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Did you know that nothing can separate you — or your child from the love of God? It’s true! Join Heidi from some encouragement today as she talks about God’s heart for you—even in the midst of waiting for a wayward child to return.
God is in the business of redemption. Don’t give up!
Resources for today’s podcast:
Prodigals and Those Who Love Them: Words of Encouragement for Those Who Wait by Ruth Bell Graham
Ruth Bell Graham knew about prodigals-two of her five children were spiritual wanderers. This is not a “how to” book that dispenses easy advice on ways to win back a prodigal. Instead, it is a collection of readings one woman turned to for comfort when her children wandered from God. It shows how Graham’s faith persevered and grew regardless of the outcome of her prodigals’ stories. Part One introduces readers to five prodigals who “returned to the father.” Part Two offers comfort and encouragement through Scripture, poems, hymns, prayers, and more. Readers will be touched by the honest feelings of pain, frustration, and uncertainty Graham expresses so eloquently. And they will share in the lessons she learned about God’s sovereignty and ultimate peace. Now beautifully repackaged, Prodigals and Those Who Love Them brings peace and hope to all parents of “wayward” children.
Good News About Prodigals: Hope and Insight for Parents Who Wait for Their Child’s Return by Tom Bisset
“The pain of witnessing a loved one’s hard heart. How do you bear it? How do you respond to it? How do you understand it? Few have dared to guide us through such a season–for that reason, the book you hold is invaluable. If you have a prodigal in your life, Tom Bisset has a word for you. May God use both the book and its readers as aqueducts of His unending love.”
(Max Lucado)
Engaging Today’s Prodigal: Clear Thinking, New Approaches, and Reasons for Hope by Carol Barnier
Many families today experience the profound guilt and shame filled pain of seeing a child walk away from their faith and values. Churches and parents feel powerless to change the relationship and engage the prodigal in positive ways. Carol Barnier has the insight to help. She left the faith of her pastor father, became an active atheist, debated Christians, and explored a variety of worldviews before she found the truth in a relationship with Jesus.
But far more than her personal story, Engaging Today’s Prodigal equips readers with a better understanding of a prodigal’s motivation, useful responses that won’t prevent reconciliation, clear boundaries to protect themselves and other children, actions to take when you know you have contributed to the problem, and the value of realistic expectations. With effective wit and humor, Carol provides material relevant for churches, parents and even the prodigals themselves.