What are you waiting for?

Brian Shipman, "WWJD Today?" (excerpts)
* jgat

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

"Fine!' screamed Lauren as she slammed the front door. She ran down
the steps on her sidewalk and fumbled with her keys. All she wanted
to do was leave and never come back.

Lauren fought back the tears as she drove away. "I'm going to be just
fine," she assured herself. "I've got the money my parents were
saving for college tuition, and I've got friends who will let me stay
with them until I find a place of my own."

For the next eight months, Lauren stayed with various friends. She
spent her money on junk food, parties, and cigarettes. She stayed out
late every night and never got around to finding a job. When the
money ran out, so did her welcome. Her friends didn't want her
anymore, and Lauren found herself on the street with nowhere to turn.
She stayed in a shelter for a couple of weeks, but soon realized that
she wanted to go home.

She went to a pay phone, lifted the receiver, and thought for a long
time about what she would say. She dialed the number, waited, and
heard her mom pickup. "Mom," Lauren cried.

"Lauren! Thank God you're alive! Tell me where you are, and I will
come and I get you -- no questions asked."

No questions asked. Just the fact that Lauren called was enough for
her mom. The prodigal daughter returned home.

Jesus told the story of the prodigal son. Like Lauren, the prodigal
son committed a deliberate and will-planned rebellion against his
family and against God. It was fun for a while, but one day the money
and friends were gone. The prodigal son realized how foolish he had
been and longed to return home. He carefully planned what he would
say to his father as he walked the long road home, but he never had a
chance to say it. The father welcomed him home -- no questions asked.

Deliberate and willful sin against God is the most heinous crime you
can commit. You know what God wants, but you want something
different. So you turn your back on God's instructions, and you walk
away to live life your way. You think you'll have more fun. You think
you'll be free. The truth is, if you walk away from God, you're going
to hit rock bottom one day. You'll realize you were wrong, and you'll
turn back to the Lord.. When you do, He'll be waiting.

Are you actively involved in something that you know is contrary to
God's will? When are you going to give up this sin and turn back to
God?

* DEAR LORD, no matter where I go, I cannot hide forever from You.
How I've made a mess of my life! I'm truly sorry that I've willfully
rebelled against You. Recall me from my wanderings, and lead me back
to you once more. Lord, I know it is not the end of the road for me,
for I can always trust in Your great compassion and love. Please
embrace me with Your forgiveness...please don't give up on me, Lord.

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From: JoeGatuslao@smartwifi.com.ph