Charlyne Cares

January 18, 2007

CHECKLIST FOR PRODIGAL'S UNEXPECTED RETURN
"Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke
him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peters wrists. Then the angel said to him, "Put on
your clothes and sandals." And Peter did so. "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me," the angel told him.
Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening;
he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate
leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of
one street, suddenly the angel left him." Acts 12:7-10
Peter was in prison. The Lord sent an angel to lead him out. Chains were miraculously falling off, and they
were about to walk right past guards, and see iron gates opened. This passage relates that, "Peter followed
him out of the prison, but had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening,"
The description of Peter sounds like so many returning prodigals, including my husband; no idea what God is
doing is really happening. Over and over we have heard men and women relate of their journey home and tell
us, in one way or another, "I don't know why, but I suddenly felt I should..."
Are you ready for your mate's return? No, not, "I've had enough of this being alone and standing," but are you
prepared for the restor- ation process to start? If you are praying and standing with God for the return of your
spouse, we want to give you a checklist that you might need on that grand day:
A) What will be my first words? Will they build up or tear down?
B) Have I forgiven my spouse--for everything?
C) Will I have to secretly delete any of my email?
D) Whom will I call first to share my miracle?
E) How long will it take for me to remember to thank God?
F) Will my prodigal's closet be empty and ready?
G) Is there anyone that I will not want my spouse to meet by accident?
H) Will my wedding ring already be on my hand?
I) Have I said anything about my spouse that I will regret?
J) Will I have a time set aside daily to be alone with the Lord?
K) Will I remember to tell the marriage ministry that has helped me?

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L) Will I allow my mate to heal before ministering to other couples?

M) Will I be thankful every day, regardless of the circumstances?
Throughout the Bible, God moved suddenly. Most prodigals return home suddenly. In the past two days we
have heard from two standers whose spouses came home without warning. Our prayer is that you will always
be ready. Our desire is not to simply have your spouse home, but that your marriage will be restored. Plan
today for tomorrow with the one you love.
"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you
to give the reason for the hope that you have." I Peter 3:15a
God bless,
Charlyne Steinkamp
Rejoice Marriage Ministries, Inc.
Post Office Box 10548
Pompano Beach, FL 33061 USA
http://RejoiceOnline.org (Ministry)
http://OurGodHeals.org (Healing)
http://StopDivorce.org (Bookstore)
A BOBSERVATION

Do you know the difference in rescue efforts and recovery efforts following a tragedy? Rescue is an effort to
locate and treat survivors. Recovery is an effort to locate dead bodies. I wonder then, why so many churches
offer "divorce recovery" classes for victims of separation and divorce? Are your thoughts, your efforts, and
your prayers for your marriage directed toward rescue or recovery?
Just as people were both shocked and joyful when two young boys in Missouri were rescued from an
abductor a few days ago, one after being gone four years, people all around you will also be both
shocked and joyful when Jesus Christ, at His perfect time, rescues your marriage, when others are calling it
dead. Never lose hope in what God can do.
Devotional Copyright 2007 Rejoice Marriage Ministries, Inc.
Scripture quoted by permission and are from the Holy Bible; New International Version Copyright 1973,
1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights
reserved.
Printed from http://rejoiceministries.org/cc/view.php?id=2662
Rejoice Marriage Ministries, Inc.
Post Office Box 10548
Pompano Beach, FL 33061
http://rejoiceministries.org

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