Author Archives: Jennifer Van Allen

We Must Practice

Posted on by Jennifer Van Allen

Prodigal: You are getting better.

Me: It is all the practice.

This is from the book Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald S. Whitney

That’s the way it is with the Spiritual Disciplines. The desire and the power for them are produced by the grace of God. But Christians themselves must practice the Disciplines. For example, a deep, insatiable hunger for the Bible is a gift from God, but we are the ones who must turn the pages and read the words. God doesn’t pull our passive bodies over to the desk and cause our hands to open the Bible and draw our eyes back and forth over the pages without any effort on our part.

Romans 12:2

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Jennifer Van Allen

www.theprodigalpig.com

www.faithincounseling.org

Women Lovin’ Jesus

Posted on by Jennifer Van Allen

Prodigal: You can’t hide the sun, the moon, or the truth.

Me: Amen

This is a short video devotion on Proverbs.

Click here to watch the video

Proverbs 13:2 A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence. (KJV)

Jennifer Van Allen

www.theprodigalpig.com

www.faithincounseling.org

Loving Christ

Posted on by Jennifer Van Allen

Prodigal: I love this!

Me: Me too, the work was a work of love.

This is from the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan

When we are focused on loving Christ, it doesn’t mean we do less. I used to do many of the same things I do now, but I was motivated by guilt or fear of consequences. When we work for Christ out of obligation, it feels like work. But when we truly love Christ, our work is a manifestation of that love, and it feels like love.

In reality, not one of us will ever be worthy. It is useless to attempt earning it; you will never feel ready. It is unknown and uncomfortable. But there really is a God who forgives everything and loves endlessly.

Romans 12:1

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Jennifer Van Allen

www.theprodigalpig.com

www.faithincounseling.org

Got

Posted on by Jennifer Van Allen

Prodigal: Got any veggies?

Me: Maybe a little…

This is from the book Plenty for Everyone by Corrie Ten Boom

Got any rivers you think are uncrossable?

Got any mountains you can’t tunnel through?

God specializes in things thought impossible,

He can do just what none other can do.

Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us. Psalm 90:17

Jennifer Van Allen

www.theprodigalpig.com

www.faithincounseling.org

Women Lovin’ Jesus

Posted on by Jennifer Van Allen

Prodigal: There is more than one way to skin a cat.

Me: That is true.

This is a short video devotion

click here to watch the video

Proverbs 13:1 A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. (NKJV)

Jennifer Van Allen

www.theprodigalpig.com

www.faithincounseling.org

When It is All

Posted on by Jennifer Van Allen

Prodigal: I brought a friend to listen.

Me: I welcome all.

When all my endeavour is turned toward Thee because all Thy endeavour is turned toward me; when I look unto Thee alone with all my attention, nor even turn aside the eyes of my mind, because Thou dost enfold me with Thy constant regard; when I direct my love toward Thee alone because Thou, who art Love’s self hast turned Thee toward me alone. And what, Lord, is my life, save that embrace wherein Thy delightsome sweetness doth so lovingly enfold me?

Nicholas Cusa

Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

MATTHEW 4 : 10

Jennifer Van Allen

www.theprodigalpig.com

www.faithincounseling.org

The Difference

Posted on by Jennifer Van Allen

Me: This tree fell some time ago.

Prodigal: You can see a difference.

Me: Yes, sometimes I can see a difference in a lot of things.

This is from the book Defeating Dark Angels by Charles H. Kraft

I suspect the difference between my effectiveness and that of Jesus is that Jesus had perfect intimacy with the Father and did only what He saw the Father doing (John 5:19). Because of His complete intimacy with the Father, Jesus always worked at full power, full authority and with perfect timing. I am quite sure that I do not, and I am frequently amazed at God’s willingness to use me nonetheless.

Whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. John 14:12 NIV

Jennifer Van Allen

www.theprodigalpig.com

www.faithincounseling.org

Women Lovin’ Jesus

Posted on by Jennifer Van Allen

Prodigal: No use letting yourself stew over it.

Me: Amen!

This is a short video devotion on Proverbs

click here to watch the video

Proverbs 12:28 In the way of righteousness is life, And in its pathway there is no death. (NKJV)

Jennifer Van Allen

www.theprodigalpig.com

www.faithincounseling.org

Being Humble

Posted on by Jennifer Van Allen

Prodigal: It is wise to be humble.

Me: Yes, it is but it can be a struggle for me.

Prodigal: Maybe we need to be reminded.

This is from the book Filled with the Spirit…Then What? by R. Mabel Francis

Humility is perfect quietness of heart. It is to have no trouble. It is never to be fretted, vexed, irritated, sore or disappointed. It is to expect nothing, to wonder at nothing that is done to me, to feel nothing done against me. It is to be at rest when nobody praises me, and when I am blamed and despised. It is to have a blessed home in the Lord where I can go in and shut the door and kneel to my Father in secret. I am at peace as in a deep sea of calmness when all around is trouble.

I need this word today. I had a great morning with the Lord. Then I met with some people and why do I suddenly feel my spirit with pride. I starting believing I am better than them. How false, how not of the Spirit. You have life because of the Lord. You have the Lord because of His grace. Remember who you are in Christ and how He has loved you. He loves those people the same no matter where they are in life. Get your spirit straight and humble and do not let pride continue. Ask God for forgiveness and pray that He gives mercy.

Mark 2:8

And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?

Jennifer Van Allen

www.theprodigalpig.com

www.faithincounseling.org

Bearing Burdens

Posted on by Jennifer Van Allen

Prodigal: Well, this is as welcome as a dust storm on a trail drive.

Me: Maybe so, but we are part of it and we can do something about it.

This is from the book The Imitation of Christ by Thomas Kempis

If all men were perfect, what should we then have to suffer of others for God’s sake? But now God hath thus ordered it, that we many learn to bear one another’s burdens; for no man is without fault, no man without his burden, no man sufficient of himself, no man wise enough of himself; but we ought to bear with one another, comfort one another; help, instruct, and admonish one another.

Occasions of adversity best discover how great virtue each one hath. For occasions do not make a man frail, but they shew of what sort he is.

1 Peter 2:9

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Jennifer Van Allen

www.theprodigalpig.com

www.faithincounseling.org