Above All – Seek Wisdom

Posted on September 14, 2012 by Jody Neufeld

The events of this past week have left me in much prayer, seeking God’s wisdom and His perspective. Let us keep our focus on our LORD and our hearts and mouths on praising Him. May His Spirit guard my our tongues.

This is where I will be meditating today.

My child, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in mind.
Then you will live a long time, and your life will be successful.

Don’t ever forget kindness and truth.
Wear them like a necklace. Write them on your heart as if on a tablet.
Then you will be respected and will please both God and people.

Trust the Lord with all your heart, and don’t depend on your own understanding.
Remember the Lord in all you do, and he will give you success.

Don’t depend on your own wisdom.
Respect the Lord and refuse to do wrong.
Then your body will be healthy, and your bones will be strong.

Honor the Lord with your wealth and the first fruits from all your crops.
Then your barns will be full, and your wine barrels will overflow with new wine.

My child, do not reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t get angry when he corrects you.
The Lord corrects those he loves, just as parents correct the child they delight in.

Happy is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gets understanding.       Proverbs 3:1-13 (NCV)

 

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See the Good?

Posted on September 13, 2012 by Jody Neufeld

So the Lord God banished them from the Garden of Eden, and he sent Adam out to cultivate the ground from which he had been made. After sending them out, the Lord God stationed mighty cherubim to the east of the Garden of Eden. And he placed a flaming sword that flashed back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.       Genesis 3:23-24 (NLT)

Abram continued, “Look, You have given me no offspring, so a slave born in my house will be my heir.”

Now the word of the Lord came to him: “This one will not be your heir; instead, one who comes from your own body will be your heir.” He took him outside and said, “Look at the sky and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then He said to him, “Your offspring will be that numerous.”             Genesis 15:3-5 (HCSB)

Romans 8:28 is often quoted in the wake of some terrible event or season in my life. It is to remind me that God will take any evil or terrible happening and work it to His good for those who believe and trust in His purpose. I believe that … most days.

The Bible is certainly filled with terrible, evil events. Can you think of any person who put their trust in the LORD and coasted through slick as glass without any difficulties and doubts? Please email or comment me if you do.

Adam and Eve were banished out of the presence of God and so mankind would forever be with sin. But God did not allow the enemy to win but instead made a way to save and restore us through the perfection of His Son, Jesus. For thousands of years, God’s people waited for the promised Messiah. Unfortunately some are still waiting as they are blind to the gift of Jesus Christ. Thousands of years spent waiting and hoping.

Abram and Sarai had no children. This was a “big deal” then and to many people it is today. Abram and Sarai were promised by God that they would have a biological child of their own and that their Family Tree would look like the endless number of stars in the sky. But it didn’t happen in the next 12 months or even 12 years. It was decades until Isaac was born. He was conceived decades past the time that most people are able! Could you wait that long in faith? Or would you follow Sarai into a “Hagar Path” and help God along in His promise?

It is difficult to receive God’s answer to prayer as “Wait” and trust that He is going to come through with His best answer in His time. The pain, the uncertainty, the well-meaning and often mis-directed questions of others all chip away at my trust in Him. Hear me, my friends, when I tell you I have turned away from God and His “wait” idea with frustration and wrapped hopelessness around me like a cape. But I have also pressed in closer, got in His face, if you are looking for a ‘visual’, and I can tell you that Jesus can handle my finger shaking in His face. He let me talk myself into exhaustion and then held me while He quietly told me again how much He loves me. He didn’t give me false promises but emphasized again the truth of our relationship – He loved me before I loved Him and hasn’t changed His mind!

So if you have “trust issues” with God in the hard times, press in closer and don’t hold back in your discussions with Him. He wants to spend time talking. Look up words like “trust,” “suffering,” “despair,” and “doubt” in a concordance. See what God has said and then ask Him what He has to say to you.

I wish I could have found this song on YouTube or at least found who wrote the song. My friend, Leah Taylor, does a great job singing this on her album, Faithful Friend. [http://energiondirect.com/products-page/cd/faithful-friend-cd/]

Beyond the Tears

Chorus:
Beyond the tears, behind the truth
Before the healing flows and comfort comes to you,
Believe His heart because He died
Be still and know God loves you so – beyond the tears.

Your private pain consumes your every breath
Oh and secret fears they paralyze your faith.
But you are not alone in this fight,
Our Jesus is standing by your side.

Chorus

He hears and he heals; He loves you!
He cares, He feels, He loves you! Oh, yes, He loves you!

Beyond the tears, behind the truth
Before the healing flows and God’s comfort comes to you,
Believe His heart because He died
Be still and know God loves you so – beyond the tears.
(Repeat)

He loves you. God loves you. Beyond your tears.

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Wisdom in My Life

Posted on September 12, 2012 by Jody Neufeld

The next day Moses solved disagreements among the people, and the people stood around him from morning until night. When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he asked, “What is all this you are doing for the people? Why are you the only one to solve disagreements? All the people are standing around you from morning until night! … “

Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “You are not doing this right. You and the people who come to you will get too tired. This is too much work for you; you can’t do it by yourself. Now listen to me, and I will give you some advice. I want God to be with you.    Exodus 18:13-14, 17-19 (NCV)

I have been reading a book recently, Bible Nobodies Who Became Somebodies by Lance Wubbels. I can’t say that I endorse the book because Mr. Wubbels makes many assumptions about facts not in evidence. But I have been blessed by his list of “nobodies” that has had me taking time to reread some passages of Scripture and consider what might have happened if these people had not fulfilled their part in God’s plan. God would have found someone else to complete the task but it has pointed out to me that there are no “insignificant” jobs in God’s Kingdom.

In this story I see Moses getting God’s wisdom, not directly as he has been used to but instead from his father-in-law. Jethro sees Moses “trying to do it all” and offers some wisdom. What do I do when someone tells me that there is a better way to do something or that what I am doing is not a good thing? Am I open to advice? And how do I know what is said is wisdom?

Listen. The older I get the more I realize how little I know. There is so much for me to learn from my LORD and people He sends into my life. If I listen, I can learn from just about anyone! Sometimes I learn what is not wise as I watch the actions and words with others. Sometimes it does take a bit of digging to find the gold nuggets of wisdom but that can make what I learn even more of a treasure. I love to learn from my grandchildren. I love to hear stories from my own mother-in-law who has over 90 years of experiences to share.

Test what is said. Jethro makes a point to say to Moses that above what he, Jethro, says, Moses should always check with God on whether He thinks the advice is wise. My favorite family story of this principle happened to my daughter when she was about 19. A young man came to her with some wisdom he had heard from God. “God told me that He has decided that you and I will marry.” And Janet responded, “Well, He hasn’t told me that!” And what a good lesson to learn from Jethro and Janet. When someone gives me advice, take a moment and ask God what He thinks about it. And also remember that God’s answer can be more than “Yes” or “No.” He could say “Wait” or even “Yes, but …”

Keep your inner circle. When it comes to whom I listen, Jesus has set a very good example. Jesus had hundreds of people who followed Him around. He had only twelve that He spent most of His time with. And there was only the three, Peter, James and John, that saw the transfiguration and some of the miracles and went the farthest in the Garden on that last night. And so in my own life that may be some good numbers for those that know and advise me.

“Now, my children, listen to me, because those who follow my ways are happy.
Listen to my teaching, and you will be wise; do not ignore it.
Happy are those who listen to me, watching at my door every day, waiting at my open doorway.
Those who find me find life, and the Lord will be pleased with them.
Those who do not find me hurt themselves.
Those who hate me love death.”         Proverbs 8:32-36 (NCV)

 

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Identity Crisis

Posted on September 11, 2012 by Jody Neufeld

Later, Joseph from Arimathea asked Pilate if he could take the body of Jesus. (Joseph was a secret follower of Jesus, because he was afraid of some of the leaders.) Pilate gave his permission, so Joseph came and took Jesus’ body away. Nicodemus, who earlier had come to Jesus at night, went with Joseph. He brought about seventy-five pounds of myrrh and aloes. These two men took Jesus’ body and wrapped it with the spices in pieces of linen cloth, which is how they bury the dead. In the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden. In the garden was a new tomb that had never been used before. The men laid Jesus in that tomb because it was nearby, and they were preparing to start their Sabbath day.                John 19:38-42 (NCV)

Is it important that others know that I am a Christian? How do others know that I am?

Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were “closet Christians”. They had not “come out”, so to speak. Now they had a valid excuse for not broadcasting it. At the least they would lose their status as a church leader. They could have ended up crucified like Jesus! It could be said that they showed restraint or wisdom in how they lived their life. Maybe they thought that their faith was a private matter between them and God.

It is important to me that others know who I am. And who I am primarily is a disciple of Jesus Christ. It is the only title that can never be taken away from me and it never expires. It is the identity that I am most grateful for and proud of. However, it is important that it is not a “false” identity. In other words, being a disciple of Jesus cannot be on-again/off-again to me. It cannot be who I am in front of others or here in this devotion group and then someone different when I go out and about, whether in the world or on the world wide web.

It is correct that only God knows my heart and only He is my true judge. However I am naive if I think others do not judge who and what I claim to be and what I am really.

Who I am to my family. This is one that I frequently fail. It is one that God has really been working heavily in my life. Do I extend the same grace and kindness and patience to my husband, children & grandchildren? Is my witness to them about Jesus just as transparent as it is to people in church or the street corner?

Who I am to those who look to me as an example. Am I willing to be a “for real” example to people that transcends beyond my “faith face”? Do I take the words of Jesus and James into my heart with holy fear?

… we who teach will be judged more strictly.       James 3:1 (NIV)

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples:“The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy loads and put them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. Everything they do is done for men to see … “                Matthew 23:1-5 (NIV)

Judging others. Holding people up to my interpretation of God’s standards when God is quite capable and much better at convicting me and others of our sins so that we may repent and ask forgiveness. I have become very conscious of who I am to my grandchildren. Do they see me as “real”? Young people have excellent radar when it comes to people who are real and honest and those who aren’t. If a child doesn’t “take to” an adult – there’s usually a good reason.

Who I am to the world. It has been interesting to see the “expressions” of people on Facebook during this election. Both sides of the election coin are spending more time trashing the opponent than they are expressing the substantive views of the one they are supporting! What kind of ambassador for Jesus am I if I behave in such a way? Did Jesus speak about Roman leadership negatively? No, He kept His eyes and heart focused on Kingdom work. The only people that Jesus spoke sharply against were the Church leadership because of how they were treating God’s children when they were in authority and were supposed to be loving and caring for them. Would Jesus take me to task for how I care for “the least of these”?

It was the power of the Cross that brought Joseph and Nicodemus out to the open. Once again what may be seen by many as foolishness is the power that stirs and strengthens us to walk forward into the Light of an open life with Jesus.

I miss out on a great part of the purpose in my life if I live it as a closet Christian. I miss so many blessings that Jesus wants to give through others as His love flows back and forth between fellow believers. Let me not stand in the shadows of fear of what others may say but instead let me stand and acknowledge Jesus is LORD of my life (Matthew 10:32-33).

Because of Whose I am written by Reba Rambo, sung by Sue Carneiro

 

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Real Power

Posted on September 10, 2012 by Jody Neufeld

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.     Psalm 19:14 (NLT)

Lectionary texts: Proverbs 1:20-33, Psalm 19, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38

One of the first things I learned when I began my nursing career at the age of 14 (I was a volunteer called a Candy Striper.) was that everyone, doctors, nurses, technicians, everyone who works in the medical profession has something that gives their stomach a roll. It can be a smell or a certain part of the anatomy that’s cut open or – well, never mind – that’s graphic enough and I know you understand what I mean! For me it was the mouth. Bad breath has always been worse than other smells for me. And when I got to microbiology in nursing school and learned the kind of “critters” that grow in our mouths – well, ewwwww! This week’s texts are all about my mouth. It is time to do some cleaning.

Proverbs 1. The writer of Proverbs gives the purpose and theme of the whole book in this first chapter. It is about getting Wisdom. Wisdom is personified as out there on the streets trying to get me to listen and not be taken in by the enticements of sin. Wisdom cries out to warn of disaster but is ignored for the “shiny things” of this world. If I choose to be disobedient, if I choose to ignore Wisdom that will draw me closer to my LORD, then I will be left to connect with my folly and reap the consequences of that.

James 3. This passage of Scripture is well known and well preached, as is the Mark passage. My tongue is one of the smallest muscles in my body and yet it has great power to wound, even kill. Just like the microscopic critters in my mouth can turn and become debilitating, even an infection that can kill, the tongue can bruise and kill the spirit of myself and someone else. I was thinking last night how phrases play over and over in my head. Like the sound of a whip striking over and over, a voice that reminds me of my mistakes, my shortcomings, yes, even my sins, over and over and over and over again is not God speaking. God’s Spirit will convict or tell me my sin but God is in the restoration business. Once I hear the conviction of His Spirit and acknowledge that this is true, God is about restoring me and moving me on in the repentant, or changed direction. He does not want me stuck in some muddy pit to drown in my sin but instead wants me up and clean and moving on. And so should my speech be to others: encouraging, restoring, and uplifting.

Mark 8. This passage of the Gospel shows how God can speak His truth even through one who may be seen as unlearned by the world and unrecognized by Church leadership. Peter was not an educated man nor was he a member of the church leadership like the Sanhedrin with its crowd of Pharisees. And yet when Jesus asked, “Who do you say that I am?,” Peter spoke up with the perfect answer, “You are the Messiah!” Matthew 16 adds that Jesus acknowledges that Peter’s wisdom came as a revelation from God Himself.

Joshua told us thousands of years ago to make a choice today who we will serve (Joshua 24:14-15). And that is a good prayer to start every day. “LORD, I choose to serve You today.” And then let my day be just a continuous time of prayer, conversation with God. Ask God for wisdom, before I make decisions, before I open my mouth to speak to someone, as I move through the day. I can not “tame my tongue” in my own strength but the Holy Spirit has a strong enough leash! And may I be open to God’s infusion of that “word” that may allow me to proclaim the truth of who Jesus is to a world (one person at a time) that is desperately starving for the Truth.

Here I Am, LORD written by Daniel L. Schutte (1981)

 

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Hard Day’s Night

Posted on September 7, 2012 by Jody Neufeld

I have called you back from the ends of the earth, saying, ‘You are my servant.’
For I have chosen you and will not throw you away.
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.         Isaiah 41:9-10 (NLT)

A song from my childhood came to my mind as I was reading this Scripture. A Hard Day’s Night was a song written and performed by the Beatles (1964) that describe the feelings of many people when they come to the end of their work week. As a nurse, my work week was rather fluid and sometimes I wasn’t sure if it ever did end! But this week has been one of those long, hard weeks. And then I read this Scripture ans I thought, “It’s my attitude that is dragging me down. Look at what God says about what He does in my life!”

I am a servant of God. I am here to serve – not be served. God chose me for a job and a purpose. I am not here to wander through this life but to grow in my relationship with my LORD that He may use me to build His Kingdom. I am His precious child that He loves so very much.

There is nothing to fear. Several things happened this week that brought fear prowling around the edges of my life. A young man that I know was deployed to Afghanistan, another friend shared a not good health report, and then there are the day-to-day annoyances and uncertainties that come to us all. And God, the Creator of all including me, says, “I am here. You have nothing to fear because I am here with you. Do not be discouraged by what you see but be encouraged by Who you cannot see with your eyes but see clearly with your spirit.”

God wins. God has provided me with the end of the story and so I know that He wins and so do all His children! Trials, suffering all the “stuff” that tries to weigh me down are momentary and God’s promises of eternal life that will be more than I can imagine is the place to set my eyes.

It is so easy to get caught up in the now and what I can see happening at the moment. Like a child, I live in the moment and crave that instant gratification. I remember taking my children to get their shots. By the second round of shots – they knew what was coming and they did not want to hear that it would only hurt for a moment and it was to prevent a nasty sickness that would last so much longer. They didn’t want the pain of now.

My friends, my brothers and sisters, this world may be headed for much worse days. There may be more wars and rumors of wars and great suffering. We must train our minds and hearts to focus on what is eternal. It is with that focus that we can learn to live in the victory of Jesus Christ that takes us far beyond this time and this place. It is that victorious life that so many are and will be searching for. We have been given it freely and so freely we are to give it away. Take time today to listen to both of these songs. Sing them with all your heart. Write the words in your spirit that in the days and nights and months and years ahead you will remember the truth of who you are and how you live.

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus sung by Michael W. Smith

Above All written Paul Baloche and Lenny Leblanc, sung by Michael W. Smith

 

 

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Too Many Distractions!

Posted on September 6, 2012 by Jody Neufeld

My dear friends, this is now the second time I’ve written to you, both letters reminders to hold your minds in a state of undistracted attention. Keep in mind what the holy prophets said, and the command of our Master and Savior that was passed on by your apostles.         2 Peter 3:1-2 (The Message)

… to hold your minds in a state of undistracted attention … Other translations say to “… keep in wholesome thinking …”. And so that begs the question: Am I focused on what God would determine is wholesome or right thinking? With all this hoopla about elections, nuclear weapons, natural disasters, life-threatening illnesses and any other number of things on a list, it can be difficult to keep my mind from worry, frustration, and what effects me in the here and now.

God put me on this earth for a reason. Before I was born, He knew my name and the potential I had in His Kingdom. I spent the first 40+ years of my life almost exclusively focused on me and what I could do to build the Jody Kingdom. Within a matter of months, all that I had built, marriage, career position, big house, two cars, buying without budget – was gone. That will get your attention! I learned from that experience.

[Jesus said,] “Don’t store treasures for yourselves here on earth where moths and rust will destroy them and thieves can break in and steal them. But store your treasures in heaven where they cannot be destroyed by moths or rust and where thieves cannot break in and steal them. Your heart will be where your treasure is. “     Matthew 6:19-21 (NCV)

There is a good test of anything that I value: Will it decay or rust away? Presidents, kings, earthly nations and lands, money, careers, homes and cars will all pass away. It is God and His Kingdom that will still exist.

Am I building God’s Kingdom by what I speak, what I share and how I reach out? Do I look at others with God’s eyes and see with compassion the lost children? The struggling children? Do my eyes look beyond my own home? My own church? My own town? My own country?

God has been laying on my heart little things I can do to be Him to others. They do not take big sums of money or time. They are just taking the opportunities He opens and be kind, be joyful, be patient, be gentle, be everything that He has been to me!

There’s a show on ABC called “Secret Millionaire”. A millionaire goes out into a city (undercover) to find, through volunteering, charitable groups that are making a difference. I love the show! Not for what the millionaire does, although that is a blessing, but the millionaire is giving from their “extra”. It’s the groups that they find that blow me away! I saw this one episode a few weeks ago where a kid about 12 years old started making peanut butter sandwiches and giving them away to homeless people in the local park. He has no government grant and the idea didn’t come from his mother but instead he saw a need and got his mother and now some others involved in wrapping up sandwiches, putting them in a canvas bag and they go out and hand them out. Two sisters saw so many in their neighborhood struggling to feed their families and so they started a soup kitchen. The sisters are in their 80’s! They feed about 200 meals 3 times a week! And when they are blessed by money from a millionaire, they cry – not because of what it does for them but for how it means they can do more for others!

I wan my mind on “Kingdom stuff”. Help me, Jesus, to keep my focus on Your words and example.

In the Blink of an Eye written and sung by MercyMe (2004)

 

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Heart Check

Posted on September 5, 2012 by Jody Neufeld

The rich and poor have this in common:
The Lord made them both.      Proverbs 22:2 (NLT)

My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?       James 2:1 (NLT)

Lectionary texts: Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9. 22-23, Psalm 125, James 2:1-17, Mark 7:24-37

The topic of the lectionary texts this week is one that has me with the Holy Spirit and asking for His “scan” over my heart. What do I really think and feel about people? Is what comes out of my mouth what I am really thinking and feeling? I do not want to be a “closet bigot”.

My mother liked a clean and neat home. My bedroom did not always reflect that philosophy. My mother would frequently tell me on Saturday that I could not go out and play or go to events until my room was clean and neat. There were a few times when I succeeded in stuffing everything in my closet and quickly shutting the door. All looked neat when she checked the room. My closet was disgusting! That’s what I mean by a closet bigot. I can say all the right things, make nice with everyone, and yet in my heart, I am sarcastic and mean.

As I have moved among different fellowships I have learned a lot about the subtle ways I can send “welcome” signals by my facial expression and body language as well as shunning someone. When I walk into a classroom or sanctuary, do I gravitate toward the homeless person on the back row or sit with my friends or chose to sit by myself? What heart message am I sending?

Matthew 15:21-28 tells the same story as Mark 7 and expands a bit more. First, Jesus acts like maybe I would: “You aren’t like me. You don’t believe like I do. I will walk right past you and ignore your need.” Then He justifies His actions, like I do, by explaining His “holy mission” to take care of God’s children. And He is deciding who is and isn’t God’s child. Is that my job? Finally, Jesus shows me that it isn’t about a person’s pedigree but about their need and faith. It may be a weak, tiny bit of faith but Jesus will respond. Do I have eyes to see and ears to hear a cry for help?

I have a friend who wrote a wonderful book that stepped all over my toes. It’s called Soup Kitchen for the Soul. She shares her experience as she, begrudgingly, began volunteering at a soup kitchen as part of a class requirement. She asks What if through out the book and I was remembering that as I read these Scriptures. What if I opened myself to moving into places outside my comfort zone? What if I got to know people who were “different” than my friends and family? What if I said “Yes” to opportunities that Jesus opened to me? What if that is where I would meet my Savior, up close and personal?

Healing Rain written by Martin Smith and Michael W. Smith

 

 

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When I am Un-Lovely

Posted on September 4, 2012 by Jody Neufeld

People of Israel, listen to the Lord’s message. 
The Lord has this against you who live in the land:
“The people are not true, not loyal to God, nor do those who live in the land even know him.
Cursing, lying, killing, stealing and adultery are everywhere.
One murder follows another.”        Hosea 4:1-2 (NCV)

I suspect that most of us haven’t read the book of Hosea recently. Hosea is one of the “minor” prophets. That means it is a short book. It’s only 14 short chapters, not 66 long ones like Isaiah. It’s a great story that isn’t just about Israel but for me right here and right now.

The time of Hosea and Amos was a period of great wealth, over-the-top luxury, great oppression of the poor and spiritual decline and rejection of God. (Sound familiar?) It was Hosea’s duty to chastise the land and people that he loved as he delivered God’s message to the people. His personal life was an object lesson given by God. It began when God told Hosea to marry Gomer, a prostitute.

Men of that time did not marry non-virgins. So marrying a known prostitute, and especially if you were known as a prophet of Yahweh, well that would have gotten the attention of the people. “What was Hosea doing?”

Gomer conceives children and God tells Hosea exactly what to name his children.

Jazreel – which means “I will punish”

Lo-Ruhamah – which means “not loved”

Lo- Ammi – which means “not my people”

I’m seeing the message here – and it’s scary! But I am looking back with several thousands of years of perspective. Did the people see the message? Did they catch on that in that time especially, you did not name your children such “downer” names?! Did they see the message?

And the life story of Hosea and Gomer continues as Gomer returns to her philandering life. And Hosea, reassured by God, goes after Gomer, pays her pimp and brings her home again. God shows His compassion and unfailing, loving purpose to save.

But in reading this account I am struck that while God is compassionate and does reach out to save, He does not compromise His standard. He does not “whitewash” the sin but instead proclaims clearly the wrong. God says clearly that there is no reason to save me – except love. There is nothing, nothing good enough in me to warrant His saving grace. He just loves. Hosea just loves Gomer.

Chapters 4-10 speak clearly how very lost Israel was – and I am. It describes a land and a people that are so corrupt and blinded by their own way of doing things that it doesn’t see the excrement that covers them. (Sound familiar?)

Chapters 11-14 show me the Father’s heart. He looks at His wayward, sinful children and says that He loves even though He cannot ignore their sins. And He is angry that they chose to sin. “I love you and take care of you and yet you still chose to worship and exalt others ahead of Me.” The book ends with the true hope and encouragement that if I return to the LORD, ask His forgiveness, that He will bless me in His Kingdom. “Never forget these principles, Jody.”

Blessed Be Your Name written & sung by Matt Redman

 

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Obedience + Love = Worship

Posted on August 31, 2012 by Jody Neufeld

So the creation of the heavens and the earth and everything in them was completed. On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation.            – Genesis 2:1-3 (NLT)

“Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.”    – Exodus 20:8-11 (NLT)

Some weeks I come to Friday morning and I am pumped for the weekend because that means relaxation and rest. Other weeks I get to Friday and I just want to collapse. It seems like I do not have energy to even relax and rest!

It is interesting to me that as I read these two passages from the Old Testament that I am once again awed and humbly blessed at the way that God created all that I would need in my life here on this earth. He did not miss one detail. Not one.

God no doubt noted the importance of the Sabbath as a time for me to focus on Him. This day was to be a time for me to spend time with Him. But both of these passages use the word “rest” several times. God rested. I am to rest.

Physically. It doesn’t take much time reading medical journals and articles to compile a comprehensive file on the factor of rest and its effect on my health. Rest isn’t just sleep but certainly it is a vital part of my physical rest. It is also doing activities that physically relax me. I have a friend who loves to ride her bicycle 10-20 miles during her weekend and when she does that – she is energized and recharged!

Spiritually. Soaking in the presence of God, whether that is singing, praying (talking with Him!), reading His word, or just sitting in silence are some activities that characterize a Sabbath. That could be in a building with a group of like believers. The Quakers were known to spend the entire day together as they worshiped and ate together. It can also be a day in which God and I spend one-on-one time. It is important to remember that I need the accountability and encouragement of other believers but an occasional day with just God and me is a wonderful Sabbath too.

Emotionally. For me, part of that soaking in God’s presence is a time when God cleans me of the emotional “junk” that might be sticking to me and then fills me up with His love so I can go out again the next week and “leak” that love all over people. This is probably the area that I have neglected the most in my life. I run too much with my emotional tank too close to empty. God wants to fill me with His love. He wants to hold me in His arms and tell me how much He loves me. And I want to hear that.

The Sabbath isn’t about attending church like I show up for class at school and get checked off the roll. The Sabbath is an act of obedience but it is also an act of love. That is worship that pleases my LORD because it is about Spirit and Truth (John 4:23-24).

Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) written and sung by Chris Tomlin

 

Posted in Exodus, Genesis | Comments Off on Obedience + Love = Worship