Return Please (Living In 10 Codes 8) (10/20/14)

Return Please (Living In 10 Codes 8) (10/20/14)

Return: verb – to go back or come back again. This is the Webster’s dictionary definition. A security code 10 - 19 is translated “return to” and is followed by a location. By nature of the definition, this is a location where the responder has previously been. Now a necessity to return there has arisen.

The concept of returning is prevalent in the Scripture. From the first sin that separated man from God, a plea emanated from the Father’s heart calling His children to return. Through the ages that has remained God’s heart cry to His people. Whenever the heart of the believer strays from Almighty God, He pleads for His child to come back. He waits and watches.

Throughout the Old Testament, prophets pleaded with the nation of Israel to return to their God. “Therefore return to your God! Hold fast to love and mercy, to righteousness and justice, and wait [expectantly] for your God continually!” (Hosea 12:6 AMP) There are similar pleas from Isaiah, Jeremiah, Nehemiah, Joel and many others. God has never given up on His children when they stray. He calls and waits over and over.

Jesus also told the story of the father who waits for the return of his prodigal son. (See Luke 15:11 – 32) The verse that portrays the son’s return truly displays the heart of our heavenly Father when we return to Him. “So he got up and came to his [own] father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity and tenderness [for him]; and he ran and embraced him and kissed him [fervently].” (Luke 15:20 AMP) God is watching and will run to us with open arms as soon as we take a step toward Him. He has repeatedly promised to also greet our return by returning to us. “Therefore say to them [the Jews of this day], Thus says the Lord of hosts: Return to Me, says the Lord of hosts, and I will return to you; it is the utterance of the Lord of hosts.” (Zechariah 1:3 AMP)

In the end time prophecy, the Church at Ephesus is praised for enduring hard times for the sake of Jesus. Despite this praise the angel spoke these words, “But I have this [one charge to make] against you: that you have left (abandoned) the love that you had at first [you have deserted Me, your first love].” (Revelation 2:4 AMP) It is not just a matter of serving God, but having a heart full of love for Him. We can continue to live a life doing Godly things while our heart is straying from Him. We must return to our first love with Him.

Where is God? This can be the heart cry of a believer. How can I return if I am not sure where God is? A code 10 – 20 is one’s current location. God has been asked by many believers what is His 10 – 20. God’s word gives us the answer. “But the Lord is in His holy temple; let all the earth hush and keep silence before Him.” (Habakkuk 2:20 AMP) The apostle Paul wrote, “Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received [as a Gift] from God? You are not your own,” (1 Corinthians 6:19 AMP) The temple of God is within us. God is present with us at all times.

God calls to us daily to come away with Him.  Since He is always present. This is not a physical location but a condition of the heart. It does not take long for a heart to stray. Do we always keep check that we focus our love on the Lord and not on worldly distractions? If we catch ourselves becoming more interested in other things it is time to listen to His call of 10 – 19 and return our heart to God. He has promised, “Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13 AMP)

(If you have never asked Jesus to come into your heart, you have not yet become His temple or dwelling place.  Your first step is to invite Jesus to become your Lord and Savior by receiving His death and resurrection as payment for your sins. Come to Him for the first time and experience His presence and a great love relationship.)

If anything other than the Lord has captured you heart, quickly 10 – 19 to Him. His 10 – 20 is as close as your heart. Turn to Him and He will welcome you with open arms.