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Word of Hope Daily Devotions
		March 4 Come Home
	Luke 15:17-24 "When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' So he got up and went to his father. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. "The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. "But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.
	Have you ever been lost and wondered if you’d ever find your way home? Or worse yet, you left home for selfish ambitions that estranged your family relationships and it made you wonder if you could ever even come home again? In the above verses the Prodigal Son had left home and then made some very poor choices that left him broken, lost and embarrassed, wondering if he could ever return home to his father. Not only had he squandered his inheritance and blessing but he also fell into a lifestyle contrary to not only his father’s standards but what he knew was wrong in God’s eyes. How could he go home now? When at last he did make the decision to return, he did so fearing the reception he might receive. But even in his fear he concluded that to become a slave in his father’s house was far better than to continue in his current lost condition. So he humbly headed home. However, the reception played out much different than the son expected. Instead of rejection he was received with great love and compassion from his father. In fact his father had been watching everyday, hoping and praying for his son’s return. When he finally saw him in the distance he ran to greet him with arms wide open and he embraced him tightly and kissed his neck. In his joy over the return of his wayward child, he not only re-instated son-ship but he also had a great celebration and invited everyone to join in the festivities of this wonderful reunion. Sometimes, as children of God, we make decisions that cause us to stray from our Heavenly Father. We may even engage in things that squander our spiritual inheritance and blessings. In shame, we may fear returning to him because we are embarrassed and feel that we are no longer worthy to be called his child. Or we may fear that he no longer loves us. But I can assure you that God, our Heavenly Father is watching daily, waiting for us to return to him when we stray. His love and compassion are longing for us to come back home. And when he sees us on the horizon he will welcome us with open arms. He will put on us the robe of his righteousness and greatly rejoice in our homecoming. He will re-instate us to Son-ship and bless us again. And not only will our Heavenly Father rejoice, but likewise, all of heaven shall rejoice with Him for we once were lost but now we are found. If you have strayed from the Lord and fear returning, take heart. He knows exactly where you are even at this moment and he has been waiting for you to turn back home. Don’t be afraid. His love and compassion are abundant and overflowing with grace. Come home. His arms are open wide for you today. Prayer Suggestion: Father, I have strayed and I have sinned against you. Forgive me. Right now I am making the choice to turn back home to You. Thank you that I know you will be waiting with open arms. Back to March