Prodigals

Prodigal... let that marinate a minute.

What do you think of? Chances are the parable from Luke 15 comes to mind of the wayward son who left his father's house. But as I was praying this morning that perspective took a bit of shift. 

If I may backtrack so you'll you understand? 

I just returned from an incredible weekend at LAO (the Louisiana Outpouring.) And man do these precious ones know how to bring the presence of God down! I truly can't even begin to describe the anointing they carry. And in that, I began to feel a conviction. That's the beautiful thing... conviction may be painful for a moment- but it brings us to a place of healing restoration. (Conviction is never to be confused with condemnation which does not come from our loving, Heavenly Father.) 

I've felt a call recently to step out deeper in the waters of my prayer life. My conviction at LAO came when I saw these mighty warriors pray fierce and dangerous prayers. Scary prayers. The kind of prayers that shake the heavenly realms! I've been praying "wimpy" almost powerless prayers. I say powerless, because it's our faith that moves the Lord, and the deeper in intimacy you are with Him the greater your faith becomes, because you know Him ...His heart, His Word, His promises, Your inheritance... I've been guilty of praying the "If you will..." prayers for far too long! Prayers with baby-food-like faith. 
A sweet girl shared a revelation with me that I won't soon forget. There is a certain level of faith that can be likened to eating ice cream everyday. A faith that you can survive on, because our Father is merciful and gracious. But an "ice cream" diet won't give you the nutrients and strength you need to live the abundant and healthy life He is calling us towards. 

As I prayed in the car this morning on my way to work, I found words flowing out of my mouth from within, and then it hit me..."Lord, let me not squander my inheritance as the prodigal son did." Are you with me? 

We were given an inheritance of power and authority over the principalities of darkness (Ephesians 6:11-13.) To bring deliverance and cast out demons and heal sickness (Matthew 10:1.) And I am sure there is even more that can be added here... which is why I need to upgrade my diet to big-girl food! The point is, I think when we "skim" by on a lean diet of faith- we are squandering that which the Father has given freely. 

47 That servant who knows his master’s will but does not get ready or follow his instructions ... 48 ...From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from him who has been entrusted with much, even more will be demanded. 49 I have come to ignite a fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!…
Berean Study Bible

In the abundance of His wealth, I believe God wants to raise up a generation with "muchness" ... there is a harvest to come in. Will we laze around in a sleepy slumber content to survive on an ice cream diet or will we be wildly awake and ready to sew our inheritance as the seeds that others have gone before us to sew come to a harvest?
This is a challenge... to me and maybe to others... let's not live prodigal lives any longer. Let's dwell in the presence of the Father, increasing the kingdom which is our inheritance.

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