Squandered

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Squandered

Most people  are acquainted  with Jesus’ parable  of the prodigal son  in Luke 15:11-32.     The son wanted his inheritance early,  and his father gave it  to him.     Jesus then said  in Luke 15:13,  about this self-absorbed son,

And not many days later,  the younger son  gathered everything together  and went on a journey  into a distant country,  and there  he squandered  his estate  with loose living.     

What a foolish  and sad waste.     He had so much  that he could have used  for good.     But he chose  to squander it all  to try and satisfy his lusts.     With nothing left,  he had  to get a job feeding pigs,  but was starving with that.     Finally,  in Luke 15:17-19,  Jesus said,

But  when he came  to his senses,  he said,  ‘How many  of my father’s hired men  have more than enough bread,  but I am dying here  with hunger!     I will get up  and go to my father,  and will say to him,  “Father,  I have sinned against heaven,  and in your sight;  I am no longer worthy  to be called your son;  make me  as one of your hired men.”

We,  too,  have “squandered”  a lot  of what God  has given us.    Everybody has different gifts  and talents  of all sorts  that should be used  to live lives  that glorify our Lord  with faith,  hope,  and love.     Just as the prodigal son  asked his father  for forgiveness,  we need  to ask our Lord’s forgiveness  for not using His gifts  and talents  to rightly honor Him.

The father  in Jesus’ parable  most gladly forgave his son’s sins  —  just because the son was repentant  and he loved him so.     Our Lord also longs  to forgive us  for squandering the talents He has given us.     We just need  to see  and understand  how we have “squandered” much,  and are in need  of our Savior’s forgiveness.

Understanding  and appreciating  God’s patient love  for us,  we say,  “Hallelujah!     LORD,  lead us  in living rightly  for you.”

Love,
Margaret

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A Christian devotional  to glorify  the LORD of lords  and GOD of gods.

Pray for our country.

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The LORD  made this day, let us rejoice  and be glad  in Him.

Psalm 118:24

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The word of the LORD is tried;

He is a shield  to all  who take refuge  in Him.

Psalm 18:30

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Sing for joy  in the LORD,  O you righteous ones;

Praise is becoming  to the upright.

Psalm 33:1

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How blessed are those  who dwell  in Thy house!

They are ever praising Thee.

Psalm 84:4

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Just as a father  has compassion  on his children,

So the LORD  has compassion  on those who fear Him.

Psalm 103:13

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O give thanks  to the LORD,  for He is good;

For His lovingkindness  is everlasting.

Psalm 107:1

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Glory in His holy name;

Let the heart  of those who seek the LORD  be glad.

Psalm 105:3

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Not that I have already obtained it,  or have already  become perfect,   but I press on  in order that  I may  lay hold  of that  for which also  I was laid hold of  by Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:12

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