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