Pactolus Baptist Church

Daily Devotional

By Pastor Jerry Teboe

A Closer Walk with Christ in 2026

Restoration and Abundant Life

Luke 15:11-12

  And he said, A certain man had two sons: Luk 15:12  And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me. And he divided unto them his living. 

          The story of the prodigal son is probably one of the best known in the Bible.  Not only is it a Bible story, but one that is also lived out all too often in many lives today.

          This son asked for his inheritance before it was time.  An inheritance should come after the death of the father, but this son acted as if his father were already dead.  We see the same attitude in the lives of some young people today when they go into rebellion and leave home against their parents’ wishes.  As in the story of the prodigal, these young people go their own ways and often have to live hard times until they realize that their father really loved them and was only trying to do his best to help them grow and mature.

          The prodigal son took the money that was given to him; then he went and wasted it.  This shows his immaturity and lack of preparation to live on his own.  The people he was with took advantage of him while he had money, but when it was gone, they abandoned him.  This is the lie that Satan plants in the minds of so many young people even today.  He tells them that they do not need the instruction of their parents, that they can make it on their own, but it is a lie of the devil.

          The prodigal son eventually came to understand that home was a good place and that his father really loved him and never gave up on him.  The son learned humility, which we all need.  God promises that He will exalt the humble but will bring down the proud.

          When the son came home, he was accepted, restored, and loved.  God always wants to see His wayward child return.  Let’s keep on praying for those who are away from the Lord that they will see their error and return to their parents, and most of all return to the Lord.

We all need to watch our attitudes and not allow the devil to have control of our lives; he only wants to lead people astray and tear them down.  God wants to see lives restored.  John 10:10 is a picture of this truth. It says, The thief (Satan) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I (Jesus) am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. Let’s seek that abundant life and live for the Lord with all our hearts and souls.

Bible Reading for the Year

Prayer Needs

Please continue to pray for Marvin Silverthorne.  He was admitted to the hospital Wednesday for dehydration and further tests.  Pray for wisdom for the doctors to also determine a treatment for his pancreatic cancer.

Please pray Beth Buchta.  On Thursday, September 10^th, she had an appointment with her orthopedist about the ongoing pain in her leg.  The PA is thinking about physical therapy.  She has another appointment in November.

Please continue to pray for Shirley Deans.   She was able to go home on Thursday but is still weak.  The doctor is doing tests to determine another antibiotic to help her.

Please continue to pray for Faye Smith, Jack Gargis’ sister.  She is still in the hospital and is weak but is eating a little better.    The family greatly appreciates your prayers.

Please continue to pray for Jennifer Teboe Buchamer.  The doctor adjusted her meds to help with her hemoglobin levels.  Pray for healing and strength for her.

Thank you for praying for Dr. Joe Jordan.  He was able to go home from the hospital.  The doctors changed his meds which has helped him.  Please continue to pray for him.

Please continue to pray for Vickie Dalton.  Pray for God’s healing.  She has some good days and some bad ones.

Please continue to pray for Peggy Warren.  She is facing some difficult challenges, but seems to be getting some better. 

Pray for our Missionaries! 

Sue Singleton and the mission in Cambodia

Dr. Joe Jordan and the CBM (Cross and Bible Ministries) 

Travis and Caroline Fennessy – IBM missionaries to Southeast Asia