Author: Prodigal

"give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back."

Luke 6:38 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: Give? Give what? In this chapter, Luke is putting into words what Jesus was teaching. So far, Jesus has healed a man with a withered hand among others who merely touched him. He is healing people of their diseases and unclean spirits. In true Jesus form, he begins to teach (this could be a summation of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount). So, what does Jesus want us to give? Anything we have. If someone needs forgiveness, forgive them. If someone has a physical or financial need and you can help, give freely. If someone needs to be encouraged, be that source of encouragement. If someone needs hope, share the gospel of Jesus with them. I will say this, while scripture does say in this verse that whatever we give, it will be given to us, would it be Christlike to give and expect to be repaid? I’m thinking not. Perhaps we should give with the intent of just being a blessing to someone else.

Prayer for today: Today, I pray that we would be cheerful givers. That we would be alert and look for opportunities to help others as we are able. That we would be the hands and feet of Jesus through serving others, no matter if they believe the same as us or if they believe differently. I pray that we would do all things for the glory of God, who has called us all by name to be saved and redeemed by the blood of Christ.

If you need prayer, please reply and I will pray for you. If you would like to talk about this verse or have questions, I’m always open for your feedback.

God’s grace on you…

"And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless,"

Philippians 1:9-10 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: The apostle Paul certainly has a way with words. If we started this Verse of the Day in verse 3, we would see just how passionate Paul is for others who are striving for Christlikeness. Consider this, before his experience on the Damascus road, Paul was passionately adamant that his current course of persecuting Christians was serving God to the fullest. After his experience, Paul’s passion continued, but was refocused to preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Oh, that WE would have that level of passion. But, look here… Paul, much like the example of our heavenly Father, is holding out hope that we will stay on the path toward Christ. "That you may be pure and blameless…" What can we take away from Paul’s prayer here, this snapshot into the heart of a passionate apostle? I think one thing we can take away is that faith, hope, and love are VERY REAL and can be even more effective with a passionate heart. How do we become passionate? Those things you invest our time in and cultivate the most, will grow our passion. Is there anything else that can help with growing our passion? YES!!! Our relationship with our Creator. The more we devote ourselves to our relationship with God and learning more about His character, we will experience what Paul is praying here. Our love will overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help us to determine what is best [for the kingdom of God].

Prayer for today: Today, I pray that we would become passionate people for the cause of Christ. That we would be so locked into the heartbeat of God that those around us would have no choice but to see the Christ in us. I pray that as God grows us in spiritual maturity that we would make room for ALL at the foot of the cross.

If you need prayer, please reply and I will pray for you. If you would like to talk about this verse or have questions, I’m always open for your feedback.

God’s grace on you…

"But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like."

James 1:22-24 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: The author of the book of James is thought to be James, the half-brother of Jesus. Imagine being the half-brother of the Savior for a moment. While they were growing up together and after Jesus started his ministry, do you think that James bought into what Jesus was saying? In his writing here, James certainly understands the importance of the message. He would have seen the Pharisees and Jesus’ other critics that would more than likely have been put into the "hearers" category, but this message is for both Jewish and Christian alike. If we only hear, but don’t put to action the things we have learned, have we truly been changed by the message and work of Christ? The doing is part of the learning process. I would be like reading and/or listening to a tremendous amount of information about renovating a house, but without actually doing the work, it is difficult to understand the variables and the different challenges the actual worker faces. We need to be people of action. We need to take ownership of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, encouraging others in their faith journeys, and working together for the good and growth of the kingdom of God. We each have a part to play in the bigger scheme of life. What are some things we can do to take action on what God has imparted into our lives?

Prayer for today: Today, I pray that we would live each day as ambassadors of "grace in action." That God would continually teach us and grow us into the reflection of His son and that we would encourage others along the way. I pray that the glory and the name of God would become greater as a result of our obedience to His word.

If you need prayer, please reply and I will pray for you. If you would like to talk about this verse or have questions, I’m always open for your feedback.

God’s grace on you…

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight."

Proverbs 9:10 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: Fear?!? No, not THAT kind of fear. In this case, "fear" mentioned here refers to the devoted love, awe, respect, and reverence of a loved one.

Much like you see in children for a parent or guardian, not wanting to offend from a principle of love. An explanation of this that I found on BibleStudyTools.com says that Fear "is the beginning of grace; it is the first act of wisdom, or grace; or which appears as soon as a person is converted and caue to know wisdom in the hidden part; as repentance, faith, and love, quickly show themselves in one act or another, so does the fear of God." This "fear" leads to wisdom. Think back on where God found you. More than likely, there was a realization of your sin and the lack of connection to the Creator. That eye-opening moment began the journey of spiritual wisdom. As we grow in spiritual maturity, we become more aware of the things we do that are opposed to the heart and will of God. The more we know the heart of God and truly realize the depth of His love and forgiveness, the more we desire more of Him and less of the world.

Prayer for today: Today, I pray that we would truly and deeply fall in love with the God of the universe. That as we do, we would open our hearts to the wisdom and knowledge that God desires to share with us. I pray that where love abounds, we find that grace is it’s faithful companion.

If you need prayer, please reply and I will pray for you. If you would like to talk about this verse or have questions, I’m always open for your feedback.

God’s grace on you…

"So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God."

Colossians 3:1 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: The apostle Paul is at it again. Giving direction to the people of God’s church and encouraging continual growth and maturity. Now, with this, I’m not trying to add or take away anything from scripture, but I’m going to play with Paul’s sentence structure just a little, just to help with understanding. We know that Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father. We know that from the Apostle’s Creed as well as portions of scripture. And if you have been raised with Christ (think baptism – raised to walk in a newness of life – a life no longer your own), then seek the things that are above. Above what? Paul could be talking about heaven here. We are not exactly sure. Perhaps Paul is sharing with the church of Colossae the same idea of being above reproach that he is telling his son (in the faith) in 1 Timothy 3:2. Being beyond or above reproach means that we live in a manner where no criticism can be made against us or the Christ in us. When we receive Christ into our lives, we are simultaneously saying that God’s way are better than our own and so we lay down the idea of our lives as we know it and pick up our cross daily and follow Jesus. I’m not saying that this is what this verse says, but it certainly makes one ponder on what Paul could have intended. It would be in line with the teachings of Christ and also of Paul. Just something to think about.

Prayer for today: Today, I pray that we would truly seek the things that please the heart of God. That we would maintain our surrender to what God desires to teach us and how He desires for us to mature spiritually, not lacking anything. I pray that by living in this way that is pleasing to our Creator, that others around us will be able to clearly see the Christ in us and be drawn to the Father and be saved.

If you need prayer, please reply and I will pray for you. If you would like to talk about this verse or have questions, I’m always open for your feedback.

God’s grace on you…

"With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,"

Ephesians 4:2 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: One of the first things that runs through my mind when I read this verse are those folks that are perpetually negative. In my experience, people that are negative can take a toll on you as well as test your patience, humility, and gentleness. Perhaps that is why loving others can be such a challenge. I encourage you to keep in mind how challenging we can be to love from God’s view, but thankfully, God never gives up on us. He just continues to love us despite our tendency to walk away from Him. The thing that I try to remember, especially when I encounter those that tend to test the depth of my patience and gentleness. Just remember that we will never look into the eyes of someone that God does not love unconditionally.

Prayer for today: Today, I pray that we would be facilitators of gentleness and patience. That God would empower us through the Holy Spirit to not think too highly of ourselves and to remember the example of humility in the person of Jesus Christ. I pray that those around us will see the Christ in us and begin to see that God can do amazing things to and through those who live devoted lives for His purpose.

If you need prayer, please reply and I will pray for you. If you would like to talk about this verse or have questions, I’m always open for your feedback.

God’s grace on you…

"To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice."

Proverbs 21:3 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: King Solomon (the author of Proverbs) seems to give a little more direction on 1 Samuel 15:22 where Samuel tells God’s people "Surely, to obey is better than sacrifice…" Perhaps King Solomon was thinking that "obey" might have needed more action to what Samuel was saying. Besides, obedience can be subjective, depending on those around us. Solomon, considered more wise than his father, King David, levels up and gives the term "obedience" some bones. Righteousness (right living) and justice (morally right and impartial) helps us to understand God’s heart and will for us. We are to live right, according to God’s instruction and treat others without partiality. You see, that is the way God treats us. He loves us unconditionally and without reservation and also holds out hope for us, no matter what we are going through or if we are even seeking Him or not. Should we not approach the rest of the world with this type of radical righteousness? How else will the world begin to understand the love of God and the saving work of Jesus on the cross if they can’t see it in His children? What changes in our behavior and attitudes towards others need to happen for the world to see God’s love? How are we surrendering to the will and presence of God in our lives in order for Him to make those changes in us? In what ways are we making room at the foot of the cross for those who are looking to fill the God-shaped void in their lives?

Prayer for today: Today, I am praying that we truly desire to live rightly according to God’s word. That we would let the love that we receive from God overflow to those around us so they are able to see His light in us. I pray that through our lives, the hope and love of God will be seen so that the kingdom of Heaven will be revealed to all of those God has created.

If you need prayer, please reply and I will pray for you. If you would like to talk about this verse or have questions, I’m always open for your feedback.

God’s grace on you…

"But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one."

2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: I’m so thankful that our Heavenly Father is faithful regardless of our faithfulness (though we should strive to be as faithful as possible). Today is one of those days where I could use some extra strength and protection. No, nothing is really wrong, but the stresses of life can really wear you down. That’s where I am. I’m worn out and exhausted, but God is faithful and He keeps me going. He continues to renew my strength and is my source of hope and peace so I am able to withstand the darkness around me, at least when I let Him do so. I’m sure we are aware that there is darkness all around us, but that doesn’t mean we have to give in to it.

Prayer for today: Today, I pray that we would truly seek God with all of the passion and strength that we can. That God will guard us from the things that could wear us down and cause us to lose faith or hope. I pray we would allow our Father in heaven to empower us with the wisdom and the guidance needed to be a light to the masses of darkness.

If you need prayer, please reply and I will pray for you. If you would like to talk about this verse or have questions, I’m always open for your feedback.

God’s grace on you…

"But encourage one another every day, as long as it is called "today," so that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin."

Hebrews 3:13 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: :::FAVORITE VERSE ALERT::: This is one of my Top 10 "Go-To" verses. Other than the message of this verse, I love how it is worded. "…as long as it is called ‘today’," To me, this is beautiful. We have to make the most of each and every day in encouraging others in their faith journey. The author of Hebrews is setting a standard, a priority. Each and every day we need to encourage one another for as long as it is called today. So, what happens when "tomorrow" arrives. IT IS CALLED TODAY!!! I am so incredibly encouraged by this. Whether we admit it or not, everyone needs encouragement. Not just on the hard days, but on the days that everything is going well. When life is going smoothly, if we are not careful, it is easy to just coast along on the momentum of our spiritual walk. But if/when we do that, we open ourselves up to sin trickling back into our lives. As Galatians 5:1 says, "Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery."

Prayer for today: Today, I pray that we would not only be alert for ourselves, but that we would take up the responsibility to encourage others along in their faith journey. That God would continue to strengthen and empower us all to refrain from becoming complacent and stagnant in our relationship with Him. I pray that we would be like Aaron, helping to hold up the hands of Moses in our daily battlegrounds.

If you need prayer, please reply and I will pray for you. If you would like to talk about this verse or have questions, I’m always open for your feedback.

God’s grace on you…

"And this is the boldness we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us."

1 John 5:14 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: In this chapter, the writer of John has been encouraging the church to keep the true faith and how that applies to sin and forgiveness in the community of people around them. Often, this verse is quoted when there is something that we are praying about or something that we need. The context as it applies here would be toward remaining faithful to Christ and for the spiritual well-being of those around us. In my thinking, if there are sins that either there is anyone that is struggling with sin or unforgiveness we have the boldness in Christ to ask for healing and redemption of our struggles or weaknesses.

Prayer for today: I pray that we would stand firm in Christ and if/when we face temptations that we will boldly call on God to answer our prayers for help. That we would also extend that grace to others around us who might be struggling with sin. Lastly, I pray that we would see that sin holds us back in our relationship with God and that we would surrender to His love so that we can continue to grow in spiritual maturity, not lacking anything.

If you need prayer, please reply and I will pray for you. If you would like to talk about this verse or have questions, I’m always open for your feedback.

God’s grace on you…