Week of February 9th, 2026
5-Day Devotional: The Journey Home
Day 1: The Far Country Within
Reading: Luke 15:11-13; Psalm 139:23-24
Devotional: The far country is not measured in miles but in the distance between our hearts and God's. Like the prodigal son, we can physically be present in church, at home, or in prayer, yet emotionally and spiritually distant from our Father. Proximity does not produce intimacy. Today, pray the psalmist's prayer: "Search me, O God, and know my heart." Ask Him to reveal any areas where you've wandered into far places—not through dramatic rebellion, but through subtle selfishness, impulsive decisions, or neglected relationships. The journey home begins with honest self-examination. Where have you been living in a far country while appearing close to God?
Reading: Luke 15:11-13; Psalm 139:23-24
Devotional: The far country is not measured in miles but in the distance between our hearts and God's. Like the prodigal son, we can physically be present in church, at home, or in prayer, yet emotionally and spiritually distant from our Father. Proximity does not produce intimacy. Today, pray the psalmist's prayer: "Search me, O God, and know my heart." Ask Him to reveal any areas where you've wandered into far places—not through dramatic rebellion, but through subtle selfishness, impulsive decisions, or neglected relationships. The journey home begins with honest self-examination. Where have you been living in a far country while appearing close to God?
Day 2: Coming to Your Senses
Reading: Luke 15:14-17; 2 Corinthians 7:10
Devotional: "He came to himself." Four words that mark the turning point between destruction and redemption. Hitting rock bottom isn't punishment—it's often God's mercy, getting our attention when nothing else will. The prodigal's hunger drove him to clarity. What is your hunger revealing? Repentance is more than feeling bad about consequences; it's a change of mind that leads to a change of direction. Godly sorrow produces repentance that leads to salvation. Today, consider what God might be using to bring you to your senses. Don't waste your rock bottom moments. They're invitations to turn around and head home to the Father who's already watching for you.
Reading: Luke 15:14-17; 2 Corinthians 7:10
Devotional: "He came to himself." Four words that mark the turning point between destruction and redemption. Hitting rock bottom isn't punishment—it's often God's mercy, getting our attention when nothing else will. The prodigal's hunger drove him to clarity. What is your hunger revealing? Repentance is more than feeling bad about consequences; it's a change of mind that leads to a change of direction. Godly sorrow produces repentance that leads to salvation. Today, consider what God might be using to bring you to your senses. Don't waste your rock bottom moments. They're invitations to turn around and head home to the Father who's already watching for you.
Day 3: The Honesty of Repentance
Reading: Luke 15:18-19; 1 John 1:8-9
Devotional: "I have sinned." No excuses. No blame-shifting. No negotiating. The prodigal's repentance was specific, humble, and honest. He didn't say, "I made some mistakes" or "circumstances were against me." He owned his rebellion completely. True repentance doesn't make deals with God or come with preconditions. It simply confesses, "I was wrong." No sin is too small to confess, and no sin is too great to repent of. When we confess our sins specifically—not generally—He is faithful and just to forgive. Today, move beyond vague prayers of "forgive me for my sins." Name them. Own them. Confess them specifically. Freedom waits on the other side of honesty.
Reading: Luke 15:18-19; 1 John 1:8-9
Devotional: "I have sinned." No excuses. No blame-shifting. No negotiating. The prodigal's repentance was specific, humble, and honest. He didn't say, "I made some mistakes" or "circumstances were against me." He owned his rebellion completely. True repentance doesn't make deals with God or come with preconditions. It simply confesses, "I was wrong." No sin is too small to confess, and no sin is too great to repent of. When we confess our sins specifically—not generally—He is faithful and just to forgive. Today, move beyond vague prayers of "forgive me for my sins." Name them. Own them. Confess them specifically. Freedom waits on the other side of honesty.
Day 4: The Running Father
Reading: Luke 15:20-24; Ephesians 2:4-5
Devotional: While the son was still far off, the father saw him and ran. In ancient Middle Eastern culture, dignified men did not run. But this father threw dignity aside, hiked up his robes, and sprinted toward his returning son. This is the gospel: God runs toward repentant sinners. He doesn't wait at a distance, arms crossed, demanding proof of change. He rushes toward us with compassion, smothering us with kisses of forgiveness before we finish our rehearsed speeches. The robe, ring, sandals, and feast—none of it earned, all of it grace. You don't deserve God's welcome, but He gives it anyway. That's the scandalous beauty of grace. God is more ready to forgive you than you are to ask for it.
Reading: Luke 15:20-24; Ephesians 2:4-5
Devotional: While the son was still far off, the father saw him and ran. In ancient Middle Eastern culture, dignified men did not run. But this father threw dignity aside, hiked up his robes, and sprinted toward his returning son. This is the gospel: God runs toward repentant sinners. He doesn't wait at a distance, arms crossed, demanding proof of change. He rushes toward us with compassion, smothering us with kisses of forgiveness before we finish our rehearsed speeches. The robe, ring, sandals, and feast—none of it earned, all of it grace. You don't deserve God's welcome, but He gives it anyway. That's the scandalous beauty of grace. God is more ready to forgive you than you are to ask for it.
Day 5: Living in Grace
Reading: Luke 15:25-32; Romans 5:8
Devotional: Both sons were lost—one in a far country, one at home. The older brother's proximity to the father didn't equal intimacy. He served out of obligation, not love. He crossed every T, dotted every I, but his heart was cold. Perhaps you've been the younger son, running from God. Or maybe you're the older son, serving faithfully but joylessly, resentful of grace shown to others. God wants neither rebels nor resentful servants—He wants beloved children. As you've journeyed through this week, remember: the Father's house has room for both returning rebels and religious rule-keepers who need heart transformation. Live not from obligation but from overwhelming gratitude for undeserved grace. Then extend that same grace to others.
Reading: Luke 15:25-32; Romans 5:8
Devotional: Both sons were lost—one in a far country, one at home. The older brother's proximity to the father didn't equal intimacy. He served out of obligation, not love. He crossed every T, dotted every I, but his heart was cold. Perhaps you've been the younger son, running from God. Or maybe you're the older son, serving faithfully but joylessly, resentful of grace shown to others. God wants neither rebels nor resentful servants—He wants beloved children. As you've journeyed through this week, remember: the Father's house has room for both returning rebels and religious rule-keepers who need heart transformation. Live not from obligation but from overwhelming gratitude for undeserved grace. Then extend that same grace to others.
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Daily prayer and study of scripture keeps us close to God.As we approach Lent we should try to increase the time we spend with Him.