Week of April 19, 2015 Coming Home: “How Did I Get So Far Away?” Luke 15:11-16

Which of the following best describes you: Things that get us off of God’s path... - Slip ups – letting our guard down for a moment - Selfishness – focusing on ourselves - Secret sins – our heart longing for something not good - Silly-ness – taking dangerous things too lightly - Wrong focus – living for something other than God’s purpose - Anger – letting bad feelings stay around too long It's a slow fade when you give Read the words to the song, “Slow Fade”; how true are they? yourself away It's a slow fade when black and #1. We begin to distance ourselves from God white have turned to gray Luke 15:11-12 Thoughts invade, choices are What are some steps that we take that gradually move us away made, a price will be paid from God? When you give yourself away People never crumble in a day #2. We take clear steps away from God It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade Luke 15:13 The only time to leave is when you know that God is sending you. (“Slow Fade” by Casting Crowns) Prodigal means...“Wasteful or reckless”.

What can cause a casual turning from God to become more brazen?

“The 24 Hour Rule” If possible, holding off on making a decision or taking some action for at least 24 hours when it involves... #1. Something way outside your norm #2. Something those close to you may not support #3. Something that involves high risks #4. Something that might be very expensive The idea is that if something is a good idea today, it will be a good idea tomorrow/later. (adapted from The Bipolar Workbook: Tools for Controlling Your Mood Swings) How can “The 24 Hour Rule” help you make wiser decisions?

#3. We get our lives into a complete mess Luke 15:14-16 How much do the people helping to make your mess really care about you?

Sin will take you farther than you wanted to go, will keep you longer than you wanted to stay, and will cost you more than you wanted to pay.

In what ways is God calling you home to Him?