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Luke 15:29-32 29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee,
neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid,
that I might make merry with my friends:30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath

devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.31 And he said unto
him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.32 It was meet that we should
make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is
found.

Have you ever considered the Prodigal son’s brother? As a brief recap the prodigal son was
granted his inheritance upon his request from his father. The son lived the big life and wasted
all of his money partying and having a fantastic time until all of the money was completely
gone. He wandered with no friends in sight until he found himself face down in pig slop. He
returned home to be welcomed back into his father’s house. Usually this is where the sermon

ends. The preacher expresses the privilege to return to the Father and be restored. But let’s
look at the other side of the story. The other son was responsible. He was dependable. But
let’s consider the other brother that never left his father’s side. He was loyal to his father. The
brother represents steadfast faithfulness. The case of the folks that always make the righteous
choice. The people that we can set our watches by. They are consistent and sure footed. So
much so, that they are expected to make the wise choice. They feel the constant pressure to
never disappoint many times at the price of their happiness. But this group always misses the
blessing because, they are too focused on the blessings of others. They look to the heavens

and wonder if God has forgotten them. The answer is no God has not forgotten. He sees you.
They do not realize that God has placed a special mark on their heads that they are blessed
from the time that they raise in the morning to the time they fall asleep. God is holding this
group close to His bosom and holding back the attacks of the enemy. If you find your self is
this group read the promises of God, his love letter directly to you. He has not forgotten you
He is in the mist of every storm you pass through. He guides, he directs, and he directs every
step on your journey to bless you.

Don't be afraid to shine. Too often we dim our light so that others are not intimidated by our
shine. But who are we really not shine created in the glorious image of the Most High. There
is certainly a difference between arrogance and shining. I think too often we are afraid of
shining. Afraid that our shine will offend others. Afraid that our shine will be misinterpreted.
Whatever your shine is allow that light to shine so bright that in blesses others. And that it un-
leashes the shine in others. Don't be afraid of the genius in you, don't be afraid of the mystic
in you, don't be afraid of the philosopher in you, don't be afraid of the healer in you, don't be

afraid of the teacher in you, don't be afraid of the scientist in you, and don't be afraid of the
prophets in you. Let your light shine so that all beings will glorify the God that you serve. Own
your shine, stand up straight and tall and shine!