Deus Misereatur

Paul Mallard, a retired minister, put together a very useful, 160-page softback, "When Children Walk Away from Jesus: Comfort & Hope for Parents of Prodigals." The title tells the reader the whole aim of the work, and who it's for. Millard biblically handles this subject with compassion, sympathy, and clarity. For example, I appreciated how he made very clear that God's promises in Proverbs (especially 22:6) are not automatic. Also, Mallard doesn't shy away from the tougher issues, such as when children of believers begin to think they're a different sex in the wrong body, or when they are burdened with mental health issues, and more. He also nicely handles Titus 1:6 with regard to church leaders when their children walk away from Jesus. As I was reading this book several families came to mind. I thought about what they had dealt with, their heartbreak, and how this little manual would be an aid to them. I'm certain a copy will find its way into their...

  “I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I myself will make them lie down,” declares the Lord GOD. “I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, and the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them in justice” (Ezekiel 34:15-16 ). It is to you we pray. Look, O Good Shepherd, with compassion on your one flock all around the world, and around the OKC area to include: New Bethel COGIC, Page Sanctuary, Trinity, and Victory COGIC. With rod and staff, comfort the people of your pasture and the sheep of your hand. Seek out your sheep and rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. Seek the lost, and bring back the strayed, and bind up the injured, and strengthen the weak (Ezekiel 34:12, 16). Look, O Good Shepherd, with compassion upon this part of your one flock, Heritage Presbyterian Church. Bring us to dwell securely; to be a more expressive e...