"Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you."

John 20:21 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: Are you ready to be sent out into the world? Jesus is really driving home the point as he is telling those around him AGAIN, "Peace be with you. I’m sending you out!" The wonderful part about being sent doesn’t mean that you have to go to a totally different country and serve as a missionary for the gospel. That is, unless that is what God is directing you to do. But for most of us, those that are just right outside of our door. A while back I attended some training for Chaplain certification and the mindset that was taught throughout that week was that all followers of Christ are called to be "ministers in the marketplace." That means we need to be diligent about being alert for those around us, while we are shopping, while we are at work, while we are pumping gas in our vehicles, checking the mailbox…quite literally any time we are awake. But notice what Jesus says first, "Peace be with you!" He reassures us AND sets the example for us. I tell you, if every boss or manager was like that, I think a lot more people would stay employed. =) So don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. It can be as simple as taking a shopping cart for someone at the grocery. Offering to clean someone’s car windows while at the gas pump (this one is always interesting when I do this). If someone looks like they are stressed or sickly, you can offer to pray for them.

Acts of Random Kindness.

Prayer for today: I pray that we would all be on the lookout for opportunities to show God’s peace and the transformative power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. That we would remember the example that Jesus lived out and has called us to do. I pray that God would be glorified in all that we do in His mighty and wonderful name.

Need prayer? You can reply here or you can send me a facebook message through the Prodigal Thinker page. If this encourages you, feel free to share it. Feel free to reply with feedback as well. I’m always open to discussion.

God’s grace on you…

Prodigal Mike~

Photo credit: 39422Studio

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

Proverbs 18:21 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: If you do a quick search on the interwebs, you can find many quotes/sayings about the power of words. One saying I found is this: "Be careful with your words. Once they are said, they can only be forgiven, not forgotten." How true! Decades later, I can still remember things that were said to me (both positive and negative) when I was young. In the book of James, we learn that the tongue (words from our mouths) is a constant battle. Especially James 3:9 that reads: "With [the tongue] we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God." Think about that for a moment. Sometimes I speak in a joking or sarcastic manner towards someone, but does that really build up the kingdom of God? If someone overhears those words and thinks I am speaking negatively about another, is God glorified in that? Absolutely not! As I have watched my four children grow, I have realized just how potent words can be. This has prompted a lot of change for me over the years and I’m sure, by the grace of God, these changes will continue.

So what can we, as followers of Jesus, do today to be more mindful of our words? Perhaps we can focus on encouraging others and building them up rather than speaking negatively. As childish as this seems, one thing I remember hearing when I was young came from a cartoon movie, Bambi. Thumper’s mother said, "If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all."

Maybe in some cases, we should take this advice and just not speak at all. As we allow God to influence our speech, I’m sure we will find that we will grow to speak life and encouragement into the most difficult of souls. One thing I remind myself of often is that we will never look into the eyes of a person whom God does not absolutely love.

Prayer for today: I pray that we would continue to learn the value of encouraging speech so we would be able to reflect the image of God, not only through our words, but through our actions as well. That we would allow the Holy Spirit full access to guide our thoughts and words so we speak what is on our heavenly Father’s heart, rather than our own. May God be glorified through all that we say and do and may the world that is so badly hurting around us be comforted by God’s words spoken through His children.

Need prayer? You can reply here or you can send me a facebook message through the Prodigal Thinker page. If this encourages you, feel free to share it. Feel free to reply with feedback as well. I’m always open to discussion.

God’s grace on you…

Prodigal Mike~

Photo credit: Alesia Kozik

"The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the LORD are sure, making wise the simple;"

Psalms 19:7 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: Who would ever think that "law" would revive anything? This is something that seems very unlikely in our daily view of life. But consider this… The bible was written in an Eastern worldview, not a Western (our) worldview and there is certainly a difference. Western view looks at law (or rules) as hindrances or limitations on what we can and cannot do. An Eastern worldview, especially from the time that the bible was written, laws (or rules) were viewed as freedoms, a much more positive light I think. Maybe this will help explain. You see a sign that reads: "CAUTION: DO NOT FEED THE BEARS!" Of course, it would be pretty foolish to try and feed a bear anyway, but the Western mindset might focus on what is prohibited. The Eastern view opens up options with the guideline of self-preservation. Do you see the difference? Perhaps this is why verses like Matthew 22:34-40 are so important. Jesus replies when asked what is the greatest commandment, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind AND the second is like it, Love your neighbor as yourself. VS40 – On these two commandments hang the Law and the prophets. MIND BLOWN!!!! Jesus is giving guidelines. He is opening up the parameters for loving God and others. He is saying, at minimum, love God with your heart, soul, and mind. When you think about that, Jesus’ words are SO much deeper than when we first read them. That’s a game-changer, in my opinion. What say you?

Prayer for today: My prayer for today is this; that we would not just take the word of God at face value, but that we would challenge ourselves to read with the intent of getting to know our Creator on a deeper, more intimate level. That as we study His word, that He would make those passages that seem confusing at times as clear as day. Lastly, I pray that we would not just stop there, but that we would begin to share what we have learned with those around us, so that they too, can come to know the love of God, the Father.

Need prayer? You can reply here or you can send me a facebook message through the Prodigal Thinker page. If this encourages you, feel free to share it. Feel free to reply with feedback as well. I’m always open to discussion.

God’s grace on you…

Prodigal Mike~

Photo credit: David Alberto Carmona Coto

"Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray."

Proverbs 22:6 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: I heard this verse a whole lot as I was growing up, but I never considered how these words were full of hope for parents or those who are caring for children. Well, that is until my wife and I started having children. When children are young, there is an innocence that they are born with, but as they grow older and begin to test the waters of individuality, it may seem that they are wavering or turning down the wrong path. As parents or guardians of children, we want to hold out hope that they will make the right decisions for their own safety and personal growth. Perhaps this idea isn’t much different than the way our heavenly Father holds out hope for His children. Of course, there is the factor of free will, so He isn’t going to force us to do the right thing, but He certainly hopes that we will choose what is right. Just as we have that choice, so do our children. This is a great reason to continually pray not only for children under your care or influence, but all of God’s children. Life is never easy, but we ALWAYS have the ability to take a breath and pray for God’s direction for what would glorify Him the most.

Prayer for today: I pray that God would continue to hold out hope for all of His children and that we would truly live in a manner that is pleasing to Him. That if/when we make a choice that is not in line with God’s best, that we would be full of grace (toward ourselves and/or others) and be quick to recognize our shortcomings and turn back to the Father. I pray that we will begin to see the Father’s heart in this verse and know that He continually holds out hope for us.

Need prayer? You can reply here or you can send me a facebook message through the Prodigal Thinker page. If this encourages you, feel free to share it. Feel free to reply with feedback as well. I’m always open to discussion.

God’s grace on you…

Prodigal Mike~

Photo credit: Pixabay

"I am confident of this, that the One who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ."

Philippians 1:6 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: The apostle Paul is writing this letter to the church at Philippi from a prison cell. I find that my own character is encouraged to grow as a result of Paul’s enthusiasm and hope that he shares considering his current situation. Too often, I allow my current situation to affect my mood and mindset. But I’m so thankful that God can and will complete the work that He began in all of us. I suppose the biggest point I can take from this verse is that my confidence should be drawn from who God is making me rather than what I think I can do on my own. That God truly wants to work in and through us because He can heal others even through our brokenness.

Prayer for today: I pray that we would find His strength in our weakness. That we would openly welcome the Creator into our daily lives and let Him continue to allow Him room to grow us in His love and purpose. I pray that each of us would remain focused on the voice of our heavenly Father in order to carry out His will, for His glory.

Need prayer? You can reply here or you can send me a facebook message through the Prodigal Thinker page. If this encourages you, feel free to share it. Feel free to reply with feedback as well. I’m always open to discussion.

God’s grace on you…

Prodigal Mike~

Photo Credit: Mike van Schoonderwalt

"I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds."

Psalms 9:1 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: Oh, how quickly we run to social media to read the latest updates, stories of others, sharing bits of information or even inspirational quotes. There’s no judgement for that. I find myself doing the same thing. But it isn’t just social media, it can be anything we are vocal about in our everyday life. This verse strongly challenges me to take a look at my actions and consider my words. How often do I just spend time thanking God for all that He has done and not ask for anything? Do I tell others of the wondrous things that our Creator and Sustainer has done in and through my life? Am I so caught up with the busyness of life or the challenges of the day that I forget to see God in all of it? Perhaps.

As I celebrate my 18th wedding anniversary this weekend, I am reminded that a serious relationship takes a LOT of work, but the reward is knowing that nothing can come between you and the one you love. The same is true with our heavenly Father. It is not in our human nature to look outside of ourselves, but the more we invest in our relationship with our Creator, the more the relationship will be fueled to grow. One thing that I forget all too often is taking the time to express my gratitude for the ones around me (especially my family) and let them know how their lives so deeply touch my life. Folks, we need each other. I know that I am so very thankful for you. You are loved and prayed for.

Prayer for today: Today, I pray that we would prioritize expressing our thankfulness with our Father as well as those around us. That we would learn to love through kind and encouraging words as well as actions. I pray that for those who have loving relationships that have either fallen to the wayside or have become broken altogether, that those relationships will be restored. To God be all of the glory.

Need prayer? You can reply here or you can send me a facebook message through the Prodigal Thinker page. If this encourages you, feel free to share it. Feel free to reply with feedback as well. I’m always open to discussion.

God’s grace on you…

Prodigal Mike~

Photo credit – Andrea Piacquadio

ADDitudeMAG.com is an awesome resource for those that have ADHD. Their articles have gotten me through some very tough times as well as helped my family better understand ADHD and how it affects both neuro-typical and neuro-diverse folks alike.

Below is a snippet as well as a link to the article.

“It’s As If I’m Living in My Head Instead of Living in My Life.”

“My mind is a whirl of worries, ‘what ifs,’ and ‘should haves.’” ADD symptoms in adults are often mistaken for laziness or irresponsibility, but inattentive ADHD is real and really exhausting. It is also isolating and discouraging, largely because inattentive symptoms are often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, causing setbacks in treatment, relationships, and self-esteem. Read about the biggest daily challenges faced by adults with ADD.

Photo credit: Pexels.com

"If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

1 John 1:9 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: I’m sure we’ve all been there, right? There is a tough conversation that has to happen or something that has to be confessed and once the conversation is over, there is a weight that seems to lift off of our shoulders. Confession is much the same. Not only is sin costly, but it weighs us down just like those stressful conversations. The forgiveness that we receive when we confess our sins not only cleanses us from all unrighteousness, but that action also creates a clean and softened heart. If you find yourself weighted down with all of the junk that comes along with sin, be encouraged to find someone you can trust and just talk it out. If you don’t have anyone to talk to, I invite you to let me know. I will listen and pray with you…no judgement.

Prayer for today: I pray that we would be so bold as to live a life of confession. Either confession of the cross or, when needed, confession of sin. That we will be made clean in the eyes of our God so that nothing could stand in the way of our relationship with Him. I pray that each of us would know that we can have freedom from sin. The more we surrender and live our lives like Christ, through His gift of mercy, we can be made holy.

Need prayer? You can reply here or you can send me a facebook message through the Prodigal Thinker page. If this encourages you, feel free to share it. Feel free to reply with feedback as well. I’m always open to discussion.

God’s grace on you…

–Prodigal Mike ~Mike
Prodigal Thinker Blog

@ProdigalThinkerBlog on FB

Photo credit: Pexels.com

"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God."

Hebrews 13:16 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: If you take a look at the world around us, you might see that rather than being a shortage of gas, there is a shortage of common sense and remaining calm. There is a peace of mind (and heart) when we openly invite God into our everyday lives. Will that peace put fuel in your gas tank? No, but perhaps we will be able to know that just like the toilet paper shortage of 2020, this too shall pass. You see, when we are truly at peace, we are less likely to be distracted by the craziness around us and can focus on presenting those who are hopeless with the hope of Jesus. I believe that is what the author of Hebrews is getting at here. God has given you grace, peace, hope, and love in holy abundance. Share that with others. When? Every possible chance.

Prayer for today: I pray that we (all followers of Jesus) would all just take a breath to breathe in God’s peace. That He would cause the Holy Spirit within us to be that steady beacon of hope to a lost world. I pray that God would give us clarity of thought and speech when we share the gospel with others and know that we may not have all of the answers, but God does have those answers.

Need prayer? You can reply here or you can send me a facebook message through the Prodigal Thinker page. If this encourages you, feel free to share it. Feel free to reply with feedback as well. I’m always open to discussion.

God’s grace on you…

Prodigal Mike~

Photo credit: Shutterstock ID 1567633540

"Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving."

Colossians 4:2 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: So we should pray with our eyes open? I’m only kidding. The apostle Paul is writing to the church and providing some additional instructions. Most of Paul’s instructions are about being wise in our actions and our conduct. Devoting ourselves to prayer is another wise action as prayer is open communication and communion with God. Remaining alert as we pray encourages us to not only keep our eyes open for others who we can pray for, but keeping the spirit within us alert can allow us to see beyond what the human eye can see. One of the times we can see this modeled in the Bible is John 4, when Jesus has an interaction with the woman at the well. We know by other times in scripture that Jesus was in constant prayer and connection with the Father. Through prayer and spiritual awareness, Jesus was made aware of the details that he shared with the Samaritan woman. God can also make us aware of what someone might be going through in life so that we might pray for and encourage them.

Prayer for today: I pray that the Holy Spirit within us will awaken our souls and our hearts to see beyond, to what the Father desires for us to see. That we would be a people of prayer as well as sharing the gospel (great news) of Jesus Christ. I pray that as we learn more through a devoted prayer life, that we would become intercessors for others, praying on their behalf that they would come to know the love and hope of Christ.

Need prayer? You can reply here or you can send me a facebook message through the Prodigal Thinker page. If this encourages you, feel free to share it. Feel free to reply with feedback as well. I’m always open to discussion.

God’s grace on you…

Prodigal Mike~