PRESENTING
cliff preston
AND the band table
read the story
and listen to the song,
“when you run”
the story by cliff preston
In Luke 15:11-32, we read the parable of the prodigal son. For those who might not be familiar, a man had two sons. One of those sons asked for his inheritance from his father. The father divided up his inheritance and gave it to the prodigal son.
This son plans a trip to a far away country and very quickly squanders away the money. A famine struck the land soon after and the son finds himself feeding pigs and longing to eat the pigs food.
He reasons that even his fathers servants have a better life than the one he currently lives and decides to go back to his father. His intention was to ask to be a servant to his father.
When the father saw his son from far off, he ran to meet him. Before the son could even get the words out of his mouth, his father showers him with gracious love and orders his servants to throw a party. A son that was once lost has now been found.
I tell people often that I identify with the prodigal son. There have been times in my life where I have lived in a way that grieved the father. There are times that we all take advantage of our grace inheritance. We take our portion and squander it. I have been with the pigs. You might even feel that you are feeding pigs right now.
As we sat down to write this song, it started as a song about my dad and my son. We wanted to give a unique perspective on the relationship between father and son. The question was asked, “I wonder what advice the prodigal gave to his son?”
We have no record of a conversation like this, however as I identified times in my life when I was the prodigal I knew what I would like to say to my sons.
My favorite part of this passage are two verses. The first parts of 17 and verse 20. The prodigal gives a commentary on what he will say to his father, but the book-end actions ? He came to his senses in verse 17 and he went home in verse 20. I believe if that change happens in enough people it will literally change the world.
In 1 Thessalonians 1:9, Paul is encouraging the church of Thessalonians and he is telling them that the work God has done in them and through them speaks for itself throughout the world. He says these words, “For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.”
He says that they turned TO God FROM idols. Many of us believe we have to clean ourselves to run to the Father. However we have evidence in Thessalonians and Luke that all you have to do is get up and go home.
As you listen, I pray God encourages you as you remember His faithfulness in the midst of pig pen days and if you are heading in the wrong direction today, get up and just go Home! Keep running to the Father!!!
when you run lyrics
Verse 1
Oh, child listen closely to what my dad told me
Before I went out in the world
He said, "Son, I still love you. If senses come back to you,
You can walk back through the door.”
Verse 2
Well, I tasted and saw it was not what I thought
It would’ve been better to stay
Now that I am older from the burdens I’ve shouldered
I hope that you hear what I say
Chorus 1
When you run, run to the Father
Take my word, it won’t lead you astray
Oh, my son, make Wisdom your Lover
So when you run, you don't make my mistakes.
Verse 3
I've learned if you falter you still couldn’t alter
His will and the good in His plan
I’ve learned that repentance will lead to forgiveness
And make you a better man
Verse 4
So with all of your problems, the Savior will solve them
Just like He dealt with your sin
Oh, and I’ve learned that Jesus, He loves you to pieces
His peace will make you whole again
Tag
Please don't make my mistakes!
Please don't make my mistakes!
CCLI #7227438
Cliff Preston | Sabin Flore
| Tobin Aflord | Randy Griffin
For licensing requests
please visit Music Services.
CREDITS:
writers: cliff preston, sabin flore,
tobin alford, randy griffin
Producers: Jordan Merritt, Kaleb Frazier, Zach Saltmarsh
mixed by seth talley
mastered by bob boyd at ambient digital
COVER ART:
Photographer: William Read
Graphic Designer: William Read
Art Director: Jennie Lee Riddle
Cliff Preston Bio
“I try to see people through the lens of what God has brought me through and saved me from. I believe that if God can love and use even me, he can love and use anyone.”
It’s been said that what sets Cliff Preston apart is his raw authenticity and compassion. Preston’s music ministry began in 2002 as he began traveling with bands to bring awareness to the love of Jesus as well as the mental health crisis. With his father being a professional counselor and pastor, he was very aware of the effect that mental health was having on the generation, as well as the ultimate source of wellness - the finished work of the cross. He has spent the following twenty years traveling the country writing songs, leading worship, preaching, and even opening businesses geared towards Christ-centered clinical mental healthcare.
Cliff is proud to call Smackover, Arkansas his hometown. He is even prouder of God’s faithfulness through his marriage with his wife Leslie, and the wisdom God provides as they raise their daughter Kannyn (12), and their two sons Murphy (10) and Campbell (2).
Cliff brings over two decades of ministry experience and business development to his partnership with People & Songs. In that time, he has written songs for artists including Newsong, JJ Weeks, Carrolton and more. He has shared the stage with artists such as MercyMe, Jeremy Camp, and Natalie Grant among others. All while opening and building companies that develop platforms to display Christ to a lost and hurting world.
Cliff is excited for what is to come as he joins forces with this diverse team of artists, worship leaders, and writers for the glory of God.