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Morning Devotional...


"Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and entreated him." Luke 15:27-28

How difficult it is to understand the reaction of the elder brother on this joyous occasion, the return of the prodigal son. The outburst of anger, pride, resentment, jealousy, and discontent was the outward manifestation of what was inside the heart of the elder brother all the time. It simply took this occasion to bring it to the surface. How true is the Word, "The heart is deceitful above all things...who can know it" (Jeremiah 17:9). Unknowingly, we harbor attitudes and feelings within our heart. Look at the attitude and reaction of the older brother on this occasion and the disastrous consequences that resulted from his selfish judgment.

When invited by the father to join in the celebration, he refused. When they rejoiced in the prodigal's repentance, he boasted of his blameless and meritorious conduct. His self-centeredness was very evident. With anger, he proclaims that sufficient respect had not been given him. He rehearses with malicious exaggeration the misconduct of his brother. Because the feast was not in his honor, he found no pleasure in it. How sad, lonely, insecure, ungrateful, and discontented is one's life that is primarily concerned with its own selfish interests. Self-righteousness frequently is accompanied by a thousand evil tempers, personal conceit, a supercilious contempt of others, and a rooted aversion to grace and mercy as God's way of salvation.

It is a self-imposed bondage from which one will suffer the heartache of not knowing the joy and eternal blessing of giving, sharing, loving, reaching out to be a companion in need, and being an encouragement to others.

What a radical difference it is to experience the exchanged life. The Lord makes all things new and sits upon the throne of our hearts in full authority as our Sovereign Lord. Then it is not I, but Christ. It's no longer what I want, but what He desires of me. My heart focuses on the Lord, who is my life. What an exchange! What a different outlook, because of the change within wrought by the Holy Spirit. Our whole perspective on life is changed toward ourselves, others, and God!

Let's look at the reaction of the father. I must say this was a very special, long-suffering, gracious father. As he had dealt with the sin of the prodigal son in his departure, so now he deals with the pride and obstinacy of his envious and jealous brother. Notice, the father does not send a servant, but goes out himself to invite his son to the feast. He informs his son that nothing that he desired would be withheld from him. Nothing would be more gratifying to him than for both of his sons to partake of the same happiness and share in the same joy, united in the same bond of love and brought together in a oneness of spirit that would glorify God. Oh that we may choose to live under the blessing of the Lord, get self out of the way, and let Christ be our all in all. Receive from Him the bounties of His love, and appropriate the riches of His grace, while seated at the Father's table. It is His covenant with us, because we are now in Christ. Don't let "self" rob you of God's best for you.

© 2007 by Ed Powell.

Quote from: Marilyn on May 04, 2008, 09:29:22 PM
I'm Back, had a very ice weekend. Made a short call to Nita to ask how Rocko was doing? He hasn't been well lately. Still trying to catch up on my reading, just wanted to tell you that I made it home safely although I did get a speeding ticket coming back home.

Hmmmm  made a call to Nita but not to Jane ...     Oh well, I guess I'll forgive you (especially since you got a speeding ticket ... You must've been in a hurry to get home to your furkids.   

Hi everyone.  Pat that was a very good devotional.  Unfortunately I have had personal experience with the Prodigal child situation and have a sense of the joy when the child returns, whether a physical or mental separation. 

It is another beautiful day with low humidity and it will be bright and sunny today.  The housekeeper is coming today so by tonight we should have a nice clean house.  I have an appointment that will take up the morning.

Marilyn, glad to see that you are safely home, if a bit poorer from the speeding ticket.  Glad you had a nice time and I am sure your dogs were glad to see you back.

LIz, hope you enjoy another nice day up your way. 

Judy, sorry to read you have come down with a cold.  This is a bad time of the year for one, although anytime is never right for a cold.

Jane, I agree with you and certainly didn't consider Pat as being old anymore than I consider myself old.

Etta Sue, it is probably those days you don't want to go to church that you will benefit most from it. 

It is going to be a busy day so guess I had better get started,

The parable of the prodigal son is one we in prison ministry use extensively.  Early on we learned that it's important to use BOTH the sons as an example.  Folks often blow by the older son that stayed at home but, there is a lesson to be learned from him as well.  Many of Christ's parables are only half-told/taught.  It's important to get "the rest of the story" out to put things in perspective.

Yes Jane I was anxious to get home but truthfully I did not see the sign and my  mind was elsewhere on the dogs. Mimi told me that they really missed me and I could sure tell that when I opened the door and and they greeted me. Sorry that I did not call you my cell was getting low on battery and I think you may have been at church at that time. Really Jane no excuse is good enough.

We went shopping at Wal*mart and the weather was super, a little wind but warm. When we came out of Wal*Mart the clouds were dark, the wind had picked up and it was cold.We went back to the   house and built a fire and watched a DVD movie. He chopped more wood and I made spaghetti sauce and a cake.

I have to go  buy a few groceries today as I pretty much ate everything edible before I went to Oregon. Not even any milk for my oatmeal this morning so I will eat a chicken sandwich for breakfast. 

TTYL

I'm so happy that you, Larry and Gary, enjoyed this week's devotional.  It really blessed my heart when I read it and thought I'd share with everyone here.  What a wonderful God we have!

Thanks, Pat, for the devotional this morning/week. I didn't comment last night but I did read and enjoy it.   

Marilyn, I didn't go to church yesterday.  I really enjoy the teaching ministry of our pastor, but he wasn't teaching yesterday.  There was a guest speaker there and I just didn't feel impressed to go.  Mike (pastor) will begin a teaching journey through the book of the Revelations next week.  It may take the rest of the year and then some.  He just finished the book of Luke two weeks ago and he'd begun it over a year ago! 

Actually, I kinda thought you would use a local phone to call (Keith's?) since yours would be long distance.  You were at Wal-Mart?  So was I.   

Not much happening around here today ... that's a good thing.  Pretty overcast and prediction of "possible showers" later today.  That's not so unusual, either .... This is Oregon in the Springtime! 

Great devotion, Pat.  Both sons were wayward in their own way.  I try my best not to let jealousy enter into me.  It is hard not to have grandchildren to dote upon but there is nothing I can do about that so I must accept it.  I just borrow others...

I have a book titled 'The Book of God' with a subtitle of 'The Bible as a Novel'.  It is written by Walter Wangerin, Jr.  I read it when I was a baby Christian and now that I am maybe a teen Christian, I decided to read it again.  Since I saw the musical about Joseph, reading about Joseph in this book gave me better perspective.  Now I am reading about Moses.  It is really fast reading. 

I got a call from the doctor's office about my echo-cardiogram.  I have a slight blood backup...the blood flows backwards a tad bit.  But no further testing or doctor's appointments and no added medications.  Continue as I was.  Good news.  God is good! 

It is to get to 75° so I have all the windows open and the breeze is running through the house.  Nice to hear the birds chirping and singing.  It is a bit chilly right now but will warm up! 

This afternoon I will be calling the 60 Chix that don't have email about lunch Thursday at noon.  The restaurant needs a count so they can have tables set up for us. 

Hi again folks...

Just waiting here for a couple of important phone calls so thought I'd check in.  I just spent some time looking at the awesome photos in our newest challenge suggested by Karma!  Wow!  We have some great photographers on this site!

Yes, Etta Sue, jealousy could eat a person up and we much always avoid it.

Really good news from your doctor. 

Taking a quick break - our friends left about noon on their way to Minnesota.  The grands we had for two days & everyone really enjoyed the musical "Cats".  Now back to prep work for a person is coming through on Thursday. 

Pat:  Thank for devotions.  Looking at self - Last week, I was lamenting the fact that a wealthy cousin in Seattle did nothing to their house, stuck out a sign and a couple from China (working for Microsoft) immediately bought their place & has gutted the interior of the house & even added on.  My dear husband said to me, "you would never want her life, would you?" Of course not - she lives one of the most predictable lives ever & never meets anyone new - she also is judgemental of everyone. 

Al:  It really helps me to come in here and "find myself" - thanks for your comments. 

Larry:  Do hope that Pat has the right  B.P. meds and everything is helpful to her.  This a showplace?  Not a chance - the agent wants focus on the view though and less furniture helps. 

Janet:  How wonderful that Beth has had a lot of fun visiting lately and now she is even able to wear shoes.  Blessings to you!

Gordon:  It sounds like super news for your grandson! 

Gotta go - beautiful day here now that winter just possibly ended.

Hi y'all.

Got back yesterday from a weekend get away for our anniversary.  We went on a Dinner/Dancing cruise on the Mississippi River!  I thoroughly enjoyed, but Terry is not much into dancing.  But he took me anyway!  What a guy!

I'm not much of a photographer, but I got a few pictures of sunsets.  They are pretty to me if no one else.  The land is the state of Arkansas, not sure about what city claims the land though.

Enjoyed the devotion, sometimes I feel like the brother who stayed (selfish selfish me )   Thanks for the reminder.

Later,
Samantha

Those are great photos Samantha, I really love sunsets.

Jane what church do you go to? Keith goes to Christian Missionary Alliance, on Johnson when he does go. When I use my cell phone it isn't long distance because I am charged the same amount every month. I couldn't find his  cordless phone at the time. Yep we were at Wal*Mart about noon or there about on Saturday.

Quote from: Marilyn on May 05, 2008, 06:54:29 PM
Those are great photos Samantha, I really love sunsets.

Jane what church do you go to? Keith goes to Christian Missionary Alliance, on Johnson when he does go. When I use my cell phone it isn't long distance because I am charged the same amount every month. I couldn't find his  cordless phone at the time. Yep we were at Wal*Mart about noon or there about on Saturday.

I usually go (with my neighbors) to Shoreline Community Church which meets in the Seventh Day Adventist church (next to Wal-Mart).    I was at Wal-Mart for most of the morning on Saturday, but I think earlier than you were there.

I know where that Seventh Day Adventist church is, Keith  designed part of that church. He showed it to me the first time I was up there. That is not far from his house.

Samantha, those are lovely photos! 

I so enjoy the way our Creator paints the sky!

Quote from: Marilyn on May 05, 2008, 08:40:48 PM
I know where that Seventh Day Adventist church is, Keith  designed part of that church. He showed it to me the first time I was up there. That is not far from his house.

I know... that's why I said he is in my neighborhood the first time you mentioned where he lives.  If you mentioned to him I live in Shore Pines he would know exactly where that is, too!

Thanks Marilyn, that means a lot to me

I didn't know he lived so close to you. I will mention that to him. Wow I am so glad to know that.

you are quite welcome Samantha.

Samantha, how long were you away?  Did you stay on the boat?  As I said above, sunsets are just beautiful times of the day.  Love them.

Sunsets are beautiful, and my most favorite time of the day immediately follows sunset - when the sky is still lit and all the shadows of the evening are falling. To me, that's when the world seems so still and quiet, as if God is tucking us into bed for the evening.

Again, I'm mighty tired, so won't stay long tonight.

Jealousy  is a difficult problem to deal with and sad as often leads to anger and bitterness that blinds a life.  We have seen that in my sister and she is only beginning at this late stage in life to realize she had it for no reason.  I am grateful our children have all grown away from those problems.   I think they learned big lesson's from their aunt and sadly their cousin who has carried on this sad problem.

Our house is on the market now and we may have a buyer only on contingency so far but we are hoping.   Now just being patient until  it is the right time and person. We are still cont. to show the house.  So many strange events going on around the world I often looke up and say come quickly but then think of how many I pray to be saved.   Still come quickly Lord Jesus.  aw

Hi Alice!

It's so nice  to see your post.  I'm so glad you have a buyer.  It's awful sitting waiting and waiting.  I pray that it won't be long.

Hi everyone.  It is suppose to be another beautiful Georgia morning and eventually get to the lower 80s.  We still haven't had to turn our air conditioning on.  It does get pretty warm around 5 pm but doesn't last too long and the humidity has stayed down.  They were saying yesterday the city is suppose to have bad air quality today but we live 30 miles out so don't too often experience that. 

I have a light schedule today.  I will attend a meeting this morning and then the day is clear.  Of course, will go up to coffee shortly and then we will likely walk at the gym.  I have found that about 10 laps is all I seem to be able to do without causing chest pain and residual tiredness for the day.  So that is what I do with some resting a couple of times during the process.

We have a nice clean house as the housekeeper was here yesterday.  I am going to have to call a plumber today as we have a couple of drains that are slow and another plumbing problem as well. 

I have read all the posting since yesterday.  However, since I can't think of much to say will just sign off for today. 

Good Morning Larry!

I can't even imagine your house being dirty at all for a house cleaner to clean!!! 

It's a beautiful day here too.  Yesterday I had my windows open throughout and got the winter air changed.  This was the first time to open them and they were open all day.  It was lovely!

My goodness folks!

Have you been to view the entries that are being entered for our challenge?

Karma sure chose a subject that was just wonderful and I have no idea how we'll all vote for this challenge to be sure!

HAVE A LOOK!

Pat, we were only gone overnight, but it was great to get away from it all, and the kids got to spend the night with their grandparents.  We spent the night at a nice hotel.  The boat was just dinner and dancing but the meal was great and the dancing was fun!  We haven't been dancing since Terry got saved in 93.  (Dancing is for heathens!Just kidding!.)  We did the line dancing and slow dancing and really just had a great time together.  There was another couple there celebrating their 30th anniversary, so they played a few slow songs for them and us too.

The menu was so good, prime rib, roasted potatoes, green beans, rice, shrimp creole, rolls, and of course dessert.  And it was my favorite - all you can eat, and boy can I eat!!! 

I'm trying to get out and take more photos, but can't seem to get with the program.


Marilyn, sounds like you had a great time on your trip this weekend. 

Enough of my rambling,

Later,
Samantha

Well, I have a sparkling white deck.  I would scrub awhile, sit awhile, then hose it off.  Then squeegie it.  And then do it again.  Bless her heart, Ivalou called when I got done and asked me if I would like to come have pizza with her.  So I didn't have to cook last night. 

But I was so tired.  And I didn't get to bed until late.  The furgirls wanted me up at 7 something but I went back to sleep when they gave up and I finally got up at almost 10am!!  I must have been sleeping good!!  I ate breakfast and read my devotions on the deck at my bistro table.  So nice to hear the birdies.  Quiet..not so much.  The sod farmer was cutting sod so it was clickety-click.  And big gravel trucks were on my road today. 

Then Ivalou called and wanted to know if I wanted to go to Lapel for lunch.  So we went.  When I got home, I got in my car and went to the elementary school and voted.  Today is voting day in Indiana. 

As soon as I got home, I changed clothes and mowed the grass.  Once again the yard looks great.  Tomorrow those pesky dandelions will pop up again. 

I have all the windows open.  Funny, it is 76° in here but I am chilled sitting here in the breeze and the ceiling fan on.  WeatherBug says it is 80°.  Nice weather! 

Samantha, what a lovely evening!  That meal sounds yummy for sure.

Hi Etta Sue.