MEMORISE
But when he came to himself, he said, How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger (Luke 15:17).
READ:
Luke 15:11-20
[11]. Then He said: “A certain man had two sons.
[12]. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood.
[13]. And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living.
[14]. But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want.
[15]. Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
[16]. And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything.
[17]. “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
[18]. I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you,
[19]. and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’
[20]. “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him
EXPOSITION
Lots of people are travelling in the opposite direction of their destinies. So many, having missed the road, have gone too far before realising their mistakes. So, if your life is broken and spinning out of control, why not seek God for redirection and follow His leading, instead of continuing in that error? Like the prodigal son in our text today, it is better to rethink and take the right step, face the fact, to come out of the mess. Self-examination is imperative at this point-you put your life on the balance and weigh it.
Lots of people need turning points in their lives, where they would have to make U-turns to God's direction for their lives. At one point, the prodigal son of a well-to-do father was tired of suffering in a strange land. That resulted in his turning point. His case was that of a backslider who needed to return and be restored. At such a point, one must bury his pride and re-approach God for restoration. Like the father of the boy, Jesus is waiting to throw the welcome back party for any erring son/daughter who makes a U-Turn to Him. The turning point is where you ask, What shall I do? (cf. Acts 2:37). Nicodemus was shown the way to experience turnaround (Jn. 3:1-3). Don't be like the rich young ruler who, despite knowing he needed a turnaround, wasn't ready to take it, because his wealth meant much to him. Return to the waiting arms of Jesus!
SUGGESTED HYMN FOR TODAY:
CAC GHB 197
1. "Yet there is room" The Lamb's bright hall of song,
With its fair glory, beckons thee along
Room, room, still room! Oh, enter, enter now!
2. Day is declining, and the sun is low,
The shadows lengthen, light makes haste to go
Room, room, still room! Oh, enter, enter now!
3. The bridal hall is filling for the feast
Pass in! pass in! and be the Bridegroom's guest:
Room, room! Still room! Oh, enter, enter now!
4. Yet there is room! Still open stands the gate
The gate of love, it is not yet too late:
Room, room, still room! Oh, enter, enter now!
5. Pass in! pass in! That banquet is for thee
That cup of everlasting love is free,
Room, room, still room, oh, enter, enter now!
6. All heav'n is there! All joy! Go in go in!
The angels beckon thee the prize to win:
Room, room, still room, oh, enter, enter now!
7. Louder and sweeter sounds the loving call;
Come, ling'rer, come! enter that festal hall:
Room, room, still room, oh, enter, enter now!
8. It fills, it fills, that hall of jubilee!
Make haste, make haste! 'tis not too full for thee!
Room, room, still room, oh enter, enter now!
9. Ere night that gate may close, and seal thy doom,
Then the last, low, long cry, "No room, no room!"
No room, no room! Oh, woeful cry! "No room!"
Amen
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, restore me, and I will be restored.
2. Lord, help me to experience true total turnaround.
3. Lord Jesus, let Your gospel penetrate the hearts of the mighty ones in the land, to help them see themselves and rush to You for salvation.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:
Ezekiel 20:18-22:12
AUTHOR
CAC Worldwide
Remain blessed
 DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE DATE: Wednesday, September 13, 2023 TOPIC: THE TURNING POINT (1)){kind=link}