Prodigal Son – a man or boy who has left his family in order to do something that the family disapproves of and has now returned home feeling sorry for what he has done (Cambridge Dictionary). There are many of us who have been prodigals at one point or another in our Christian walk. It may not have been an extensive wandering away but significant enough to experience the separation that is uncomfortable. We have left our heavenly Father and gone and done whatever we wanted without considering the consequences that would follow. Some of us have given ourselves over to the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. It may not be talked about a lot but there are many that are in the church who are prioritizing temporary worldly desires—sensual pleasures, covetousness, and arrogant self-sufficiency—above God’s will for them and end up looking more like the world than the Lord. Some of those in the pulpits are in a state of being dominated by sensory gratification and the pursuit of status, shifting focus from spiritual, eternal values to temporary, self-serving, and materialistic ones. Essentially, it is loving the temporary, selfish “world system” more than God, characterized by hedonism, greed, and arrogance. I often reflect on what is written in *Luke 15:11 Then He said, “A certain man had two sons. 12 The younger of them [inappropriately] said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that falls to me.’ So he divided the estate between them.14 Now when he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred in that country, and he began to do without and be in need. 20 So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.* As I look at this story that the Lord Jesus spoke, I know that I can remember what it is like to walk away from my heavenly Father on more than one occasion. There are things that I have done that I know have separated me from Him, and one specific event that caused me to be disqualified from ministry. The restoration of a prodigal looks like a humble return, where a person who has wandered away realizes their need, admits their mistakes, and turns back to God or family. It should be defined by an immediate, unconditional welcome by those who are in authority, symbolized by the father running to meet the child, offering forgiveness, and celebrating their return rather than demanding punishment. This process is often described as moving from a “far country” of disobedience back to the “Father’s house” of fellowship and safety. To all of those who have walked away, whether it has been one day or a lifetime ago, God is waiting with open arms to welcome you back. I want all who are struggling in this area to know that I understand the grace and forgiveness of God that I never deserved but so gladly received. He will still love you, no matter what you have done if you genuinely repent. There is a choice to make today, live in the madness and chaos of the world or accept a second chance which includes love, peace and joy. The future may not be easy, but neither was your past. Jesus will be there to help you today if you ask. For those who have strayed and are feeling convicted, I beg you, Repent and come back to Jesus.

My BeLoved, may the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. In Christ Love, douglas. HE>i. pastord.blog

Special Note: I want to thank those who read what I write and are encouraged to support the ministry God has entrusted to me either one time or have decided to give on a monthly basis. I am encouraged to see certain verses playing out before my eyes like what is written in *Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.*

To any who are interested, please feel free to reach out to me with prayer requests, questions, encouragement, or for information on how to come alongside me with financial support at pastord.blog@gmail.com or I do have a Zelle account associated with my phone number, 5202720387 last name Blaser. Thank you my Beloved for your ongoing prayers and support.