I finished my beth moore study today. I really just want to share with you what I learned and what I am continuing to learn and struggle with….

I guess, I’m just asking for a minute where I can be honest with you.

The story I am going to share with you is the one of the Prodigal Son. I’m sure you know it. This little section really spoke to me, today as I sat in the Great Hall. I hope it is encouraging to you, as well.

“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.” Luke 15:19

Beth Moore said, on this topic, ‘Do you want to go home but, like the progial, would you feel better about the whole thing if you just went b ack as a servant instead of a son? It will never work. Thousands do it, but it never brings relief. They work maniacally trying to make up to God for what they’ve done. “I am not longer worthy to be called your son.” They never were. They just never knew. They’d feel better if they could just take a beating like a runaway slave returned to the taskmaster. Don’t you realize, you’ve already had a beating? Oh, I see. You just want to pay some kind of penance for what you’ve done. You still have way too much ego.”

The question she then asks is,’How is self-punishment a form of ego?’ ask yourself this question…

I’ve been thinking a lot about this today. There is no ‘penance’ needed, not even for the prodigal. Going home as a servant instead of a child won’t work. You won’t find true healing in that. Its fake. By going back as a servant and trying to deny yourself of your birthright only places a ‘band-aid’ over your wound, as a sweet friend of mine once told me. It will cause you more heartache and trouble later on, not only in your life but also inn your relationships.

You won’t be healed any other way, besides going back to your Father’s HEART. Do not go back to your His table to eat the crumbs on the floor like a dog. Think more of His redemption than that. Do not go back to your Father’s house just to be safe. He wants far more for you than that. You will never heal if you only go back to your Father’s home. You must go back to His HEART. Closer than you’ve ever been.

Rejoice not over me, O my enemy, When I fall, I shall rise; When I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me! -Micah 7:8

Claim this verse. Memorize it. Do whatever you have to do to engrain this TRUTH in your heart, soul, and mind…

be encouraged and know that you are a son/daughter of the king….John 8:32