Thursday, January 2nd
Today’s Scripture
For this beloved son of mine was once dead, but now he’s alive again. Once he was lost, but now he is found!’ And everyone celebrated with overflowing joy. “Now, the older son was out working in the field when his brother returned, and as he approached the house he heard the music of celebration and dancing. So he called over one of the servants and asked, ‘What’s going on?’ “The servant replied, ‘It’s your younger brother. He’s returned home and your father is throwing a party to celebrate his homecoming.’ “The older son became angry and refused to go in and celebrate. So his father came out and pleaded with him, ‘Come and enjoy the feast with us!’ “The son said, ‘Father, listen! How many years have I been working like a slave for you, performing every duty you’ve asked as a faithful son? And I’ve never once disobeyed you. But you’ve never thrown a party for me because of my faithfulness. Never once have you even given me a goat that I could feast on and celebrate with my friends like he’s doing now. But look at this son of yours! He comes back after wasting your wealth on prostitutes and reckless living, and here you are throwing a great feast to celebrate—for him!’ “The father said, ‘My son, you are always with me by my side. Everything I have is yours to enjoy. It’s only right to celebrate like this and be overjoyed, because this brother of yours was once dead and gone, but now he is alive and back with us again. He was lost but now he is found!’”
Luke 15:24-32
Today’s Motivation
The older son felt like his faithfulness was overlooked when his brother returned… He became angry — so be careful when your faithfulness sometimes may seem to go unrewarded with those around you… Take time today and reward the faithful in your life…
Today’s Challenge
We’ve all had moments where we felt unappreciated or unrewarded for our faithfulness. And if we’re being honest, we probably have let others’ faithfulness to us go unnoticed. Today, find a way to appreciate someone who has been faithful in your life, whether a family member, friend, spouse, neighbor, etc. It can be as simple as a text to say you’re grateful for them, just find a way to sow gratitude to someone today!