Morning Devotional 082425 God is Waiting for Us to Come

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

August 24, 2025

Luke 15:11-24

11 Jesus said, “A certain man had two sons. 12 The younger son said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the inheritance.’ Then the father divided his estate between them. 13 Soon afterward, the younger son gathered everything together and took a trip to a land far away. There, he wasted his wealth through extravagant living. 14 “When he had used up his resources, a severe food shortage arose in that country and he began to be in need. 15 He hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to eat his fill from what the pigs ate, but no one gave him anything. 17 When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have more than enough food, but I’m starving to death! 18 I will get up and go to my father, and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I no longer deserve to be called your son. Take me on as one of your hired hands.” ’ 20 So he got up and went to his father. “While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion. His father ran to him, hugged him, and kissed him. 21 Then his son said, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Quickly, bring out the best robe and put it on him! Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet! 23 Fetch the fattened calf and slaughter it. We must celebrate with feasting 24 because this son of mine was dead and has come back to life! He was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.

Good Morning! Our God waits with open arms!

Choices! Along our journey of life, we make both good and poor choices. Each and every choice is followed by results and consequences. 

I remember times when I have been caught in a cycle where each poor decision led to an even worse decision, and before I knew it, I felt that the only way out was to go back the way I came. Being a stubborn sort, the last thing I wanted to do was to admit to those whom I encountered on the way in, so I stayed mired in my mess for a bit. I tried a couple of other last-ditch efforts, but stuck I remained. 

At some point, I swallowed my pride and admitted to myself that I was wrong (not an easy thing to do), and began the long journey backing out of my mess. Each potential encounter caused great anxiety, but I was blessed to discover that those to whom I admitted my mistake accepted my confession. This allowed me to continue on my path to recovery. 

Sometimes, people turn away from God, especially when they become too self-sufficient and think that they can handle anything that comes their way. Eventually, they discover that they have strayed far from God, and they realize they really don’t have all the answers. 

The Good News is that God is always waiting and is ready to forgive us of all sins unconditionally. It’s up to us to take the first step and reach out and ask for forgiveness. When we do, all our burdens will disappear, and we will be filled with God’s love. 

Loving Lord, you bless us abundantly! You created us! Thank you for allowing us to make choices! Thank you for waiting for us to return from our poor choices. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Forgiveness allows space for peace to enter our souls.

Thank you! We love you, Lord! Pastor Liz