Significant: Consequences

Posted on January 7, 2010 by Jody Neufeld

Thus says Yahweh, “Don’t let the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, don’t let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this, that he has understanding, and knows me, that I am Yahweh who exercises loving kindness, justice, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight,” says Yahweh.               Jeremiah 9:23-24 (WEB)

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”        Matthew 19:23-24 (NIV)

We live in a world that defines a successful life by wealth, education, and peer homage. This is not a new concept. The disciples thought that if you were rich then God must be approving of your life and eternity with Him was your well-paid ticket. Today’s media has made this misconception its ‘gospel’ and convinces me with catchy, flashy advertising. Song lyrics and story lines play only one theme – beauty, sex appeal, and ‘toys’. Living life contrary to this blitz truly can be compared to a fish swimming upstream!

My wisdom, my strength (mental and physical health), who I am, cannot be defined by the world. If I allow the world to tell me who I am, I am on a journey that may end at any moment despite my best efforts and I may become another statistic when the world moves me to their failure column.

It has taken me some time to come on board with God’s view of my life. I chose a profession that serves. (nursing) I truly enjoyed my life. And then quietly and insidiously moving up the ladder of success and obtaining the symbols of that success became important. What people said about me and my life became important. Serving others was a means to my end.

God loved me. He loved me enough to take away all that I thought was holding me up. It was a devastating time because I didn’t know who I was any more! I had no titles. I was financially poor. But when I had no one to lean on – Jesus was there! In the alone-ness of my room, Jesus was there to hold me when I wept. He dried my tears. He spoke to me so quietly and with such truth about who I am; who I have always been. Jesus stayed with me as I let the ‘Old Jody’ go and took the ‘New Jody’ out for a test drive. It wasn’t easy. I was like a child wobbling on her first bike. And like a good Father, Jesus kept His hand on the seat to steady me.

“but let him who glories glory in this, that he has understanding, and knows me, that I am Yahweh who exercises loving kindness, justice, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight,” says Yahweh.          Jeremiah 9:24 (WEB)

I’m still learning. I have times when I cast a wistful eye over my shoulder toward something shiny in the world’s store window. But when I look back to Jesus, I see yet another ever-lasting blessing and I step on down His path for me.

I’ve learned some lessons that had hard consequences. I do not want to repeat them! Thank You, Lord, that You are just and right and so very kind.

Posted in Jeremiah, Matthew | Comments Off on Significant: Consequences

Significant: Plan A

Posted on January 6, 2010 by Jody Neufeld

Being assembled together with them, he commanded them, “Don’t depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which you heard from me. For John indeed baptized in water, but you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

Therefore when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, are you now restoring the kingdom to Israel?”

He said to them, “It isn’t for you to know times or seasons which the Father has set within his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth.”      Acts 1:4-8 (WEB)

And that, as plainly as He ever said it, is God’s Plan A for evangelizing or proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ. There is no Plan B. So as I repeat the question: “Am I of significance to God?” He must think so.

God has entrusted His Good News to me … to you. Those people that Jesus spoke to 2000 years ago have done their part. My parents, teachers, all those who have influenced my life and have encouraged or hindered my relationship with Jesus, have done their part. I am a ‘grown-up Christian’ now. In my life that is defined (but not limited to):

  • I know that Jesus is my Savior.
  • I know His ways and satan’s ways.
  • I know how to exercise a choice.
  • I know what will provide growth in my relationship with God.
  • I know that I am to be His witness, His ambassador.

As a grown-up, I choose to give up childish, selfish ways. I consider others needs before my own. I am given the responsibility to care and nurture other Christians that God places in my life. I am also to evangelize or proclaim His Gospel to those who do not know Him. They could be in the church or outside His Body. Am I on Jesus’ Plan A?

I revealed your name to the people whom you have given me out of the world. They were yours, and you have given them to me. They have kept your word. Now they have known that all things whatever you have given me are from you, for the words which you have given me I have given to them, and they received them, and knew for sure that I came forth from you, and they have believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I don’t pray for the world, but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours…

Not for these only do I pray, but for those also who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me. The glory which you have given me, I have given to them; that they may be one, even as we are one; I in them, and you in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that you sent me, and loved them, even as you loved me.       John 17:6-9, 20-23 (WEB)

Jesus did not just give the orders and leave us to fumble around to fulfill it. Jesus gave us His example and He gave us His Spirit to guide us and equip us every step of the way. He gave us each other to work together, focusing on His Good News, not our personal ‘golden calf’.

Posted in Acts, John | Comments Off on Significant: Plan A

Significant: The Father’s Heart

Posted on January 4, 2010 by Jody Neufeld

But Zion said, “Yahweh has forsaken me, and the Lord has forgotten me.” [The LORD said,] “Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yes, these may forget, yet I will not forget you! Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.”       Isaiah 49:14-16 (WEB)

Most of us did not have perfect parents.Most of us are not perfect parents. Both of these statements in my life went from bitterness and guilt to a journey of healing when a friend, Dr. Harvey Brown,  suggested and encouraged me to allow the Father God to show me His Father heart for me.

I began to read passages in Scripture where God spoke, Jesus described who He was, and especially the psalms. David wrote very descriptive verses about his relationship with the Father. I learned from David that I can be angry! I can weep to the point of exhaustion and the Father does not turn away or ignore me. The Father brings His comfort and healing.

[The LORD said,]“It shall happen that, before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.”      Isaiah 65:24 (WEB)

How cool is that??!! Before I call out to God, His answer is on the way! But why does it seem like He is silent? That could be the answer! Time to do a check on my question and intentions! Time to consider if I am lined up with God’s plan or am I trying to get Him to live up with my plans. God, in his mercy and desire to give me the best, may be saying “no” to my request for the ‘immediate mediocre’. May I have ears to hear God’s reply and not limit the answer to my own. What about sin? Won’t God punish me for sins? Doesn’t He hate me when I sin? Here is where I really had to learn how a “good Dad” responds to a disobedient child. God does not withhold His love. His love is never conditional on how ‘good’ I am.

For godly sorrow works repentance to salvation, which brings no regret. But the sorrow of the world works death.        2 Corinthians 7:10 (WEB)

The Father sends His Spirit to convict me of my sin. Not condemn, but convict. So I will be sorry and seek His forgiveness that is free because of Jesus’ sacrifice. I do not have to beg or beat myself up. I am not a screw up! I am still the child He loves. If the Father’s assurance of love is not part of your understanding of His relationship with you, then begin reading in Jesus’ own words how much the Father loves you. John 14-16 is a good place to start.

Posted in 2 Corinthians, Isaiah | 1 Comment

Significant. Me?: In the Beginning

Posted on January 3, 2010 by Jody Neufeld

The word of the LORD came to me, saying,

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,

before you were born I set you apart;…”          Jeremiah 1:4-5 (NIV)

This week the Lord has laid the question on my heart: Am I of significance to God?” Some may think this arrogant, selfish, even narcissistic – but have you ever been through a tough time in your life and wondered if God had forgotten you? Have you ever been blind-sided by a seemingly tiny event but it brought you to your knees and yet you felt silly asking the Lord of the universe who has wars and massive famine and millions of children who surely have bigger needs than your little devastation??! Just how important am I to God?

God says He has known me since – well, before I was two cells big! There is not another Jody Grossheider Webb Neufeld! I am the only Jody (etc on the names) that God has made since – ever! Grab on to that, my friends and seekers. God has not cloned or replicated! Even identical twins are two individuals in God’s creation log. God made me different than all His other children. He did it on purpose!

When I cry out to God, He knows my voice. He hears my cries and is there to pick me up and comfort me and reassure me that He is there and never left in the first place.

My doubt comes from a false idea that God has some limitation on how many children He can hear and how many children to whom He can respond. And how many children He loves. He is GOD! Is the Creator of ALL limited? Noooo. Is the LORD of Lords and KING of Kings limited? Noooo.

Yahweh, you have searched me, and you know me. You know my sitting down and my rising up. You perceive my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, but, behold, Yahweh, you know it altogether.         Psalm 139:1-4 (WEB)

I know this may be a very familiar psalm but I hope today that everyone will take the time to read it again, slowly and thoroughly…all 24 verses. As I read this psalm, putting myself into the role of writer and opened my heart and spirit to really accept that Yahweh knows and loves me, I confess that tears came to my eyes. I so felt the incredible blanket of love that assured me that despite the disobedient child that I see in myself, God sees His child and loves her.

Tomorrow we will learn some more about that Father’s heart.

Posted in Jeremiah, Psalms | 1 Comment

New Year: God Set Free

Posted on January 1, 2010 by Jody Neufeld

Boxes are great things. They make it possible for me to send two odd-shaped presents to my grandchild in one postal container! They keep pasta from falling all over the floor as it makes it journey from the store shelf to my cooking pot. Boxes make great containers but they are not so good at describing people. People do not fit in boxes well. When it comes to identifying Jesus, a box fails miserably.

The disciples wanted to name Him a rebel. But Jesus told them to pay their taxes. (Matthew 22) The Pharisees thought He was just a small town carpenter. But He ran ‘theology circles’ around them! Jesus was a Jew that ate with Gentiles. He was a teacher that did not teach inside the church but on hillsides. He was holy and yet called politicians, IRS personnel, prostitutes, and people like me His friends. They tried to label Jesus and they couldn’t. We still try.

I can arrange all my personal doctrines neatly around me for comfort and give Jesus a pillow so He can join me. When elections draw near, Jesus becomes an unintentional supporter as the politician tries to paint Jesus as conservative, hawk, dove, green, blue, and red.

God-in-a-box is one that I can predict. In a world out of control, I want God’s presence to be like a cuddly kitten or lap dog.

After six days, Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain by themselves. He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his garments became as white as the light. Behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them talking with him.

Peter answered, and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, let’s make three tents here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them. Behold, a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.”

When the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces, and were very afraid.        Matthew 17:1-6 (WEB)

Peter wanted to put Jesus (and Moses and Elijah) in a box. He wanted to contain them just as we try to contain Jesus inside the church. We can go and visit Jesus when we need help or want to socialize with Him. Peter’s suggestion was so ‘out there’ to God that He spoke before Peter could shut his mouth. God identified Jesus as the beloved son. Jesus wasn’t one of 3-4 but THE ONE! “I, the LORD, am pleased with my beloved Son so LISTEN TO HIM!” “Hush, Peter. Hush, Jody. Listen! Don’t talk!”

When the disciples heard God, they fell to the ground in Holy Fear. When was the last time that you had such a moment in your prayers or as you were worshiping on Sunday? When you experienced how BIG God truly is? When Jesus is big, my fears are not. As I become more in awe of God, my difficulties and worries become more small. Jesus-in-my-box will fit on whatever shelf I want to park Him but He does not conquer my tormenters.

I need a transfigured Christ. I need God who speaks with a voice of thunder when He whispers to my heart. I need my Friend to take me up to the mountain to give me a glimpse into the promised heaven.

Yahweh is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear?
Yahweh is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?
When evildoers came at me to eat up my flesh,
even my adversaries and my foes, they stumbled and fell.
Though an army should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear.
Though war should rise against me, even then I will be confident.
One thing I have asked of Yahweh, that I will seek after,
that I may dwell in the house of Yahweh all the days of my life, to see Yahweh’s beauty, and to inquire in his temple.       Psalm 27:1-4 (WEB)
Posted in Matthew, Psalms | Comments Off on New Year: God Set Free

New Year: Will this be the year?

Posted on December 31, 2009 by Henry Neufeld

A wonderful Christian woman who was a great influence in my early 20’s used to say that she wasn’t going to die, she was going to just rapture out! Despite her strong faith, she really was afraidto die. It was an ‘unknown’ to her. She wasn’t sure what would happen between her last conscious moment here and her first conscious moment with Jesus.

Death is a reality that is going to come to all of us. Unless Jesus does return before my death, the only way I can get to heaven – is by dying!

Many of us have experienced some reality check since September 11, 2001. The terrorist attack on U.S. soil was something that most of us had no experience since we were not born when the attack on Pearl Harbor occurred. The slaughter of men, women, and children reminded us all that we are not promised even today. Am I ready to die? Am I living my life in a way that will find its conclusion with out regrets? Will I be able to look Jesus in the eyes and not see Him disappointed in me?

Since then the children have shared in flesh and blood, he also himself in the same way partook of the same, that through death he might bring to nothing him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might deliver all of them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. Hebrews 2:14-15 (WEB)

May we never forget that Jesus came to earth as fullyGod and fully man andconquereddeath. Any fear that worries or torments me about dying is – bogus! Jesus has given His promise that brings His courage to make our final journey with joy.

“Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many homes. If it weren’t so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also.” John 14:1-3 (WEB)

As I finish these last two days of 2009, I am going to take some time to chat with Jesus about the journey that He has given me. I am going to tell Him that I want to make good use of the time He has given me. I want ears to hear and an obedient heart to receive His instructions and His wisdom. I want to spend some quiet timelistening to the One who loves me so very much.

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New Year: No Fear

Posted on December 30, 2009 by Jody Neufeld

During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”        Matthew 14:25-26 (NIV)

Did you have any moments in 2009 when you felt overwhelmed? I did. Do you think there could be any moments that will fall in that description in 2010? Financial downturns, unexpected illness and accidents, marriages under fire, and children growing and learning their boundaries do not always come in restful spacing throughout a year. Too often we feel like we are trying to juggle several situations and keep full plates spinning on tiny rods 12 feet in the air.

The disciples are caught in another storm on the lake. They are terrified. Jesus had sent them on this journey. I bet they were wishing He, their leader, was with them! Jesus answers their cries. He comes to them. But He comes in a way they are not expecting. Maybe they thought He would come alongside in a larger boat. No, Jesus comes walking across the water! They thought they were seeing a ghost!

“I am here! Do not be afraid!”

There is power in those words. To wake up from surgery and hear your husband say, “I’m here, honey. You’re OK.” is the best. When a Little Leaguer spots Mom and Dad in the bleachers, it gives strength to the swing and the throw. When a husband/wife faces an unexpected, unplanned job change and their spouse stands with them through the change with unquestioned encouragement, the wedding vows take on a new dimension. This life doesn’t always happen as I just described because every situation I just named involves humans. Jesus is the only One who always answers, every time, “I am here! Do not be afraid!” He is who we put our trust. He will never leave or let us down.

“You are in me and I am in you.”       John 14:20 (NIV)

“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.”        John 10:28  (NIV)

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 8:38-39 (WEB)

God is always there. Look up – Look over your shoulder – that is Jesus walking toward you through the storm.

There’s a great little movie called Facing the Giants. If you haven’t seen it, (or even if you have) go rent it and bring in the new year with – The Truth.

Posted in John, Matthew, Romans | 1 Comment

New Year: Time for Spiritual Health

Posted on December 29, 2009 by Jody Neufeld

When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit, and ate; and she gave some to her husband with her, and he ate. The eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked. They sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. They heard the voice of Yahweh God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of Yahweh God among the trees of the garden.       Genesis 3:6-8 (WEB)

Familiar story of Adam and Eve, a snake, and an apple. Two bites of the apple and all is lost. Adam and Eve knew no fear prior to their sin. They were ‘naked’ before God; totally exposed and had no fear. Adam and Eve disregarded God and that is sin. When I disobey God and turn from His blessings, I say that I know better. My life becomes me-focused and God-less. It makes me want to hide from those who know me. God knows me.

God must hate my evil desires. I do. I hate it when I turn left when I know God wants me to stay the path. I hate when I judge and I act selfishly. If sin sickens me, how much more must it disgust Holy God! God must stay mad at me! What can I do but hide in the bushes???

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear…        1 John 4:18 (WEB)

Jesus loves me. He died for me. Jesus’ love is perfect. It has no conditions or hidden clauses. Jesus loves too much to leave me in doubt about that love.

[Jesus said,] “For God didn’t send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him. He who believes in him is not judged.”       John 3:17-18 (WEB)

[Jesus said,] “This is the will of the one who sent me, that everyone who sees the Son, and believes in him, should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”     John 6:40 (WEB)

If God’s love was IMperfect, we would have a reason to fear and worry. Imperfect loves keeps lists of wrongs and never forgets! But God has destroyed our sin through Jesus! Jesus brought the message, the Good News, that the Father loves completely and without end! ACCEPT GOD’S LOVE! ACCEPT GOD’S FORGIVENESS! If I have not accepted God’s free gift of forgiveness, then I am doomed to live in doubt and fear. When I accept the gift, yes, every time I sin, then I am free! Live in the Light and live in the Presence of God and silence the ‘liar’ who whispers his lies.

This will be the easiest and the most difficult part of my new year. I believe the journey begins with a daily habit to start each day with God, asking for His plan for the day. And then end each day with God, listening to His assessment of the day and learning to take the time right then to confess when I stepped away from His plan and asking and accepting His forgiveness so that I end the day in God’s presence. It is dedicating time with God for spiritual health just as I would dedicate time in the gym for physical health.

Posted in 1 John, Genesis, John | Comments Off on New Year: Time for Spiritual Health

New Year: Will it be the same? Or will I make a change?

Posted on December 28, 2009 by Jody Neufeld

He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?”            Matthew 8:26 (HN)

In case I am a little slow, Jesus gives me another reminder that He never speaks carelessly. Jesus says to me here, “Jody, fear can only live where your faith is small.”

2009 is almost over. I have now seen 55 years end in my life. I want this new year to be the victorious beginning of the rest of my life. To live my life without fear, is to live my life with Jesus. I want faith not fear to be my default reaction to all the threats in my life. Yes, threats. I live in a fallen world. I live in a world where there is good – but there is also evil. The threats or attacks are not just physical. They attack my mind and my spirit.

Jesus isn’t kidding when He asks “Why are you afraid?” It may seem, at first, that Jesus must be kidding. The boat that He and the disciples are in is riding a storm that could be Hurricane Katrina’s twin sister! The storm has come suddenly and all the boat occupants, except One, are filled with fear. The disciples are screaming and Jesus – is sleeping!

Mark’s telling of this scene says these men woke Jesus with the question, ““Teacher, don’t you care that we are dying?” They do not ask, “Can you still the storm?” or “Did you know there was a storm?” They ask Jesus if He cares! Fear destroys my confidence in God’s love for me. If God permits terrible, deadly storms in my life – Does God care?

Fear also causes me to forget all the reasons I trust God. I forget all the many blessings and how He has saved me. I forget the miracle of His birth and death. I forget the miracle of His love.

Fear sucks the very life out of me. It drains the life out of my spirit and leaves me dry, without peace. It is an awful feeling. Jesus knows the root of my questions. Jesus waged war on fear. He spoke to it many, many times. Take time to read these:

Matthew 6:25-26

Matthew 10:28-31

Matthew 14:27

Matthew 24:6

John 14:1-3

John 14:27

Fear may be a part of my world but I do not have to invite it into my heart and allow it to live. Jesus gave me testimonies with words of strength so that I can feel less fear tomorrow than I do today. Talking with Jesus about my fear is talking to the One who truly does have control of all. Just as my earthly father cleaned out the ‘monsters’ from under my bed or in my closet when I was a child, so my Heavenly Father has the power to rebuke any fear that tries to blow like a storm in my life.

A fear ignored is a fear kept. That is what I think. I don’t want to carry any old fears into 2010. So I am going to chat with Jesus about my fears and let Him keep them. I am going to believe that Jesus cares. Yes, He has already sat down and is ready to listen. ‘Scuse us – while we chat.

Posted in Matthew | Comments Off on New Year: Will it be the same? Or will I make a change?

The Best Gift I Ever Got

Posted on December 23, 2009 by Jody Neufeld

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin will conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.           Isaiah 7:14 (WEB)

…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.         Romans 3:23-24 (NIV)

Why did Jesus, God-in-the-flesh, humble Himself to be born in a barn? Because I needed a Savior. Without Jesus, without this Gift that I am SO unworthy to receive, I would be dead. I would have no hope.

In the next two days, I will hear “The Little Drummer Boy”. I will sing “Joy to the World” and “Silent Night”. There will be candles, poinsettias, the smell of pine, and people to hug my neck. I will weep for those who do not stand next to me and feel the comfort of the One who always does stand with me. I have sinned. I still sin. And yet, I have Hope.

Do you hear what I hear? Do you see what I see? Do you know what I know?

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.         Isaiah 9:6 (WEB)

Let us spend time with our Savior. Take some quiet time late on Christmas Eve in front of that beautiful tree with its many lights and just allow yourself to think about best gift you have ever received…Jesus. With that quiet preparation, His Spirit will show you how to show others the miracle of Jesus in your life. Let us give away our best gift…Jesus.

See you next week.

Posted in Isaiah | Comments Off on The Best Gift I Ever Got