DAY 3 - SIMPLICITY

He is Risen! Happy Easter! As modern Christians we live as if a tightrope were strung between "the land flowing with milk and honey" and "sell everything you have and give to the poor." We are greedy for more but need to assuage our guilt over what we have. We try to maintain a balance and call it simplicity. We risk falling into the net of idolatry either by embracing materialism and serving possessions, or by renouncing possessions and embracing legalism and asceticism. But true simplicity emanates from meditating on the words of Jesus and then following His commandments and His example. Jesus says, "Fall into freedom; trust me, and stop worrying about what you have or don't have!"   What are you doing to make sure you seek his kingdom first?     It says to trust Jesus and stop worrying. Why do you think sometimes that is so hard?  

DAY 2: PARABLE OF FATHER'S HEART

Rembrandt was one of the greatest painters of all time.  In 1637, he painted this self portrait entitled "The Prodigal at the Tavern."

In it, he depicts himself and wife in a tavern or brothel.

During his life, Rembrandt lived an extravagant lifestyle and despite his popularity he struggled financially and had family struggles.

Compare "The Prodigal at the Tavern" with one of his last paintings below entitled "the Return of the Prodigal Son." 

They are fitting bookends to the life of Rembrandt, the center of one is pleasure.  The center of the other is the Father welcoming the lost son home.

How was the broken heart of God revealed to you today?  Describe your time listening and hearing His heart.  What did He say to you in the Silence?

In the Comments below, write out what God is saying to you about coming home and lostness.  Maybe you would like to share your story of God's power in welcoming you home.

Or, write your prayer for lost people like the Tigre people.

My prayer for you is you learn to weep for His children as He wept for you.

Live|Dead.