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Showing posts with label John 10:11-13. Show all posts
Showing posts with label John 10:11-13. Show all posts

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Sunday Words of Encouragement February 16, 2014

It was great to get to church today for a communion service to remember the sacrifice and redeeming power of Jesus. Pastor gave a short sermon located in the parable of the prodigal son. (Luke 15:11-32.) The focus though was on the eldest son who was bitter and angry about the party the father put on for the returned son. The problem was with the eldest son's attitude. The question our Pastor asked is: "Are you a hireling or an heir?" How do you see yourself?

As elder son he received a larger portion of inheritance, two thirds to one third for the younger son. But the elder son was resenting that he had stayed and worked hard at home and no fatted calf was ever killed for him. Was he working to please God, his heavenly Father or was he working for earthly reward? The father had to remind the eldest: "My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours." v31.

My extrapolated thoughts: The son is an heir but doesn't recognize the blessings of his position. He doesn't recognize that he should share in the joy of celebrating his brother's return as what the father gives his brother does not diminish his own position in any way. True love seeks to share in the joy and salvation of others, not resent it.

One of the songs we sang this morning is an old gospel that says:
If you stay standing still, He'll show up on time. The battle is not yours, God says "It's mine."
It resonated with me today but I could not find a youtube version.
I found this instead and it is awesome too!
Verses for Today:
John 10:11-13 NIV (Jesus speaking to the Pharisees)
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

Thank you Lord for restoring my strength this week. Help me to keep my focus on You and looking for ways to serve and please You.

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