Daily Devotional for Monday March 24, 2003

It is Monday morning, and the weekend is over

(Luke 15:18)

It is Monday morning, and the weekend is over. So many of us from time to time in our lives, get caught up in a rebellious lifestyle that leaves us empty, hurting, and knowing what we should do.....but not doing it. It would have been so much easier if God would have just not given us "free will" to make our own decisions. That way everything we did would be in accordance with His will, His plan for our lives. But the fact is He did give us the ability to make our own choices, and in so doing, has given us the ability to live at times in total rebellion to what we know in our hearts is how He wants us to live.

Many of you are very uncomfortable reading this devotional this morning, because it is bringing automatic conviction to you, since this where YOU are at in your life today. God loves you. He cares about you. He only wants the best for your life. That is why He is trying to get your attention before it gets any worse. You see, sin is like quicksand. The longer you are it, the deeper you get, and the more difficult it is to get out. Many of you were not in church Sunday because the things in your life have separated you from God to the point that you can't even be in His presence. You are like Adam after his sin in the garden, you are trying to hide from God.

Life is not easy, and I am not here to judge you. I am here to encourage you. God has made a way back to Him for you today. If you are tired, can't deal with the pressure any longer, sick of the direction that your life has taken, the Lord is speaking to you this morning...."come home". Much like the prodigal son who was at the very lowest depths of despair, somehow he heard the voice that told him to "go home". When he arrived, he found his father, not ready to punish him, but love him. Not ready to chastise him, but restore him. Your Father is waiting for you today, with outstretched arms of love, simply saying to you this day...."come home".

I love you and care about you so much. I pray for you today, especially those caught up in things that you shouldn't be. You know it isn't working your way. You know that your life is a mess. You are tired of running, tired of hurting, tired of being tired. There is an answer. There is a way. God is calling you right now, to simply "come home to Him". The problems won't magically go away, the consequences of your actions won't magically disappear. But by coming home, you become restored into fellowship with the God who loves you. He will give you the courage and strength each day to fight your problems and get victory over them. You will slowly see the joy and the peace and the happiness return to your life.

Trust GOD today, and "go home"!!! Take a moment right now and pray. Ask God to forgive you for your sins. Read First John 1:9. THAT VERSE IS FOR YOU TODAY!!! I will be praying for you!!!

In His love and service, Your friend and brother in Christ, Bill Keller