In studying the parable of the so called "Prodigal Son" (maybe better named, "A Man with Two Lost Sons"), and having been especially  influenced by a book by Timothy Keller called The Prodigal God, I've been really convicted of my own attempts to earn God's Love and Grace.  Of course, that's an impossible task since God's Grace, by definition, is undeserved, and God's radical Love is totally and completely unconditional.  But still, I read my Bible, pray, go to Church, study His Word, try to do "good things", and be a "good person," in large part so God won't get mad at me and punish me (or so I think).  How ridiculous!  and yet, mindlessly, that is my default and very flawed view of God quite often. 

If only I could understand that I am loved totally and completely.  That nothing I do can influence or merit God's Love.  That God's Grace is totally free and complete for every sin I've ever committed or ever will commit.   That God's Love has nothing to do with my sins and everything to do with how incredible and overwhelming He is!  Neither the younger son who ran away, nor the older son who self righteously alienated himself from the Father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son deserved the Father's Love, BUT both of them got His Love...NO MATTER WHAT!  Now, that's not to say that we can  do whatever we want and we'll still please God, but that nothing can seperate us from His Love!

So today, don't even try to pretend like you're good enough.  Just believe  and rest in the FACT that you're totally loved!  If only I could live in that knowledge every day!  That's my prayer right now, Lord, let Your love so overwhelm me that I can't help but rest in the fact that I'm totally and completely loved, and let that knowledge give me the freedom to be exactly who You've called me to be.  And even when I can't feel your Love, remind me in the deepest parts of my soul of that fact.  I love You with everything I am!  Amen.