Stand in Love

Posted on June 25, 2009 by Jody Neufeld

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 (WEB)

Finally, be all like-minded, [in harmony] compassionate, loving as brothers, tenderhearted, courteous, not rendering evil for evil, or insult for insult; but instead blessing; knowing that to this were you called, that you may inherit a blessing. For,

“He who would love life, and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil,
and his lips from speaking deceit.
Let him turn away from evil, and do good. Let him seek peace, and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears open to their prayer;
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:8-12 (WEB)
Someone just sent me an email invitation to join a group that is going to stand outside an abortion clinic with red tape over their mouths with the word “LIFE” on it. She states they are standing for the un-born babies who can not speak for themselves. This kind of behavior – INFURIATES ME!!! Do the people in this group think that we women entering the clinic do not have any feelings? Are they just cold-blooded murderers in their minds? Or are the women just collateral damage in the ‘war’ against those who run the clinics?
Jesus was compassionate to the sinners. Yes, He did not condone sin and He did not hesitate to identify sin in a person’s life but His verbal condemnation was reserved for the synagogue leaders.
He said, “Woe to you lawyers also! For you load men with burdens that are difficult to carry, and you yourselves won’t even lift one finger to help carry those burdens.” Luke 11:46 (WEB)
We, His disciples, are to lift the burden of sin – not give the killing kick when they are laying on the ground bleeding! If you weep for the unborn child, then invite a mother to come live with you and help her through the process of giving her child for adoption. Raise money for group homes that give a realistic alternatives to abortion. What an awesome local mission for your own fellowship to support!
When we see sin, we should feel righteous anger against the prowling enemy who throws those seeds of pain and filth! But the one who has allowed the sin to take root in their life is to receive God’s grace and mercy. How much sin did God forgive in Jody on that night in July? A lot! Let the light of God’s love shine, showing the prodigal the way home.
There are sinners who have not reach the bottom of the pit and do not want forgiveness. Actions of sinners often cause pain and suffering in others. However, God has not assigned me to judge and exact consequences on others. That is His job.
Let us not respond to evil with evil. Let us stand in witness to the grace and mercy each of us have received and is available for everyone!

Posted in 1 Peter, Ephesians, Luke | Comments Off on Stand in Love

Run with Thanksgiving

Posted on June 24, 2009 by Jody Neufeld

Your service of giving is not just supplying the needs of God’s people but is also causing a tremendous overflowing of thanks to God. This service has been a proving ground for you where you walk obediently the gospel of Jesus Christ in your life inspiring people with your life and generous spirit. In their prayers for you they are praying from their hearts because of the generous grace that God has given you. Thank You, God, for your gift that is beyond description!     2 Corinthians 9:12-15 (my paraphrase)

The devotion yesterday was about gratitude. It was a day of deep gratitude! My friend, Pastor Steve received word that the cancer that the doctors thought had little chance of responding to any treatment – is shrinking – disappearing – to the doctors’ amazement!!! HALLELUJAH!!! As I shared the news, someone remarked, “I wish this could have happened for your son, James.”

Each of us has been given a race to run, the writer of Hebrews says. (Chapter 12) We must run this race with perseverance and run the path we each been given. And that is the key – the obedience of running the race that you have been given. To wish for the race that another has is – a waste of time and energy. God equips us to reach the victory He has planned in each race for the one who is to run that race!

Now may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep with the blood of an eternal covenant, our Lord Jesus, make you complete [equip you!] in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.     Hebrews 13:20-21 (WEB, my emphasis and addendum)

I am thankful this morning. Whatever the day brings…I am thankful. In the race that I am running there are long, steep hills that bring on the burn in my spiritual muscles. There are unexpected hurdles that must be taken without a flinch. There are refreshment zones where worship abounds and my spirit is renewed. There is encouragement when I run with the team. There are times of alone-ness that bring the Holy Spirit closer and the quiet for me to hear Jesus’ steps as He paces me and encourages me.

“I am thankful, Lord, for Your extravagant love and mercy. I will run my race and keep the faith You have given me. I want You to be magnified to all who come my way. To You be all glory and honor, Jesus. Thank You.”

Posted in 2 Corinthians, Hebrews | Comments Off on Run with Thanksgiving

Family Protection

Posted on June 23, 2009 by Jody Neufeld

Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (WEB)

Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, “Rejoice!” Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7 (WEB)

I recently read that medical research is discovering (they are slow!) that gratitude is the one emotional trait most likely to benefit physical health and recovery. A thankful heart is a healthy heart! Let’s take that premise and look at these two scriptures.

In Paul’s letter to Thessalonica, he tells us that we should give thanks in everything! Notice that he says before that to be delighted always and pray without stopping! It occurs to me that if I choose to find the joy (look for it, ask the Holy Spirit to show it to me!) and PRAY! that the thanksgiving will grow from those seeds.

To the Philippians, Paul gives another slant on his words about the fruit that will come when you mate your life with the Spirit. Joy, gentleness, steadfastness, and peace will come as we build our relationship with God. In that relationship we converse (pray) and let our requests be known to God with thanksgiving. In asking from God, we stand on the promise that He will always answer with the best answer and the right time and so we give the thanks even before we know the answer. And that sweet promised peace will guard us against the enemy and keep us bound to Jesus Christ.

I could not write this today without my mind going to arguably the most talked about subject – Jon and Kate Gosselin, their eight children, and their pending divorce. Now whether you agree with the media frenzy that has covered this very sad event, I suspect divorce touches most families in the U.S. It has touched mine.

Marriage requires a lot of thanksgiving. As a Christian, my life is dedicated to Jesus Christ and so if I choose to also be married, that marriage must come secondary to my life with Jesus but at the same time be bound with Jesus so that cord of three strands that Solomon wrote about in Ecclesiastes 4:12 is formed. That cord is what binds the family together and relies on Jesus for leadership. A wise person once gave me the illustration of a triangle with God at the top point and the husband and wife at the two lower points. As the husband and wife grow closer to God individually they come closer together as a couple AND they come closer to God as a couple. WOW. When the priorities and intentional focus of a couple in marriage come away from God and seeking His will, then the eyes of the husband and wife are looking at their own wants and an expectation takes root that the spouse will provide happiness – and failure is lurking under every bush.

Give thanks every day. If that means using a notebook to make a list or deciding to send emails every day to give thanks – GIVE THANKS! Be thankful for your wife or husband. In all things – look for the thanks. The enemy – that one who prowls around like a hungry lion just waiting to pounce (1 Peter 5) – can not come around a thankful, joyful heart! He hates that! Guard your family, your life, with a powerful weapon – thanksgiving!

Posted in 1 Thessalonians, Philippians | Comments Off on Family Protection

Holy Spirit – Prayer Warrior

Posted on June 22, 2009 by Jody Neufeld

The Holy Spirit helps me when I am lost and confused. I do not know sometimes for what and even how to pray – but the Holy Spirit himself intercedes for me in ways words can not adequately describe. The Spirit intercedes in accordance with God’s will and connects that to me because – He knows my heart. Romans 8:26-27 (my paraphrase)

I have been thinking a lot this weekend about what God wants in my relationship with Him. Not exactly a novel idea but the more time I put my thoughts on God the less whining I do!

In this passage of Scripture, while familiar, I found a new perspective as I read it through several times. And as I often do, the words came out of the familiar translation and went to my own way of speaking. It was like sitting on my deck and having a glass of tea with God. I had several things to consider in our conversation.

First, has the Holy Spirit found a home in me? A home is:

  • a welcoming place.

  • a non-judging place.

  • a joyful place.

  • a place a visitor sees beauty.

  • an open place for everyone (including visitors); not for those who consider themselves enemies.

  • a real place that has no pretense or facade.

Jesus gave me the Holy Spirit 2,000 years ago. (John 16) The Holy Spirit dwelling in me implies that I am a ‘home’ to the Spirit. We live together! Just as I make choices in my own earthly home that makes it more than a structure/house, so I make choices in my life to create a spiritual dwelling for God. Just as God determined Israel’s king in David, not by his stature but by his heart, so God decides to live in me not because I am physically gorgeous but because I choose to make a home for Him in my life. My spiritual home is not usually as clean as I would like it – as God would like it to be for us – but God, again, looks at my heart and helps me or shows me how to clean!

To consider the words that the Holy Spirit himself intercedes for me brings to mind some of the most difficult but now most joyous moments in my life. In the agony of Gethsemane when all I could do is weep, the pain so great, the terror so real…the HOLY SPIRIT spoke a TRUE and RIGHTEOUS PRAYER – FOR ME!!! Yes, He did do that. I was not squeaky, Mr. Clean pure – but I had a ‘roommate’ that knew my heart. He knew that I knew that I was casting all my cares on God and calling the only One who could answer and so the Holy Spirit connected my heart to God. I cannot say that I knew at that moment the extravagance of His love. I knew relief and that peace beyond my simple mind to understand. From the distance of some years, I see more now and know more that is a testimony that leads me to invite the Holy Spirit to speak for me before I find myself in Gethsemane. And He is there. Ready. Never slow. Never sleeping. My Counselor. My Comforter. As promised.

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Servant Like Jesus

Posted on June 19, 2009 by Jody Neufeld

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good. 12:10 In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate one to another; in honor preferring one another; 12:11 not lagging in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12:12 rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer; 12:13 contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality. 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don’t curse. 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep. 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Don’t set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don’t be wise in your own conceits. 12:17 Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. 12:18 If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. 12:19 Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord. 12:20 Therefore

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
12:21 Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:9-21 (WEB)
This has been a week in which I have been meditation on the whole of my life, considering what I am to be about and what I am not to be about! In this passage, Paul the great orator speaks his words firmly and yet so beautifully.
Love should be expressed truly whether to my husband or to a complete stranger. I am to always be real. When my heart is focused on Jesus then I will find myself able to express compassion to “even the least” so naturally and sincerely.
The next verses roll off Paul’s pen like poetry. It almost seems to have a cadence to it. I wonder if Paul repeated this to himself throughout the day. Did he become saturated with the mind of Jesus so that these characteristics flowed from him? And now it is time for me to soak in these words. Read verses 9-13 again. If I speak those words every morning, commit them to my heart, I wonder how different my day might be?
And then Paul brings the big hammer and says I should BLESS – truly speak blessings – on those who hate me! This is a sincere blessing, not a sarcastic, said through gritted teeth blessing!
Instead of zooming through my life, I need to listen and be aware of the opportunities that God brings into my life. When there is a moment to rejoice – savor it! When there is a time of sorrow – do not ignore it! Both are essential to good health and a balanced life that acknowledges joy and sorrow in this God-given life.
Verses 16-19 speaks to my pride. Jesus was the most “right” person and yet He did not have to argue every point or win by the world’s way of thinking. He laid His hand down on the cross and asked the Father to forgive us for what we have done – because we did not know. Even at that moment, Jesus was teaching and giving all that He had. Jesus chose to lay down His life. He shows me how to do that. He shows me that in the end – just as Paul said – vengeance – even judgment – will be the Father’s to execute. No matter what comes or who comes in my life – it is for God to take care of the evil. Never do I lower myself to that level! Striking back at evil is only adding to its weight. Keeping my focus on what is good (Philippians 4:8) takes all the steam out of evil and leaves it lying in the dust.
Jesus said that I am a branch on His vine. (John 15) I allow my roots to sinker deeper into that which is Jesus – a servant. My heart becomes a servant heart. My life gives glory to God.
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The Reality of my Treasures

Posted on June 18, 2009 by Jody Neufeld

“Don’t lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; 6:20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don’t break through and steal; 6:21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

“Therefore don’t be anxious, saying, ‘What will we eat?’, ‘What will we drink?’ or, ‘With what will we be clothed?’ 6:32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 6:33 But seek first God’s Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well. 6:34 Therefore don’t be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day’s own evil is sufficient.” Matthew 6:19-21, 31-34 (WEB)

The next verses after the last passage speaks very firmly and clearly about judging so I won’t be doing that to anyone! However, I am asking these verses to shine their light on me.

Jesus said not to collect, buy, or generally put a high priority on things that decay. These are things that can be stolen. It is easy to to identify items like 3000 square foot houses or $50,000 cars, buying clothes and shoes that do not fit in an overflowing closet or taking a fully comp’d trip to Las Vegas. God has pruned those things from my ‘want’ personality but there is more to be trimmed in my life.

How tightly do I hold on to my spouse and my children? Do I live in fear that they will be injured or killed? Does that manifest in the level of my concern when they are at risk? How inflexible am I about the ‘essentials’ in my life? How do I think about income vs. working my Kingdom job? Am I willing to allow God to set the priorities in my life even when that may mean giving up some essentials in order to take up my cross and following Jesus? Are some specific scenarios playing in your mind like it is in mine?

And Jesus brings His words like an arrow to “Trust Me, Jody. Trust me.” In all the scenarios and questions that run through my mind and heart, it comes down to making a decision based on how much I trust God for the details when His path is clear but not easy. Do I raise my eyes and Jesus to show me what He sees, thinking less of myself and more about serving others.

As you are considering my words today, I invite you to also check out the words of a friend in a podcast at http://podcast.energion.com/?p=183 . He is Greg May who also has a blog: Greg’s Fishing Hole. Let us meet together and be encouraged that our Jesus loves us and is in our today and tomorrow.

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Passionate Life or Safe Life

Posted on June 17, 2009 by Jody Neufeld

But Yahweh said to Samuel, “Don’t look on his face, or on the height of his stature; because I have rejected him: for I see not as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but Yahweh looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 (WEB)

In Gibeon Yahweh appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”

Solomon said, “You have shown to your servant David my father great loving kindness, according as he walked before you in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with you. You have kept for him this great loving kindness, that you have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. Now, Yahweh my God, you have made your servant king instead of David my father. I am but a little child. I don’t know how to go out or come in. Your servant is in the midst of your people which you have chosen, a great people, that can’t be numbered nor counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to judge this your great people?”

The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. God said to him, “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked for yourself long life, neither have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice; behold, I have done according to your word. Behold, I have given you a wise and an understanding heart; so that there has been none like you before you, neither after you shall any arise like you. I have also given you that which you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that there shall not be any among the kings like you, all your days. If you will walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.” 1 Kings 3:5-14 (WEB)

I watched The Jazz Singer with Neil Diamond and Laurence Olivier again last night. If I had to choose ten movies to take with me to watch on my flat screen TV on a deserted island, this would be one of the ten! I can relate to Jess Robin in that it I had to reach my goals on my own path. It was never the path my parents wanted me to take and it was never the goal they had in mind. I never saw myself as rebellious but very independent!

God gave each of us gifts and the planting of these gifts have created love and passion for the call that we have been given. All my life I love to care for people. No surprise that I became a nurse. Also no surprise that my best time as a nurse was when I worked for a hospice. My love of teaching and caring flourished during that time. It was not the best paying job I ever had. It was not the easiest job I ever had. It was the best.

Some might ask, “Why aren’t you doing that now?” That season has passed. God is leading me into a new season. It is not clear yet how the passion that I have inside of me will be guided by Jesus’ wise and perfect hand into this new time but I know He will do it!

No matter what your age, do not ‘settle’ for anything less than the passion that God has placed inside you! Like Jess in the movie, following your passion and using your God-given talents may mean stepping out of the boat and trusting Jesus to show you how to walk on the water! Decide who you will follow. And family and friends may not be on board with the plan. It may mean deciding who you will serve.

David was only a shepherd. God saw him as a king that from his lineage would come the King of Kings! Solomon was a king. More importantly he was pleasing to God.

Spend time with Jesus and choose to be a passionate servant for God.

Posted in 1 Kings, 1 Samuel | Comments Off on Passionate Life or Safe Life

How Great is our Lord

Posted on June 16, 2009 by Jody Neufeld

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let’s go over to the other side.” Leaving the multitude, they took him with them, even as he was, in the boat. Other small boats were also with him. A big wind storm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so much that the boat was already filled. He himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion, and they woke him up, and told him, “Teacher, don’t you care that we are dying?”

He awoke, and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” The wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? How is it that you have no faith?”

They were greatly afraid, and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” Mark 4:35-41 (WEB)

Jesus makes the suggestion that they go to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. Mark makes a comment that Jesus went “even as he was”. What did that mean? If you were going out in a boat on this body of water, would you have taken a cloak? Would you have taken some provisions? Others followed in their boats. And then a storm came upon them. I have read some historical commentaries that say the storms on this sea can have hurricane force winds! I’ve been through a few hurricanes. I would not want to be in a boat through one! I can only imagine how an open fishing boat could take on water in a storm. But Jesus is asleep. I’ve heard it said that Jesus was able to sleep in a boat rocking through a storm because He knew the Creator of that wind and water.

The rest of this story could be Jody and God having the same conversation any day of the week.

Jody: “Don’t you care, God, that I am drowning here?” “Don’t you care that it feels like I am dying?”

God: “I rebuke you who are harassing my child! Be still!” “Jody, why were you afraid? Do you have no faith in me still?”

And they were afraid of the One who could save them.

In various ways I show that I, too, am frightened of coming too close Jesus and actually seeing His power. Seeing and experiencing God is a life changing experience. The day that I recognized the power of God is the day that I also recognize the love of God. It is when I confront God’s power in a given situation that I see how great He is and how unimportant I am. And that is when I know God’s love. His unconditional and extravagant love for even me.

Behold, how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! For this cause the world doesn’t know us, because it didn’t know him. Beloved, now we are children of God, and it is not yet revealed what we will be. But we know that, when he is revealed, we will be like him; for we will see him just as he is. 1 John 3:1-2 (WEB)

Posted in 1 John, Mark | Comments Off on How Great is our Lord

Listen, Hear, and Grow

Posted on June 15, 2009 by Jody Neufeld

He [Jesus] said, “The Kingdom of God is as if a man should cast seed on the earth, and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should spring up and grow, he doesn’t know how. For the earth bears fruit: first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the fruit is ripe, immediately he puts forth the sickle, because the harvest has come.”

He said, “How will we liken the Kingdom of God? Or with what parable will we illustrate it? It’s like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, though it is less than all the seeds that are on the earth, yet when it is sown, grows up, and becomes greater than all the herbs, and puts out great branches, so that the birds of the sky can lodge under its shadow.”

With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. Without a parable he didn’t speak to them; but privately to his own disciples he explained everything. Mark 4:26-34 (WEB)

As I am writing this, I am listening to “Indescribable” by Chris Tomlin. That song could be a background for most of my devotions with God! My pastor spoke on this passage yesterday. One of his comments on these verses was that God was a terrible gardener! And he is right! In my own life, God has scattered as many seeds as there are grains of sand on Pensacola Beach. Most of those seeds have fallen on dry, rocky ground. I have guarded those familiar rocks, not allowing rain or tools to soften and break up that ground that I know so well. And yet the Gardener is polite and waits to be invited to send His rain and use His tools to encourage those seeds to establish deep roots in my life that will produce extravagant fruit because the seeds are good.

Jesus’ parables seem so nice as they use vegetative metaphors but the reality is – Jesus’ parables will change my theology and break up the stony places in my heart! Here Jesus tells me that God sows into my life and when the fruit comes, God does not let me gaze and enjoy the pretty fruit – He takes it to be used. It is for a bountiful, eternal harvest! Let me just be honest and transparent here – when God gives these words to me and I share them – those words are not for me to make gazillion dollars in book sales but instead they are like bread that He casts on the water and it does not return empty but it grows in another life and is spoken to another and on and on. The Word is for HIS glory – not mine! Neither Jesus nor His disciples were rich by the world’s math. They were eternally rich! I choose to be His disciple and all that it means!

And then there is the mustard see that is tiny and grows in to a sequoia-size tree! What I see as an unimportant or of no consequence, grows like (pardon the pun) – Miracle Grow! Be warned: that goes for fruit and sin! We must be vigilant to the ‘mustard seed-size’ sin that creeps into our lives and can multiply like – kudzu!

I am taking time for Jesus to speak privately to me and explain His parables in my life. Speak, Lord. I am listening.

Now Samuel didn’t yet know Yahweh, neither was the word of Yahweh yet revealed to him…

Yahweh came, and stood, and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”

Then Samuel said, “Speak; for your servant hears.” 1 Samuel 3:7, 10 (WEB)


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Repentance: More than Forgiveness

Posted on June 12, 2009 by Jody Neufeld

Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all who are far off, even as many as the Lord our God will call to himself.” With many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”

Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. There were added that day about three thousand souls.       Acts 2:37-41 (WEB)

REPENT is a word I heard every night when I went to a revival in 1995. The evangelist had a different metaphorical example and was very good at bringing his point home about the need to make a change. The phrase that reached my self-assured, I-don’t-need-anyone heart was: “If you are ashamed of me (Jesus), I will be ashamed of you”! I ducked my head down because I knew I was ashamed of Jesus. When the minister gave the invitation to “Come! Make a change! Repent!” I could not have stayed in my seat if I had been shackled and buckled down! I would have busted loose! I wanted to turn in a different direction. The path I had been walking was not working!

It says that Peter testified. Do you think he told about how he was a fisherman and when Jesus said, “Come, I will make you a fisher of men”? Do you think he told how he denied Jesus not once but three times? And then told how Jesus reinstated him with forgiveness and love? “SAVE YOURSELVES!” 3,000 people decided to do just that!

Repentance is just the beginning. When I make the choice to acknowledge that I need a Savior, God empties me of all the disgusting, self-destructive junk and fills me with all that is Him. I choose to let go of pride, pain, condemnation, half-truths, deceit, and all the other disgusting stuff. When God cleans my house, He does not miss a dust mite or any sinful cobwebs. He can then fill me with all that is in Him. Read Galatians 5:22-26 and Philippians 4:8. That’s the good stuff that Jesus wants His Spirit to plant inside of me.

There are so many ‘extras’ that come. The one that will bring me to tears even to this day is the gift of healing that Jesus brought to me. Jesus took my beat up, bruised, slashed heart and made it brand new. And since I still need to repent most every day because I sin most every day – God has gifts ready to fill up those empty spaces that happen when I ask His forgiveness and turn from my wickedness.

Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, “Rejoice!” Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.        Philippians 4:4-7 (WEB)

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