We all know the story of the Prodigal Son, right? But have you ever paid attention to the “Elder Son” in the story? That’s what Righteous and Lost is about.
We tend to think of the lesson from the lost son rather than the brother/son who considered himself righteous. Unfortunately, the Elder Son was just as lost as his brother who left, but in different ways–and he didn’t know it. Sometimes I can be like the righteous Elder Son and I’m acting just as much as the lost sibling. That’s why I’m excited about featuring Michelle Lazurek’s new book Righteous and Lost: Finding Hope for the Pharisee Within. We all can respond as a Pharisee at times and Michelle helps us deal with that.
Michelle will send a copy to the winner of the drawing. So after you read her wise words, find out below how to put your name into the drawing.
By the way, don’t let the thought of possibly being like the Elder Brother at times turn you away from this book. I admit that seems intimidating. But Michelle’s book gently offers insights and hope for godly living and being the loving and emotionally stable person you want to be. And I love how each chapter dissects a verse in the story of the Prodigal Son. I love books like that. Michelle is fabulous at including stories of her own to bring the story alive. So here is an excerpt from her book.
Becoming Spiritually Unstuck
by Michelle S. Lazurek
Attending church as I normally did one Sunday, I sat in my same seat, greeted the same people, and went through the normal Sunday morning routine. Listening to my husband preach that morning, he challenged the congregation to come up for prayer if they wanted more of God. A few people went up to the front of the altar, and many people surrounded them in prayer as they prayed that the Holy Spirit would pour himself out on his people.
That morning, I came to a startling realization: I didn’t want more of God. Tweet that!!!!
In fact, I couldn’t remember the last time I wanted more of God. How could a pastor’s wife be stuck spiritually? I attended church weekly, occasionally opened my Bible, and prayed whenever I wanted something that was important to me. I was surviving, but I wasn’t thriving. In short, I was stuck. Like a set of tires spinning wildly, I was hopelessly trying to achieve intimacy with God but getting nowhere.
Maybe you feel like I felt that day. Maybe you crack open your Bible, point to a random verse and start reading, hoping the Lord will speak to you after months (or maybe even years) of silence. Perhaps you feel utterly alone, hopeless that you will ever have that intimate connection you so desperately seek.
But there’s hope. If you’ve ever felt like something was missing in your life, you are not alone.
God created the heavens and the earth. But he knew something was missing. Since the beginning of time, the earth as we know it has had a void, an emptiness that only God can fill. God has been trying to fill the void in our lives ever since. God’s intention, even in paradise, is for us to never feel that void. He wants us to fill it with the joy that comes from fellowship with him rather than remain (like the earth) formless and empty. He hovers over us, too, waiting to allow his people to drink from the waters that flow from that fellowship. But unfortunately, a religious spirit creeps into us, filling our hearts with pride and tearing others down instead of building them up
The oldest brother in the Prodigal Son story symbolizes a lot of us in our spiritual walks. Serving the Lord for years and going through the motions, we have forgotten what it is like to enjoy the love of the father and bask in His presence.. But there’s hope.
Pray and ask God to rid your soul of any pride or sin preventing you from having the intimate fellowship God desires. If you don’t know what to pray, try this:
“Lord, reveal to me the areas in my life where I have chosen to focus on myself rather than others. Help me enjoy the gift of your fellowship and see my brothers and sisters the way you see them: bearers of your image saved by your grace. Amen.”
Thank you, Michelle, for giving us hope.
I so appreciate Michelle’s insights in her book and in it, you will:
- explore biblical passages that will help you embrace the love of your Heavenly Father
- identify symptoms of a religious spirit
- analyze how a religious spirit can block you from a relationships with God
- apply practical tips and advice to prevent a religious spirit from coming back
- delve into deeper study at the end of each chapter with discussion questions great for individual or group study.
To enter the drawing, please make any comment in the comment section of my blog. I will draw the winner at 9pm February 14th. Book giveaway is for US addresses only.
To purchase Michelle’s book, contact her local Christian bookstore or go to any online book seller.
Michelle S. Lazurek is a mother, pastor’s wife, award-winning author, and speaker. Winner of the Golden Scroll Children’s Book of the Year and the Enduring Light Silver Medal, she is a member of the Christian Author’s Network and the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association.
A junior associate agent with Wordwise Media Services, she teaches at various writers’ workshops. Her other book with Leafwood Publishers is An Invitation to the Table. She and her family live in Coudersport, Pennsylvania.
Visit her at www.michellelazurek.com.
Never looked at the Elder son’s point of view! I definitely need to fill my void with God!
Hi Lillian. Thanks so much for commenting and you are right–we don’t tend to look at the Elder son’s point of view. I’m excited about Michelle’s book, which is actually a Bible study of each verse, because it causes us to think from a totally different perspective. Then our void is indeed filled with God. I’ve put your name into the drawing, Lillian. Thanks again.
whether you can relate to the eldest or the prodigal son in that parable, we all need to fill our voids with God!
THis excerpt really made me think. Looks like an interesting read!
Thanks, Karen, for being a part of the drawing. And yes, you are right. Michelle’s book is very interesting and unique. I hope every Christian reads it.
thanks Karen!
Congratulations, Karen. You are the winner! I’ll pass along your contact information to Michelle. Thank you so much for participating in the drawing.
Never thought about the eldest standpoint. Would love to read Michelle’s book. Thank you for the opportunity to win.
Thank you, Julie, for putting your name into the drawing. And I also, haven’t studied at length about the Eldest brother/son. But Michelle’s book has given me a new perspective that helps me see my discontent caused by misinterpreting Father God’s grace. Thanks again!
yes, Julie, the eldest is easy to miss since he is talked about so little. Yet the parable is packed with wisdom on the lostness of both brothers and how we can enjoy our Father who was with him the whole time.
Man, this book hits right at some of the issues I’m dealing with. Once so on fire for God, but after the death of my father I just can’t seem to find that same passion and zeal. I want to do better and strive to, but it feels like I’m just spinning my wheels. This book looks like it’d be a very good read. Thanks for a chance to win. God bless.
Hello Jeanette, I hear your heart’s cry and after such a difficult loss as yours, it is hard to find the same passion and zeal. I’m praying for you and do believe Michelle’s book would strengthen you. I know the Lord wants to answer your cry “yes”, even if the answer isn’t exactly as you might envision. But He always invites our journey closer to His loving heart. I’m putting your name into the drawing but even if you don’t win, I hope you’ll purchase “Righteous and Lost.” I know it will draw you closer to Him.
Sounds like a wonderful book and so appropriate for Lent!
Rosemary, thank you for stopping by and entering the drawing. And you are right. “Righteous and Lost” is a perfect book for Lent. Of course, not just Lent, but it is perfect for Lent because it is a book that helps us see our hearts and examine them before the Lord. So thank you for pointing that out and I’ve put your name into the drawing. God bless you!
Sounds like a good one!
Hi Clarice, thanks for stopping in and yes, it is a good book. I’ve put your name into the drawing! Blessings to you!
Michelle, I remember you as a sweet young woman cradling your baby during church service. I marvel at and am touched by all God has done in you and through you. I am so grateful to have reconnected w you even if only through Facebook. I look forward to your book.
God be with you.
Janice Sylvester
Thank you, Janice, for commenting and how fun that you can connect with Michelle again. Thanks for stopping by!