We continue to learn about our godly inheritance as believers. We have learned that righteous living preserves our inheritance. We have also learned that we need God's direction to avoid losing part or all of our inheritance through satan's lies.
Today, we look at another character in the Bible who dealt with an inheritance. Unfortunately, he squandered what he received through ungodly living. The Prodigal Son was the youngest son of a wealthy man. Although his father was still living, he demanded to receive his inheritance. The father obliged him and gave what was requested.
Not long after, the youngest son packed up his belongings and his part of his father's estate. He "set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living" (Luke 15:13). We can only imagine what exactly he did with his inheritance as the Bible does not provide much description. Our modern sensibilities would suggest that the young man spent his newly acquired wealth on alcohol, women, drugs, and fast cars.
Alas, a famine came upon the land he was in and he worked at a pig farm. He was so hungry that he had to eat pig slop to survive. Imagine having so much money whereby you could live 'large' only to end up so broke you have to eat food that's meant for pigs?
The Bible teaches in Proverbs 20:21 - An inheritance claimed too soon will not be blessed at the end. This is exactly why God will sometimes hold back certain aspects of our inheritance from us. He does it so we don't end up like the Prodigal Son who lost it all with wild living.
The Lord wants each of his children to be mature enough to use the blessings He gives in a responsible way. He wants His people to take each gift that is a part of their godly inheritance and leverage it so that it grows into something they can continue to reap. The Prodigal Son didn't do that. Instead, he squandered what he had with the sort of lifestyle that implies his father's wealth was used on things that please satan but not God.
And that is another reason why God will sometimes keep His blessings from His children - so that they don't put them into the hands of satan. God wants the blessings He gives to His children to glorify Him and not the devil. God does not and will not allow His gifts to be used for satan's purpose. So, if you have a desire that doesn't align with His word and plan - a detestable prayer - do not expect God to move for you on that issue. And if you see people using their 'blessings' for unrighteous things, be rest assured that this is not God's will, and don't desire to do the same.
May we not squander our godly inheritance on wild living or in any other way. May we not demand our blessings ahead of God's appointed time. May we wait on the Lord to unveil the many parts of our godly inheritance as He deems us mature enough to use them for His glory alone, IJMN, Amen. Let us praise the Lord that the story of the Prodigal Son ended well. Recognizing he'd erred, he went home and pleaded to serve his father because he knew that the servants in his father's house didn't have to eat pig food to survive. His father graciously welcomed him back and restored him to his rightful position as a son of the house and not a mere servant.
If you are a prodigal then today is the day to return to your heavenly father, repentant and willing to accept whatever He has for you. The Lord is good and gracious. By His grace and loving-kindness, you will be received with open arms as the Prodigal Son was, IJMN, Amen.
See you at Noon EST for fellowship.
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CLOSING PRAYER
Father, thank You once again for bringing us together. Thank You for giving Your children cause to rejoice and worship You. Thank You for helping us to put our desires and desperate needs to the side while we prayed for others.
God, remember us for honoring You this way. May our offerings of worship, praise, and thanksgiving, plus our intercession rise as a sweet-smelling incense to You.
To You be all the honor and adoration for You alone are God. IJMN, Amen.
From M22 - Happy weekend Folks!!! I pray y'all experience divine rest beyond your expectations. Amen
From M22 - Thank you Father for blessing us with your word through sis @FFJ as always. We bless you for her and every other member of this community. We pray that you will continue to guide and help us mature spiritually every single day. May we never squander out godly inheritance and blessings IJMN Amen
LAST 10 MINUTES
As the Lord continues to teach about how we should treat our godly inheritance, let us never forget the Parable of the Prodigal Son. It is such a deep lesson for us to learn from. If you are yet to, please look at the comments shared by our fellow Peppers as they discussed their perspective on today's post. There are great nuggets there, especially the point of how we need the Holy Spirit so we don't repeat the failures of the prodigal.
Let us pray:
Help us Lord to value everything we receive from you. Help us so that we do not squander our inheritance and thereby be deprived of what we should enjoy now and in the future. Help us to not discard our inheritance through negligence and Lord, help us so that we don't lose it through the deceit of the enemy. Father, where our godly inheritance is in jeopardy, we call on You to preserve and protect it on our behalf. Send Your angels to stand guard and please guide us to where we need to be so that we don't miss whatever blessings You have for us. Grace, oh Lord, to wait patiently and grow so You can grant the portions of our inheritance that need our maturity. IJMN, Amen.
Praise the Lord!
From T93 - Father, I pray that You allow me to be of use to others in whatever ways You need me to be. If You can use me to help, heal, guide, love, any of Your children who need it, please make it clear so I can show up the way You desire me to. May anyone who needs healing, love, guidance, advice, or support- I ask You Father God to put in their hearts the humility and vulnerability to ask for what they need with grace. At times, Father God, You provide for Your children through other people. Please guide us as Your children to assist those who need it.
Many are touch-starved Father God, please bless them with a godly and righteous friend or loved one to show up and give them the hugs, love, and attention which we need in this human experience. Please send husbands and wives to those who are living righteously and are craving for someone to live in godliness with. May they lean on You, honor You, pray to You. depend on You, and worship only You no matter where they may be in their receiving of their divine counterpart that You have prepared for them. May those craving for healthy families meet and bond with safe people they can call family. Please father God keep safe those in abusive relationships of any kind and please remove them safely and graciously from those abusive environments into safe and loving environments and homes. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.
From M22 - Thank you Father for sis @FFJ . We bless you concerning her, her family, her loved ones and everything concerning her. Thank you Lord for increasing her in supernatural wisdom, favour strength and knowledge. May she never grow weary in her walk with you. I pray that you will continually increase her in every aspect IJMN Amen
Prayer from sis mssetgood from 2021 -
I would like to pray for those women overcoming addiction and abuse. I pray that their faith is strengthened and they no longer have to rely on temporary highs to get through life. That their hearts are healed. That the ones who have lost their children to the system clean up their lives and start fresh. And that those children in the shelter not Be discouraged by their unusual situation but feel motivated and loved by the workers and the volunteers. I pray for the staff in that facility that they will continue to be blessed for doing what Jesus did back in the days. Take care of the forlorn and the sick and loving on them and giving them hope for a new future.
From M22 - Abba Father I submit myself at your feet. I pray that you help me to fix my eyes on you and worry less. Help me to relinquish all control into your hands. Helo me to he more grateful and to stop grumbling. Help me to move on from the past and enjoy every moment. Thank you Father for securing my future according to your word in Jeremiah 29:11. I give you all the glory. Father Lord I commit my endeavor before you, I pray that you help me move on from past experiences and believe that I will succeed this time around IjMN Amen.
From M22 - Abba Father I commit my siblings into your hands. I thank you Father for continually working through them. I thank you for the progress they are all making as they navigate life. I pray that they will continue to seek your Kingdom in everything they do. I pray that they will testify in due time ! I pray for my brother Abba as he has graduated, I pray that you direct him to the right people and employment opportunities that will elevate him in every aspect of his life. Abba Father I commit my sisters into your hands, I pray that you will help them navigate their studies and succeed IJMN Amen
From M22 - Abba Father once more I commit children across the world into your care. I pray that you will continue to shield them from harm, violence, intimidation and abuse. I pray that you will touch the hearts and minds of their parents, caregivers and guardians to nourish and nurture them in your ways. I pray that you will continue to guide them so they never stray away from the path you have prepared for them IJMN Amen
Good God, You are the Almighty. Nobody compares to You. Father, thank You for hearing my prayer for people that they come to a knowledge of You as You promised in Jeremiah 24:7. Thank You for giving people a desire for You. Thank You for whetting their appetites for more of You. Thank You for letting hearts clamor for You. Thank You for kindly pouring out Your Spirit on all mankind in accordance with Your word in Joel 2:28. Be glorified, Lord our Redeemer.
Now and forever more, IJMN, Amen.
From AC - Heavenly Father, I lift in prayer all skeptics, asking that You open their hearts and minds to Your truth, and I pray for those in the faith who have drifted away from Your path. Your Word says in John 6:44, "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them" So we ask that You draw them to You, that they may experience the freedom and salvation that only You can provide. Lord, set the captives free and set their hearts on fire for You and pour fresh anointing on your sons and daughters who have lost their way. May You guide both unbelievers and apathetic believers to discover their faith and find their way back to You. In Jesus' name, Amen
From M22 - Father Lord I pray that you put an end to disease outbreaks plaguing the world. I pray that you guide and direct specialists and researchers to produce effective measures to curb these outbreaks. IJMN Amen
Prayer from sis Justa in 2021 -
During our waiting periods may we find contentment. May we find ourselves drawn closer to you. May we accept the forgiveness and mercy you show us. Lord, help us be stronger than our distractions. I pray that our minds and hearts be renewed and transformed. Thank you for molding us into the personalities we have. Thank you for understanding that we are who we are in the world and still can shine with you in our hearts. We are sorry for the times we've fallen short. But you've not once given up on us. Your love and forgiveness have not passed us by and for that we are grateful amen and amen.
From T93 - Father, I pray for those dealing with mental illness, health issues, pain management, job security, money issues, depression, temptations, and the likes. May those needing guidance receive it from You through prayer and being discerning to what and who is around them. Father God, for those children who are experiencing mistreatment or abuse, please protect them and save them and bring them to good righteous Godly people. Send them help if and when they need it. May all who need Your grace and protection receive it miraculously in divine timing. May any of us here going through a rough time or hard times, may we be lifted up by Your hands in Your loving grace, armor, and protection. Save us from temptation Father God. Keep our eyes on You dear Father. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for people mourning the loss of loved ones. I pray that you will strengthen them and help them navigate life as they grief. Help them move forward knowing their loved ones are in your loving arms. IJMN Amen
From AC - Adonai, You are the almighty Rapha, the God of healing! Pour Your restorative power upon Your children, young and old, with special needs. Drench them with Your healing grace and bless them with supernatural abilities and mighty miracles! Let them know they are loved, valued, and that they matter to You. Cover them with Your love, compassion, and protection, and eliminate the cruel stigma against them. We have seen how Your mighty hand moves in power and sovereignty. Therefore, in Jesus' name, we command the afflicted to be made whole, for Your glory and namesake! To You be all honor and praise, Amen!
From M22 - Father Lord I pray that you put an end to warfare, bloodshed, kidnappings and insecurity issues in this world. Father Lord I pray that you disgrace, expose and destroy every element of chaos and insecurity plaguing every single region in this world. Father Lord I pray that your everlasting peace that surpasses human understanding envelops every single regions of this world and it's inhabitants IJMN Amen
My God, You said we should ask so we receive in Matthew 7:7. We come before You as Your royal children, whose Father's ear is attuned to their petitions for others.
We lift up the poor and needy, Lord.
Your word promises in Psalm 140:12 - I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.
Father, we place Your word before You, Mighty God. Sovereign Lord, You who cannot lie, move on behalf of the poor and those in need of Your grace. Indeed, You did not create the problems they face, but Father, You are the solution and we come to You. We bow before You, in the breach, pleading for Your hand to move on their behalf. You who will never sweep the innocent away with the wicked. Lord, hear and act, to Your glory and by Your grace, IJMN, Amen.
From M22 - Father Lord I want to thank you for this wonderful community of believers. Thank you Lord for bringing us together again today to praise, worship and intercede on behalf of others. We give you all the glory Ebenezer. Thank you Lord for your mercies, love, warmth, affection, grace, favour, provision, protection and manifestation in our lives. Thank you Father for being our defender, helper, hiding place, sanctuary. We thank you that even in Psalm 139 we are reminded of how much you know us too well. Thank you Father for forgiving us every time we stumble. Help us to never take your love and grace for granted IJMN Amen
From JIR - I pray for world figures and world leaders to humble themselves to You, God. I pray that You open their hearts to genuinely seek You and call on You. I pray that they turn away from their wicked ways and come to the realization that they need You. Please expose them to a supernatural experience in where they cannot deny You, Lord. Please call them to You so that they may repent, be baptized and be saved. Please use them as Your vessel to save millions of lives through the Holy Spirit. IJMN. Amen.
PRAYER TIME
Now's the time to pray for others.
The children of God are instructed to help others and interceding is a great way to do so.
If you're not sure what to pray about, think about a problem a friend shared with you recently. Lift that friend, and others like them, in prayer. You can also think about your biggest need. Now, instead of praying for yourself, pray for everyone else who's enduring that very challenge.
Let's get to work.
From M22 - God is good! I am grateful for the lessons he's taught me since the month of June started. The habits he is helping me outgrow. I thank him that I can lean on him every single day of my life. I thank him for taking care of me and my siblings. I worship his name. I pray to continually honor him every single day of my life IJMN Amen
From T93 - Goodmorning everyone! Thank You to God for bringing us here today! This topic of The Prodigal Son is so close to home. We see many people inherit money through different means and wind up losing it all through the ways of the world and temptation...
Father God, "Your kingdom come, your will be done" your will is for Your children to be righteous and discerning of people, places, and things. thank You for the inheritances which You have prepared for Your children to receive when You wish for them to receive it. Thank You for blessing us with daily bread, roofs over our heads, legs to walk, cars to drive, jobs to earn money for living. You are such a gracious and loving Father. Thank You, not for the material aspect of what we have been provided because of You, but thank You that we are able to experience life with Your blessings in such unique ways, whether tangible like homes or cars, or intangible, such as joy and love.
Thank You Father God for your mercy, forgiveness, love of Your children. Thank You Father God for always showing up for Your children in all times whether we are aware of it in the moment or not. May we always as Your children remember to thank You and praise You for Your love and protection.
Thank You God for working in the lives of those I have prayed for. You are such a great God. You have heard prayers such as mine, graciously asking for You to please come into the hearts and tongues of those who were not acting in alignment of someone who knows God and follows Your guidelines. Thank You Father God for softening the hearts of those who for some time fell into the grip of the enemy. Thank You Father God for protecting me and saving me in times where I have fallen into those same traps. Thank You for guiding Your children back on track of righteousness after they have detoured from Your map, Father God. Thank You for forgiving us when we make mistakes as Your children, thank You Father God for your continuous love and mercy. You are an amazing Father, a perfect Father, an honest Father, a giving Father, You continue to bless those here on the Praise & Prays and those we pray for here and in our own time. Thank You Father God. May we continue to be righteous, loving, and godly as You guide us into receiving our rightful inheritances before we come home to You. In Jesus Mighty Name, we pray, Amen.
From M22 - Thank you Great God!!!!! Amen.
Father, I thank You for bringing me to this day. I thank You for everything I've been through to get to this point. I thank You for the numerous ways You have blessed me. I thank You for the countless ways You have kept me safe. I thank You that my failures will never cause You to fail and that as I walk in the light I continue to receive Your purifying grace which cleanses me of all sin. Thank You for giving me all I need for godly living and for teaching me how to apply these things day by day. Thank You for being patient with me and never forsaking me.
Lord, I am grateful for all these wonderful blessings and the more I have experienced. I have tasted of Your goodness. I have tasted of Your glory. I am Yours forever and You, my God, are mine.
Hallelujah!!!
Father, thank You for Your grace and loving-kindness.
Thank You that in Your mercy You consider me. You are mindful of me.
Thank You for pouring out Your compassion and Your grace over me.
I give You all the glory!
From CX - Thank you, Father, for carrying us through another week. We come before acknowledging Your infinite kindness and boundless love. Abba, we recognize that we, too, have often strayed from Your path, seeking our own desires and losing sight of Your loving embrace. Yet, your grace and mercy never falter. You patiently wait for us to return, arms open wide, ready to forgive and restore us. Thank you for the reminder that no matter how far we wander, Your love remains steadfast and unchanging. In Your mighty name, we pray. Amen.
I’m living breathing proof
that things can change
The saving gift of grace
it really stays
With all the twists and turns,
all my mistakes
How I made it over,
you were the only way
PRE
I’m not perfect
I don’t always get it right
I rather walk by faith
And not my foolish sight
HOOK Lead me on Lead me on Lead me on Lead me on
Psalm 95:3 - For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods.
Hallelujah!!! Father, You hold all the power! You get all the praise!
We are gathered today to worship You. Thank You for being Almighty. All powerful. The beginning and the end.
Nobody can take Your place.
Hallelujah!
From T93 - Goodmorning! This is beautiful and this topic is right on time per usual. Thank you @FFJ! God is good!
From AC - Jesus, King of kings, Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, mighty God! Thank You for forgiveness and freedom. Thank You for fresh mercy and radical grace. You alone are enough. I honor You not just for Your gifts or undeserved blessings, but because of how great, mighty, and sovereign You are. I crown You in all glory and praise! My Savior and Redeemer, I love You!
From JIR - Thank You Lord for being so amazing. Your love for me has impacted me and has made such an everlasting impression that I will never be the same. You have brought me such a long way since I started my walk with You. Thank You for changing my thoughts and how I react to things. Thank You for changing my outlook on life and shifting my priorities to better serve You. I will praise and worship You for as long as I live. I am Yours, Lord. Please have Your way with me so that I may do Your will. Let Your will be done in my life Lord. Let my life be used for Your glory, Lord. I love You. IJMN. Amen.
PRAISE TIME
Let us honor the Lord and give Him all of our praises.
Take the next 25 minutes to worship Him for who He is and what He's done for your loved ones and yourself.
The Lord is good.
From AC - Amen, Amen! Thank you for sharing today's powerful message.
Sweet Abba, thank You for this beautiful Friday You have made. I rejoice and am glad in it. Thank You for Your wisdom and the lessons we learn through Your Word, especially the story of the Prodigal Son. Guide us to use our inheritance wisely and for Your glory. Help us live righteously and wait on Your perfect timing for the blessings You have for us. Strengthen our hearts and minds to follow Your path and glorify You in all that we do. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
From EC - Amen and good morning ladies!
From JIR - Thank You Lord for making this day possible. Thank You for breathing life into us this morning and blessing us to come together to fellowship. We understand that nothing is possible if You are not in the midst. Thank You for being in the midst and watching over all of us while we praise you and pray for others. IJMN. Amen.
Thank you for this message today @FFJ. I pray that we all receive this word and take heed. The prodigal son gives us all a look into what not to do with our Godly inheritance. At the end, things worked out for him and his inheritance was restored, but that doesn’t mean that our outcome will be the same. I just pray that we all are responsible with our Godly inheritance and use it for God’s glory. I pray that we don’t squander what is given to us and we use it in a way that is pleasing to the Lord. IJN. Amen.
From M22 - Thank you Merciful Father for a beautiful new day! We bless you for supernatural restoration, deliverance, breakthrough, abundance, protection and provision. Thank you Father for holding us through each day by your mighty right hand of righteousness. Thank you for strengthening and correcting us when we fall short. We bless your name IJMN Amen!
Thank you for today's message sis @FFJ . It is clear that we do not need just faith to handle our spiritual inheritance, we also need to mature spiritually through the hell of the Holy spirit not to squander what he has given us or what he would give us. I pray that we will not squander away the blessings and inheritance God has assigned to us and will assign to us. IJMN Amen
Oh God, my God
You reign victorious
You are the One who fights for us
You will not fail
You will not lose
History says
That You're undefeated
I have no need for your sword and shield
My God fights for me so why should I fear
Your weapons won't prosper no nothing at all
Every single giant against me will fall
ALTAR CALL
At each Praise & Pray (for others) gathering, I invite participants to give their lives to Christ and accept Him into their hearts as their Lord and Savior.
Today, I'd like to share the following scripture -
1 Timothy 1:15-16 - This is a true saying, to be completely accepted and believed: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. I am the worst of them, but God was merciful to me in order that Christ Jesus might show his full patience in dealing with me, the worst of sinners, as an example for all those who would later believe in him and receive eternal life (GNT).
Jesus died on the cross because of the love He and the Father have for each of us. He died because our sin created a distance from the Lord and allowed satan to have authority over our lives and where we'd end up after death.
Give your life to Christ and experience the reconciliation you need to have with God. That reconciliation is just a step toward the freedom you need from all the things seeking to keep you from enjoying a better life filled with God's fullness of life and His goodness. A life that you will navigate with Him, holding your hand and leading you to reside in heaven forever when your eyes close on this side of reality.
If you would like to be born again and receive the Holy Spirit, please say this prayer out loud -
Jesus. Thank You for dying a painful death on the cross for my sins. I admit I am a sinner and repent for all of my sinful ways. Thank You for Your sacrifice washes me clean and takes me out of the devil's clutches and into God's embrace. From today, I commit to follow You and to let You lead me to my Lord so I may be seated in heavenly places with You. Thank You for caring so much about me, IJN, I pray, Amen.
As you've prayed, you've dropped the yoke of sin satan placed on you. You are now a bona fide child of God. It is time to give Him thanks!
Now please make prayer a regular part of your life. It is simply you talking to the Lord. Also, please start reading the Bible and ask God to make it come alive for you. It holds all the answers you need. You can start by reading the Epistle of John, the Book of Acts, and the Book of Romans. Get water baptized as quickly as you can and ask God to lead you to a church of His choosing.
To learn more about the faith and find answers to some questions you might have, check out this handy page - How to have a stronger relationship with YHWH God! And consider watching this series on the fundamentals of the Christian faith.
PS: If you've got questions about the New Life with Christ, shoot me a message. I trust the Lord to guide our convo.