The prodigal son is a parable we often hear and know by heart.  When a teacher uses the parable in a study, sometimes, we can be closed-minded, thinking there is nothing else that could be learned.  Yet, I’m always amazed at how God’s Word is truly living and active.  We hold in our hands the life and breath of God.

Laying in bed last night, I listened to Joyce Meyer.  I can’t tell you the title of the sermon–I just clicked and listened.  I was pretty much open to any message from His Word.  As she began to share the prodigal son she highlighted three parts:

1. Give me  (‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’)

2. After he squandered his money, he found himself living in a pig sty until he came to himself/came to his senses

(“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. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.”)

3. Make me your servant (“make me like one of your hired servants”)

From this position the Father can bless and show you glorious things!  “He is able through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”   Ephesians 3:20

We often walk around with a “give me” attitude.  It’s subtle and sometimes very obvious. What will I get out of this relationship, job, position, sport, hobby, trip, ministry…  Lord, give me _______________.  After a long search and efforts focused on “give me” we find ourselves in a position or situation in which we may ask “How did I get here?” or “Why did I believe this was what I wanted?”  There are many verses in God’s Word in which He gives us over to ourselves until we “come to ourselves” and realize we need Him.  The prodigal son realized that he must be made a servant.  When we come to Jesus with hearts healed and hands wide open, we will find ourselves in the center of His glory and will.

Lord, make us Your servant.

Valentine’s Day has come and gone.  A day in which we love intentionally.  Proverbs 5:19 says “Be exhilarated always with her love.”  There are so many ways in which we love!  Can we love big and intentionally through the year?  Can a spouse, on purpose, write love notes, make plans for alone time, take a chore or duty off the person’s plate, call just to say I love you, affirm, lift, and encourage daily? Not just out of duty!  Maybe you start there, but pray for your love to be exhilarating!  I believe we are capable of this.

Can our love extend beyond our home to include others through words of encouragement, a gentle hug, a smile…..  I believe we can, and that it would make a difference.

Move from “give me” to “make me your servant” and love intentionally today.  Begin first with Jesus and allow Him to fill you with His love for you.  “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  Take care of you in the presence of Jesus so you are filled to serve.