Morning Devotional

Hosea 6:1a, 3 (NIV)-- "Come, let us return to the Lord... Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth."

A short while ago I  began a week long meditation on the story of the prodigal son. I focused on returning and how often in life this happens. As I meditated I saw in my life where I wandered away from God for a period of time only to return with more knowledge of the deep need in all aspects of life. My mind will at times wander. I have to return. My heart hardens at moments. I have to return to the openness of God. I wander from the true treasure of life only to return to what is really valuable.  

As I meditated on the prodigal son it is clear to me that returning is intermingle with life. At times returning is courageous, and humbling. Returning can be tough...knowing this I am moved; freed by the fact that my God, our Lord never wandered from what He created. His love was so infinite and unconditional that He simply remained ready to welcome His Son home. As we welcome home our family, friends and neighbors on any given day may we do so with the same love God has shown us. Have a great day and I hope to see you this morning and next week as we welcome home all who might return. Pastor Carl