return.....celebrate.....

"For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate."  (Luke 15:24)

Celebrating when the lost has been found...we talked about it last week.  The lost coin, sheep or what ever it is that we put in a "safe place."  We also talked about finding "time" as we look to strengthen our relationship with God.  Today I want to ask what it is that is keeping you from "finding" the time.  The time to be with God in personal quiet time AND the time to be with God in worship.  We all have busy schedules that we think are the important part of our lives.  We think we understand, and are doing - or following, where God is leading.

The Scripture readings today are about following, and doing, what God is calling each of us to - especially the stronger relationship with God.  The Psalm is reminding us to give thanks to God (107:1) because God IS good.  God loves us (v. 1) and we need to be telling people about God's love. (v. 2)  Paul is reminding us, in Ephesians, about how great God's love is because God brings us "alive with Christ."  (2:5)  And Jesus is continuing to tell the stories of lost things being found.  This time it is about two sons - one who thinks he is the most important, takes his inheritance and lives the high life until the money runs out and he comes to realize how wrong he has been.  The second son also feels a lot of pride - after all he stayed and worked.  The father goes to both sons - one "while he was still a long way off" (Luke 15:20) and one who has refused to come to the party. (v. 28)

So..... where are we in these readings?  Are we giving thanks for what God is doing in our lives?  Are we celebrating?  Are we sharing the stories of how we have felt God with us?  Or are we like one of the two sons - feeling prideful?  God is reaching out to us also, asking us to celebrate and share.  Where are you?  Something to think about.......