Author: Prodigal

First and foremost, I would like to say a huge THANK YOU to all who have followed this blog so far and are tuning in for the journey.

I will have two GIVEAWAYS at the end of this month (August 2021). Here’s how you can increase your chances to win.

Giveaway #1 – I will randomly select a follower of this blog to receive an awesome Prodigal Thinker gear. Those who comment on and share any posts (past or future) will get their name entered for each comment and each share.

Giveaway #2 – Did you know there is a Prodigal Thinker Facebook page? For those that follow the page, share the page, and comment on posts will get their name entered for a separate prize.

I will hold the drawing on September 2nd and will contact the winner to get the needed details to get your giveaway prizes to you.

Thank you again for following and to quote the Hunger Games movies, "May the odds be ever in your favor."

"We love because He first loved us."

1 John 4:19 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: Have you ever loved someone, I mean truly and deeply cared for someone, but you just knew the love and sincere care was not mutual? Such heartache and emotions of being misunderstood causing you to be distraught. What about this? Have you ever loved someone and hoped they would love you in return? I’m talking, holding out hope beyond all hope that they would begin to see you the way you see them? That’s sort of where God is. You see, He loved us first. If He knows the number of hairs on our head and all of the specific details of each of us, wouldn’t you think He would love us with an outrageous type of love? So, did He create us to love Him back? Yes, but He gives us the choice to love Him back. I wouldn’t say He demands our love in a sense that no matter our beliefs, we either love Him or we’re out of "the will", but He does certainly hope for our love to be returned. Here is another amazing thought. God knows that we could never love Him as much as He loves us. Why? Well, He is infinite and loves out of the purity and holiness of His heart. Without His help through the spiritual transforming work that the Holy Spirit does through us as we devote our lives to living the example of Christ, we would have NO WAY POSSIBLE to love Him as much as He loves us. So, get this!!! As we surrender our lives to living a life according to His word, He gives us the love, grace, mercy, and all the other things we need to love Him back. That is an amazing kind of love right there, folks.

Prayer for today: Father, thank you for loving us as deeply and excitedly as you do. Thank you for not giving up on us even when we want to give up on ourselves or even You. Thank you for giving us a way back to You through the work and life of Christ. May we constantly pursue You with reckless abandon and love others as You have loved us. Amen.

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: Roman Odintsov

Hello friends!

Below is a list of prayer needs and updates if you would like to join in prayer. If you have prayer needs of your own, please feel free to let me know. You can reply here or send me a message through Facebook. You are prayed for and loved, my friends.

HEALTH ISSUES

Anne H. – Diagnosed with Alzhiemers

April G – Friend was diagnosed with bladder cancer and has also contracted COVID – has blood clot in lung

Darrell B. – Battling cancer and other health issues

Donna M. – Back pain/possible surgery

Emily P. – difficulties w/ asthma

Gary W. – Battling cancer

Harold C. – Health issues

Ilene W. – Health issues

James Y. – Battling COVID

Jessica W. – Shingles

Mike T. – Needs heart valve replacement surgery – hospitals are too full to admit and have surgery

Monroe family – COVID (Abby and Ella)

Pat – upcoming surgery

Phillip W – Sent home with hospice

Ray E. – In CICU-Double Pneumonia/In medically-induced coma

Tammy G. – Recovering from heart surgery – so far, healing well

Tracey P. – Heart surgery and has been in hospital 14+ days

LIFE SITUATIONS

Delano & Bassham families – passing of multiple family members recently

Entrekin family – passing of family member

John F. – Passed away 08/11 from health issues

Nelda U. – Had another fall. Praying nothing is broken and that she recovers quickly.

Stephanie M. – Had been battling cancer. Entered eternal rest on 08/12.

UNSPOKEN REQUESTS

Ayesha W.

Bates family

Craig family

Dani O.

Franks family

Hayden J.

Jennifer

Paulette B.

Tony C.

Troy M.

UPDATES

Diane B. – Recovering from surgery at home – still in pain, but healing well

Jason L. – Recovering from COVID – Still on oxygen, but resting at home

Tiffany Q. – Mom is continuing to recover from stroke

ONGOING PRAYERS

Those battling and/or recovering from COVID.

Those who need salvation (love/hope of God)

The situation in Afghanistan

The forest fires in Western US

Those who serve our country (all first responders, government, and political parties for God’s guidance and direction to lead)

The Church (worldwide) – that we would return to the heart of the Father in word and deed.

"May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus…"

Romans 15:5 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: These are beautiful words of hope from the apostle Paul to the church in Rome. Let’s take a page from the late John Lennon and imagine what life would be like if we took these words and applied them to our lives. Faithfulness, encouragement, and harmony. None of those words describe someone who is self-centered. I’m sure we all know someone who remains faithful to discourage or cause dissonance within the lives of others. But these three little words in conjunction with being ‘in accordance with Christ Jesus’ can be life altering if not world changing. Maybe it is time for us to love Jesus that lives in others rather than trying to convince them of your point of view. Instead of being right or speaking your mind, what if we stepped out of the way and let God speak through us…His words, not ours. What if we were the tangible steadfastness and encouragement, living in harmony with one another by living out the example of Jesus? Makes you think, right?

Prayer for today: Father, I pray that we would lay down our weapons of disagreement and critical speech. That we would understand that living in harmony is a far greater example of Your heart and hope for others. I pray that You would show us the parts of our hearts and lives that could cause another to want to walk away from You. Father, please forgive our critical words and haughty hearts. Will you replace our hearts with Yours? Amen.

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: Nita

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God and believe also in me."

John 14:1 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: Depending on the bible you read this from, this verse might be typed in red letters. These are Jesus’ words. Jesus is teaching the crowds and his followers that he is the way to the Father. He is telling what He must do in order that those listening can be welcomed into heaven. Just before this chapter and verse, Jesus tells the disciples that he will be betrayed, even after washing their feet. I imagine that it would be astonishing to see someone so important bent down and washing your feet. Such service and humility. Jesus reminds his followers that while he must go away in order to prepare a place for them, he will return and take them to the very place he went to prepare. Just last week, a cousin of mine entered their eternal sleep after fighting various forms of cancer for three rounds. My family just went and spent time with her and her sweet family about 5 weeks ago. Other than being tired, she looked fantastic and I doubt she would be confused with someone who was ill. She was living life to the fullest and loving her husband and children with all of her energy. On Thursday, August 12th at around 02:30 AM, she fell asleep. I can honestly say that I’m so happy for her as she loved Jesus and she is no longer hurting. I take comfort that I will see her again, but my heart breaks for her husband and her children. So, today, I stand up and believe. I believe that God comes to comfort and to bring peace. I place my heart in His hands so that my heart is not troubled, but brought nearer to the Father.

Prayer for today: Father, today I pray for all who find their hearts/souls troubled. I pray that each of us would be willing to place our hearts in Your trust. That You would show us what we need in order to do Your will. Lastly, I pray that if anyone finds themselves overwhelmed by life to the point of not being sure of their tomorrow, please open our eyes to see so that You can work through 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: Inzmam Khan

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."

Hebrews 11:6 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: I was on my way to work the other day and passed a church sign that had said "Faith makes things possible, not easy." The more I thought about this phrase while reflecting on my own journey, the more it rang true. Without faith in God’s grace and forgiveness, I would NEVER think or feel that I would be good enough to love God, let alone serve or please Him. We have to take ownership of God’s grace and mercy. We have to accept it as our own. For the longest time, I didn’t really accept the love of others, or if I did, I kept myself at an emotional distance because I didn’t feel I deserve such treatment. I did the same with God. When I began to accept that God truly loves me as I am, that is when my faith really began to grow because I realized that it isn’t in my own power or ability that I should love Him, but through the love I have received from Him that I love and serve and please my Father. Without faith in God, life seems so pointless.

Prayer for today: Father, I pray that You would reveal Yourself and Your love to us in a way that can break through the barriers of our human nature. That we would wholly accept Your free gifts of grace, mercy, and forgiveness. I pray that You would truly be glorified by the living out of our faith in You.

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: Ketut Subiyanto

Hello friends!

Below is a list of prayer needs and updates if you would like to join in prayer. If you have prayer needs of your own, please feel free to let me know. You can reply here or send me a message through Facebook. You are prayed for and loved, my friends.

HEALTH ISSUES

Anne H. – Diagnosed with Alzhiemers

April G – Friend was diagnosed with bladder cancer and has also contracted COVID – has blood clot in lung

Baby Justice – has RSV

Darrell B. – Battling cancer and other health issues

Donna M. – Back pain/possible surgery

Emily P. – difficulties w/ asthma

Gary W. – Battling cancer

Harold C. – Health issues

Ilene W. – Health issues

Jason L. – Hospitalized with COVID – Still on oxygen, but hoping to be released soon

Pat – upcoming surgery

Phillip W – Recently diagnosed w/ stage 4 cancer (pancreas) – also has diabetes which is complicating issues

Ray E. – In CICU-Double Pneumonia/In medically-induced coma

Stephanie M. – Battling cancer

Tammy G. – Recovering from heart surgery – so far, healing well

Tracey P. – Heart surgery and has been in hospital 14+ days

LIFE SITUATIONS

Delano & Bassham families – passing of multiple family members recently

UNSPOKEN REQUESTS

Ayesha W.

Jennifer

Paulette B.

Tony C.

UPDATES

Diane B. – Recovering from surgery at home – still in pain, but healing well

John F. – Recovering at home. Slowly getting better.

Tiffany Q. – Mom is continuing to recover from stroke

ONGOING PRAYERS

Those fighting and recovering from COVID

Those who need salvation (love/hope of God)

Those who serve our country (all first responders, government, and political parties for God’s guidance and direction to lead)

The Church (worldwide) – that we would return to the heart of the Father in word and deed.

"So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ."

Romans 10:17 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: You’ve heard the old adage, "Seeing is believing", but according to the writer of Hebrews, "Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Though this verse is fairly short, I find that it is jammed full of meaning. My mind literally races when I read these 17 words. But trying to keep my thoughts focused, I consider the author. Remember, Paul’s name used to be Saul, who persecuted the Christians for their beliefs and for following the teachings of Jesus. That is, until Jesus met Saul on the road to Damascus. Saul was blinded and could only hear the voice of Jesus asking, "Why are you persecuting me?" Though Saul had a robust upbringing with education, he still missed the whole point until Jesus stopped him in his tracks. When we lose sight of God’s plan for us, it’s like we are on a journey and being blind. Scientifically, when one loses a sense (like sight), the other senses heighten to help compensate. When Saul could no longer see, he was forced to depend on what he heard. Jesus changed his name to Paul and gave him further instruction for moving forward. Paul pretty much did a 180 degree turn. "ABOUT FACE!!!" He walked away from the way he was and moved toward who God designed him to be. Through Jesus’ teachings and the lives of His followers, Paul had a new faith that was founded in the word of Christ. So, where does your faith come from? For a long time, my ‘faith’ came from the thought that my parents were Christians and leaders in the church. That faith was weak and misplaced. It was when God found me broken, angry, and desperate that I began to hear God’s voice and began to truly have true faith in Him.

Prayer for today: Heavenly Father, I pray that you would continue to speak to us and that we would close our mouths and open our ears so we can hear You. That we would base our faith journey in Your will and purpose for our lives and if we are not sure of what that looks like, that You would show us the way. Father, I pray that You would be glorified and that Your name would become greater as a result of our faith and allowing our lives to be shaped by the Creator of all things. Amen.

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: Marek Piwnicki

"You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust."

Psalms 91:1-2 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: I was thinking back on when my kids were younger and they would play "Hide & Seek." When they would "hide" but they hadn’t quite understood the concept of actually hiding. While they were confident that they were hidden, they were still visible. They hadn’t found a safe place to hide and find shelter. As adults, we have a tendency to do the same thing. Sometimes we try to hide from the troubles around us by "hiding" in worldly habits. Maybe we "hide" by placing our trust in relationships that are bound to leave us worse off than we were before. Maybe we try to hide our pain by focusing too much on our work or hobbies. I know in my case, I have the tendency to reach for food to help me cope. (Just being honest.) We try to hide, but we can’t. The only way we can truly be at rest is by trusting in our heavenly Father and living within His covering and protection. That doesn’t mean that if we hide, we don’t have to face our problems. Oh, I wish that were the case. But by trusting in God, He can provide not only the protection we need, but the wisdom, strength, and grace to face our problems. We don’t have to back down (as Tommy Petty used to say). We can stand firm because our Father is our resting place and our source of hope.

Prayer for today: Father, I pray for my friends today. I pray that we would place our trust in You and seek the refuge You offer to us. That by Your grace and mercy, we will be able to look into the face of our troubles and know that no matter the outcome, we have rightly placed our faith and our trust in the God who saves. Father, give us the grace we need to forgive ourselves as well as to forgive those who have hurt us. Thank You for being our safe place and our refuge. We love you. Amen.

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

Hello friends!

Below is a list of prayer needs and updates if you would like to join in prayer. If you have prayer needs of your own, please feel free to let me know. You can reply here or send me a message through Facebook. You are prayed for and loved, my friends.

HEALTH ISSUES

April G – Friend was diagnosed with bladder cancer and has also contracted COVID – has blood clot in lung

Darrell B. – Battling cancer and other health issues

Diane B. – Recovering from surgery on 08/02

Donna M. – Back pain/possible surgery

Emily P. – difficulties w/ asthma

Gary W. – Battling cancer

Harold C. – Health issues

Ilene W. – Health issues

Jeff T. – Health issues

Jennifer – multiple health concerns

John F. – Currently in hospital – multiple concerns – high risk

Pat – Health concerns – positive results from testing

Phillip W – Recently diagnosed w/ stage 4 cancer (pancreas) – also has diabetes which is complicating issues

Ray E. – In CICU-Double Pneumonia/In medically-induced coma

Stephanie M. – Battling cancer – starting radiation soon

Tiffany Q. – mom is recovering from a stroke

Tracey P. – Heart surgery and has been in hospital 14+ days

LIFE SITUATIONS

UNSPOKEN REQUESTS

Paulette B.

Tony C.

UPDATES

Barbara – Chemo therapy complete – awaiting further results – prayer for recovery as her body is taxed from chemo

Thank you for all of your prayers for my family and our housing situation. God has provided far better than we could have asked for or imagined.

ONGOING PRAYERS

Those battling COVID and the after-effects of COVID illness.

Those who need salvation (love/hope of God)

Those who serve our country (all first responders, government, and political parties for God’s guidance and direction to lead)

The Church (worldwide) – that we would return to the heart of the Father in word and deed.