The Holy Spirit: In and Out of the Building

Posted on June 17, 2010 by Jody Neufeld

Jesus answered, “Most certainly I tell you, unless one is born of water and spirit, he can’t enter into the Kingdom of God! That which is born of the flesh is flesh. That which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Don’t marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born anew.’ The wind blows where it wants to, and you hear its sound, but don’t know where it comes from and where it is going. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”     John 3:5-8 (WEB)

Those who would rather not consider that the Holy Spirit is part of their Christian life will have a problem with this devotion. There was a time in my life when I felt the same way about Father God. I did not want to think about Him. I did not address Him in my prayers. Jesus was my Friend. The Holy Spirit was my Comforter. I was good with them. The Father was – THE FATHER. I thought He was waiting to whack me for my sins. I had sins so I was going to get whacked. The Spirit spoke to me and said, “Do a word study on “Father”. Let Him teach you through His word who He is.” I did. I got a whole new attitude. I love to crawl up in my Father’s lap. I love to look at Him and know His love. I love to feel His love even when He is rebuking me. Yes, my attitude has changed because I learned about who He truly is.

Jesus says I must be born both of water and spirit. My parents made a commitment for me to be a child of God as I was baptized as a child. It is a good thing for parents to make that dedication and I believe that the ritual of that is way to commit that to the parents’ memory every day as they raise that child. It would be over 40 years before I made that commitment for myself. 40 years until I decided that there would be no turning back. I was baptized at that time because I believe that baptism is a sacrament. A sacrament is an outward sign of the change inside of me. My then 16-year-old daughter and son were also baptized that night. A night to remember.

The Holy Spirit was in me from the moment that I accepted Jesus. If the Father, Jesus, and the Spirit are One, then accepting Jesus means I accepted them. Now, as I said, I was entirely on board with that concept but where my faith is weak – God is strong. I was born in the Spirit. Every day, the Spirit has been teaching me. It’s like being hooked up to a spiritual IV.

“This is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light, and doesn’t come to the light, lest his works would be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his works may be revealed, that they have been done in God.”     John 3:19-21 (WEB)

Here is that Three in One mystery again. The Spirit brings the Light to shine in all the dark corners of my life. There is nothing that escapes His scrutiny. When I am contemplating sin, I am moving away from the Light and attempting to stay in the shadows, trying to avoid being found out. Ha!

My life is Life with God. There are no ‘compartments’ that God is not invited in. Everything that I do, everything that I say is a reflection of God. I call myself a Christian and Disciple and so what I do is revealed as being done by God. The Holy Spirit is the ‘conviction’ that corrects me and shows me the path toward Light vs. the darkness. My choice.

Being a Christian and Disciple of Jesus Christ is not my name tag inside of a church building. It is my name tag every minute of every day no matter where I am.

Take time to read John 3 today. Listen as the Three in One speaks to your spirit.

Posted in John | Comments Off on The Holy Spirit: In and Out of the Building

The Holy Spirit: & My Spouse

Posted on June 16, 2010 by Jody Neufeld

How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.

With my whole heart, I have sought you. Don’t let me wander from your commandments.

I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Blessed are you, Yahweh. Teach me your statutes.

With my lips, I have declared all the ordinances of your mouth.

I have rejoiced in the way of your testimonies, as much as in all riches.

I will meditate on your precepts, and consider your ways.

I will delight myself in your statutes.

I will not forget your word. Psalm 119:109-16 (WEB)
My husband loves the Word of God. I weep as I sing a worship song. Henry can weep when he reads the Word. The beauty, the power, the love, the Light of God’s Word just overwhelms him. Henry taught me about praying the Scripture. This is a passage that comes to my mind when I pray for Henry. I think he told me once that he had memorized Psalm 119 sometime during his life. Wouldn’t surprise me.

I think the most common mistake that all of us who have ever married is that when we identify an … irritating characteristic in our intended or spouse, we think we can change them. If I just love them enough, pray for them enough, or ask them (nag them!), “Oh, honey, come on, don’t do _____!”, they will change. I’ve tried all those options. How did that work for me? Not so good. (I am laughing at myself at this point!)

God used Stormie Omartian to change my way of thinking with a book, Power of the Praying Wife. Mrs. Omartian taught me how to pray for my husband. No manipulative prayers like, “God, you need to change Henry!” No, I learned that if I want to see a change – begin my prayers with “God, help me to come closer to you!” and “Bless, Henry, Lord. Bless him the way You want to bless him, Lord.”

The next visual lesson I got was a triangle. With God at the top of the triangle and Henry and me at the other two lower points consider that as we, individually, move up closer to God, we also move closer to each other. Supporting my spouse in their spiritual growth is so important. Again, Henry and I worship God in different ways. The important point would be that we support each other and look for opportunities for both of us to worship.

It is the Holy Spirit that provides unending grace and extravagant mercy and enough wisdom for any situation. Turning to the LORD in prayer as a couple is a time in a marriage relationship when God really seems to respond in power. And when we move in God’s direction He is faithful to confirm His plan to us. Yes, there are times when we may not want to take it to the Lord in prayer. There are times when emotions (like pride, anger, and frustration) hold me back from the idea of bending my knee! But if I just ‘go with it’, God is really good at helping me with His Spirit to move through the emotions and into His Presence where Truth lives. When a couple turns to God instead of their own attempts to ‘figure it out’, God will respond.

I am humbled at the faithfulness of God to bless Henry. I see him grow in his relationship with the Lord. I am humbled that God would bring Henry and me to Himself and enter a covenant relationship with us. His Spirit makes our home.

Posted in Psalms | Comments Off on The Holy Spirit: & My Spouse

The Holy Spirit: & Pastors (and ALL who care for the sheep)

Posted on June 15, 2010 by Jody Neufeld

He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some shepherds and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God,…     Ephesians 4:11-16 (WEB, my emphasis)

I have never received a call from God to be a pastor. I am a teacher. I am an encourager. Paul says in his letter to Ephesians that the Holy Spirit imparts these gifts to equip the leadership of God’s Church to grow up the members of His Body so that they come together in unity.

[Jesus said,] “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who doesn’t own the sheep, sees the wolf coming, leaves the sheep, and flees. The wolf snatches the sheep, and scatters them. The hired hand flees because he is a hired hand, and doesn’t care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and I’m known by my own; even as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep, which are not of this fold I must bring them also, and they will hear my voice. They will become one flock with one shepherd.”     John 10:11-16 (WEB)

Ordained pastors are not the only ones to whom Jesus was speaking. Mentors, youth directors, children’s ministry leaders, and parents, are just some who care for God’s sheep just as Jesus speaks about in John’s gospel. And here are some of the points of us to remember:

I lay down my life for those I care. Jesus wasn’t speaking just about His physical body. Yes, He did that. He chose to lay down His life. As I minister to those who have been given into my care, do I follow Jesus’ example and keep my eyes and heart on the needs of my sheep? Do I forget what is in it for me? Do I make decisions based on what is good for them?

If God is present and meeting with the sheep, guess who is also prowling around waiting to ‘pick off’ a stray lamb? The enemy does not see the church or our homes as ‘off limits’ in this world. He will wait around in the shadows, waiting for a moment to spring and destroy. When an attack comes, the shepherd must be ready with the armor of God to drive the enemy out of the sheep!

The flock will thrive when in unity. Unity does not come because the flock includes all sheep. It includes the sheep who will respond to The Shepherd. The sheep live in harmony and grow up when they are in agreement about Who is their King and Lord. Each group of sheep has a purpose and they live to fulfill their purpose. Sheep can not be wandering off in all directions. They must stay together and listen to the leading of The Shepherd.

The Shepherd cares and protects His sheep with love and discipline. Jesus gave us His Spirit to teach and guide us in how to be good shepherds just as He is The Good Shepherd.

Posted in Ephesians, John | Comments Off on The Holy Spirit: & Pastors (and ALL who care for the sheep)

The Holy Spirit: The Suddenly

Posted on June 14, 2010 by Jody Neufeld

Now when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all with one accord in one place. Suddenly there came from the sky a sound like the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. Tongues like fire appeared and were distributed to them, and one sat on each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other languages, as the Spirit gave them the ability to speak.      Acts 2:1-4 (WEB)

We have passed the celebration of Pentecost in the Church year. For most of us, it passed in one day with a sermon that recalled it as the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise that He would send ‘One’. The initial early disciples had been waiting a long time for the Messiah. Maybe that is why they were gathered together and waiting. Maybe they were too scared and clueless to do anything else but wait for God’s “What next?” Jesus said “Wait” – so they did.

“Waiting for the Spirit is not convenient, and patience runs contrary to human nature. We would rather run our lives and ministries ourselves, using our good ideas and clever church-growth stategies. We’d rather do things on our schedule. Thankfully the early disciples resisted that temptation. They waited for the suddenly – and the result was the most explosive effective and fruitful ministry strategy the church has ever know.” – J. Lee Grady, contributing editor, Charisma magazine (Don’t Downplay the Power of Pentecost)

Mr. Grady is right. Since my commitment to Jesus ‘wait’ has become my new 4-letter-word. I hate to wait. I haven’t made a baked potato in any oven but a microwave since I bought my first microwave oven 25 years ago!

Waiting for the Holy Spirit is not a task to which most of us respond obediently. Getting ready to change jobs or move? Do I make lists, go online to research housing, or do I ask the Holy Spirit’s advice first? Am I willing to wait until He speaks? Have I built a relationship with the Holy Spirit so I know when it is His voice?

I know that I have frequently used the example and asked the question of when was the last time we, interrupted our order of worship to pray for someone? We say we do not want to embarrass someone or cause the fellowship to run late – or whatever excuse but how many people walk in and out week after week as alone and wounded as they did the last week or the last month? When will we embrace the Holy Spirit, the Suddenly, and wait until He makes His Presence known and then we obediently respond in His power.

May Yahweh answer you in the day of trouble.

May the name of the God of Jacob set you up on high,

send you help from the sanctuary, grant you support from Zion,

remember all your offerings, and accept your burnt sacrifice.

Selah.

May He grant you your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your counsel.

We will triumph in your salvation.

In the name of our God, we will set up our banners.

May Yahweh grant all your requests. Psalm 20:1-5 (WEB)

Posted in Acts, Psalms | Comments Off on The Holy Spirit: The Suddenly

The Promise Keeper

Posted on June 11, 2010 by Jody Neufeld

For to us a child is born. To us a son is given; and the government will be on his shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, on the throne of David, and on his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from that time on, even forever. The zeal of Yahweh of Armies will perform this.             Isaiah 9:6-7 (WEB)

A Messiah.  A Savior for God’s children.  God promised the Savior.  He kept His promise – seven hundred years later! But – Jesus was more than a Savior.  He is Mighty God and King of Kings and so much more.  For me, the best part, after being my Savior, is – Jesus is my example.  Having walked before me on every path that I will ever have to take – is the second best part!

God’s promises are true and His fulfillment of promises is better than I can ask or imagine.  The ‘tough part’ for me is that God’s timing is too often different than mine.  It is an area of my life that is a daily struggle. God is faithful to keep working with me.

But don’t forget this one thing, beloved, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but is patient with us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:8-9 (WEB)

I believe that God’s timing in my life is ‘driven’ by His desire of “not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance”.  I do not have God’s eyes.  I don’t know all that He knows.  I don’t know all the ways that my life is connected to so many others and their lives are connected to others.  I do know how precious the gift of salvation is to me and how much God had to keep after me, telling me, “I love you, Jody!” before I would let go and ask His forgiveness.  So I don’t know all the ways that my life moving or not moving effects others. I am learning to wait for God to say, “Go” or “Stay”, “Yes” or “No”. I learning to have a heart like Jesus that desires that no one perishes.

I met a man yesterday who shared with me that he and his wife have waited a long time and said many, many prayers and cried many tears as they asked God to give them a child.  They found out that they will have a baby in October.  God fulfills His promises.

Even when God says, “No”, He may show me that a better “Yes” is coming.  I may not see or understand for awhile – even a long while – but sometimes I do and I see answered prayer. I receive encouragement from others as I see Him work in their lives.  And so I ‘hang in there’ and “the Wonderful Counselor” speaks to my heart, speaking Spirit to spirit, and I know God’s love and His goodness.

[Jesus said,] “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”                    Matthew 11:28-30 (WEB)

Let’s stop being prideful, stubborn, and – well, just stupid! – and step closer to Jesus who is our Savior and Promise Keeper.

Posted in 2 Peter, Isaiah, Matthew | Comments Off on The Promise Keeper

Persistence: Useful Stubbornness

Posted on June 10, 2010 by Jody Neufeld

He also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray, and not give up, saying, “There was a judge in a certain city who didn’t fear God, and didn’t respect man. A widow was in that city, and she often came to him, saying, ‘Defend me from my adversary!’ He wouldn’t for a while, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God, nor respect man, yet because this widow bothers me, I will defend her, or else she will wear me out by her continual coming.’”

The Lord said, “Listen to what the unrighteous judge says. Won’t God avenge his chosen ones, who are crying out to him day and night, and yet he exercises patience with them? I tell you that he will avenge them quickly. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:1-8 (WEB)

I have watched my son pitch many innings of baseball. I remember one evening in particular.  He was doing very well.  (And I am not bias!)  He threw a good pitch and the batter on the opposing team just reached out and put the bat to it – and the ball sailed across the center field fence!  I watched my son watch the ball and, ever the mother, I wanted to grab the ball back and throw it back on the playing field!  Instead of his shoulders slumping, my son turned around, squared his shoulders and faced the next batter – and struck him out!

‘Persistence’ is useful ‘stubbornness’.  It is facing adversity and remembering that life is not stagnant and God is always opening opportunities to succeed.  It is looking at situations with eyes that see reality but realize that time moves on and situations do change.

Today I heard that a young man, with a wife who is pregnant with their first child, is now battling stomach cancer. Another man faces divorce and must put his life back together in a different way than he planned. A girl is laid off her job that has been a ministry and joy to her.

Many who knew me as I was growing up would describe me as stubborn.  Well, I am.  I am digging my heels in and I am crying out to God day and night for these these people and I am not giving up! I am praying for their healing. I am praying for peace that does pass understanding as God walks with them every step of the way!  I have read the end of the Book and I know Who wins.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Could oppression, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Even as it is written, “For your sake we are killed all day long. We were accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.              Romans 8:35-39 (WEB)

But we have this treasure in clay vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, yet not to despair; pursued, yet not forsaken; struck down, yet not destroyed;…   2 Corinthians 4:7-9 (WEB)

I grab on to Jesus and how He saved me from certain death – eternal death because of my sins.  Since I know He did that – I know that He can handle everything else, too.

Posted in 2 Corinthians, Luke, Romans | Comments Off on Persistence: Useful Stubbornness

Surrender

Posted on June 9, 2010 by Jody Neufeld

Genesis 22 begins with the sometimes troubling first verse:

Some time later God tested Abraham.     Genesis 22:1 (NIV)

It can be disconcerting to think that our loving Father God will give us ‘tests’.  However, without a ‘test’ it is difficult to determine if a student/child has really learned a lesson.  So as we look at this test (better known as a story of Abraham and his son, Isaac) try not to think of Ms. Willabing your old Math teacher that gave you ‘pop quizzes’ on the day before Christmas holiday began and who you caught with a smile on her face while she did it!  Test can be good things.  Especially if you have a good Teacher!

God had greatly blessed Abraham with Isaac, his promised son.  But too often as a parent, we can put too much of our happiness on our children.  We live through our children, expecting their achievements and their life to make our life…happy!  I believe that God was testing Abraham, making sure that Abraham was placing Isaac on a ‘god’ level, neglecting his worship of his LORD but instead worshiping the Lord’s gift.

Isaac was being raised by a parent who walked out his love and worship of the Lord right there in front of him.  Isaac’s spiritual education was personal.  It was real.  I believe that is what this generation is wanting.  And so when Isaac’s father told him that the sacrifice would be provided by God Himself, Isaac didn’t question that.  I can’t wait to ask Isaac what went through his mind when he realized that he would be the sacrifice! (Remember that human sacrifice was very common in that time and place.)

Abraham did not understand the Lord ways in this.  God fulfilled His promise of a son to Abraham and then told Abraham to sacrifice the son.  But Abraham was obedient.  Abraham had learned about the extravagant love of God through the priceless gift of Isaac.  He trusted God.

[God said,] “Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”                         Genesis 22:12 (NIV)

In loving God, I have spent time with Him.  I am learning who and what He is.  I am learning about ‘holy fear’.  I am not afraid of God.  I acknowledge and ‘see’ in my spirit how powerful and all-consuming He is.  This is hard to put into words.  I do not fear my Heavenly Father as I feared my earthly father.  But my Heavenly Father is able to do much more to me!  (Luke 12:4-5)  And so my obedience comes from love and holy fear.

Jesus said in Matthew 22:37 that I am to love God with ALL that I am.  I am to love God as Abraham did – holding nothing – and no one – back!  I am going to really step out today and ask – do you love God with all that you are?  Including your children? Your spouse?  Your parents? Do you trust God enough to give Him the one(s) you love most in this world?  If you cannot say, “Yes” to that question, I hope you will wrestle with God about that now.  I heard the question many years ago but did not deal with it until my own son was dying of cancer.  I had prayed and prayed and prayed for God to heal him.  Believed for it.  Trusted God for it.  Then came the day when I knew that God was asking for me to trust Him with a different answer.  God is big enough to discuss and debate and wrestle with any question you have.  If God  asks: “Jody, will you love me – love me with all you have?” and my answer comes: “Yes, God, but…” then I need to spend time with Him about it now.  Today.  The victory is when you know you have taken a step closer to your Father and given that loved one into the hands of the One who loves that person even more!

Posted in Genesis | Comments Off on Surrender

Is JESUS the ONE?

Posted on June 8, 2010 by Jody Neufeld

John’s disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?”      Luke 7:18-19 (NIV)

John’s disciples had heard him preach that One would come who would be the Savior. The One who would save. Those same disciples ask Jesus if He is the One. Makes me think that there have been others who cam and claimed and disappointed.

Like those disciples, I, too, searched for the One. I looked for the One who could answer questions no one else could. I searched for the One who was bigger than my fears of war, illness, and all the things beyond my control. That list got longer as I got older.

John’s disciples had seen the miracles of Jesus. The sick healed. The dead raised. And yet they still wanted Jesus to say flat out that He was the One.

Jesus (dare I say, “as usual”?) does not give a clear answer. He tells John’s disciples to go back and testify to what they have seen. “Be a witness.” And then there is that last sentence.

[Jesus said,] “Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.”     v. 23 (NIV)

You have to read on to get the meaning of that sentence. To see how Jesus was warning John’s disciples and His own that life was going to get harder, not easier.

All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus’ words, acknowledged that God’s way was right, because they had been baptized by John. But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.      vv. 29-30 (NIV)

John’s disciples had accepted the gospel of repentance. And that, I believe, is a crucial point as to where I will fall away. A repentant heart is a heart that has been broken by the enormity of my sin and miraculously restored by Jesus. The restoration can not occur in my own strength; in my own good works. When I accept my inability, I cling to the One who can.

[Jesus said,]“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”     Matthew 11:28-30 (WEB)

Posted in Luke, Matthew | Comments Off on Is JESUS the ONE?

Resurrection: Never Ordinary!

Posted on June 7, 2010 by Jody Neufeld

It happened soon afterwards, that he went to a city called Nain. Many of his disciples, along with a great multitude, went with him. Now when he drew near to the gate of the city, behold, one who was dead was carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. Many people of the city were with her. When the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said to her, “Don’t cry.” He came near and touched the coffin, and the bearers stood still. He said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!” He who was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother.

Fear took hold of all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and, “God has visited his people!” This report went out concerning him in the whole of Judea, and in all the surrounding region.       Luke 7:11-17 (WEB)

I learned a lot at church yesterday. I pray that everyone reading this can say the same thing.

It began in SS with a discussion about John Wesley’s doctrine of “Christian perfection”.

About him we have many words to say, and hard to interpret, seeing you have become dull of hearing. For although by this time you should be teachers, you again need to have someone teach you the rudiments of the first principles of the oracles of God. You have come to need milk, and not solid food. For everyone who lives on milk is not experienced in the word of righteousness, for he is a baby. But solid food is for those who are full grown, who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil.

Therefore leaving the teaching of the first principles of Christ, let us press on to perfection—not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, of faith toward God, of the teaching of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. This will we do, if God permits.                 Hebrews 5:11 – 6:3 (WEB)

These are the verses that are most often quoted as the basis for Wesley’s thoughts on Christian perfection. Wesley believed that thru God’s grace it was possible for a person to achieve Christian perfection in this life. He meant that my motivations would be pure although this would not mean I was infallible in my actions.

It was a great discussion among a group of Believers. The point that I was left to ponder was this:

Philippians 4:8 and other Scripture give me God’s words that confirm His Spirit’s discernment that direct me toward good and away from evil. Though I personally do not believe that ‘perfection’ is possible for me to achieve here in this life, I do believe that Jesus has gone before me to give me the standard to which I continue to aim.

Then my pastor and the rest of the worship team lead me and reminded me that our LORD is about resurrection. In the storms of my life, when the outcome may mean ‘a death’, wait for it… God is in the resurrection. He did not stop at the grave. Life was His plan. Compassion and love His heart.

My pastor said that in the Church year this is ‘ordinary’ time. It comes after Lent, Easter, Ascension, and Pentecost. But he ended our worship exhorting us to remember that with our extraordinary LORD nothing is ever ordinary!

Posted in Hebrews, Luke | 1 Comment

“Got a problem?”

Posted on June 4, 2010 by Jody Neufeld

Answer me when I call, God of my righteousness. Give me relief from my distress. Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.     Psalm 4:1 (WEB)

“Got a problem?” I could do an ad like “Got Milk?” The person in the picture would be dressed nice; look great – except for a huge black eye! (instead of the white lip)

Most of us try to look good while secretly nursing an injury that causes us to spiritually “wince” every time we say, “Fine. I’m fine.”

This camouflage act is a wall that keeps us from connecting into the healing that comes from encouragement, prayer, and loving kindness. Do we have to spill our hearts to every Believer we meet? No. But I know that just as the Father sent ministering angels to Jesus in Gethsemane (Luke 22) He also sends angels to you and me. They may be the invisible kind but I believe that more often He also wants to use a ‘skin on’ angel because they will be blessed with an opportunity to be His hands and feet. Living behind the “Fine” wall is what the enemy wants. He loves it when we are isolated. And we do it voluntarily!

I have a friend who has been the friend who is invited behind the wall in my life. She is the one that I am able to walk in safety through all the rocky paths of my life. She calls me when I am tempted to “not bother” her with a problem. God knows that I am ‘fixin’ to blockade myself in to avoid more pain and shut myself off – so the enemy can beat me up with his lying tongue. My friend calls. We talk. We pray. And at the end of our time, the weight – WOW! – it is back on Jesus’ shoulders where it belongs. I still ‘see’ the problem/situation but I am no longer alone. My friend helped me invite Jesus in.

If you “Got a problem?”, reach out to the friend who knows Jesus. This may not be your best friend, but if you know that he/she knows Jesus and walks in His steps – he/she is the truest friend to call. May you be blessed as I am that the friend you call is your best friend!

Get connected. It will do your spirit good!

Offer the sacrifices of righteousness. Put your trust in Yahweh.

Many say, “Who will show us any good?” Yahweh, let the light of your face shine on us.

You have put gladness in my heart, more than when their grain and their new wine are increased.

In peace I will both lay myself down and sleep, for you, Yahweh alone, make me live in safety. Psalm 4:5-8 (WEB)

Posted in Psalms | Comments Off on “Got a problem?”