Word for the day "The Power of Love"
Luke 15:11-24(HCSB)-11 He also said: “A man had two sons. 12 The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate I have coming to me.’ So he distributed the assets[c] to them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered together all he had and traveled to a distant country, where he squandered his estate in foolish living. 14 After he had spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he had nothing.[d] 15 Then he went to work for[e] one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to eat his fill from[f] the carob pods[g] the pigs were eating, but no one would give him any. 17 When he came to his senses,[h] he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have more than enough food, and here I am dying of hunger![i] 18 I’ll get up, go to my father, and say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. 19 I’m no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired hands.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck,[j] and kissed him. 21 The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.’22 “But the father told his slaves, ‘Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger[k] and sandals on his feet. 23 Then bring the fattened calf and slaughter it, and let’s celebrate with a feast, 24 because this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate.
Humanity often attempts to project its own faulty habits onto God.
This is especially true regarding the nature of God’s love. We think we must barter, plead, or try hard to earn the Lord’s favor.But as the prodigal son learned, the Father’s love is unconditional. In fact, the story of the prodigal in my opinion is primarily about the superlative Love of our auspicious God of which we cannot understand.Power consideration: The wayward son expected his father’s love to be diminished. Therefore, he went home hoping for a place among the family servants.Imagine the boy’s delight when Dad greeted him with a hug and a celebration.His actions certainly didn’t merit an outpouring of affection, but Jesus’ parable is all about a Father who doesn’t give people what they deserve.The Father gives them, what we all are missing and stands in need of “The power of Love”.
A love based on conduct would keep people guessing, have I done enough?
Instead, God cares for you simply because you are “You”, and the Lord expects nothing in return. Consider the prodigal’s life after his homecoming party. He didn’t move into the servants’ quarters and get to work. He was reinstated to his place as the second son of a wealthy man, with all of the privileges that entailed. In the same way, believers are the Lord’s cherished children (II Cor. 6:18). When God looks at His loved ones, the Lord doesn’t focus on past failures, faults, or even our sin. The Lord of Love sees us as heirs to His kingdom—men and women who love Him and desire to spend eternity in His presence.
Point to ponder
No matter how far we may wander from the Lord’s perfect will for our lives, (Please notice I said we may wander, because we all wander at various points in our life) however, we are always welcomed back.The Bible teaches in the parable of the prodigal that God’s love cannot be lost, regardless of sin or poor decisions (though we may have to live with the consequences).Our Father’s arms are always open with the “Power of Love”!Our Leadership team is especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of June 2018 by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Mr. William Wilson, Ms. Annette Straker, Mr. David Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Mrs. Shakeema Fraser-Lowe, Mrs. Cynthia Waiters-Artis, Ms. Monique Williams, Ms. Karleasa McCoy, and Ms. Gertrude Scott.Follow me on Twitter @James Baker_jr, as I endeavor to encourage and empower leaders of today and tomorrow!Thank you for using the Word Cup devotionals brought to you through Grace and Truth Leadership. Why don’t you take the opportunity to write to us on our blog and let us know how we are doing in serving you, Great people.We are a faith-based, donor-supported ministry. If you have been touched by these daily devotionals and would like to make a monthly pledge or a special gift of any amount, please use the link below to give as the Lord leads.Kingdom Blessings,Pastor James Baker, Jr.