Both Paul and Betty and my wife, Sharon, and I have been doing some traveling this month. The Weresch’s are on an odyssey across the US and back across Canada taking the whole summer. Sharon and I traveled to Oklahoma to attend my grandson’s wedding. All four of us have marveled at the beauty of God’s creation. We have traveled through areas that cry out … confirming the power of the Lord … seeing new and different sights.
Isaiah 55:12:
“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.”Yet, as our trip from Oklahoma City neared the end and we grew closer and closer to home, we began to look forward to our beautiful little valley, the rolling hills of wheat, the craggy canyons and wide flowing rivers, the awesome grandness of North Idaho … we were nearing our home and we were glad to be back.
Isn’t that the way we all are in our travels through life. The world offers so many wonderful things to woo us away from our home. We enter the world, we experience different things, we fight for position and for affection. We seek the approval of men and compete in the “rat race”. We become enthralled with sinful things, many times without knowing we are doing it … we have strayed from “home” … the bosom of God.
If, my friend, you have stumbled upon these words and you suddenly realize that you are a long way from home … or, if you have known for a long time and just don’t know your way back … there is good news. He is waiting. He is longing for your return … and He can’t wait to enfold you in His loving arms.
As the Lord told Israel in Hosea 14:1,
“Return to the LORD your God. Your sins have been your downfall!”Stop in the road and do a “180” … and say:
“Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.“ (Luke 15:21). That’s what the prodigal son of the Bible said when he returned … that is called repentance.
Remember the Father’s reply in verses 23-24?
“Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” … that is called Grace.
"So now, come back to your God. Act with love and justice, and always depend on him.” Hosea 12:6
Though your travels may have led you far away … you are now home
As Asaph wrote in Psalm 73:28:
“ ... as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.Welcome home weary traveler!
Larry Abele - Editorial Team
Please be assured that our hearts go out to you in this hour of National tragedy and grief. In times like this, there are many questions but very few answers. Betty I are praying for you as Siblings in Christ and for the your Nation as a whole.
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