2014 November 10 - Morning Manna

And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And he said unto him, 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 intreated him. And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found. (Luke 15:11-32)

Today's Morsel:  Having just finished reading our daily devotion together, and spending time reading our individual lessons, my wife made an "Uh" sound. When she does that, I know that God has just revealed to her a good thought.  She waited until I finished reading and then said, "Your Morning Manna with the Prodigal Son spoke about the loving and caring father.  And the story is all about the father," she said.  She went on to point out that  the father waited for his wayward son to return even after he had chosen to be in the hog pen of life, and when he saw him coming he ran to him.  She pointed out that the father waited until the prodigal son made the move to come home.  Yet, when the son who had been faithful and stayed at home got upset; when he murmured, pouted, and even stomped out because he was upset; the father went to him, showed him his wrong, and invited him back in.  The story is all about the loving father, standing ready to extend love to his sons.  That is how it is with Jesus, either way - He is always standing ready to welcome us back.  He is our loving father.   

Maybe you are like the wayward son and have gone astray yet desire to come home.  Know that Jesus stands ready to welcome you and throw a party to celebrate your return.  Or perhaps you are like the second son, upset about some perceived injustice or mistreatment.  Know that Jesus is a fair and loving Father who will reason with you and invite you back.   As long as you stay home, everything the Father has is yours.

Sing: One night while on life's raging sea it looked as if I would suffer defeat.
As the blackness of night closed off the light my heart sank with fear. My desperate cry rang out with fright; all I could see was no hope in sight.
With faith all but gone I met the one who came looking for me.

Chorus: He came looking for me, He came looking for me. He made a way when there was no way that I could see. When I drifted so far Jesus was near to rescue my soul and calm all my fears. Now I am safe from all harm since I met the one who came looking for me.

Thought for Today:  God is not willing that any should perish.