Stepping Stones: "I'll Save You A Place In Line"

Transformational Tip
Isn't it amazing how a few kinds words from someone we care about can make us feel so special? Just think about that warm feeling we get when someone tells you they will save a place for us in line...or at the table. It sends a clear message...they care about us and our well-being. Even more, they are willing to expend energy to show their feelings for us by taking action.
Now think about what God's Word says to us. Like the prodigal son, we go our own way...follow our desires...say no to our Father's plan...push away His protection for our self-destructive follies and pursuits. The prodigal was ready to take his son home, give him a feast, and honor his return. Our Father will do more....think of the place He is holding for us...think about His promise to bring us back from captivity. He sacrificed His only son to secure a place at the banquet table for us. Think about his promise to give us hope and a future...and the awesome gift of eternity...in His glorious kingdom. God saved your life and He is saving a place for you at His glorious table. Accept His invitation. It's free to you and lasts FOREVER!
Let this assurance and gift form the lenses you use today, especially when troubled.

Prayer
Father God, I believe that You have thoughts of peace and not of evil for me. I believe You have plans for me and a special future; You have given me hope. I know that when I call upon You and pray to You, You will listen. I know that when I search for You, I find You for You are always there for me. I know that You, and only You, have the power to bring me out of captivity. I thank You, my Father in heaven, for Your love and Your plans and for saving a place in line for me. I thank You for Jesus, my Savior, for without Him, I am nothing; lost and alone. With love in His name I pray - AMEN

The Truth
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity...
Jeremiah 29:11
And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.
And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'
But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.
And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate.
For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to celebrate.
Luke 15:20-24