Prodigal: I ain’t see a single person around.
Me: Gives you time with God.
Prodigal: Yes, and we can praise Him.
This is from The New England Primer
Our days may include much trouble here,
Our lives lacking power and might.
But there is hope beyond hatred and fear,
How great a Savior is Christ.
Isaiah 26:8
In the path of your judgments, O LORD, we wait for you; your name and remembrance are the desire of our soul.
Jennifer Van Allen
www.theprodigalpig.com
www.faithincounseling.org
Prodigal: Only one way to go.
Me: Yes, to follow the Lord.
This is a short video devotion on Proverbs.
Proverbs 12:21 There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief. (KJV)
Jennifer Van Allen
www.theprodigalpig.com
www.faithincounseling.org
Prodigal: The water is very calm.
Me: Yes, and a perfect place to rest.
This is from the book God’s Psychiatry by Charles L. Allen
The sheep is a very timid creature. Especially is it afraid of swiftly moving water, which it had good reason to fear.
The sheep is a very poor swimmer because of its heavy coat of wool. It would be like a man trying to swim with his overcoat on. The water soaks into the sheep’s coat and pulls it down.
Instinctively, the sheep knows it cannot swim in swift current. The sheep will not drink from a moving stream. The sheep will drink only from still waters.
The shepherd does not laugh at the sheep’s fears. He does not try to force the sheep. Instead, as he leads his sheep across the mountains and valleys, he is constantly on the watch for still waters, where the thirst of the sheep may be quenched.
If there are no still waters available, while the sheep are resting, the shepherd will gather up stones to fashion a dam across a small stream to form a pool from which even the tiniest lamb may drink without fear.
This petition of the Twenty-third Psalm has wonderful meaning for us. God knows our limitations, and He does not condemn us because we have weaknesses. He does not force us where we cannot safely and happily go. God never demands of us work which is beyond our strength and abilities.
Instead, God is constantly ministering to our needs. He understands the loads upon our shoulders. He also knows where the places of nourishment and refreshment are located.
It gives one confidence to know that even while he is sleeping, the Shepherd is working to prepare for his needs tomorrow.
Psalm 121:3-4
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
Jennifer Van Allen
www.theprodigalpig.com
www.faithincounseling.org
Prodigal: I’ll be dogged if there ain’t so much sand around.
Me: Yes, there is. You will not get lost if you focus on the Lord.
This is from the book God Will Make a Way: Stories of Hope
In a genuine wilderness, there are no roads or even well-worn paths. This is especially true in the Middle East, were desert sands can shift overnight, completely changing the dunes and valleys of a landscape. A roadway in the wilderness must be revealed and pursued on a daily basis.
How do you navigate across shifting sands? By looking into the face of the clear night sky, getting one’s bearings in relationship to the stars, and pursuing a course regardless of what things may look like the following morning. So it is with our lives. As we look to the Lord for guidance and directions, we know where to walk and what to do–regardless of the shifting circumstances around us.
And what about rivers in the desert? They do exist–they simply don’t flow upon the surface of the sands were we can readily see them. Rather, water in the desert flows deep under the earth’s crust. At times, it flows up through crevices of rock to form an artesian well or an oasis. Other times, it puddles just below the surface and a well must be dug. The river is always flowing, however, and if you dig deep enough, the water can be brought to the surface.
So it is with God’s provision. It is always available, just under the surface of what we can see or experience. Occasionally God causes His provision to appear before us suddenly and effortlessly. Often, though, His provision is not so obvious, and we must dig deeper. The good news of God’s provision is that He knows the way through the wilderness. He provides the life-giving water that we need on a daily basis. He is our guide and He will provide.
He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Psalm 23:3
Jennifer Van Allen
www.theprodigalpig.com
www.faithincounseling.org
Prodigal: There’s gratefulness in the small things.
Me: Amen, I agree.
This is a short video devotion on Proverbs.
Proverbs 12:20
Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy. (ESV)
Jennifer Van Allen
www.theprodigalpig.com
www.faithincounseling.org
