Category: Prodigal Blog

Like Our Teacher

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.

Verse of the Day – John 8:32

"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…

Verse of the Day – Matthew 28:19

"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…

Verse of the Day – Romans 12:2

"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)

Verse of the Day – Ephesians 4:32

"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…

Verse of the Day – Matthew 6:33

"But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

Matthew 6:33 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: "All these things?" What things? Jesus is right in the middle of the Sermon on the Mount. He is teaching the crowd about how they should live in view of God’s commands. While the context of this verse mentions the basic necessities (food, clothes, etc) the overall theme is peace/blessing that comes with righteousness (right-living). If our focus is on God instead of ourselves, we will have little desire for worldly possessions. God does and will continue to take care of us. He has not left us alone, but is right there through it all. Anything we receive as a result of our right-living is a blessing. Life, in and of itself, is a blessing.

Prayer for today: Today, I pray that we would maintain our focus on following Jesus teachings and example. That we would truly devote our lives to loving as God has loved us and expanding the kingdom of God. Also, I pray that we would bless others with the blessings we receive, so they will know the love of 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.

May God’s grace overwhelm you today…

Verse of the Day – 2 Chronicles 7:14

“if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: Some folks feel loved the most when you spend quality time with them. Others, presents/gifts. Others, acts of service, etc. There seems to be a running theme throughout God’s word. A humble heart that seeks to live according to God’s word and is prayerfully focused on Him. Perhaps this is the type of lifestyle that gets God’s attention. I’m not saying we should do these things to manipulate God as He knows our hearts. I highly doubt we would be able to pull the proverbial wool over His eyes anyway. In 1 Samuel 8, the people of Israel learn this lesson the hard way. They march into battle against the Philistines and Israel is defeated, losing 3,000 soldiers. Then they get this bright idea of getting the Ark of the Covenant and taking that into battle because they thought God would be with them and defeat the Philistines. Nope. They were living opposed to God’s commandments and were a prideful bunch. They marched the Ark into battle, and they were pummeled even worse than before, losing 40,000 soldiers as well as the Ark of the Covenant. It wasn’t until Samuel led them in a renewal of the covenant by prayer, humbling of their hearts, and confession of their sins that God heard them and led them in victory. 

Prayer for today: Today, I pray that we would make a habit of surrendering our whole lives to the purpose and will of the Father. That we would allow God to cleanse away our agendas and fill us with what He has in store. Lastly, I pray that when God calls us to action, we would move out on His orders 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.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Verse of the Day – Romans 15:5

“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: How about those folks that just absolutely rub you the wrong way? They seem to be everywhere these days, but then again, maybe that’s just me. I’m so thankful that we can depend on God for equipping us with the diligence and encouragement we need to live in kindness and compassion with those who view or live their lives in ways that are opposed to the ways we find most peaceful. I’m sure Jesus encountered many who would have fit that description. He would have been patient with and had compassion on them. That type of treatment is contrary to our initial nature, but God can bless us with those attributes and characteristics that will please Him in dealing with others. This is especially poignant for me, especially this week as I have been dealing with mental/emotional distress. I share these things so we all know that we aren’t alone, not because I’m wanting attention, but I would appreciate your prayers. 

Prayer for today: Today, I pray that God would grant us His peace in every situation so we would be able to have compassion on and see the goodness in others, despite how they make us feel. That we would resolve ourselves to having a life focused centrally on Jesus Christ and that every word and action we take would be for the glory of God. 

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…

Verse of the Day – Proverbs 11:25

“A generous person will be enriched, and one who gives water will get water.”

Proverbs 11:25 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: Are we giving just to get or are we giving so we can bless others? The NRSV translation leaves a bit to be desired for this verse in my opinion. A couple of other translations translate like this: “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” The word picture that I get with this chapter and verse is a pitcher of water. The one who gives reluctantly or just enough, their pitcher is nearly full, but not quite full. The generous person has to have a water basin underneath the pitcher because of the overflow. That pitcher is continually poured into and the abundance just flows over the edges. Given the context of what Solomon has been teaching, he is talking about matters of the heart and of righteousness, not financial matters. So, are we trying to get enough of God to fill our own heart, or are we seeking God and hoping for an overflow of His presence so that the abundance can be poured out on others? I know that I am hoping for the latter. 

Prayer for today: Today, I pray that we would seek God generously and with expectation that He would fill us to overflowing with His presence and His grace and that we would give generously to all who would receive. Also, I pray that if you feel like we are lacking in the presence of God, that we would reach out so you can be encouraged. 

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.


And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful… 

Verse of the Day – 2 John 1:6

“And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment just as you have heard it from the beginning – you must walk in it.”

2 John 1:6 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: Saying the words “I love you” and showing the words “I love You” can have a totally different effect on people. Before I surrendered my life to Christ, I used to get so frustrated when people would tell me that God loves me. The words didn’t really mean anything to me at the time because I hadn’t fully realized that truth. In addition, I had all of the typical thoughts and questions like, “if God loves me, then why did these bad things happen.” Thankfully, I am able to hear those words and it means a lot to me. That being said, I’m more of a “show me” type person. Say whatever you would like, but I am usually watching the actions to see if they match up with the words. John, the beloved disciple, is writing to the church and giving instruction on what it means to love others. Think of it as “love in action.” It is quite simple to say yet costs us everything. We must simply walk according to [God’s] commandments. Taking the context of verse 5 into consideration, it reads like this, “Let us love one another. This is love. You must walk in it.” We fulfill the commandments when we love God and love others properly. So, I ask myself these questions, “Do my actions match my words? Does my life reflect a complete surrender to Christ? Am I loving properly by living out this love in action?” 

Prayer for today: I pray that we wouldn’t forget to love. Love all of those around us including ourselves. I pray that we would receive the grace we need to forgive ourselves for our shortfalls so we can receive love from God and others purely. That we would be the hands and feet of Jesus, showing and sharing love wherever God takes 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.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you spirit, brothers and sisters…