The Father's Love.

The Father's Love....

I was praying this morning and I realised how much God loves me. Growing up I always taught God was very tough and hard. And this actually pushed me away from him. But since getting to know him better and having a relationship with him. I have found him to be very loving. Yes he has rules but it is for our own sake that he has them.

With the boys I was trying to be their friend more than their mother. When they were young i was more strict with them so their behavior was great. But later on in life when i was not their behavior changed.

But with Declan I don't want to make the same mistakes. So I need to hand it over to God and pray for wisdom. I love him with all my heart but he needs discipline. He needs to have boundaries and rules. Just because I correct him doesn't mean to say that I don't love him. 

Just like I was with God, I need to be the same with the people in my life. I need to give them a chance. I need to get to know them, Because we really don't know someone until we hear their story.. Anne Brown told me a wee quote and I love it ...

LOOK AT ME AND SAY WHAT YOU SEE ...BUT WHAT YOU SEE IS NOT ALL OF ME 

Love it just reading The Word For Today Devotional and just love it....

YOU REPRESENT YOUR FATHER 'His heart went out to him." Luke 15:20 PHP

When the father saw his prodigal son, 'his heart went out to him'. Jack Graham writes: This isn't a father who can't wait to punish his sinful son...who has written him off as wasted and worthless. This is a loving, caring father who can't wait to embrace and welcome him. He runs down the road to meet him...What you see...is a picture of the Father's love for you...eager...excessive...approachable... abundant. Max Lucado adds: The tale involves a wealthy father and a wilful son [who]...takes his inheritance [to] Las Vegas and...wastes [it] on slot machines and call girls...Broke [and] too proud to go home, he gets a job sweeping...stables at the racetrack. When he finds himself...[eating]...their oats, he realises enough is enough...Off he goes, rehearsing his repentance speech...But..."When he was...a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion" [v. 20 NKJV)...We expect crossed arms...a furrowed brow...a guarded handshake...a stern lecture...Instead (the father said], "Bring out the best robe...a ring...sandals...and...the fatted calf" [vv. 22-23 NKJVI. The ring symbolised delegated authority. The one who wore it carried on business in the name of the one who gave it. Would you have given this prodigal the power of attorney over your matters? Entrusted him with your credit card? When you came to God, you were given authority to conduct business in His name. When you speak truth, you're His ambassador (see 2 Corinthians 5:20). As you steward finances He gives, you're His business manager. When you proclaim forgiveness, you're His priest. He has given you the privilege to do for others what He does for you. Don't withhold encouragement or affirmation! Speak words that strengthen others. Why? Because you represent your Father!