Written By TWFT
Friday, December 2
“His heart went out to him.” Lk 15:20 PHPS
When the father saw his prodigal son, “his heart went out to him.” Jack Graham writes: “This isn’t a father who can’t wait to punish his sinful son…who has written him off as wasted and worthless. This is a loving, caring father who can’t wait to embrace and welcome him. He runs down the road to meet him…What you see…is a picture of the Father’s love for you…eager…excessive…approachable…abundant.” Max Lucado adds: “The tale involves a wealthy father and a willful son [who]…takes his inheritance [to] Las Vegas and…wastes [it] on slot machines and call girls…Broke [and] too proud to go home, he gets a job sweeping…stables at the racetrack. When he finds himself…[eating]…their oats, he realizes enough is enough…Off he goes, rehearsing his repentance speech…But…‘When he was…a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion’ (v. 20 NKJV)…We expect crossed arms…a furrowed brow…a guarded handshake…a stern lecture…Instead [the father said], ‘Bring out the best robe…a ring…sandals…and…the fatted calf’ (vv. 22–23 NKJV).” The ring symbolized delegated authority. The one who wore it carried on business in the name of the one who gave it. Would you have given this prodigal the power of attorney over your matters? Entrusted him with your credit card? When you came to God, you were given authority to conduct business in His name. When you speak truth, you’re His ambassador (See 2Co 5:20). As you steward finances He gives you, you’re His business manager. When you proclaim forgiveness, you’re His priest. He has given you the privilege to do for others what He does for you. Don’t withhold encouragement or affirmation! Speak words that strengthen others. Why? Because you represent your Father!
Friday, December 2
“His heart went out to him.” Lk 15:20 PHPS
When the father saw his prodigal son, “his heart went out to him.” Jack Graham writes: “This isn’t a father who can’t wait to punish his sinful son…who has written him off as wasted and worthless. This is a loving, caring father who can’t wait to embrace and welcome him. He runs down the road to meet him…What you see…is a picture of the Father’s love for you…eager…excessive…approachable…abundant.” Max Lucado adds: “The tale involves a wealthy father and a willful son [who]…takes his inheritance [to] Las Vegas and…wastes [it] on slot machines and call girls…Broke [and] too proud to go home, he gets a job sweeping…stables at the racetrack. When he finds himself…[eating]…their oats, he realizes enough is enough…Off he goes, rehearsing his repentance speech…But…‘When he was…a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion’ (v. 20 NKJV)…We expect crossed arms…a furrowed brow…a guarded handshake…a stern lecture…Instead [the father said], ‘Bring out the best robe…a ring…sandals…and…the fatted calf’ (vv. 22–23 NKJV).” The ring symbolized delegated authority. The one who wore it carried on business in the name of the one who gave it. Would you have given this prodigal the power of attorney over your matters? Entrusted him with your credit card? When you came to God, you were given authority to conduct business in His name. When you speak truth, you’re His ambassador (See 2Co 5:20). As you steward finances He gives you, you’re His business manager. When you proclaim forgiveness, you’re His priest. He has given you the privilege to do for others what He does for you. Don’t withhold encouragement or affirmation! Speak words that strengthen others. Why? Because you represent your Father!
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2023
January
ENJOY EACH DAY OF THIS NEW YEAR (1)ENJOY EACH DAY OF THIS NEW YEAR (2)THIS YEAR THINK “POSSIBLE” (1)THIS YEAR THINK “POSSIBLE” (2)THIS YEAR THINK “POSSIBLE” (3)LET GOD LEAD YOUGOD IS YOUR PROVIDERYOUR OVERFLOWING CUP OF BLESSINGSTEPS TO OVERCOMING YOUR WORRIESFOCUS ON YOUR GOD-GIVEN VISIONTHE STORY OF YOUR BIBLEHOW GOD LEADS USHOW JESUS DEALT WITH SINARE YOU JOY-DEPRIVEDIT’S TIME TO PRAY (1)IT’S TIME TO PRAY (2)FAITH THAT BRINGS RESULTSBE FAITHFUL TO GOD AT WORKWHEN YOUR BEST ISN’T GOOD ENOUGHTODAY, GIVE YOUR PROBLEM TO GODSTEPS TO FORGIVENESS (1)STEPS TO FORGIVENESS (2)THE JOYS OF HEAVEN (1)THE JOYS OF HEAVEN (2)THE JOYS OF HEAVEN (3)LEARN TO CONTROL YOUR ANGERSEEK GOD FOR DIRECTIONTRY A POWER NAPGO TO THE RIGHT SOURCEHOW GOD SEES YOUYOU HAVE TO “WALK OUT” THE PROCESS
2022
December
SCRIPTURAL COPING SKILLSYOU REPRESENT YOUR FATHERRAISING CHILDRENHOW IS YOUR GIVING?FAITHFULNESS (1)FAITHFULNESS (2)FAITHFULNESS (3)FAITHFULNESS (4)COMMITTED AND CONNECTEDALWAYS TREAT PEOPLE WITH RESPECTYOU ARE BEING PRUNED (1)YOU ARE BEING PRUNED (2)YOU CAN HAVE PEACE OF MINDRESPOND THE RIGHT WAYINSTEAD OF WORRYING, TRUST GODYOU CAN CHANGE YOUR SELF-PERCEPTIONYOU WILL GET THROUGH THISJESUS WANTS TO SET YOU FREEYOU ARE THIRSTY FOR GODBROKEN ARROWSWHEN YOU FEEL DRAINEDHE GAVE HIS MOST PRECIOUS POSSESSIONWHEN IT DOESN’T “FEEL” LIKE CHRISTMASYOUR PROVISION IS ON THE WAY!“INDESCRIBABLE!”NOT “HOPEFULLY” BUT “SURELY”WHAT AN INSURANCE POLICY!HOME SWEET HOME!DON’T LOOK BACK (1)DON’T LOOK BACK (2)FIVE RESOLUTIONS TO WORK ON