Author: Prodigal

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

Psalms 46:1 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: I’m sure we’ve all been there. We were facing some opposition or difficulty and felt all alone, like no one was in your corner. Maybe I’m the only one. The worries of this world are enough to break anyone, but for those who call on the name of the LORD, we can rest assured that God is always with us. Not only is He our hideaway, our protection, but He is also our strength. For some reason, this makes me think of the fighters’ corners in a boxing ring. After each round, the fighters can step away from the fight, get some advice, and catch their breath a bit before they go back to face their opponent. If you feel like you’re facing an opponent, you can step back and be at peace for a bit. Ask God for His direction and strength. He will protect you. He will give you strength. Just keep in mind that we are all on a journey and we never know what the other person might be facing. There are plenty of times where compassion makes the fight a "win-win."

Prayer for today: I pray that we would be bold and stand up for our faith, but that we would rely on God to guide us. That we would be closely tuned in to the Holy Spirit in order to know what is best for God’s kingdom. And when the time comes, I pray that we would welcome the rest and strength that God provides.

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…

"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

John 13:35 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: Sometimes I wonder if Jesus ever did a facepalm as a result of his disciples. Most of them were fishermen, net menders, and a random tax collector thrown in the mix. There are also a few that no one has found any evidence of what they did. The 12 disciples were a rag-tag group of fellas. Why did Jesus call them? More than likely, he saw something in them that was different or maybe he just held out hope that they would learn from him through daily relationships. So, what does Jesus see in us? He chose to lay down his life for folks he didn’t even know. Generations to come that he didn’t know. He laid down his life because of love. He is holding out hope that we would take a risk and love him back. Now it is time to extend that love to those around us, both Christian and non-Christian alike.

Prayer for today: Today, I pray that we would step up to the call of being a disciple of Christ. That we would boldly, clearly, and sincerely proclaim the message of salvation to all that will hear. I pray that God will open up opportunity after opportunity for us to share this life-changing message of hope.

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 let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: At the end of 2019, would you have thought we would be so restricted as we have been for nearly a year with COVID19? Not only has this affected work, social life, schools, but it has also affected believers wanting to meet together for worship. Churches have had to adapt to the safety restrictions for large gatherings. Some have had to dive deep into the tech world of Facebook and Youtube so that worship services could still be offered to their families and communities. With things like COVID, some folks may fall away from church just because there are little to no gatherings. Then again, there are other ways to stay connected for worship. I know of guys doing video bible studies and other online meetings to remain connected to each other and growing toward God. Some have turned to email and messenger for spiritual growth. This is not to say everything has to be online. There are certainly other ways to remain connected. Spiritual connection and growth is very important. We all need encouragement in our daily lives. Feel free to reach out if you are feeling disconnected or needing encouragement. Let’s make a habit of encouraging others in their lives, both physically and spiritually.

Prayer for today: Today, I pray that we would take the risk of reaching out to others. That out of the overflow of God’s presence in our lives, we would actively promote God’s love and hope for us. I pray that as we reach out, God would fill our hearts with the love and compassion that He desires to extend to 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…

If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given to you."

James 5:1 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: This verse is in my top 5 favorite verses. I lean on this scripture quite often. I know that our heavenly Father will come through with the wisdom needed for whatever situation may arise. It’s not that I feel that I’m inept to make a decision or to use my wits, but I would rather trust God’s wisdom rather than my own. More times than not, when I rely on my own wisdom or abilities, situations have a tendency to be a LOT less smooth than when I wait on God’s wisdom. That doesn’t mean everything is always smooth, but at least I can weather any storms because the wisdom came from God. Maybe you have a situation where you used your wisdom rather than asking God for wisdom and it turned out to be a teachable moment. If you feel like sharing, I’d love to hear it. Also, I’m just curious, do you have any "go-to" verses? If so, please share.

Prayer for today: I pray that we would choose to be a wise people where our wisdom comes from our Father through the Holy Spirit. That we would look for opportunities to seek God for His knowledge and direction for any changes we desire to make. Lastly, I pray that we also be a people of action, so that when God gives direction and guidance, that we would step out in faith toward His direction.

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…

"Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

Ephesians 6:11 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: The apostle Paul is sitting in a Roman jail cell as he is writing his letter to the church at Ephesus (modern day Turkey). He is writing to discuss the unique, spiritual nature of the church and the responsibilities of believers for the Christian walk. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying from Spider-Man, "with great power comes great responsibility." Well, Luke 12:48b says this, "to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded." So, what is Paul saying here? I think it is both encouragement and words of caution. He seems to be talking in military terms. "Put on the armor, to be able to stand against the schemes/maneuvers of the enemy." When we live in a manner that is opposed to the rest of the world, we have a tendency to stand out to others which can put a target on our backs. Paul is encouraging the church (us included) to be alert, always be prepared in our spirit for any opposition from the enemy. So, what is our action, our defense? Keep in mind that Jesus didn’t fight back when the Roman soldiers came to arrest him. In fact, when Peter cut the ear off of one of the soldiers, Jesus healed the soldier. Our defense? The same love, compassion, grace, and hope that God extends to us. Love does conquer all things, right? Love never fails.

Prayer for today: Today, I pray that we would be ambassadors of God’s love, Champions of Compassion. That we would daily put on the armor of God, His word, and our relationship with Him, so that we can speak truth, God’s truth to all. I pray that we would be on the lookout for opportunities to share that truth with others so they can come to know this God of love.

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…

"Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant."

1 Corinthians 13:4 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: I think ‘The Beatles’ were onto something in their song "All you need is love". If you are keeping up with any news or social media, love seems to be in short supply these days, as far as media coverage is concerned. Some people think that love is complicated, but it really isn’t complicated at all. The most difficult part of love is the level of compassion we have towards others. Love is putting priority on others before ourselves. If we are compassionate towards others, then patience and kindness will follow. In a bible study I was a part of a while back was talking about the attributes of God. One of the lessons said that God is love, so we could swap out the word "love" in these verses for "God". He is all of these things. It opened my eyes regarding how I view other people and how I should treat others, and myself for that matter. I’m typically not very patient or kind to myself most days, so this verse has helped me to see others and myself how God sees us. If you feel like you are short on love, please know that you have a Heavenly Father that loves you and an army of folks that love you as well. I know I do.

Prayer for today: I pray that we would open our hearts to God’s love toward all of His creation. That we would ask God to increase our level of compassion toward others so that we can see them as He sees them. Lastly, I pray that we would carry out His love into the world that so desperately needs His love.

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…

"Be strong and bold; have no fear or dread of them, because it is the LORD your God who goes with you; he will not fail you or forsake you."

Deuteronomy 31:6 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: What is with the people in the Old Testament? Why did God have to always tell them to "be strong and bold" and "do be afraid"? Here is a brief background for you. The book of Deuteronomy is said to have been written just prior to the Hebrew people entering the Promised Land. They didn’t really know what was about to happen or who they would face.

This was the land that God promised, but the land was inhabited, but there was a LOT of uncertainty. Also, keep in mind that to this point, only Moses had spoken with God. We know that the Hebrew people complained a lot while they were touring the wilderness for forty years, just walking around in circles. I’m sure they needed to be reminded that God was not going to just lead them to what He has promised and then let them fend for themselves. No, He wanted to be among His people and lead them through any situation. Well, what about us? How does this apply to us somewhere around 4,000 years later (give or take a milenia). God is still with us. He still desires to be among His people. He has NO desire to see us fail. If you look at the news or social media, there could be plenty for us to fear. It would be easy for us to just walk around in circles, wandering aimlessly due to the condition of the world around us. I have good news, my beloved friends…God is still God. He calls order and peace out of the chaos. What is our "promised land"? A close, devoted relationship with the One who created us, the One who gave us life and a purpose. Be watchful, but do not fear. God is with us.

Prayer for today: Today, I pray that we would rest in His peace and His strength. That we would not be afraid because of the things that are happening around us, but that we would trust that no matter our circumstance, our Heavenly Father is not ignorant of our condition and that He is with us every step of the way. I pray that we would be fearless for the Kingdom of God and that we would boldly tell of the love and hope that God has for 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…

"I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing."

John 15:5 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: Have you ever seen one of those pictures where a small plant has burst through the concrete? Or the one where the tree grew and enveloped a car? God’s creation is amazingly strong and resilient. So is God’s desire to grow His Spirit in us. We can fight against it or we can learn and grow from it. So, what is to be gained by growing? Consider the plant and the concrete. Would you rather have a heart that is hard as stone that is lifeless and gives nothing in return? Or would you rather have a heart that will overcome any obstacle with God’s guidance and give life, air to breathe for those around you? Looking back on my faith journey, I find it odd that so many times I chose the concrete heart. No wonder I was so miserable. I only lived for myself and didn’t see the value in actually living/growing. Maybe that is where you find yourself. Perhaps you are asking yourself if there is more to life than just keeping your head down and your nose to the grindstone. I would like to encourage you to look up. Just look up. God is there. He would love nothing more than to be the source of life, grace, hope, love, and growth for you.

Prayer for today: Today, I pray that we would see that there is a choice to make, not only for ourselves, but for those around us as well. That we would have an open, intentional conversation with God about the journey you’re on and that we would seek to know Him more. I pray that we would choose life in Christ over a hardened heart. God will answer, if we will only be still and listen.

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 anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away: see, everything has become new!"

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: The Message bible says it like this: "Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons [flourishes]!" The apostle Paul is writing to the church in Corinth again, teaching them about the outward result of an inward change for those who have chosen to live as Christ. I’ve shared this before, but it bears repeating. When someone wants to renovate a house, most of the changes and work usually happen in the inside of the house. The foundation of the house might need to be fixed or replaced, the walls or roof might need to be strengthened so the house is structurally sound, but the love and charm of the house grows from the inside to the outside. By the end of a renovation project, the house is like a new home, but still carries the character of its old self. When we give God permission to "mess with us", He begins to rework and build those parts of us that need to be made new. In time, our exterior begins to change. Our countenance is different. Just by the way we live and treat others, we show God’s love and hope for others. When we live out of the indwelling of the presence of God in our lives, our outlook on life changes. We have hope and joy and peace that others may not understand. THAT is the work of our Holy God! He makes us new and what was old and decaying simply passes away. What an amazing God we serve.

Prayer for today: Today, I pray that we welcome the changes that God desires to make in us though the transformation may make us uncomfortable and stretch us beyond our "comfort zones." That we would come to trust God’s wisdom and ultimate hope and love that He has for us, knowing that we will be better suited to serve Him as He makes us new. Lastly, I pray that we would truly take to heart that Jesus has led the way for us and has lived through the transformation as our example. May we find solace in that.

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…

"I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

Joshua 1:9 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: These are some strong words from the mouth of God to Joshua. This is taking place shortly after Moses passes away. According to BibleHub, in this instance, the verse could read "Grow in strength and be bold and alert." I’m sure he felt a bit intimidated trying to fill the shoes of his predecessor, Moses. If I were in Joshua’s shoes, I would be shaken to my very core. He was charged to take up the leadership that Moses laid down when he breathed his last breath. That being said, trying to follow along the same path or trying to lead exactly as another person could lead to frustration. Why do I say that? The more I learn from God, there are many paths to the foot of the cross. Joshua didn’t have the example that we have in Christ Jesus. He had the example of Moses. The thing is that we are all on our own journey and your journey will more than likely be different than mine. This is because each of us were created by God for a unique purpose that may not look like someone else. Perhaps that is what God is trying to tell Joshua. God wants to grow Joshua’s strength in relationship with Him. Joshua would grow to do some amazing things for the glory of God. Our Father wants to grow each of us in our relationship with Him. He holds out hope for ALL of His children and he doesn’t hold back.

Prayer for today: Today, I pray that we would be so focused on our relationship with God that we are no longer afraid or worried. That we wouldn’t be tempted to compare our journey with others, but that we would encourage others though their journey is different. I pray that we would be so overwhelmed by His presence in our lives and that we can walk through life with a Christ-centered boldness that would be unmistakable by those around us and that He would draw others to the Christ in 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…