Sunday's Specialty

Luke 15:20

And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

Good morning, everybody!

Another "Special" Sunday is upon us, and just how special this day will become is first up to God, but we play a big part in how this day turns out. How special do we want it to be? Do we want church "as usual" or something to write home about? As one minister preached, "If it is to be, it's up to me." I say we give it all we've got - then watch how the Lord takes what we give and He adds His touch to this day. We know that when the Lord touches anything, it becomes amazing!

My husband will be preaching the 5th Sunday of a 6 week Homecoming Revival in Moss Bluff, LA, today and tomorrow. Four other ministers preceded him, and one will follow him next week. The overall theme and desire of this particular revival is to pray and believe for backsliders (or prodigals) to come back home to the Father's house. So far, they have been blessed to see quite a few return home where they belong. Praise God!

As I was thinking about prodigals, my mind drifted back to Luke Chapter 15, a very familiar setting in scripture, of the prodigal son who made his way back home. We read about the father of the prodigal running to meet his son, which would indicate that he was always watching for him to come home. But, what of the prodigal's mother? Where was she? I have a strong feeling (and this is just me here!) that while the father watched for the prodigal, the mother prayed. Both parents missed their son and wanted him to come back home where he belonged. Somehow I believe that, while the Father diligently watched the road, the mother was in her room, praying. 

I am familiar with the pain of being a prodigal's mother. I know firsthand what it feels like to have a son off somewhere doing who knows what, but all the while praying for his safe return to my house, but more importantly, to the Father's House. And, thank God, I know what it feels like for that prodigal to return home. The joy is beyond description! The party is an off-the-charts event!!

I heard this song on the radio some months back and it brought tears to my eyes:

Verse One

It's amazing I never saw 'til today

Just how foolish a son I have been

The grass is not greener here

And nobody cares

But I know where I've got a friend

Chorus

He's still setting my place at the table

He's still calling my name in prayer

He still looks up the road

Cause somehow he knows

His prodigal son is coming home

Verse Two

I lost everything I had just to find out

What I needed I had all along

Now I'm leaving this place

I want to see my Father's face

Just to hear him say, "Son, Welcome home"

Verse Three

I was still a great way from my Father's house

When he came running to greet his lost son

I said, "Your servant I'll be"

Praise God, he never heard me

He said, "My prodigal son has come home."

Ending

Now I'm in the right place

Just a trophy of grace

The prodigal son has come home

The lyrics of this song leave me crying for all prodigals, and I pray that all over this world prodigals will return to the Father's house today TO STAY!

God bless you all on this Special Sunday. At the end of the day, I hope we all reflect back and see what an awesome day God has blessed us to enjoy!

Until tomorrow when, Lord willing, we meet again for another spoonful.....