"But he answered and said to his father, ‘Look! For so many years I have been serving you and I have never neglected a command of yours; and yet you never gave me a young goat, so that I might celebrate with my friends;" - Luke 15:29

Following God can get tiring. While others are playing or relaxing, we go to church, serve in church, go out of our way to help others, and try hard to do what is right. We might think to ourselves, “Why do I have to try so hard? Does it really matter?”

Once, Jesus told a story about two brothers. One brother ran away and wasted everything his father gave him. When he came back, his father was so happy, he threw a big party! The other brother, the one who stayed, was hurt and upset. He had worked hard and obeyed his father all those years while his brother did not lift a finger. Naturally, he wondered, “Why haven't I had a party?”

The father gently reminded the brother who stayed, “you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours.” . The brother who stayed had something very special all along—his father with him everyday. He could talk to his father, learn from him, and know he was loved and safe at any time.

When we stay close to God, we too have something very special. We have God Himself. He listens to us, guides us, and loves us everyday. No matter how hard, staying with God is a blessing. Our hearts grow closer to Him, and we experience firsthand how good staying in His love really is.

Family Altar

Use these discussion questions and our prayer as a guide for your family altar.

Parents can lead the prayer and invite their children to repeat after them or encourage their children to take the lead, making family altar time a shared journey of faith.

Discussion Questions:

• What is your response to those who seem to live better lives away from God? How does that make you feel?

• What are some good things about staying close to God everyday?

• Why is it so important that we never leave God?

Prayer in Words:

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, we pray.
There are times when it seems as if there are more downs than ups of being a Christian.
In those moments, remind us that staying close to You is a blessing.
Thank You for loving us, listening to us, and being with us everyday, in every way.
Help us be grateful and joyful as we stay walking with You.
Hallelujah, Amen.