His Spirit Blogs

“Father, give me the share of the estate I have coming to me,”

Luke 15:12

A young son came to his father and asked him to give him the money that he was saving for him. His father agreed and the young son left his comfortable home to go out on his own. He soon spent all the money and was so destitute that he wanted to eat the feed that was given to the animals. Then he remembered, “My father was good to me; he fed me; he put a roof over my head. I have gone and thrown that all away because of my pride of wanting to do it myself!”

This is the story of what has been entitled “The Prodigal Son.” A prodigal is someone who is wastefully extravagant. The son or daughter leaves his or her parents to do things that they do not approve of; ultimately they see the error of their ways and seek forgiveness.

This story has an older brother who stays at home and helps his father. He is jealous of his younger brother, but his father tells him how much he loves him and he will never leave him.

Now, the father, who is the epitome of love. He loves his young son, so much he is willing to let him go knowing that the teachings of his childhood will bring him through. The fact is, each one of us must learn our own way. The path to righteousness (right living) cannot be taught—we must experience life ourselves.

 The father also loves his older son. I can’t imagine that he was happy with him when he came in from the fields whining that his father was giving a party for his brother who left home and squandered all his money on raucous living! “Dad never gave me a party!” he said. Yet, his father left the party of the younger son to meet his eldest son in the midst of his rage. He told him, “Son, I know you are upset because I have done this for your brother. But, please know that I love you today, tomorrow, and always. You will always be my firstborn whom will receive all I have.” I can imagine that after that he invited his son to come and join them. Also, that the brothers became friends again. The scripture doesn’t say this, but God never does things half-way.

This is a parable about pride and humility. Solomon in his wisdom wrote in the book of Proverbs, “Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18) But, as humans we have only so much power and wisdom on our own—usually after suffering many wrong decisions—we must turn ourselves over to a higher power—to God the Father. We learn that all He requires of us is to “act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with our God.” (Micah 6:8) And, in God’s “Amazing Grace,” He receives us back into His arms.

In the words of a song by Robert Byron Hudson: “Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord/And He shall lift you up…/Up into Heaven/He shall lift you up.”

This is God’s amazing grace, that He receives us as His children even after we have turned our backs on Him. So, ask for forgiveness and repent of your sin and He will lift you up. Nothing you have done is so bad that God will not forgive, receive you into His family, and make you His own.

“Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me

Once I was lost but now I am found

Was blind but now I see” (John Newton, 1779)

Dear Lord, humble me in Your sight and make me a blessing to someone each and every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen

“When he came to his senses…” Luke 15:17

The young son/daughter was used to living impetuously. Everything on the spur of the moment. He/she did and said anything that came to mind without thinking. This works sometimes, but more often than not, it doesn’t. What you are actually doing is digging a hole for yourself and pretty soon it is almost impossible to climb out. Therefore, you think that you need to get away to a place where there are no constraints.

You pack all your things, take whatever money you may have and head out to a far country. Things look good for a while. You feel free. You are happy. You make many friends. For a while you can actually see what God’s creation looks like—then the need to be accepted and loved overtakes you. You have found it in your new place of employment, but that doesn’t seem to be enough. You found it in the place you are living, but still, it isn’t enough. Pretty soon you are craving more and more. It becomes an insatiable appetite.

The Prodigal Son, in the “Parable of the Lost Son,” found in Luke 15:11-31, is a teaching about the living of an unrighteous life. The fact is, this young man had to take himself with him along with his money and possessions. “Himself” is the one thing he neglected to pay attention to. Whatever he was unhappy about at home, he eventually became unhappy about out on his own. There was no peace inside him because he had not made peace with God.

I have heard someone say, “All I want is peace.” That person may never find it. At least, not until they look inside themselves and fill that gaping hole with the love and presence of Jesus Christ. His love is so great that, when you realize it, you will be able to climb out of the valley you have created for yourself and stand upon the rock atop the mountain.

 I think the most important words in “The Parable of the Lost Son” is: “When he came to his senses,” (Holman Bible Luke 15:17) or “When he came to himself,” (NRSV Luke 15:17). You see, he didn’t go home because he was hungry and ran out of resources—although this was the impetus—but he went home because he came to the awareness that he was wrong and from deep within came an urge for a new beginning. He needed to tell his father he was sorry and ask for forgiveness. He needed to be redeemed.

So in fear and trembling the Prodigal headed toward home. He was surprised and overwhelmed to see his father running towards him, and when they met, his father threw his arms around him and lavished him with love, for this son of his was lost, but now had been found.

Our Heavenly Father is sitting on the porch waiting for you to “come to yourself” and come to Him. He is watching and waiting. When you do come to understand that your salvation is within you, you will also acknowledge that you are a sinner in need of your Father’s love, grace, and mercy. When you do, you will have peace in your soul. A new beginning is on the horizon—NO!—it is right there ready for you to live it! Do not neglect to love and worship the author of all life—Almighty God!

Say out loud—“I don’t know what to do Lord, but You do.”

                                    Then you will understand:

“Where there seems to be no way, God will make a way.”

Dear Lord, hold us close to Your heart. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit. May we experience peace beyond all understanding. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

He said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there; the Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.  Job 1:21

Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17

And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. Genesis 45:5

Is a trumpet blown in a city, and the people are not afraid? Does disaster befall a city, unless the Lord has done it? Amos 3:6

Giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20

Lord, You mean we are to praise You no matter what? Right now we live in an angry world. I don’t think many even know why they are angry. We have unruly protests, police killings, lootings, angry words being tossed about, I could go on and on. People are losing their homes and lives due to fires and violent storms. And then there is the Covid-19. We may ask, “God why are You allowing all this to happen? But, actually we should be praising You, for You know the future and are getting us ready for it. According to Job, James, Joseph, and Paul, we need to be praising You even in the face of all our troubles, because You have a plan and are teaching us so we will be ready.

Friends, what do you think? Are you ready? Do you have oil in your lamps?

Dear Lord, send Your Holy Spirit into our hearts. Give us singing in our soul, for one day we will be coming home. Make us ready, Lord. In Your precious name I pray. Amen

“…and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.” Matthew 10:42

“…Truly I tell you, just as you did to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to Me.” Matthew 25:40

“For God is not unjust; He will not overlook your work and the love that you showed for His sake in serving the saints, as you still do.” Hebrews 6:10

Who are the little ones? Perhaps, the elderly man who has difficulty walking and is struggling to get his groceries from the cart into his vehicle. Or, maybe it is the young man checking us out at the grocery store with a look of sadness in his eyes. Or, maybe we are the “little ones” who received help from a passerby who lifted a heavy watermelon into our golf cart.

We offered to help the elderly man and he immediately began to tell us his tale of woe. He had dropped a 5 gallon pail of paint on his foot, it had gotten infected—he needed someone to talk to.

Then the young man with the sad eyes, needed to hear a word of appreciation. When my husband finished talking to him and we both asked the Lord to bless him, he was smiling.

Finally, the man who helped us. We allowed him to help us and we received a welcomed blessing, parting with a feeling of peace.

Actions do speak louder than words. As we depart from our homes to go out into the world, perhaps it would be a good thing to whisper a prayer asking God to lead us to someone who needs a word of encouragement today.

Dear Lord, you are God the Great I AM! Let me remember each and every day, that this is the day You have made and make me glad and rejoice in it. (Psalm 118:24) In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity…Then the tempter approached Him…”

 I Corinthians 10:13a/Matthew 4:3a

Temptations are everywhere. The tempter also is everywhere. We need to be on guard at all times and in all places. Paul writes to the church at Ephesus, “Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil.” (6:11) Paul goes on the say that our battles are not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of darkness and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. (vs. 12)

My friends, these words are not only for “those people” in Ephesus in AD 62, but for all people in all times, including today! We need to take heed and beware of the wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Temptations come in all sorts of forms. They come disguised as work, friends, food, riches, prominence, all sorts of risks, and even fun. Anything that can get your mind off God, Satan will turn on his charms and tempt you. He will even use relationships. We need to use as our example of resistance the words of Jesus– “Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.” Matthew 4:10.

We need to put on the full armor of God—truth like a belt; righteousness like armor on your chest; sandals of peace on your feet; always put on the shield of faith on your chest—(protect your heart); on your head the helmet of salvation (protect your mind); and in your hand the sword of the Spirit (God’s Holy Word, the Bible). Then cover it all with skin—prayer for all the saints (believers). (Ephesians 6:10-20)

Doing all this will keep the tempter at bay. But, be assured he is waiting for a small crack in your armor to enter in. Be on your guard. Live in the fear of the Lord, obeying His commands and spending time with Him every day. Even if temptations do overtake you there is nothing God cannot overcome. His word says, “…He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape, so that you are able to bear it. “ (I Corinthians 10:13b)

Lastly, Paul writes to the church at Corinth—and to you and me—“Whoever thinks he stands must be careful not to fall.” (I Corinthians 10:12) You may like to have fun, there is nothing wrong with fun, but it can also become an idol and turn your face from God. And at this point, it is a disguise to use up the time that you should be spending with God. “Do not have other gods beside Me. Do not make an idol for yourself…” (Exodus 20:3, 4a) says the Lord.

Dear Lord, make me obedient to Your Word. Show me how You want me to live my life. Honor and glory are Yours, Heavenly Father. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

This weekend is Memorial Day weekend. For many it is beach-time or bar-be-que-time. It is time for fun and sun and relaxation. But, it is much more than that! It is a time to remember. Remember all the men and women who gave their lives, so that we have the freedom to do those things afore mentioned. Just try to imagine what it would be like if they hadn’t sacrificed their lives and allowed the enemy to overtake our land! There would be no beach-time or bar-be-que-time or fun-time or family-time—none of the things we enjoy in our freedom. We must pause to remember!

The same is true of our Lord who gave His life on the cross, so that, we could be saved from the Enemy that seeks to destroy our freedom to love God and one another. We must pause our fun-time to worship and praise His Holy name. We must remember that He lived and died and arose to give us abundant life.

Remember and be filled with joy, peace, and love. There is no other way to be happy in Jesus. He formed us and gave us gifts—talents—to use to love and honor one another and bring glory to His name. As Paul wrote to the church at Philippi—which is still true for us today…

I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6 ESV

DO NOT FORGET—REMEMBER

AMEN

“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them…Then Elisha prayed: “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the servant, and he saw; the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha…Are not all angels spirits in the divine service, sent to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?”

Psalm 34:7   2 Kings 6:17   Hebrews 1:14

Receiving bad news is never a pleasant thing. For me it takes time to process the message. I usually am shocked and respond negatively. Lately, though I am able to process the situation and send a prayer up for discernment. At least, that’s what I know I should do, but am not always successful. What I need do is ask God for wisdom and understanding and a way to cope with whatever the bad news may be in a positive and mature way. Sometimes, He will remind me that He has it covered and I need to be patient while He works in the solution. Patience is not my strongest suit. It just might be, however, that I will learn something new about myself and about God’s presence in my life.

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act.”

Psalm 37:5

“I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ…Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent…And this is His commandment, that we should believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as He has commanded us.”

Philippians 1:6   John 6:29   I John 3:23

Father, everything with You begins and ends with love. You created us, in Your love, to be in relationship with You and love You with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. You have commanded us to love one another in the same way. In this way, we can give testimony to Your love and plant the seed of salvation within their heart. Loving others personifies Your love and brings honor and glory to Your name.

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit I pray. Amen

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live.”  John 11:25

When my father and then my mother passed away, then my late husband, all within a 10 year period, I felt lost. All of a sudden there was no one to answer my questions…my mother about a recipe…my father about some of our ancestors or how to plant something…my husband about getting the car fixed or support for a conflict in the church. There was no one who could fill their shoes I was lost—I began to write. I wrote my memories—then I wrote words that seemed to come from my fingers, for they had not been in my mind—then I gleaned from the Psalms encouraging words that seemed to be God speaking to and through me.

God waited patiently for me to work through my grief and able to stand on solid ground once again. He is my Rock and my fortress. After a few years God opened up a brand new chapter in my life and led me to Del. This is proof to me that I was never alone and that God has a plan and will never waiver from it. When there seems to be no way. God will make a way. Only believe.

Dear Lord, You are the resurrection and the life. With You I am never alone…I may be lonely, but I am not alone! Thank You for loving me so much, undeserving as I am. One day I hope to be in heaven with You. May it be so. Meanwhile, please take care of all my loved ones who have gone on before. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen

“The days of our life are seventy years, or perhaps eighty, if we are strong; even when their span is only toil and trouble; they are soon gone and we fly away.” Psalm 90:10

I once did a calculation using 80 years as mentioned in verse 10 Psalm 90 and “ one day to us is as 1000 years to the Lord” 2 Peter 3:8. The answer I came up with is our life on earth is but 10 minutes! What could you or I do in 10 minutes that would live on after we ascended into Eternity?

So in answer to the question, “Do we matter?” I would say “Absolutely!” You see, we are loved by God and matter deeply to Him. It is not a feeling of pride but of humility that you and I are chosen by the Most High God to be His children. And we become His children when we accept Jesus into our hearts and live is obedience to God’s commands which call us to love Him with all our hearts, minds, strength, and soul and to love one another. Love is the highest law of the land against which there is no law.

Therefore, the legacy that you and I must leave is love for in loving we matter and give glory to God.

Dear Lord, help me to love my neighbor as You love me. To You be honor and glory forever and ever. In Jesus’ name. Amen