THE WAY HOME

There's an interesting story in the Bible about two brothers.  The younger one rebelled, took what he could from the father, and left home to waste it all on wine, women, and who knows what else!   What a BAD BOY was he!!! The older brother, however,  remained home and took care of his duties and responsibilities--always obeying his father.  What a GOOD BOY he was!!!

The younger son soon ran out of money--became homeless and the only job this Jewish boy could find was to work for a pig farmer!  He finally realized it'd be better for him to return home, ask his father's forgiveness, and hope he could at least reside there and work as a servant for his father.

What a surprise when he returned!  His father rejoiced, wrapped his arms around him, threw him a big party, placed a ring on his finger and a robe on his back.  BUT, the older brother REFUSED to FORGIVE his brother or accept him back into the household.

I don't believe we can truly LOVE if we can't truly FORGIVE.  Love doesn't excuse or ignore sin.  It doesn't accept bad behavior.  However, LOVE loves the sinner.  In "The Lord's Prayer" we are to ask, "forgive us our trespasses (sins) as we forgive those who trespass against us." 

Once the younger son repented and asked forgiveness, he and his father restored their broken relationship and reconnected.  But the elder son refused to forgive or enter in to a relationship with his father or his brother.

So many go to church faithfully--and try to follow all the rules--but they are nothing more than modern-day Pharisees!  They obey The Law, participate in the rituals, give their $$$ to charities, and do countless "good deeds" daily.  Yet--they never "enter into" a personal relationship with The Father.  The one who really LOST (in the end) was the elder brother.   He, too, needed to repent for his sin of unforgiveness and enter in to a right relationship with his father and his brother.

Where are you today?  Are you lost...have you gone astray?  If so, turn around and go the right way back to The Father and let Him wrap His arms around you.  Just receive His love and forgiveness.

SCRAMBLES

Tennis was my game!  I went to state and regional tournaments on several occasions and played on several different teams.  I could run after a ball and hit it with a fair degree of accuracy--no problem!  BUT trying to hit a golf ball that's standing still--with accuracy--is entirely another matter!  I've only been playing golf for about 5 years.  Oh--I improve each year....but I'll never be more than a "hacker!" 

I prefer to play SCRAMBLES ("Best Ball").  That way I have some "help" along the way.  On my ladies league my partner hits her "irons" better than I do (shots closer to the green) whereas I am better at driving and putting the ball.  Working together we manage to have a better score.

Jesus sent His disciples out two-by-two and we're told that "two are better than one because they have a good reward for their labor, for if they fall, one will lift up his companion" in The Book of Ecclesiastes.  Makes sense to me!

We NEED one another!  Even The Lone Ranger had Tonto!  And a "3-cord" is better yet!  In other words--include the Lord in everything you do.   So start your day by seeking instructions and wisdom from God before you go to work or do anything else.  You'll have a better day.....and it'll even improve your golf score! 

ALTERATIONS

Jeremiah was sinking into a deep depression.  He started to BLAME God for his emotional and physical distress and discomfort.  He felt trapped and weighted down.  He was sinking spiritually.  He was feeding his FEARS rather than his FAITH!  And know this--"What you feed grows!"  His fears were flooding his mind and he was drowning in discouragement and the devil's lies.  {See:  Lamentations 3:1-9]

Then, in verses 21-24, he shifted his attention--he ALTERED his thoughts--remembering GOD'S PROMISES:  (1)  The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; (2) His mercies never come to an end; (3) They are new every morning; (4) Great is Thy faithfulness; (5) The Lord is my portion.

In verse 25 he came to the realization that "the Lord is good to those who WAIT for Him."  God was making some ALTERATIONS in Jeremiah.  But Jeremiah had to "stand still" while God was doing this work in Him.

What's the bottom line?  WAIT on the Lord to make the necessary ALTERATIONS.  Where you once fit into the worn garment of DIScouragement, He will ALTER it -- and you'll be  ENcouraged as to the way it fits.