July 14, 2022 God's Love For Rebels

Hey Friends,

Have you ever learned something well but ended up not following what you learned?  It happened to me on Sunday when I almost burnt down a building!  We were clearing the storage of a rental property when I discovered my matchbox collection in the storage closet.  It's been sitting there for decades and finally, I was emotionally ready to discard them!  So without thinking of wetting the matches before tossing them, we slid the whole box down the trash shoot.  Seconds later, smoke started coming up to the trash room.  We grabbed a fire extinguisher, hurried down to the dumpster, and called 9-1-1 all at the same time!  Sure enough, we saw flames!  A small fire began in the dumpster probably caused by the friction and heat of the matches when they were sliding down the trash chute.  Fortunately, we were able to extinguish the fire within minutes and the Fire Department came to inspect the dumpster to ensure that all was clear.  I was very apologetic.

I learned about fire safety at work and I even trained others.  I knew the rules about discarding flammable materials yet I defied them, took a shortcut, and created a scene that could be disastrous!  That's the rebel in me!  Thank God that the outcome was much less severe.  

There is a rebel in me and in you!  Today, we will look at God's love for rebels.

 

RNM Video: Prodigal Son Devo Session 1 by David Marvin

Here is the Scripture: Luke 15:11-24

Reflect

In what ways do you relate to the prodigal son? What have you found when looking for love, meaning, and value apart from God?

What do you imagine God thinks and feels when he looks at you? Why do you think that?

What does it mean to you that God loves you despite your sins and mistakes?

Respond

Even if we believe we are forgiven in Christ, we still struggle to believe that God could see us as anything more than muddy children who will mess up his beautiful house. But that picture of God is not true—he is a kind, compassionate Father. God loves sinners. He loves them so much that he sent his Son to rescue them from their sin. 

 In Jesus, we are called sons and daughters of God. He covers our sins and gives us every spiritual blessing. Spend some time praising God for what he’s done and remembering the assurance of God’s abundant love for you. Re-read the parable of the prodigal son and thank God for his forgiveness. Here is the Scripture: Luke 15:11-24