Psalm 143

Posted on October 31, 2013 by Jody Neufeld

Listen, Lord, as I pray!
You are faithful and honest and will answer my prayer.
2 I am your servant.
Don’t try me in your court, because no one is innocent by your standards.
3 My enemies are chasing me, crushing me in the ground.
I am in total darkness, like someone long dead.
4 I have given up all hope, and I feel numb all over.

5 I remember to think about the many things you did in years gone by.
6 Then I lift my hands in prayer,
because my soul is a desert, thirsty for water from you.

7 Please hurry,Lord, and answer my prayer.
I feel hopeless.
Don’t turn away and leave me here to die.
8 Each morning let me learn more about your love because I trust you.
I come to you in prayer, asking for your guidance.

9 Please rescue me from my enemies, Lord!
I come to you for safety.
10 You are my God. Show me what you want me to do,
and let your gentle Spirit lead me in the right path.

11 Be true to your name,Lord, and keep my life safe.
Use your saving power to protect me from trouble.
12 I am your servant.
Show how much you love me by destroying my enemies.     Psalm 143 (CEV)

The psalms are not just songs of praise written by someone who lived a life without problems. They are songs like many of today’s Top 100 that are written in the gritty real world. The writer simply pours out his feelings to God who is intimate and involved in his life. Whether I can turn a beautiful phrase or not is immaterial to God, but He does want to keep it real in our relationship.

I used to read a psalm like this one and think, “I don’t have ‘enemies’ like this guy is talking about.” But I do. My enemies have various ‘faces.’ It could be a bully in my classroom or workplace. Yes, there are bullies in the workplace. They often cover their remarks with a thin veneer of sophisticated sarcasm or superiority but underneath they are just a schoolyard bully.

Another enemy can be found in my own family. This enemy wants control and makes every situation a power struggle in which they demand that everyone else give in to their way and opinion.

Too often I give satan and his buddies more credit than they deserve for causing trouble that brings pain and conflict in my life. Often I am my own worse enemy. I make the poor choices and I think that if I just keep trying to do things my way, I will eventually get a different, successful outcome!

Give this psalm another read and consider the enemies in your life. No matter their origin, God is big enough to take them! Let us give every aspect of our lives to God. Let us stop trying to be bull-headed and instead, bow our heads before God and let Him lead us in the victorious life that He desires for each one of us.

Power of Your Love written by Geoff Bullock and sung by The Hillsong Worship Team

 

 

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Grow Up!

Posted on October 30, 2013 by Jody Neufeld

Jesus said, “You people are too stubborn to have any faith! How much longer must I be with you? Why do I have to put up with you? Bring the boy here.”18 Then Jesus spoke sternly to the demon. It went out of the boy, and right then he was healed.     Matthew 17:17-18 (CEV)

Much more could be said about this subject. But it is hard to explain, and all of you are slow to understand. 12 By now you should have been teachers, but once again you need to be taught the simplest things about what God has said. You need milk instead of solid food.        Hebrews 5:11-12 (CEV)

Jesus spoke sternly to the demon. I believe that today I hear Jesus speaking sternly to me.

Even as I hear the edge in Jesus’ voice, I know that His heart is also filled with love for me. It is because of that love that He knows that I need to GROW UP! and stop being content to be fed like a baby with a bottle.

Stop making excuses. Time is running out. If we can’t see that on any given day by reading or listening to the news then we are delusional! There is no more “I’ll get around to it.” The time is now to prepare ourselves by strengthening our minds and spirits in prayer and study of God’s Word. The day is already upon us when we cannot trust or have faith in what we see and hear. We must look beyond what is in this world and seek the wisdom of God for understanding. Our 401k and IRA’s will not keep us in the manner we have become accustomed. Are we ready to live with a peace that passes the world’s understanding and trust God for all that we do not see?

Read and study for myself. It is time to stop being spoon-fed by pastors and Sunday School teachers. If I have been sitting in a pew or chair in a classroom for more than a year and am still only relying on others to tell me what I should believe and what God says, then I am still in the nursery of God’s Kingdom and I should be ashamed. GROW UP! It is past time to pull out my Bible and invest in my spiritual health.

Get my priorities straight. In the past I have said in my devotions that war is coming and we must prepare. Well the war is here. If you have any doubt, go to any school and listen to what the children are talking about and the daily decisions between right and wrong that they must make. Home schooling is not going to insulate them from temptation and the seduction of the enemy. They must learn to build their spiritual muscles in prayer and reading of God’s Word for themselves. They must be led and taught by parents and grandparents who are setting the example, not by what they say, but by what they do. It is great to work hard in scholarly pursuits, athletics and music but not at the expense of cutting time in Jesus’ classroom. Do my children and grandchildren know that I spend time in prayer and study every day? Why not?

How much longer will I put off to tomorrow what I should be doing today in God’s Kingdom? May I hear Jesus’ voice and obey!

Send the Fire written by William Booth, sung by Lindell Cooley

 

 

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A Life of Faith

Posted on October 29, 2013 by Jody Neufeld

While standing guard on the watchtower, I waited for the Lord’s answer,
before explaining the reason for my complaint.
2 Then the Lord told me:
“I will give you my message in the form of a vision.
Write it clearly enough to be read at a glance.
3 At the time I have decided, my words will come true.
You can trust what I say about the future.
It may take a long time, but keep on waiting—
it will happen!

4 “I, the Lord, refuse to accept anyone who is proud.
Only those who live by faith are acceptable to me.”            Habakkuk 2:1-4 (CEV)

Lectionary texts: Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4, Psalm 119:137-144, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4. 11-12, Luke 19:1-10

The prophet, Habakkuk, begins the recording of the events of his time by crying out to God, asking Him how long will he have to continue to beg God for help and how long until God will intervene in the sinful violence of the world Habakkuk lives in. That may sound familiar to our present time!

God responds by telling Habakkuk to write down what He is showing to him in a vision about what will come and to trust that the vision will happen. God sends a warning against pride and reminds the prophet, and me, that living simply by faith is what pleases Him.

God has blessed me in the last ten years with connections to people across this country and the world. We will never read about these people in any online news feed, not even in Charisma or Christianity Today. They are living lives of simple faith, seeking God for His will and wisdom every day. They aren’t perfect but they are willing and humble.

Rev and Mrs “A” This couple have worked among the poor all their lives. Yes, they preach and teach about God and His Son, Jesus Christ, but more importantly, they live the life of Christ. Most of their days are spent finding ways to provide food, clothing, and job skills to the people who have fallen through the cracks of government programs. They love on the children who seem to hang around them and teach them respect for themselves and others. Every day is a walk of faith and thanksgiving as He directs their steps.

Mr and Mrs “B” To an outside observer these two people may not appear successful as they do not have the usual indicators of success like a big home and bi-annual vacations. But those who have been brought into their network of ministry have told me that they are working and learning from people they would never have met except through the friendship of this couple. Evangelicals, charismatics, orthodox and non-denominationals alike are sharing and learning from each other as they realize the Savior they have in common is more important than the doctrinal differences that they have shouted about in the past.

Rev and Mrs “C” Missionaries for many years, they have lived in countries that have been so dangerous to Christians and yet they have been given great favor to have jobs in local schools as teachers. They assist local pastors, coming alongside of them as servants. They understand that evangelism is really about building relationships and living their lives so transparently that the locals do not see them but Christ Himself.

Let us be encouraged today that God is bringing His vision into being through His children who are willing to answer God’s call in their lives and obey quietly and steadfastly. They continue on not because of any applause from their peers but because they want to please their LORD.

Days of Elijah written by Robin Mark and sung by Paul Wilbur

 

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Through the Years

Posted on October 28, 2013 by Jody Neufeld

[reprinted from October 2011, dedicated today to honor the LORD through the life of Glenda Webb]

O Lord, I have come to you for protection; don’t let me be disgraced…

O Lord, you alone are my hope. I’ve trusted you, O Lord, from childhood…

And now, in my old age, don’t set me aside. Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing…

I will tell everyone about your righteousness.
All day long I will proclaim your saving power, though I am not skilled with words.
I will praise your mighty deeds, O Sovereign Lord.
I will tell everyone that you alone are just.

O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood,
and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do.
Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God.
Let me proclaim your power to this new generation,
your mighty miracles to all who come after me…

You have allowed me to suffer much hardship,
but you will restore me to life again and lift me up from the depths of the earth.
You will restore me to even greater honor
and comfort me once again.              Psalm 71:1, 5-6, 9, 15-18, 20-21 (NLT)

Scriptures, God’s Word, is timeless. No matter if I am 7 or 97 God’s words are relevant to my life. Do I have ears to hear and a heart to receive them?

This Scripture became my “birthday passage” a few years ago and every year I still take time to read through it on my birthday and see what it has to say to me this year. The “gray hair” part was pretty loud in my ears back then – but I am past that now.

Save me, LORD. Before I ever knew it, God was saving me. I walked along the edge of cliffs throughout my life but God was faithful and held tightly to my hand, preventing me from stepping off the side. He used many people to pray for me and befriend me, sowing seeds of His love when I did not even know it.

Life here has been tough but You have been with me. Many nights I walked the halls of the hospital and knew that I knew that it wasn’t disease that I was fighting – but fear. And in all my travels and all the patients and their families that I have met, I truly do not know how people make it through without God in their lives. It is that tender, strong hand that I cling to when life is so difficult. A friend, Leah (www.leahtaylorministries.com) sings a song on her CD that says, “LORD, You know better than I.” That is where I try to live. I do not know all the answers to all the why’s. I just know that God knows better than I do.

I will tell my children and grandchildren about my LORD. That is my legacy. For however long God says I am to be here on this earth, I want my life and my words to point my children and grandchildren to Jesus and the Father that we glorify. I want them to know that it was He who picked me up every time I fell. It was He who forgave me every time I sinned. It was Jesus who wiped every tear and listened to every cry and comforted and healed me. It was always God that I wanted them to turn to. May God be glorified today and every day!

In my Life, LORD, Be Glorified written by Bob Kilpatrick & sung by The Marantha Singers

 

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Need A Refill?

Posted on October 25, 2013 by Jody Neufeld

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!

2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe.
3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.          Psalm 133 (NIV)

Every Thursday night for the last eight weeks I have been overwhelmed by how good God is! Every Thursday people come to my home for supper. I never really know who might show and it’s been a different number each time but there’s been plenty of food. It hasn’t changed my weekly food budget, but it has changed the way I think about hunger and feeling “full.”

“…whoever comes will never be hungry … and whoever believes will never thirst…” John 6:34-36 It’s been interesting to see children and adults come and eat whatever happens to be on the table. No one asks to “have it their way!” They are appreciative for whatever it is. And it’s great to see smiles when they are leaving.

I am a foodaholic. I love food and so when I made a life change about six months ago, I began to notice that I loved the people I was eating with more than I did the food I was eating and so I ate less. Jesus wants me to crave and desire what will truly satisfy me, not what will give me that instant gratification or quick fix.

“…come to me … and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:27-29 I have noticed that many who have come through the door to our home look so very tired. Yes, they have worked at their jobs or in school all day but it’s their eyes. They are exhausted! And I bet I look like that to them also! At the end of the evening, I am physically tired but I was looking at myself in the mirror last night as I was preparing for bed and my eyes were twinkling! I had been given a booster shot at dinner! Spending time with Jesus and fellow disciples was uplifting and restoring.

Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it… Matthew 26:25-27 Jesus said that we were to come together, break bread and remember Him. He said that if two or more of us got together, He would be there too (Matthew 18:19-21). And Jesus has been with us at the supper table, laughing and enjoying the time.

We spend one or two hours a week in worship with other disciples. We spend another – 70? – hours a week with family, co-workers, clients, and other strangers who drain the joy out of us. And we wonder why we are tired! We go to the gym; spend money on football games or movies and video games to take us to a fantasy world in the hopes of relaxing and recharging. And maybe they do for a couple of hours. But maybe we should give Jesus’ suggestions a try – spend time with His brothers and sisters and break bread together. It doesn’t have to be fancy and it isn’t about how fine the china or shiny the silverware. It’s just simply gather together, invite Jesus, share some food and laughter – and see what happens.

I Am A Friend of God written and sung by Israel Houghton and Michael Gungor

 

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Psalm 57

Posted on October 24, 2013 by Jody Neufeld

[reprinted from September 3, 2010]

Be merciful to me, God, be merciful to me, for my soul takes refuge in you. Yes, in the shadow of your wings, I will take refuge, until disaster has passed.        Verse 1 (WEB)

Do you have any ‘disasters’ in your life? Any worries? Any dark clouds announcing an upcoming storm? Yes, sir, I’m crouching under His wings! God parted the Red Sea. Jesus calmed the storm and blew open a grave. Yes, God can handle any storm that blows my way!

I cry out to God Most High, to God who accomplishes my requests for me.          Verse 2 (WEB)

God promises that He will complete what He has started in me (Philippians 1:6). Even ‘disasters’ have a purpose. Oh, how difficult that can be to accept much less understand. However, in the darkest times of my life, when I was weakest, God’s strength brought me through and my ‘spiritual muscles’ were certainly stronger. Maybe I can learn from Jacob who wrestled and would not let go until he was blessed. Wrestling certainly builds muscles, doesn’t it?

He will send from heaven, and save me, he rebukes the one who is pursuing me. Selah. God will send out his loving kindness and his truth.                     Verse 3   (WEB)

What a promise and encouragement! It is His presence, His love, and His truth that sustain and lift me. We must choose to live in this place.

My soul is among lions. I lie among those who are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.          Verse 4 (WEB)

I am in the world, not of the world. God did not intend for me to live ‘away’ but instead Jesus said I was to be a light and I should shine before everyone so that the Father is glorified.

Be exalted, God, above the heavens! Let your glory be above all the earth!      Verse 5 (WEB)

In everything I do, may You be glorified, Lord.

They have prepared a net for my steps. My soul is bowed down. They dig a pit before me. They fall into its midst themselves. Selah.              Verse 6 (WEB)

Revenge belongs to God. To exact a revenge or some ‘justice’ involves judgment on my part – and judgment is not my job!

My heart is steadfast, God, my heart is steadfast. I will sing, yes, I will sing praises. Wake up, my glory! Wake up, psaltery and harp! I will wake up the dawn. I will give thanks to you, Lord, among the peoples. I will sing praises to you among the nations. O For your great loving kindness reaches to the heavens, and your truth to the skies. Be exalted, God, above the heavens. Let your glory be over all the earth. Verses 7-11 (WEB)

You are worthy of my praise, Lord!!  You are worthy!

Whether David wrote this ‘song’ or someone else — what a pattern for my prayer and worship life! Lay out my life, all that I am and that is in my life, and allow God to take the burdens on His shoulders and carry it to completion.

Morning or evening and in between, I bring my requests before the Lord… and wait in expectation! Not in despair or doubt, but expectation!  And as I wait, I praise You, Lord, because You are You — and worthy of praise!  That is a comforting place to be.  God is not only faithful but He is faith.  And I want to be plugged in to that outlet!

Majesty and Glory written by Tom Fettke, sung by Tom Fettke Singers

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God Gives And He Takes Away

Posted on October 23, 2013 by Jody Neufeld

People of Zion, celebrate in honor of the Lord your God!
He is generous and has sent the autumn and spring rains in the proper seasons.
24 Grain will cover your threshing places;
jars will overflow with wine and olive oil.

25 I, the Lord your God, will make up for the losses
caused by those swarms and swarms of locusts I sent to attack you.
26 My people, you will eat until you are satisfied.
Then you will praise me for the wonderful things I have done.
Never again will you be put to shame.

27 Israel, you will know that I stand at your side.
I am the Lord your God—
there are no other gods.
Never again will you be put to shame. Joel 2:23-27 (CEV)

Lectionary texts for this week: Joel 2:23-32, Psalm 84, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18: 9-14

This Scripture passage from the prophet Joel is very familiar to me. I read it often during the five years that I attended the Pensacola Outpouring (revival). And yet today was the first time I read it with the emphasis on all that God takes credit for.

God will pour out. This is the part of the passage that I remember. God pouring out His many-facted blessings. Even now I am sitting in my home enjoying the beginning of the fall weather with its light, soaking rains. That is the kind of Holy Spirit impartation that I need, a slow, soaking of God’s wisdom, knowledge and love.

God sent the locusts! I admit to some shock as I read that it was God who has sent the locusts into my life to attack and devour! Why would He do that? To teach and discipline. Is there any other answer that is in keeping with His character? Like any good parent, God wants His children to obey out of love. But He will also use negative consequences when I make poor choices.

I AM. The LORD my God makes it clear and plain that only He is worthy of my love and allegiance. My loyalty and love belongs to no other but Yahweh. He will not tolerate anyone or anything that I place in front of Him in my priorities.

In 2 Timothy 4, Paul shares how God was there for him when others deserted him. And I also add my testimony to that statement. When others have left me in my time of need, Jesus was right there. I have felt the strong arms of God holding me when I was too weak to stand. And more often now I am also learning that with a humble heart and spirit, I will find God closer and more understandable.

Jesus pointed out in Luke’s gospel account that it was the humble sinner who went home forgiven and justified, not the proud Pharisee. This passage always reminds me of a wonderful woman of God that I know who would be thought of as a leader in God’s Church. But during the Pensacola Outpouring when our fellowship frequently had teaching conferences, she would, without calling any attention to herself, quietly clean and restock the bathrooms. She was following Jesus’ example to be a servant. She went home from those conferences each evening, justified.

God truly pours out in great extravagance upon His children. He also takes from them with a heart that is filled with love. As we, His children, continue to spend time with Him, talk to Him and learn from Him, we grow in our confidence of His unconditional love.

Blessed Be Your Name written and sung by Matt Redman

 

 

 

 

 

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Getting Out of the Boat? Just the Beginning

Posted on October 22, 2013 by Jody Neufeld

Right away, Jesus made his disciples get into a boat and start back across the lake. But he stayed until he had sent the crowds away. 23 Then he went up on a mountain where he could be alone and pray. Later that evening, he was still there.

24 By this time the boat was a long way from the shore. It was going against the wind and was being tossed around by the waves. 25 A little while before morning, Jesus came walking on the water toward his disciples. 26 When they saw him, they thought he was a ghost. They were terrified and started screaming.

27 At once, Jesus said to them, “Don’t worry! I am Jesus. Don’t be afraid.”

28 Peter replied, “Lord, if it is really you, tell me to come to you on the water.”

29 “Come on!” Jesus said. Peter then got out of the boat and started walking on the water toward him.          Matthew 14:22-29 (CEV)

As I began writing this, I felt like I was up on that mountain with Jesus where it was just the two of us in the quiet. I didn’t want to leave. I wanted to stay in that peace. I bet Jesus had some times with the Father like that. He knew the importance of that quiet time. But the quiet time was a time of refreshment and renewal that led Him back down the mountain, back to the mission.

Jesus comes to me in the middle of my life to call me to the mission He has for me. I may feel like I have all I can handle to just survive the here and now. I have family. I have a job. I have bills to pay in an economy that is less friendly every day. And in the middle of all that, here comes Jesus and I know He wants me to get out of the familiar boat where I am and walk with Him.

Walking with Jesus is just the beginning. I noticed that the gospel does not say that when Peter got out of the boat and began walking on the water that the sea became calm. The wind and waves continued. Peter not only got out of a boat at night when visibility was next to nothing but he also walked on a sea that was stormy.

As I committed my life to Jesus, the path with Him did not become a road paved with nice flat cement and marked with beautiful flowers to keep me walking right down the middle. I study my Bible, pray every day and talk with Jesus throughout the day and still the road is rough with hidden potholes of pain and unexpected boulders of financial difficulties. And surely when I take my eyes off of Jesus, I begin to sink just as Peter did.

But Jesus is right there with His hand out to grab my hand, lift me up to regain my footing and continue my walk with him – through the storm. It was when Jesus and Peter returned to the boat with the rest of the disciples that the storm died out. Is that what happens when I come together with other believers in worship? When I join others who are also seeking shelter in Jesus in the midst of a storm and know “Truly You are the Son of God!” then the storm dies and the peace of God reigns.

And so I have had my quiet time with Jesus. It’s time to get out of the boat! Hold my hand, Jesus. I’m counting on You to not let go.

You Are in Control written by Stan Moore and Lindell Cooley

 

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A Better Day

Posted on October 21, 2013 by Jody Neufeld

How lovely is your dwelling place,
O Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
2 I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord.
With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God.
3 Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young at a place near your altar,
O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, my King and my God!
4 What joy for those who can live in your house, always singing your praises.

5 What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord,
who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
6 When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs.
The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings.
7 They will continue to grow stronger,
and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem. Psalm 84:1-7 (NLT)

Here I am at the beginning of another week. The Sabbath Rest seems so very short! The thought of walking in God’s gardens takes me to a place where I feel the tension and burdens just slide from my shoulders. And I can go there any time I want.

I am going to try something this week. I am going to intentionally commit this psalm (and/or the song at the end of this devotion) to my memory this week. And then at midmorning, lunch, midafternoon, and before bedtime, I am going to bring it to my mind and walk in the LORD’s courts. According to the watches of this world, I may walk there for only 30 seconds but I believe in God’s time, I may never leave there even while I am going about the tasks that I must do. By that I mean that God’s Spirit will be with me in the courtyard and will not leave me when I walk into my workplace and into my home.

Now I’m actually looking forward to the week!

Better is One Day written and sung by Matt Redman

 

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My Father’s Love

Posted on October 18, 2013 by Jody Neufeld

Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens,you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.              Psalm 139:7-16 (NIV)

59 years ago today, I was born. I wonder how long God had been planning me? Why me? And why at that moment? I won’t know the answers to those questions this side of heaven, but I do know a bit more about the character of God. I know more about the width, length, height, and depth of His love for me Ephesians 3:18).

I remember the exact moment when I first looked at each of my children. The love that burst inside of my heart is indescribable. There just aren’t words to convey what happened inside of me when I looked into Janet’s face, John’s face, and James’ face.

And God, being who He is, has felt that for every one of His children. Each one of us is a perfect gift. Each one of us has so many possibilities to utilize the talents that our Father has given to us as individuals in His plan. He holds us tenderly and securely in His hands just as I held each one of my children in my hands. And my children were His children first and are still His children.

It is important, even vital, that I spend time each day in quiet so that I allow God to speak His love to me. It is important to hear the words from my Heavenly Father that are just for me and no other. God knows the limitations of my humanity to understand His love. He will never stop desiring to express His love to me so that I can see just a little more.

What Wondrous Love is This written by William Walker and sung by Deborah Liv Johnson

 

 

 

 

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