WEBVTT 00:00:04.959 --> 00:00:11.919 As we begin today, breathe deeply and listen to the way that God longs to dwell with you. 00:00:12.640 --> 00:00:20.879 The book of Luke tells the story of a son who rebelled and went away from his father, taking his inheritance. 00:00:21.760 --> 00:00:31.600 After squandering it, he comes home and the father embraces him with open arms, despite his betrayal and mistakes. 00:00:32.479 --> 00:00:43.039 In Luke 15, 31, the Father says, My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 00:00:43.920 --> 00:00:53.840 Jesus is telling the story for a reason, because he wants us to understand that he is the father and we are the son. 00:00:54.960 --> 00:00:58.960 God's heart as a father is not distant or conditional. 00:00:59.280 --> 00:01:04.719 He is consistently near, always available, and always inviting you close. 00:01:05.120 --> 00:01:11.599 Like the father in the prodigal son story, he welcomes you back again and again. 00:01:12.079 --> 00:01:14.879 You never outgrow your place with him. 00:01:17.200 --> 00:01:22.480 Pause for a few seconds to thank God that he is always with you. 00:01:23.040 --> 00:01:25.920 Think about the closeness he offers you. 00:01:26.239 --> 00:01:29.519 How does this change the way you approach today? 00:01:49.040 --> 00:01:53.840 Now, tell God where you've felt distant or disconnected. 00:01:54.079 --> 00:01:57.200 Ask him to draw you back into closeness. 00:01:57.760 --> 00:02:03.359 Invite him to remind you that you are always welcomed and never rejected. 00:02:03.760 --> 00:02:06.879 Ask him to deepen your relationship with him. 00:03:12.800 --> 00:03:16.800 Let his closeness replace distance in your heart. 00:03:50.800 --> 00:03:53.039 Become close again today. 00:03:53.680 --> 00:03:54.319 Amen.