God's Love Will Outrun Your Shame

June 30, 2025

The Distance We Create

• Luke 15:11–13

• Isaiah 53:6

• Romans 3:23

Devotional Thought:

The younger son’s demand was more than a request for money—it was a declaration of separation. He was essentially saying, “I’m done with you.” That’s what sin does: it separates us from the Father. We convince ourselves we’ll be better off on our own, chasing independence that leads to isolation.

But God lets us walk—not because He doesn’t care, but because love always involves choice. He won’t force you to stay, but He never stops watching the road for your return.

Self-Reflection:

Where in your life are you demanding “your share” and pushing God to the side?

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July 01, 2025

When Rock Bottom Isn’t Low Enough

• Luke 15:14–16

• Psalm 38:4

• Lamentations 3:19–23

Devotional Thought:

The son didn't just fall into bad circumstances—he crashed into the consequences of his rebellion. Shame compounds when it’s not just what we’ve done, but what we've become in the eyes of others. Feeding pigs wasn’t just dirty work—it was cultural disgrace. But it's often in that place—when no one gives us anything—that clarity starts to surface.

Sometimes, the rock bottom is God's mercy in disguise: the start of coming to our senses.

Self-Reflection:

What is your “pigpen” moment—a situation where shame hit hardest—and what did God show you there?

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July 02, 2025

The Run That Changed Everything

• Luke 15:20–24

• Hebrews 12:2

• Romans 5:8

Devotional Thought:

The father didn’t wait to hear the son’s full apology. He didn’t demand penance. He ran. That’s Gospel grace. The father bore the shame so the son wouldn’t have to. He raced through the streets to get to him before the village could. That’s what Jesus does—He intercepts judgment with love.

This is more than forgiveness. It’s restoration. It’s sonship reclaimed. And that is what God offers us, not just a clean slate but a new seat at the table.

Self-Reflection:

Have you fully embraced that God runs toward you—without hesitation, without condition?

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July 03, 2025

When Shame Meets Grace

• Luke 15:25–30

• Matthew 23:27–28

• James 4:6

  
  

Devotional Thought:

The older son had proximity to the father but missed his heart. That’s the danger of religion without relationship. He couldn’t celebrate grace because he thought he had earned love.

Shame can hide behind performance. And just like the younger brother, the older one stood outside the celebration—just for different reasons. Grace isn’t earned. It’s accepted. Both sons were lost, just in different ways.

Self-Reflection:

Are you clinging to performance or perfection instead of receiving grace?

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July 04, 2025 (Happy 4th!)

The Father Still Runs

• Luke 15:31–32

• Ephesians 2:4–9

• Revelation 3:20

Devotional Thought:

The story ends without resolution for the older brother. Jesus leaves it open on purpose. The invitation is there—for rebels and rule-followers alike. Come inside. Come home. The father runs to the broken and steps out to meet the bitter. No one is too far gone—and no one is too good to need grace.

Whatever voice has been louder than God's lately—shame, pride, guilt—let this be louder: “Everything I have is yours.” Come join the feast.

Self-Reflection:

What’s keeping you outside the house—and what’s stopping you from stepping into the joy of the Father?