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Daily Scripture Threshing for Sunday, November 10, 2024

Today’s Text: Luke 15:11-32

Key Verse: Luke 15:22 (NIV): “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."

If you stand before Edward Riojas's poignant painting titled "The Prodigal Son," you'd be deeply stirred by the profound depiction of our Lord's well-known Bible illustration about a son who asks his father for his inheritance, wastes it, and then returns to his father to ask for forgiveness. The artwork masterfully captures the essence of redemption through the story of this worn and humble son that returns home with upon him. We are in many ways like this boy; but like his father, our heavenly father's loving embrace beckons, symbolizing God's unwavering compassion.

In Luke 15:20, Jesus reminds us that our heavenly Father sees us from afar, His heart overflowing with mercy. This truth resonated deeply within me, as I reflected on my own journey of reconciliation with God. Despite my departure, His love remained constant, never faltering or diminishing. This parable is for you as well. It tells of your Father's love that knows no bounds, embracing you in your brokenness and shall celebrate you when we realize the fact and return. As Jesus beautifully illustrates, "For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found" (Luke 15:24). Today, the Lord still rejoices over those who seek Him. This truth is worth celebrating.

The great Christian humn by Thomas Hastings (1831): "Return, O wanderer, to thy home, thy Father calls for thee" is a constant reminder of this biblical truth. Hastings admonishes that we should no longer now an exile roam in guilt and misery. Do you find yourself wandering off from your love for God? We are called upon to return to Jesus' call for us to return and find refuge and comfort. The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come!" Hastings considers it madness to delay because there are no pardons in the tomb, and in his submission, brief is mercy's day. Isaiah 55:7 calls on the wicked one to abandon his way and the sinful one his thoughts. Let them, he says, return to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them,  and and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

Action Steps: Appreciate and embrace God's unwavering and unchanging love. Don't dwell on you past mistakes. His compassion extends to us, regardless of them. Celebrate the gift of redemption.

Quote for the Day: "Nothing compares the blessings of quietness and return when we drift. The joy is not in going our way, and leaving His safe and compassionate touch; but in safely returning and finding His alms always open wide." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote).

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for You love for me. Let me continue to find solace in Your embracing arms, just as the prodigal son did, not in gambling with Your gracious resources, but in the fact that my heart always overflows with gratitude for Your ever abiding transformative love — in Jesus's most glorious name. Amen.

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Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: Psalm 23:4; Isaiah 43:2-3; and Romans 8:28.

Daily Scripture Threshing is a devotional guide written for free distribution and edification of churches, homes, and individuals. For inquiries, free counseling, or deliverance, please, write or visit: The Darling Bishop, 2321 S Beltline Rd Suite 144 Grand Prairie TX 75051 USA.

You can be a part of this great and free course through a one-time or recurring donation. To give through Zelle, using +14073608280 or CashApp: $SimonOlatunji. Thanks and God bless you. Amen.

Happy new month y'all! With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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