August 2, 2010 The Prodigal Son

"There was a man who had two sons." The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.'"

Good Monday morning, my dear brothers and sisters. It is a beautiful morning here at the Southern Location of the North Pole. Today is the day we set aside to pray for our leaders, our veterans, our military, our police, our firefighters, and all others who work so hard to keep us healthy and safe. Also today pray for Melvin Pope who has cancer and the doctors said there is nothing else they can do. Folks, Doctor Jesus never will tell us that!!! Also prayers for Nicole Flickinger, a very young mother who needs a heart valve job. I am sorry that I am late today, Dolores and I were at the doctors this morning, and she was sent from there for X-rays.

"The Prodigal Son": Luke 15:11 - Jesus said "There was a man who had two sons." 12 The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate. So he divided his property between them. 13 Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living." (NIV)

Gosh, I wonder what my mamma and dad would have said if I would have asked that question, and I can't help but wonder what I might feel like if one of our children would come up and say, "Hey dad, can I have my share of the estate now?" While I know that would not happen, more than likely my answer would have been, sorry we already spent it. Speaking of which, last year just before our big Christmas push to hand out food to the needy, some of the kids and grandkids were here packing out food for others. With tears in my eyes I told them, we are giving away what they might have gotten when Dolores and I go home to Jesus. They loved it. So this week I want to take a deep look at what Jesus uses as the example or parable of that Prodigal Son. I will also talk to you about this guy that I look at each day in the mirror who indeed was a Prodigal son and I also want you to think it over, were you a lost child, a Prodigal Child? Let's pray, and we will pick up on the story tomorrow.

Dear Father in Heaven, Thanks for a great and wonderful morning and beginning to August. Lord, please today lay your healing hand on the following wonderful people: Ronald (Cancer), Allison (surgery healing), Elaine (healing from Surgery), Melvin Pope (cancer), Nicole (heart), Vicki (many health problems), Dolores (high levels of pain coming from her bent and twisted back), Veterans, Military, our leaders and all those who work to keep us safe. Yes, Lord, we are asking a lot today, for there is a lot of need. Help us with the food pantry, and not just to get food in but to find people who need help. Lord, send us some needy folks. Lord, now may we honor You this day by living to please You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Now go forth sharing those blessings and loving God and loving all others... and know that I love ya. Pastor Dan