Prodigal: The Lord knows all.

Me: Ain’t that the truth.

This is from Paul Lee Tan

Gentlemen, understanding your pulpit is vacant, I should like to apply for the position. I have many qualifications: I’ve been a preacher with much success and also had some success as a writer. Some say I’m a good organizer. I’ve been a leader most places I’ve been.

I’m over 50 years of age. I have never preached in one place for more than three years. In some places I have left town after my work has caused riots and disturbances. I must admit I have been in jail three or four times, but not because of any real wrongdoing. My health is not good, though I still get a great deal done. The churches I have preached in have been small, though located in several large cities. I’ve not got along well with religious leaders in towns where I have preached. In fact, some have threatened me and even attacked me physically. I am not too good at keeping records. I have been known to forget whom I have baptized.

However, if you can use me, I shall do my best for you.

Paul

That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; Colossians 2:2 (KJV)

Jennifer Van Allen

www.theprodigalpig.com

www.faithincounseling.org

Prodigal: I have to go, I am in a rush.

Me: Well, give me two minutes please.

This is from the book Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster

In contemporary society our Adversary majors in three things: noise, hurry, and crowds. If he can keep us engaged in “muchness” and “manyness,” he will rest satisfied. Psychiatrist Carl Jung once remarked, “Hurry is not of the Devil; it is the Devil.”

If we hope to move beyond the superficialities of our culture, including our religious culture, we must be willing to go down into the recreating silences, into the inner world of contemplation.

Your thinking it too. We look at our schedule and we are too busy. I can’t do anything about it. Let’s pray. We need to change something. We need to increase our fuel that moves us toward growth spiritually. That can only be achieved with quiet time.

The Lord will show us how to change our schedule. We are going to have to change it, but with it we will see more of a focus on allowing that quiet time to touch our spirits.

James 5:16

The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective

Jennifer Van Allen

www.theprodigalpig.com

www.faithincounseling.org

Prodigal: Aww nuts, I forgot something.

Me: Lol, I get it….

This a short video devotion

click here to watch the video

Proverbs 13:21 Evil pursues sinners, But to the righteous, good shall be repaid. (NKJV)

Jennifer Van Allen

www.theprodigalpig.com

www.faithincounseling.org

Me: The Lord is what I need for this day.

Prodigal: Amen, we can call out on His name.

This is from Toward Jerusalem by Amy Carmichael

From prayer that asks that I may be

Sheltered from winds that beat on Thee,

From fearing when I should aspire,

From faltering when I should climb higher,

From silken self, O Captain, free

Thy soldier who would follow Thee.

From subtle love of softening things,

From easy choices, weakenings,

Not thus are spirits fortified,

Not this way went the Crucified,

From all that dims Thy Calvary,

O Lamb of God, deliver me.

Give me the love that leads the way,

The faith that nothing can dismay,

The hope no disappointments tire,

The passion that will burn like fire,

Let me not sink to be a clod:

Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God.

Proverbs 20:1

Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

Jennifer Van Allen

www.theprodigalpig.com

www.faithincounseling.org

Me: Prayer always helps.

Prodigal: Yes, and is a great first step.

This is from A View from the Hearse by Joseph Bayly

I would add this prayer, “Father, the view from the hearse is a grim one. It’s one we don’t like to think about. The tubes and pieces of equipment in hospitals and the smell of medicine, these things seem to repulse us. The white face of a dying child, the hollow eyes of a parent, a mate, the harsh blows of life–O God, there’s a lot of it in this area. I pray for those who go through the valley and there are not many there to comfort. I pray that You would raise up merciful men and women who care enough to reach out and stand by, not with the heavy guns of doctrinal artillery, not at that time, but with the compassion of Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us.

Psalm 42:1

As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.

Jennifer Van Allen

www.theprodigalpig.com

www.faithincounseling.org

Prodigal: If I’m in for a penny, might as well be in for a pound.

Me: Well, don’t be luke warm.

This is a short video devotion on Proverbs

Click here to watch the video

Proverbs 13:20 He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed. (NKJV)

Jennifer Van Allen

www.theprodigalpig.com

www.faithincounseling.org

Me: I got the perfect story for your friend that you brought today.

Prodigal: We are ready.

This is from Charles Swindoll

In a cartoon some years ago a little guy was taking heat from his sister and friends for a newly found “calling–patting little birds on the head. The distressed birds would approach, lower their little feathered pates to be patted, sigh deeply, and walk away satisfied. It brought him no end of fulfillment–in spite of the teasing he took from others. “What’s wrong with patting birds on the head?” he wanted to know. “What’s wrong with it?” his embarrassed friends replied. “No one else does it!”

If your niche is encouraging, please don’t stop. If it is embracing, demonstrating warmth, compassion, and mercy to feathers that have been ruffled by offense and bruised by adversity, for goodness’ sake, keep stroking. Don’t quit, whatever you do. If God made you a “patter,” then keep on patting to the glory of God.

For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Romans 10:13

Jennifer Van Allen

www.theprodiglapig.com

www.faithincounseling.org

Prodigal: Your brain ain’t hooked up to your mouth.

Me: Might be so , sometimes, but this is good for the spirit.

Author unknown

The Bible teaches us the best way of living…

the noblest way of suffering….

the most comfortable way of dying.

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 8:1 (KJV)

Jennifer Van Allen

www.theprodigalpig.com

www.faithincounseling.org

Prodigal: Sheepnose pimento pepper, Yummy!

Me: I agree!

This is a short video devotion Proverbs.

click here to watch the video

Proverbs 13:19 A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools. (ESV)

Jennifer Van Allen

www.theprodigalpig.com

www.faithincounseling.org

Prodigal: I think you are blind as a bat, this is not a whale.

Me: No, but I think a dolphin can understand this story also.

This is from the book, The Strong Willed Child by James Dobson

Whenever I’m tempted to become self-important and authoritative, I’m reminded of what the mother whale said to her baby: “When you get to the top and start to “blow,” that’s when you get harpooned!”

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved:
he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

Psalm 121:3

Jennifer Van Allen

www.theprodigalpig.com

www.faithincounseling.org