Author: Prodigal

"You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.

Deuteronomy 6:5 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: I’ve heard several explanations of this scripture, but in diving in a little bit to see what I could find for you all, I found one commentary (Barnes) reveals that in this context, ‘the heart reflects one’s understanding, the soul as the center of one’s will and personality, and "might" represents one’s actions and expenditures of energy.’ So, we are to love God with all of our understanding, our will (intentions, etc), and all that we do. To me, this insight makes this verse much more of a life-consuming concept. But also, consider this. In applying this concept to our daily lives, this follows the process of how we learn and how we internalize and validate information. From perception of God’s truth, to embodying that truth and allowing it to affect our thinking and how we react, and finally to our actions and how we live out this truth. This is a life-altering love, folks. But it isn’t something that we just receive. It is reciprocal. We are to love God as much as we are able to and that love is to also be shared with those around us. What if we loved others like that? I was reminded by my lovely wife last night that "we will never look into the eyes of someone that God doesn’t love unconditionally."

Prayer for today: Today, I pray that we would not only welcome and accept God’s unconditional love for us, but that we would love Him the best we know how. That we would constantly dig into the depth of the knowledge of God so that we are made more mature, not lacking anything. I pray that God would love others through us out of the overflow of unconditional love we receive.

Before I sign off for today, I have two prayer requests. This week, I have found out that one of my best friends (D.B) and one of my cousins (S.M.) have cancer. For D.B., this is a first-time diagnosis. For S.M., the cancer has returned. If you are a praying person, please pray for God’s healing for these two folks. God is able to turn the impossible to possible.

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…

"You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness."

James 1:19-20 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: I’ll be transparent here, this verse was NOT the verse that was in line for a Verse of the Day, but I chose this because this is what I’m dealing with and trying to work through today. Today has been one of those days where you just want to either go back to bed until the next day gets here or just skip the day altogether. I’ve been attacked on just about every side. Work, my school, kids’ school, and more. It seems like nothing is going right. My problem is mostly because I am focusing on the problem right now instead of the solution which is God. I’m allowing myself to get all worked up instead of remaining steady in Christ. When we let our circumstances overwhelm us, our sense of peace goes right out the window. But if we just take a breath or two and meditate on God, He will bring peace to us. Even in the few moments I’ve been putting my thoughts into this post I have noticed a change in my demeanor (and my blood pressure). Let’s do our best to not let things distract us from God’s goodness. Take a moment. Take a few breaths. Return to your source of peace.

Prayer for today: Today, I pray that we will be on guard for distractions and circumstances that could disconnect us from God’s peace. That we would be wise in what we allow to affect us from day to day (or moment to moment). I pray that we would always remember and remain connected to our heavenly Father, who is the source of all good things.

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…

"Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established."

Proverbs 16:3 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: Who do you work for? I don’t mean the person or company that signs your paycheck. I’m talking about when you are working, who is the person/people that are your motivation, the ones who motivate you or the ones that you are working to satisfy? I’m sure we have all had a job that we weren’t really crazy about but we had bills to pay. Who knows, you might be in that type of job right now. When we devote our work to the LORD, our outlook on our situation can change. This happened to me a while back. I really wanted out of a job and started praying that God would bring about another employment opportunity. I went on several interviews, but nothing ever came from it. As I was reading and studying His word, I realized that maybe the problem wasn’t the job, but my attitude. My motivation was working to do a good job, but not get fired. When I realized that God is my source of all things, I began to change the way I was praying. I began to pray that God would either direct me to another job OR to show me those around me that I could minister to for His sake. A couple of weeks after that, others noticed the change in my attitude. As time passed, God showed me the action behind this verse. He is still teaching me this.

Prayer for today: I pray that we would come to know who our true employer is, our sustainer, our provider. That God would have the liberty to teach us and grow us so that we can reflect the light of Christ. I pray that we would learn to value those times where our faith is challenged by our earthly employer and that God would give us the strength to live as 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…

"God is not a God of disorder but of peace…"

1 Corinthians 14:33 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: Have you ever been around someone who seems to just run around pushing a chaos button? You know, kind of like the Staples "Easy" button, but when you press it, chaos follows. Well, that stresses me out. I do my best to be as peaceful as possible no matter the circumstance. There are times it takes all I’ve got to not react to the situation, but there is no price tag you can put on being at peace. I don’t say this to make light of those who usher in chaos. Instead, I mention it because Our Father wants us to be at peace. If you think about scripture, whenever His presence comes, peace happens. Sometimes He has to drive out the chaos, but afterwards… peace. If you find yourself overwhelmed or stressed, below are some verses that might help you to find that peace as you pray for God’s grace and peace. You can also click HERE for a link to even more verses.

Proverbs 16:7 – "When a person’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him"

Isaiah 26:3 – "[God] will keep them in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because they trust You."

John 14:27 – "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

Psalm 4:8 – "I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety."

Psalm 55:18 – "He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, for there were many against me."

Prayer for today: Today, I pray we will find God’s peace in the middle of our storms or our surroundings. That if we are anxious about anything, that we would take our concerns and thoughts to our heavenly Father who is listening to His children. Lastly, I pray that not only would we have peace, but that we would be a source of peace and calm to those around us, for the glory of God, the Father.

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 it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Galatians 2:20 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: As a husband and father, there are things that I do for the better of my family. Recently, I was asked what I would be doing for a living if I were single and not a parent. I responded, I would probably be out on the road playing music again or something similar, but I wouldn’t be nearly as satisfied in life. I live so I can love my family and raise my children alongside my wife. I don’t live for myself, I live for a greater reason, a bigger picture. It is easy to fall into a "me"-centered thinking and only consider yourself. What if I were to tell you that you were like a piece of thread and a tapestry master wants you to be part of a beautifully woven masterpiece. Even though it may seem that we might not be as critical to the rest of the world, but without you the masterpiece would not be complete. Christ is the life and the brilliance in us. I hope that we can see the beauty of God’s presence in our lives that ties us all together.

Prayer for today: Today, I pray that God would open our eyes to see His bigger picture as well as our part in it. That we would rest in the fact that we are all called to something greater than just ourselves and for the good of God’s kingdom. Lastly, I pray that we would come to realize the brilliance of the love of Jesus that shines through each of us.

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…

"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of God."

Matthew 5:10 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: Persecution can come in a variety of ways. While we don’t necessarily see much persecution for our faith in the states, we can still feel intimidated about sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. What if we lived in a manner that others could tell without a doubt that we were followers of Jesus? I’m sure there will be a day in the future where we will be persecuted for our faith. What will be our response? Will we cower down and deny our faith (like Simon-Peter did) or will we make a stand like Steven in Acts chapter 7? Jesus wants to stand firm in our faith now, not wait until persecution comes. I hope that we will boldly stand for Christ now, so that when the time comes, we will not back down, but make a stand for our Savior.

Prayer for today: Today, I pray that we would have boldness to stand for the cause of Christ that is fueled by our relationship with God. That God would show Himself mighty and speak through us to the world. I pray that when the time comes, that we would already be in the habit of living in holy boldness, so that we will be ready to stand for the One who saved us.

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 the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:7 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: Are you frustrated or angry? I’m sure we’ve all been there at some point. If you work where I work (and some of you do), you know that being at peace can seem nearly impossible at times. Then there are the stressors like home-life, lack of social interaction, vehicle issues, or anything else that could get our blood pressure up. What do you do to combat things that try to steal your peace? (I’d really like to know.) Some things I’ve done before are taking a walk, closing my eyes for a moment and breathing deeply, taking a moment to pray, reading or remembering scripture, or even playing the guitar (hard to do at work though). Each person has to find their own things to overcome what is eating away at your peace. God understands our situation. I’m sure He knows what it is like to not be at peace. Philippians 4:5b says, "The LORD is near." You are never alone. God is with you, His Spirit is alive in your soul. When there seems to be a lack of peace, know that the Holy Spirit is there, waiting for you to pray. Don’t lose hope. If nothing else, you can pray Exodus 14:14, "God will fight for you, you only need to be at peace (be still)."

Prayer for today: I pray that we wouldn’t be rattled by those around us who try to rob us of our peace. That we would take each moment in stride, knowing that this moment will not last forever. I pray that God’s presence will fill us to overflowing and the Holy Spirit would be actively guarding our hearts.

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…

"Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action."

1 John 3:18 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: If you just look at this one verse, you might think that he is addressing young people, but that is not the case. Earlier in his writing of this letter to the church, he is talking about being children of God. He is reminding us that it is easy and comfortable to say that you love someone, but what are we doing to follow that up with action? We should desire to be people of action and not just empty words. Let’s say it with our actions. Who are we supposed to love then? All people. Those who believe differently that you. Different skin tones, different lifestyles, even those that are your political opposite. But John throws in a caveat to our love in action. We must love truthfully. We need to do all we can to see the value in someone else that God sees. Consider this… Honestly imagine someone that would be your complete opposite, all of the characteristics, beliefs, views, and core of their being. Now, love that person in truth and action. Do you find that difficult? Do you find yourself full of frustration or full of compassion towards the "opposite?" That can be pretty telling of where your heart is. The great thing is that, if we will allow it, God can change our hearts towards others. Everyone deserves to be loved, no matter what they have done or how different they are from you.

Prayer for today: I pray that we would be overwhelmed with our relationship with God to the point where love is more important than our preferences. That we would not allow anything to get in the way of showing others the love of God. I pray that we would all remember where God found us. He loved us enough to have hope for us and to reach out to save us from ourselves. May we be the catalyst of love for others.

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 let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up."

Galatians 6:9 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: Have you ever heard these words?

"Just give up."
"You’ll never get it right."
"You never finish anything."
"Just quit now while you’re ahead."

I hear these words echoing around in my head. These are things that I battle just within my own mind and heart. I know I’m not the only one. Self-deprecation isn’t a popular topic. Being a person with ADHD just amplifies that "self-hate speech." It doesn’t have to be that way though. We have the choice to listen to those who oppose us, even if it is ourselves, or we can choose to remind ourselves what our heavenly Father says about us. You may have heard "God don’t make no junk!" Well, it’s true. When we talk to ourselves in a negative way or allow others to do so, we begin to believe all of the negative things. This is NOT what God wants for us. You have value! You are priceless! He constantly has hope for you and thinks the best of you, no matter what might have happened in the past. He can make things new. When we do what is right in God’s eyes, we will begin to see how much He loves us and loves others. It is undeniable. If you doubt yourself, trust God to work through you. He will as long as we are willing to say, "Here I am, God. Your servant is listening and ready."

Please… Don’t EVER give up on yourself.

Prayer for today: Today, I pray that we would kick the negative self-talk to the curb. That by spending more and more time in God’s word and prayer, that we would learn what our Father thinks and says of us and that we would know He truly loves us…no strings attached. I pray that we would never give up on following Him.

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 human mind plans the way, but the LORD directs the steps."

Proverbs 16:9 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: Sometimes we contemplate and create a plan as to how we think our lives should look like progress toward an end result. Now, there is nothing wrong with creating a plan or a direction in which we can grow and mature. That can certainly be a good thing. As followers of Jesus, the only caveat is that we need to be mindful of the direction that God has for us. In fact, if you are wanting to make a plan, invite God into that process and welcome the conversation with Him through the word and the Holy Spirit for His guidance. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made plans without including God throughout my life, but there are times when God will say, "Hey, my child. I’d really like to lead you in a different direction. Are you going to stick with your plan or would you be willing to follow where I lead you?" My heart’s desire is that I would always be open to saying "Yes" to my Father. You see, He doesn’t cause chaos or bring confusion. His way leads to a greater knowledge of Him and a peace in knowing that you are living out His will for your life.

Prayer for today: Today, I pray that we would continually say YES to God. In the little things and in the bigger things. That we would know and trust that He will lead us through whatever we might face and that He will always be with us. Lastly, I pray that we would come to value God’s direction for us so He can continue to grow us in a way that glorifies the purposes of His kingdom.

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…