Youthoughts Page 49

One of the parables that I really like is that of the prodigal son. Lots of lessons could be learned here but let me focus on the love of the Father. It is interesting to note how great the love of the Father has for his lost son. Even before the son could say "I'm sorry," the Father ran towards him when he saw him from a distance and hugged him -- welcoming him back to the family with all rights and privileges as a real son.

How great is the love that the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are right now, presently. Not in the future. (1 John 3).

God's love is greater than his desire to punish and condemn us (John 3:16, Romans 8:1) He is not willing that any of us should perish.

As a father myself, I can really relate to it very much. I love my daughters period. I loved them before they learned to love me. They will surely make mistakes (being humans) in life. But I will love them anyway, no matter what. They're always welcome in my home. They are loved. They are accepted. They are included. They are part of my family. I love them.

If God is for us, who can be against us? Nothing! No, nothing can separate us from the love of God. He is on our side. (Romans 8:35)

And that's real good news -- the gospel. The gospel is really good news!

Isn't it about time that God's love should compel us to return to Him? Isn't it about time for us to come home to Him? Why live in misery outside the Father's home? --Pastor Len

Veejay and I were discussing: "Is it a good idea to use this Friendster blog as our youth forum instead of Youthoughts?" She said, "OK." Let's try it out. Let's see how it goes.

Some years ago, I wanted to start a youth forum and I named it, "Youth Seeking Understanding." I wanted to have a forum where WCG youths could interact, express their thoughts, express their feelings and be understood. A place where they could ask questions freely and get good answers and sound advice -- not necessarily always coming from me but from fellow youths.

While studying at the Asian Theological Seminary, I came across an 11th century theologian, St. Anselm who had a motto: "Faith Seeking Understanding." This is where I got the idea of "Youth Seeking Understanding."

YSU was successful and I passed it on to Andoi Calope to maintain and continue as long as it lasted. It eventually "died a natural death" and I started "Youthoughts" which has been going on for a good number of years now.

And now, it might be time for change again and I want to revive the name, "Youth Seeking Understanding" or "YSU" for short. For this is really what we all need to do. We all do have faith in the Lord already. (I trust that such is the case for many of us.) Now let's move on forward and get to know more our Lord even more. Let's get to love him more and more. --Pastor Len

The Love of the Father

YSU at Friendster? Is this OK?