The Prodigal God.

I just finished an amazing book written by Timothy Keller.  It's called The Prodigal God and I highly recommend it.  It's basically about the story of the prodigal son... it's just done in a way that I've never heard before.  and - it's amazing.  Most sermons I've heard on this parable focus mainly on the younger brother, the prodigal son.  This book takes a look at both brothers.  The younger brother who leaves and then returns... and the older brother who stays.  Neither one is better than the other.

"Underneath the brothers' sharply different patterns of behavior is the same motivation and aim.  Both are using the father in different ways to get the things on which their hearts are really fixed.  It was wealth, not the love of the father, that they believed would make them happy and fulfilled."

The younger brother was just honest about what he wanted.  The older brother kept his sin hidden.  Both were wrong.

This was kind of an eye opening book for me.  It talked about how we can use our good acts and our obedience in certain areas as leverage over the Lord or even over people.  Mine would be more aimed towards people than God but if you know me at all, then you know that would make complete sense.  I'm a people person.  I'm a people pleaser.  I want to love and be loved in return.  I do nice things for people and I don't necessarily do them so they'll do something for me but - sometimes, not every time but sometimes I develop unfair expectations of others.  It's definitely something I'm aware of.  and - it's something the Lord is working out in me.  God is so good.  I'm in a crazy good place right now.  I'm learning and growing and it's amazing.  I'm so thankful for all that I have and all that He has done.  So.  Very.  Thankful.

I'm sure there's a ton more than I can say about this book... but I literally just finished it and I'm about to start a new one so I think that's all I have to say about it for now.  But - another blog may come a bit later. We'll just have to see.  ;o)

If you haven't read it.  You need to.  Do it.  Right now.

James