Dear Cornerstone Family,
God’s mercy reminds us there is always a way back to our heavenly Father.
In Luke 15 Jesus tells us a story of two sons. The youngest demands his inheritance early, so he can go and live “outside” of the rules of his father. In Luke 15:13-16 (NLT2) we read, “A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything.”
I don’t know about you, but I can relate to this son. When I moved out of my parents’ house, I couldn’t wait to experience my freedom and to do what I wanted. I had money and friends, but when my money ran out, so did my friends. This is where the story takes a positive turn. The young man has an “aha” moment. He starts to think about how much better things are in his father’s house. He decides to come back home to his father. He is broken and repents, but he doesn’t know what his father’s response might be.
Jesus uses this story to explain how God will respond to us when we come home to Him. In Luke 15:20 (NLT2) we read, “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.” Did you catch that? His father was looking for him. He was waiting for him with anticipation. The father’s heart was full of love and compassion. This is how our heavenly Father will respond to us.
Some of us are still struggling with this concept of God’s mercy. Maybe we can accept God taking us back, but we wonder if He is still angry at us. God doesn’t hold a grudge against us. God will not only welcome you back, but He will celebrate you returning to the life you were intended to live.
Where are you on your journey with God?
No matter how far you’ve gone, there is always a way back to God. The way back is through Jesus.
Following THE Leader with you,
Pastor Ed Turley
Cornerstone Church of Poway
P.S. Check out our mobile-friendly website!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Tuesday Family Night – Potluck:
Join us this Tuesday from 6-7:30 pm for a potluck and final Family Night gathering until the fall. Connect and meet some new friends. Everyone welcome! The teens will continue to meet weekly in the Xtreme Youth room.
Kid’s Camp – Life is wild, God is good!
Make Kid’s Camp the mane event! This epic African adventure engages the whole herd. At Roar, kids explore God’s goodness and celebrate a ferocious faith that powers them through this wild life. June 17th-June 21st. 9 am–12 pm. $55 first child/$50 siblings include t-shirt, snacks, and take-homes.
Register online: https://www.cornerstonepoway.com/kid-city/kids-camp/
Men’s Breakfast:
Guys…the Men’s Breakfast is coming up Saturday, June 1, 8-10:00 am, in the church café. You won’t want to miss it! Donation accepted. Sign up at the table in the courtyard or rsvp to Jim Ellington: rvrmn@cox.net.
Mikie Nava – Celebration of Life:
Mikie’s Celebration of Life service will be on Sunday, June 9, at 2 pm here at Cornerstone. She touched many hearts and we were so blessed by her years of service and friendship. Mikie will be missed. Please continue to pray for her family during this difficult time.
