Category: Prodigal Blog

"O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!"

Psalms 95:6 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: Why should we bow down or kneel to worship? That is the posture of reverence and respect of authority from days of old. God is so much more than an authority figure. He is our Creator. He formed and created every detail for each of us EXACTLY as He desired for the glory of His name. We are each different for a reason and our heavenly Father rejoices in our differences. So, let us worship our Creator for He is good and His love is pure. As we raise our voices in praise, may He be glorified.

Prayer for today: Today, I pray that we would remember that worship is a response to what God has done for us out of love and grace. That we would take every opportunity that we can to praise Him throughout each day.

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…

"Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise."

James 5:13 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: I was speaking to one of my kids the other day about having integrity in response to conflict. I told her that he/she can always have the last word by choosing how they respond to the conflict. We always have the ability to determine how the things or people around us affect us. If someone is trying to start drama with us, we do not have to engage them. If we are going through tough times (grief, depression, uncertainty) we can always choose to pray and trust that God will answer our prayers or to give us the wisdom through the Holy Spirit on how to react. We are called to be the light of the world, not fire-starters. God will give us all that we need to live through holiness (Christlikeness) if we will only ask for His direction and be patient. If you are in a season of being cheerful and joyful, sing your heart out to God and encourage others.

Prayer for today: I pray that we would be quick to love and slow to anger. That we would depend on God for everything we need for every encounter we face. I pray that God would be glorified in all that we say or do so that we do not deflect the light within, but project the light within.

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…

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

Hebrews 11:1 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: The author of Hebrews is defining what faith is for the Jewish Christians in and around Rome and Palestine. He/She is laying the groundwork as they are about to talk about the faith of their ancestors and the actions they took out of obedience. These ancestors were being obedient to a voice that was telling them to do somewhat outlandish things. For example, Noah was warned by God that there would be a flood, but the earth had not seen rain, at least of this magnitude. He was mocked and considered a lunatic by those outside his family. Noah was obedient anyway, out of faith. Do we have that kind of faith? Are we obedient to the voice and will of God that we would step out in faith and do things that could cause those around us to mock us and consider us lunatics? Does our pride get in our way? What is the most risky thing you have done out of obedience to God?

Prayer for today: Today, I pray that we would be so obedient to God that we might just be made fun of by those around us. That we would be obedient to the point that it might cause us to be uncomfortable and seem "risky". I pray that God would speak to us and that we would attentively listen for His call-to-action and that we would act on it without hesitation.

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…

"Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, just as it is well with your soul."

3 John 1:2 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: As we draw closer to Thanksgiving, I know that around the world there are going to be some empty chairs this year. Between the pandemic and other means, some of our loved ones will not be joining us this year. I hope that we all will take time to be thankful for each other, even if we don’t agree on everything. Life is too short to hold back love. As a friend of mine says often, "Love hard and forgive." Also, may we keep in mind that God is aware of our struggles. If you are in mourning, I’m sure the eyes of our Creator are wet with the tears as His heart breaks for yours.

Prayer for today: I pray that we would love with reckless abandon, just like Jesus did/does. That we would reach out to those who have lost loved ones this year and share that overwhelming love with them. I pray that we would listen to those who need to speak of their love and their grief. May we be the hands and feet of Jesus, especially during this time.

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…

"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time."

1 Peter 5:6 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: Humility is an attribute that seems to be lost on the world today. I mean, just look at the media (social or otherwise) and we will see that it is difficult to find many who are truly humble people. It breaks my heart. A quote that I heard some time back has really opened my eyes. "If we will humble ourselves, we can learn from anyone or anything." When we become prideful or even if we are over-confident, we can miss "teachable moments" where we can learn more about someone else. The same thing applies to our relationship with God. If we assume we understand His word and neglect to study, then we are standing in the way of the blessings that God desires to teach us.

Prayer for today: Today, I pray that we would open our eyes and our hearts to what God might teach us, either through another person or through the world we face. That we would truly humble ourselves and make room for God to use us as He sees fit. I pray that each of us would know that God truly loves us and wants the best 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…

By H. Lamar Smith of Christ our Holy Way

King Jesus stood before king Herod. Herod looked like a king and Jesus did not. Herod wanted it understood that he was in charge, including the fate of Jesus. Herod had a kingdom of power and being served; Jesus had a kingdom of service. For Herod the people existed to serve Him; Jesus’ life existed to serve others. Herod wanted a miracle; Jesus refused to be used by this or any political leader. Jesus had no choice words to hurl at Herod. He had the opportunity, but He was silent. Jesus’ silence before “power” enraged Herod; he proceeded to lead the soldiers in mocking Him. Jesus was a joke to be laughed at, and a person to be discarded. What can we as disciples learn from their Teacher about how we relate to power in this encounter of Jesus and Herod?

Luke 23:8–11 (ESV) 8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. 9 So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer. 10 The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. 11 And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate.

"and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."

John 8:32 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: What IS the truth? Can we even handle the truth? Here is the truth. God has loved you since before you were born. He sent His only Son to live a perfect life and to die a criminal’s death so that we could be reconnected to Him. Our sin was forgiven and is no longer held against us. Now, we are able to live a life of response in gratitude and love to the One who has set us free from our sin. No matter what you are facing, God wants to lead you through it. I hope this offers some hope, some comfort. At the same time, I hope this fuels the fire of your devotion to deepening your relationship with our Creator.

Prayer for today: I pray that we would not be so desensitized by the world around us that we remove God as the first priority in our lives. That we would remember that those that believe and have called on the name of Jesus Christ for salvation has a primary residence of Heaven. I pray that if you need encouragement or help through your situation, that we would simply ask God for His wisdom, so that we can rest in 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…

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

Matthew 28:19 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: "Lights! Camera! Aaaaand ACTION!!!" I can just see/hear the snap of the movie marker and the producer watching the characters, the players for a movie who have studied their lines, practiced, and prepared for their roles. And now, it is time to act! How does this relate to today’s verse? God is excited with anticipation as to the action we will take to go and make disciples for the growth of His kingdom. What is our role? We need to depend on Him to give us the words through the Holy Spirit to speak, but we can be studying His word. We can be praying that God would show us those He wants you to reach out to that are around us. But not only knowing the Word and prayer, but in our living, our everyday actions. When we have hope and live out that hope and love that God has given us, people will be drawn to you. When the Holy Spirit alerts you that the time is right, speak the words of life that God lays on your heart. You may not see that person come to salvation, but God can use you to plant or water the seeds of life that He is planting.

Prayer for today: Today, I pray that we would make the most of every opportunity to share the grace, hope, and love that has been extended to us by our heavenly Father. That we would be ambassadors of Christ in the world around us. I pray that we would never give up on those who need God as He has never given up on 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…

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God-what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Romans 12:2 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: Why is major/chronic depression such a wide-spread issue? Does it mean that the people being affected don’t have enough faith? Does it mean they don’t want to be free from what is oppressing them? I will tell you, as one who has dealt with major bouts of depression, it isn’t about a lack of faith or not wanting to be free from it. Depression usually occurs due to chemical imbalance, but medicine doesn’t really cure it, it only helps a little. When I find myself fighting major bouts of depression, as I have over the last several weeks, the most comforting things that I do are read scripture and pray. Is the word of God the first thing I reach for when I’m depressed? Sadly, no. For me, depression doesn’t just happen in one moment, it slowly envelops me like a cloud or mist. I rarely even realize it is happening, but in time, I typically withdraw from relationships, interacting with others, doing things I enjoy (like sending these verses to my friends), and then my thoughts get really dark. But the word of God has this amazing ability to stir the Holy Spirit in our hearts and to remind us of how we have always been loved by the One who created us. God can truly transform our hearts and minds if we will only invite Him into our emotional/mental/chemical battles. God can be the light in us when all we feel is darkness and loneliness. Will you invite Him in? I hope so. Will I invite Him in? I am certainly trying.

Prayer for today: Today, I pray that we will seek help when we see that we are in need, as our Father is always ready and waiting for us to call out to Him. That we would allow ourselves to be transformed by His words and by the stirring of the Holy Spirit as we pray and seek the face of God. Lastly, I pray that we would have the strength to be weak with our fellow believers, so that when we need prayer, that we would simply ask. (That last sentence was for me.)

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.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13)

"and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you."

Ephesians 4:32 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: I’m not sure if any of you have seen the news or been on social media in the last week (if you haven’t, please don’t!), but there is so much unkindness going on right now. Between folks being tired of the constraints of COVID, the political arguments, and other things, the world around us has really shown its true self. Unfortunately, this unkindness is just as rampant in the Christian population. Have we forgotten that whoever is elected, God puts them there? Have we been so cooped up in our homes or so tired of wearing a mask everywhere we go that we have lost track that God is still with us? Are we, as followers of Jesus Christ, supposed to be set apart? Folks, we need to be a peaceful people. We need to be the ones that are kind and tenderhearted toward others. We need to set that example as Jesus set the example for us. The world is angry and hurting. God is forever. He can see us through the next 4 years, 8 years, or however long. Let’s not lose sight of that. Let’s be God’s hope to the nations. I encourage you to pray before you respond or post on social media. Before you raise the banner of your political party, let’s raise the banner of the Most High.

Prayer for today: Today, I pray that we take to heart that we should love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength; and to love our neighbors as ourselves. That we wouldn’t be so distracted by what is happening around us that we lose sight of the "Forever One." May God instill in us an overwhelming sense of peace, gratitude, and contentment that He is still God, no matter what is happening around 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.

Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s son, in truth and love…