! I wonder how the people of Israel and Judah felt seeing their leaders constantly falling back into idols. They must have seen that when they followed the Lord they would prosper, and when they followed idols they were beaten.
This verse also struck me:
“But in the seventh year Jehoiada TOOK COURAGE…”
— The courage of even one person to stand up for God can set many people free from Satan’s slavery… I want to be the Jehoida of my generation… of my circle of influence.. My courage (rooted in my knowldge of God’s goodness and His promises) can set my loved ones and friends free from many years of slavery from Satan’s lies!
So many revelation from the Lord from today’s reading! My cup overflows! Good morning sisters! :)
“Why do you disobey the Lord’s commands and keep yourselves from prospering?” -2 Chronicles 24:20
–It has always been God’s desire to prosper His people… I see how His heart breaks when people s disobey Him because they’re missing out on the great plans that He wants to give them… give us!
Lord, may I never doubt Your goodness, but obey Your commands not out of duty, but out of faith that You have given them for my own good! :)
Luke 15, this exactly what I’m praying for with everything going on in this country (America) this week. People are going off and turning to “wild living” and I pray just like what happened to the son in this story, it reveals the true darkness, pain and slavery/bondage that they’re in and they come running back to Jesus and Truth so they can be fully embraced with love and joy.
It’s sad to see the way Joash changed over the years of his reign. Do you think he was sincerely following God early on, or was that just Jehoiada’s influence?
It seems to me that he was so young when put on the throne, that he was more like a figurehead and the priest was really more of the king. Once the priest died, then he did what was either in his own heart to do or was easily influenced by the ungodly.
A huge warning to us all to choose godly friends and counselors who challenge us to godly living. 1 Cor 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” Jehoida was a godly man who guided Joash well. I wish Joash would have finished strong. God, help us to finish strong.
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Praise God our selfishness is forgiven.
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Lord, keep us from being like the Pharisees / older brother.
Let us delight in the company of the Father, and rejoice knowing He is always near.
Let us believe that our eternal inheritance is available to us on earth. “It is [our] Father’s good pleasure to give [us] the kingdom!” -Luke 12:32
And let us celebrate the life and redemption of those around us with all we’ve got.
Did anyone else lose June 26th with the update? Mine has completely disappeared.
Yes, mine did that as well.
Yes! I had to look up the passages that would have been posted for the 26th.
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7Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
How many of us don’t stop to even celebrate with a young goat because we forget all He has is ours too.
I committed a sin and that leads me to stop going to church because I’m ashamed e of myself.
Take your sins to Jesus. You are loved whatever you have done x
We’ve all sinned and Jesus died to cover them all! All Christians in church should be there remembering and rejoicing over God’s forgiveness of their sins!
I am so sorry you feel ashamed. But God already knows and he wants you to come back to him and be cleaned of the shame you feel! Church is for imperfect people. Don’t be afraid to return ❤️
I committed a sin amd that leads me to stop going to chirch because I’m ashame oglf myself.
I started today
Today is the first day of the Bible in 365. I’m excited to join everyone in their reflections and prayers! ♥️
I started today
“Thus says God, ‘Why do you break the commandments of the Lord, so that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken the Lord, he has forsaken you.’” -ellie
It is sobering to read of Joash’s quickness to forget and depart from the wise counsel of Jehoida. These are souls prone to wander and pursue the world just like today. May we see the kindness and mercy of God who is steadfast while we are not.
Yes Tina!
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10Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
I love the story of the prodigal son…because as much as it’s about the sons, it’s really all about the Father! What an amazing Father God we have, that no matter how we waste our opportunities or favour, he is always there for us to come running back to. ❤️
I was never raised with religion. I tried to attend church as a teen with a friend of mine, but I don’t recall a thing. I’m now 32, with an 8 year old son & would really like to have God in our hearts & our homes. The problem is, I don’t know how. I don’t know where to begin & everything I’m reading is only confusing me further. I feel AWFUL :( I want to let God in & I want to feel him there, but I don’t know how.
Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I feel this is why so many people shut the Lord out – because they just cannot understand. I don’t want to do that.
I think the biggest thing to know is God’s unconditional love. It’s okay to not understand everything now but in time you will. It is important to know God’s word because it is our shield to the world. But pray for patience and understanding God will guide you through this. I think what you are doing is amazing and I am in awe of how you just want to know more, it’s awesome. I’m 18 years old and I am from the south so I have been in church my whole life. I don’t know everything I need to know but I do know God is there and his love is amazing and we are his servants. He will take care of us and he will help you. Hang on to this desire to want to learn.
I think first and foremost it’s understanding that God loves you. There is nothing you can do to take his love away and all he wants it to spend time with you. I grew up in church and left it when I turned 18, I’m now 27 and learning for myself all there is to God (with the help of a couple teachers). He gives so much grace, love and mercy. He has amazing plans for you. He gives peace and strength. I think the more time you spend reading about him and talking with him, you will realize just who He is. Also, might I suggest a song that helps me so much it’s called “out of hiding” by Steffany Gretzinger…it’s kind of like a letter to his daughters from Him. Also, start reading about him in the New Testament (John is a great book).
It’s never easy to start but I was told read the Bible from the New Testament as stories like a novel to gain interest then re-read them listen to a worship song read the word meditate on what u have read and pray for application to ur life. I hope it helps it’s not easy I still struggle you need to make the time is all
Crystal – when my boys were small and I didn’t know a thing either I started with a good children’s bible. Start there and God will guide your thirst for Him! I’ll be praying for you.
You do not need to feel awful. You are on the right path! Start to read bible stories with your son. Something like The Beginner’s Bible: Timeless Children’s Stories. Also, Adventures in Odyssey is a great radio program. I borrow them from the library on cd or you can listen to episodes free online. Awesome stories! Learning about God in real life adventures.
Also my eldest brother is far from God right now – he has rejected God in a huge way and so if you’re reading this then please pray for him! Thanks
Praying now Sophie.
Praying. My daughter is rejecting the things of God too. It is heartbreaking
im praying for you and your brother sophie.
I was once listening to a sermon where the preacher said “sometimes we forget what a miracle it was that God saved us ” we can forget that all of us were prodigal sons who had taken what really belonged to God , tried to live our own way and failed before returning to a gracious father who had always loved us. We can sometimes then look at others like the older brother ” they don’t deserve it – they are sinners – they shouldn’t get the blessing I got” yet we too didn’t deserve it – are sinners and yet God pours out blessings! He forgives us! What a good good father!
Never forget God loves all of his children
I had forgotten how Joash’s life ended. What a sad story, but an interesting contrast with the prodigal son. It’s never too late to turn back to God.
Gods love will always be there for us and it is comforting to know he is always watching.
Tears because I’ve been both sons! At one time lost and away from my God, then next phase bitter for the blessing another lost sheep receives. Oh Lord in your great love, help us rejoice when another turns from their wicked ways to a life with You, knowing their acceptance does not affect our good standing with You — “My son, you are always with me and all I have is yours” are your words to us Father, we as your children partake in all your blessings so help us rejoice with you when our brother returns & not grow bitter!
Luke 15:4-7 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
God’s ways are so amazing to me. This part of Luke just sums up God’s all-encompassing grace that I cannot even begin to fathom – he never leaves anyone behind. My friend is currently on a Mission trip in Africa and she emailed a story about how many of her (and other interns’) belongings were stolen. They ended up finding the man who stole their things. My initial thought was that the man should be punished. But what my friend explained in the email was that the interns wanted to maintain a relationship with the man and show him God’s grace, as opposed to being angry with him.
God works in incredible ways and i was truly amazed with the fact that they were willing to forgive and even teach the man about God’s word. Jesus said it himself, he came not to save the righteous but to save the sinners, and although I (we) may not be the same type of sinner as this man (who was known for theft multiple times in the area), I am still a sinner (we are all sinners) and i (we) always will be. God, however , is always willing to take me (us) into his loving arms and forgive me (us).
This makes me want to be strong in the Lord. I don’t want to get an ego boost from some big people if it leads me to turn away from God in any way. I want to be cautious of where my security comes from.
It is a comfort to know that God’s eyes are always searching for us; that he never gives up on us. He always desires a relationship with us, despite what we have done or how far we have wandered. Wow.
ever feel like the lost son? As if you try so hard to obey, but often don’t get noticed for it? This is a hard thing to overcome but it’s really not worth the resentment. Give is to God who knows and will reward in full – then share in the celebration, knowing that God is good. He is faithful. He is fair. He is compassionate!
*the second son
Luke 15 is an amazing illustration of God’s everlasting love for us! Once we are adopted into His family through belief in His son, there is NOTHING that can separate us. “He is faithful when we are not!” Likewise, the son in Jesus’ parable never stopped being his fathers son when he turned his back on him. Once the son returned home (changed his mind aka repenting) his father welcomed him right back into close relationship!! We have everlasting life through Jesus all because of what He did not because of what we continue to do! When we do not follow His principles we are always welcome back if we decide to change our mind and return to relationship with Him. But our righteous standing in His eyes never changes. I praise God for that fact and assurance we receive in Scripture.
I am guilty of this very thing. My days get away from me. The kids/my spouse have me going in a million different directions and before I know it I have walked out on God. I haven’t take the time to be in his word, to thoughtfully pray and meditate, or listen to the still small voice of the spirit. Dehydrated is a great visual of how I feel because I have lost the order of things in my life
20 Then the Spirit of God moved Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest to speak up: “God’s word: Why have you deliberately walked away from God’s commandments? You can’t live this way! If you walk out on God, he’ll walk out on you.”
It’s hard for me to pronounce their names correctly. Can anybody help?
Good stuff today!
To me this means to celebrate in what others have/other people’s triumphs rather than be thinking about what you don’t have.
“Comparison is the their of fulfillment.”
I understand this scripture so much better now
So often I get frustrated when I don’t get what I want or what I pray for. I see a lot of the other brother in myself in assuming that since I’m doing the right thing and living a “Christian” life that I should constantly be rewarded for that. But what think about is that my ultimate reward is getting to spend my eternal life in heaven with God himself. It’s not my job to get praised for what I do here on earth, that comes later. It’s my job to seek out the lost sinners and bring them home, and rejoice when they do because that’s one more person joining God’s kingdom.
I believe that this verse is saying to not go after the short fixes! We will loose the big picture and stray due to that small amount of happiness..
this is sorta confusing but it doesn’t make any sense to go after a short fix in happiness because while going after the little things you might loose the big picture and get stuck with close to nothing in the end.
I am a little confused with the story. Would anyone be kind enough to explain it to me? Sorry for the trouble
I believe that this passage is trying to say that it doesn’t make sense to go after a short “fix” in happiness because while going after the little things you might loose the big picture and get stuck with close to nothing in the end.
Can u help explain this to me?
I really think this impacts me in that it points out any sinner can be saved from the wrath of God if they realize their faults and repent. We can’t compare ourselves to others like the second brother does to the first. We have to be joyful for any of the lost sheep, not judge and not be self-centered. I often struggle with comparing myself to others as well as wondering what is in it for me, instead of what I should be doing for others and the joy I should be extending to the lost.
to have a heart like Jesus and not like a Pharasee
I have just finished reading the New Testament and I’ve started this plan to help me better understand the word of God (I am a very new Christian). Would anyone be able to help me better understand the layout for this plan? For example, is the message from both of these texts linked or does one help explain the other? Please excuse my ignorance.
Never mind, I have just realized that because it’s mid year I’ve jumped in mid way through the reading plan. Phew, no wonder some of it went over my head :) Off to the beginning of the plan I go. Happy reading ladies xo
Oh how often I’ve been the older son, resentful of the prodigal son’s return because I’ve always been here by my Father’s side! …or have I?? Then I remember when I haven’t been…when I’ve actually been the younger son skipping happily towards sin, my inheritance in hand to blow, embracing a lifestyle of reckless abandon and doing it my way. Coming up short, ending on empty, tearfully looking up to where I know the source of all the good I once had waits, pondering my next step, lovingly inviting me home. Oh, yes, Lord you were there- when I was in fact the prodigal daughter. How could I forget I’ve been both sons?
Seeking instead the heart of the Father who welcomed both sons home, the younger while yet still on the road with a fattened calf, the older while in the field steeped in resentment for his brother. Both sons welcomed back in the way that most spoke to their hearts. Thank you God for welcoming us home into your arms….in exactly the way we need to be reached. I’m so grateful.
Amen!!
Beautifully put! ❤️
I’ve heard a lot of comparison this week to how Christians should treat those of the LGBT community with the way that Jesus loved and ate with sinners. However, I think that we sometimes forget to keep reading. Jesus tells the Pharisees that he comes to save those who are lost and that Heaven rejoices over the repentant sinner. Repentance is key. Jesus didn’t just hang out with people who lived in sin, he loved and spent time with them to bring them to repentance and into his flock!
Yes!
On this subject, I have a question that I’ve wanted clarified for a while. If we don’t really take into account the laws that were put forth in the Old Testament, things like markings on your bodies (tattoos) and such, then why do we hold onto the fact that homosexuality is a sin? As far as I am aware, and please correct me if I am wrong, there’s nothing said in the New Testament about homosexuality. I just don’t really understand this.
I think to understand this, you should explore why gender is so important and the purpose of sex. I am still learning these things, so I don’t want to throw out a bunch of random snippets of info. But gender and the purpose for gender is significant and important and REAL. And sex is meant to bind two people into one and for babies and both of those must happen in marriage.
The last thing to remember is to read the bible as one narrative. So even if homosexuality isn’t explicitly mentioned in the NT, God is God and what he says and creates in the beginning stands now.
But I’m still learning a lot about this too lauren! Those are definitely great questions and I have so many more off of those.
I’ve had this same question on my mind about a year or so ago, and my dad helped explain it to me. The laws of the Old Testament that you mentioned were for the Jews and Israelites. But we are Gentiles! The law was never meant for us; even if it was, when Christ overcame the grave, he fulfilled the law. And there are a few mentions in the NT. Romans 1:26-28, mark 10:6-9, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Matthew 19:4-6 and others. Hope this helps!
Thank you for sharing those verses with me! Those definitely helped :)
I’m not sure “fulfilled the law means scratch it out & make it void”:: “www.thefreedictionary.com › fulfill
– ful·filled, ful·fill·ing, ful·fills also ful·fils. 1. To bring into actuality; effect or make real”:: so actually, Christ’s fulfillment of the law made the law more real than ever before! But we can’t do what the law is asking alone. The grace that came with this fulfillment is what covers our sin & makes us a holy vessel able to receive forgiveness from the Father (whereas there was no way for this to happen apart from sacrifices, before Christ)- not as a blanket pardon from our sin, aka the law, what we are powerless to do without Christ.
Being Gentiles we are adopted into the family, into sons hip, so it’s not like the law doesn’t apply – we choose the law & believe in its ultimate fulfillment through the shedding of Christ’s blood! We are just as accountable for our actions as the Jews/Israelites.
So back to the question// is homosexuality a sin? The bible makes it clear. But is it any different than my sin? My gossiping, my temper, my stubbornness and my fear? Nope. Not even by a fraction! Sin is sin is sin is sin, and no one is without it. Lord let us be a people that imitate your Son and point all our friends to you in spite of our sin, whatever it may be. I hope my opinion drenches grace over the conversation and doesn’t incite any flames. All love!
*sonship not sons hip! Sorry!
I know that it has been a while since you posted this, but , this is a very important point for me. Jesus was the ULTIMATE sacrifice. His blood shed covers all sin- past, present and future. His sacrifice fulfilled the laws requirements for sacrifice and made us holy. Not by our works, but by his goodness. We are no longer held by the Old Testament Law. It has no power over us anymore. The law was given to show the people their flaws and to realize the need for a savior. Grace was given to expunge our records. Sin is still sin, but God no longer holds our sins against us after we take him into our hearts and confess our sins. This includes ALL sin.
Grace gives us freedom from the condemnation of the law. As Christians, we do our best and try to live a life that will bring glory to his name, but when we fall, there is no longer condemnation.
My struggle with the subject has led me more to focus on how I am to behave and love, and less on whether or not what an unbeliever is doing is a sin. What someone else does is between them and God, and if I can be a witness and bring them into a relationship with Jesus the conviction and repentance will follow. It’s not my job to say “this is a sin.” It’s my job to say, “you can be free, and here is how.”
Also, thank you Lauren for being able to lovingly give your response and opinion without anger or pride coloring your words. Too many Christians are using this as a platform to destroy each other and tear down, not build up. We need to have these conversations!!
Very true, open communication and understanding !
I have had this explanation given to me: all things are now permissible not all things are profitable. In other word we will suffer the consequences of our choices.
Hi Lauren, some Christians don’t hold on to them! As a Christian another Christian writer called Glennon Doyle Melton sums up my thoughts on Christianity and sexuality. If you google Momastry you’ll find her!
The parable of the prodigal son is one I have always loved but also struggled with. My soul is torn open. I am brought to tears every time I read v.20, “[…] 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.” This is the most beautiful picture to me in the entire Bible of our Father’s unconditional love and grace for us. And oh how many times I have been the younger son, falling into my Father’s arms after struggling to do things my way. But sadly, I also often relate much too closely to the older son. Entitled, judgmental, and filled with frustration at the grace extended to those I view as unworthy of my Father’s grace and abundance. What strikes me is the father’s compassion too on the older son in v.31, “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.” This parable hits my soul in such deep places that I see so much of my humanity…so much of me that is so far from being Christ-like. It illuminates parts of my heart I wish to keep dark and dusty. The younger brother intent on making his own way. The older brother angry at the grace extended to someone unworthy. I am both. This is a parable I will read many more times throughout my years and it will continue to bring me to my knees. Lord, you know my heart. You know the parts I wish to keep secret. Nothing is hidden from you. You rejoice of over my repentance. And yet you lovingly remind me of my place as your child when I can’t understand your grace. Lord thank you for your compassion and your merciful love for me. I pray that you will always shine light in the dark places of my heart.
What a beautiful prayer Christina. Thank you for sharing your beautiful heart!
You put into words exactly what I feel about that parable!
Thank you for your honesty. I can relate to every word you said. I have myself been on both sides of this. I don’t like the feeling of each son’s position, but I need to fully rest in HIS grace. I am ever thankful for Jesus covering all my sin.
Amen. Beautiful words and sum up my thoughts on this parable. Thank you.
True examples that leaders are impactful and sometimes we must stand up to be the leaders who always speak Gods word! In the Luke chapter, it hit me to remember no matter what – when I was saved God rejoiced but having his love each and every day is my prize!
Good morning! I wonder how the people of Israel and Judah felt seeing their leaders constantly falling back into idols. They must have seen that when they followed the Lord they would prosper, and when they followed idols they were beaten.
This verse also struck me:
“But in the seventh year Jehoiada TOOK COURAGE…”
— The courage of even one person to stand up for God can set many people free from Satan’s slavery… I want to be the Jehoida of my generation… of my circle of influence.. My courage (rooted in my knowldge of God’s goodness and His promises) can set my loved ones and friends free from many years of slavery from Satan’s lies!
So many revelation from the Lord from today’s reading! My cup overflows! Good morning sisters! :)
Amen misce!
Yes, so good. Thank you.
Beautiful insight!
“Why do you disobey the Lord’s commands and keep yourselves from prospering?” -2 Chronicles 24:20
–It has always been God’s desire to prosper His people… I see how His heart breaks when people s disobey Him because they’re missing out on the great plans that He wants to give them… give us!
Lord, may I never doubt Your goodness, but obey Your commands not out of duty, but out of faith that You have given them for my own good! :)
oh man, that verse is perfect! thanks for sharing!
Luke 15, this exactly what I’m praying for with everything going on in this country (America) this week. People are going off and turning to “wild living” and I pray just like what happened to the son in this story, it reveals the true darkness, pain and slavery/bondage that they’re in and they come running back to Jesus and Truth so they can be fully embraced with love and joy.
It’s sad to see the way Joash changed over the years of his reign. Do you think he was sincerely following God early on, or was that just Jehoiada’s influence?
It seems to me that he was so young when put on the throne, that he was more like a figurehead and the priest was really more of the king. Once the priest died, then he did what was either in his own heart to do or was easily influenced by the ungodly.
good insight Sandy!
A huge warning to us all to choose godly friends and counselors who challenge us to godly living. 1 Cor 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” Jehoida was a godly man who guided Joash well. I wish Joash would have finished strong. God, help us to finish strong.
Thank you, Jesus, for running to me and loving me even after I’ve slipped up.