Stop it, already! Before I mention exactly what you should put an end to, let me say that this devotional may not be for you. That is if you think the world of yourself. That you’re God’s gift to mankind. Never wrong. Blames anyone and everyone who crosses your path. The apple of everyone else’s eyes. That God broke the mold when He made you. You’re the top. The Mona Lisa. If that’s you, just delete this devotional right now.

For the rest of us, read on. Maybe you have a hard time imagining God forgiving you, loving you unconditionally, setting up your mansion over heaven’s hilltop, knowing that you even exist, let alone hearing any of your prayers, then what follows could be for you.

Specifically, take a gander at Isaiah 56: 3-8. My eyes perked up when I did, feeling like these verses were bowling a strike down my alley, scattering all my pins, chalking up a perfect 10!

It’s the Lord who speaks in Isaiah 56. He refers to eunuchs and foreigners. People on the outs. Less than perfect, who may feel good for nothing with God. Sounds familiar? An inner voice whispering to you? A downer even on a good day? So, stop it already!

Isaiah 56: 4-5–“For thus says the Lord: ‘To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbath, who choose the things that please me, who hold fast my covenant–I will give in my house and within my walls a monument and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off.'” This was written to eunuchs. And you know what they lacked. Actually, in the Lord, as members of God’s family, they’re much better off than if they had sons and daughters.

Isaiah 56: 6-7,9–“And the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord, and to be his servants…these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer…The Lord God, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, declares, ‘I will gather yet others to him besides those already gathered.'”

See what I mean? Outcasts are welcomed into God’s fold. If true for eunuchs and foreigners, then there’s hope for you and me. When you feel down and out, know that you will be up and in through faith in Jesus Christ. The Savior says, ‘I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd’ (John 10: 16).

Did you hear what Jesus said? The backdoor is unlocked. The light is on. The welcome mat is out. Come on in. The Father and Son have their arms wide open in love. It’s home time now and forever!

Thank you, Jesus, for welcoming me into your family. Amen.