Today's devotion

8/8/2016

Toni Smothers tasmothers@gmail.com www.writingforthemaster.com
Rejoicing with the Prodigal
Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Luke 15:14-28
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Scripture Quote: But he answered his father, “Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends.” Luke 15:29 (NIV)

The prodigal son's brother was envious and void of affection for him. Rather than share in his father's joy, the older brother reacted with anger. He had always been an obedient son who worked his father's fields. He neither requested his inheritance early, nor recklessly squandered it away, so he felt slighted by the exuberant attention bestowed on his delinquent brother. He reminds us of the Pharisees who claimed to be righteous, religious experts. But, they were also filled with jealousy over Jesus’ tremendous popularity with the people.

The father's property had been divided. What remained belonged to the older son. He was heir to it all and had a right to use it any way he chose. Therefore, the older brother had no right to complain. And though we may understand that he was jealous, it was the father's affection and forgiveness that the older brother craved. Christians are all prodigal children who have returned repeatedly to the mercy and forgiveness of our heavenly Father. We are so privileged to be able to repent of our sins and run to Him as often as we fail, with the full assurance that He will receive us.

Today’s meditation: There is always hope for the prodigals among us.

Memory Verse: "'My son,” the father said, “you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.” Luke 15:31 (NIV)

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Bio: Toni Smothers has written articles for “Total Health”, “Let’s Live”, “People In Action” and “The North American Mentor” magazines. She is a member of the Faithwriters.com writing community and was previously the editor for the teen section of their on-line magazine. She has written many programs, sermons, and skits and has edited several websites. Additionally, she has answered hundreds of questions for GotQuestions.org, a biblical resource site. Here is just one of their many testimonials: "Thank you for this insightful website! I was able to look up many questions I have asked over the years since becoming saved. The site is easy to navigate and gave me so much biblical background for answers that I feel my armor has been strengthened. You and your staff be encouraged to continue to speak the truth for God's glory." When Toni is not writing, she can usually be found cuddling with her 10 pound, furry, Morky muse, 'Sweet Pea.' Toni Smothers studied homeopathy extensively and became a proficient layman. She wrote about homeopathy for “Total Health” and “Let’s Live” magazines. Smothers describes her experience befriending a refugee family from Laos in her article published in the travel magazine, “People in Action.” Additionally, “American Mentor” magazine has published some of her poetry. Smothers drew upon her fun experiences as a youth pastor to provide the needed insight to function as the editor of the teen section of “Faithwriters” magazine and she is a member of the Faithwriters.com writer’s community.

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