CGMI Above Only 1 September 2017, Devotional by Rev. M.E. Benson-Idahosa - Arise and Come to Your Father

Topic: Arise and Come to Your Father — Friday September 1, 2017.

Text: Luke 15:18, 20, 22-23 (NKJV)
I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, *"And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. *"But the father said to his servants, 'Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry.

Like the prodigal son, it is often tempting to allow negative traits in our lives to continue because of the short comings and failures of our past. But that is never the will of God for our lives. It is precisely because of our short comings and failures that Jesus suffered and died. As a result, we are not to suffer and die for them anymore. God wants us to come to Him and receive His mercy and grace and experience His power, glory and innumerable blessings for our lives. Jesus perfectly understands what you may be going through and He wants to save and restore you. He is sitting on His throne of grace waiting for you to come to receive His grace and complete restoration. Hebrews 4:16 instructs us to come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and find grace to help in our time of need. It has been paid for by Christ!

Did you ever notice that the prodigal father never once mentioned the sin of his son? This is precisely like what God’s word says in 2Corinthians 5:19 (NIV). The only thing the father referenced was the fact that his son who was once dead was now alive, who was once lost was now found and for these reasons, there was cause to be merry. Nothing brings joy to the heart of God the Father as much as your understanding of His great love for you. He covets your willingness to run to Him and to stay connected to His grace and love. Your connection to the great love God your Father has for you will reactivate a new dimension of God’s life and grace in you. A bountiful feast awaits you. Arise and come to your Father.

Prayer Focus: Receive the fullness of God’s grace and mercy right now. Pray for God’s grace and restoration in every area of your life.

Bible In A Year Reading Plan: Psalm 135-136; 1 Corinthians 12

Empowered to do exploits...

CGMI Above Only Daily Devotional, was written by Most Rev. M.E. Benson-Idahosa, Archbishop of Church of God Mission International, CGMI.