1 Samuel 12:20    And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness; yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart;  (KJV)

For every prodigal, everyone who has failed to do what you know is right, every “backslidden” soul  out there–PLEASE hear this!  Yes, you have been disrespectful, belligerent, rebellious, and at times made stupid or just plain idiotic choices!  BUT GOD!  We are all sinners saved by His marvelous grace (Ephesians 2:8), and He loves you!!  Don’t let past mistakes keep you bound in regret.  Get up!  Turn around!  Go Home! Keep on keeping on.  There are second, third, one hundredth chances with the LORD!  (Romans 8:38-39)   Our God looks at the heart.  He is full of compassion, forgiveness, grace, and mercy.  (Psalm 86:15)  HE USES EVEN OUR POOR CHOICES FOR HIS GLORY and our good! (Romans 8:28)  Praise the Lord!

Whatever sidelined you, it has not changed who GOD is. (Malachi 3:6)  Whatever has sent you running away from Him in fear, remember He is a God of mercy.  This error need not be your undoing!  Jesus came for this:  To redeem your mistakes, to reconcile your relationships, to revive your spirit, to renew all that has been damaged by sin. (Matthew 20:28)

Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, sisters, brothers, mentors, teachers, preachers, co-workers take inspiration from Samuel and pour this TRUTH into the lives of those you spiritually influence.  Tenderly speak this truth into weary, war-beaten, and self-destructive lives:  It is NOT too late to follow and serve the LORD!  (II Corinthians 6:2)

One thief dying on a cross found forgiveness in the nick of time for Jesus said:  “Today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)  No baptism required.  No works needed.  Not one thing necessary save taking Jesus at His Word.  

(Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus by Nichole Nordeman)

Head down and swimming toward shore,

Yvonne