The Blessed Life - Poor in Spirit
The story of the Prodigal Son is my favorite parable because it hits pretty close to home for me. I grew up in a Christian home and was raised in church. Every time the church doors were open we were there. I learned all the Bible stories through the magic of the flannel board. I joined the church and got baptized at 12 years old because I thought that is what you were supposed to do. But most of my friends were not Christians and they were very influential in my life. As I struggled through my teen years, I drifted farther and farther away from my faith. I thought I was missing out on all of the fun, the good life, the blessed life, so I started trying all the things the world said would provide meaning, fulfillment and satisfaction.
Through a series of near death experiences, the Lord was trying to get my attention but it wasn’t until I ended up at a Christian camp called Miracle Camp that God finally got me to come to my senses. The Lord made it pretty clear that it was time for me to choose either the life with him or death with the world. I turned back to Him and He ran to me with open arms welcoming me home. There may be someone reading this who has been running away from God to a distant land. My prayer is that you will come to your senses and come home. Your Father in heaven is eagerly waiting for you with open arms. Come home.
Peace,
Jeff