Why Am I Here?

Posted on March 29, 2012 by Jody Neufeld

On the first day of the seventh month, the people came together in the open area in front of the Water Gate. Then they asked Ezra, who was a teacher of the Law of Moses, to read to them from this Law that the LORD had given his people. Ezra the priest came with the Law and stood before the crowd of men, women, and the children who were old enough to understand. From early morning till noon, he read the Law of Moses to them, and they listened carefully.                   Nehemiah 8:1-3 (CEV)

This passage of Scripture has been a wonder and a point of embarrassment to me ever since I first read it. The people. That means humans like me and you. It says that the crowd was “men, women and children old enough to understand”. How old would that be? My 4-5 year-old grandchildren understand right from wrong. That crowd came together for – at least four hours – and listened to Ezra read to them the Word of God! People in the church I attend fidget if they are asked to read responsively or stand for more than six verses of Scripture!!! How about your fellowship? That is an embarrassment and yet, an extraordinary thing to me. I want to be that passionate about hearing from God that listening to Him for four hours is like being at a double-header baseball game for four hours and enjoying every minute!

Last night I attended a Lenten service that was inspiring. First there was a group of ladies, young to – older, who played “It Is Well With My Soul” with bells. They gave of their best on a song that I could tell by their faces, meant something very personal to them. The faith rang true. (Pun intended) And God bless the music leadership that works with all volunteers. They serve those who volunteer by encouraging and probably taking them to a level musically and spiritually that they may not have anticipated. Then there was a visiting pastor who brought us a message from God. He began by reading 12 verses of Psalm 51. This man had the gift of exhortation. While he engaged us with his personal, transparent testimony, he also challenged me with his opening of God’s Word for the Spirit to convict and correct me.

It is for each of us to come to worship, Bible study, a sermon, Sunday/Sabbath school, a prayer meeting – whatever you want to call an opportunity to meet God – with expectation and an open heart. “LORD, here I am. I am expecting to hear You speak to me. Convict me. Correct me. Encourage me. Forgive me. Love me. Show me where and to whom You would have me serve. I am listening.” If I come with expectation, God is faithful to answer. “…that the LORD had given his people…”. That is a promise from God.

Ezra was up on the high platform, where he could be seen by everyone, and when he opened the book, they all stood up. Ezra praised the great LORD God, and the people shouted, ” Amen! Amen!” Then they bowed with their faces to the ground and worshiped the LORD.            vv 5-6 (CEV)

The people stood for four hours. And I fidget after three minutes. Then Ezra led them in shouting praise to God. Then the people bowed all the way to the ground to worship God. Someone might say that it isn’t “necessary” to shout or get on the ground in order to worship God. That’s true. But I do have to suggest that I consider why I wouldn’t do it. There may be physical limitations. And it may not be the community “normal”. Some people might say it is distracting to others. I think the main reason is – I can get “shouting and leaping excited” at a baseball, football, or basketball game – but not so much in worship of God. That is something to meditate and talk to God about.

That’s What We Came Here For by Darlene Zschech and Russell Fragar (1998) 

 

 

 

 

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Spiritual Health

Posted on March 28, 2012 by Jody Neufeld

News about Jesus kept spreading. Large crowds came to listen to him teach and to be healed of their diseases. But Jesus would often go to some place where he could be alone and pray.                 Luke 5:15-16 (CEV)

How often have you quoted this Scripture passage? Me neither. I remember the passages about Jesus speaking, healing, walking on water, casting out demons, and clearing the Temple. But here is a passage has the word “often” connected to something that Jesus does. He often would go to pray alone. Do I often get alone and pray?

I know people that go to the gym four times a week without fail. Most of us brush our teeth every day, even twice a day without fail. We eat three times a day without fail. We call our closest family once a week, even every day without fail. We talk to our spouse every day without fail. Does time with God go on my “without fail” list?

People that I know who are strong Believers have invested in their prayer life. Just like an athlete invests in gym location and time, exercise equipment, shoes, and clothes, so these warriors keep themselves in good spiritual condition.

Prayer is a priority. They would give up their prayer time about the same time that they would stop brushing their teeth. Ewww! Time with my LORD was a very locked in time every day when I first made that priority commitment. Setting aside that same time every day got me into a routine and showed me how important the time was. I began to see good changes in myself. I saw answer to prayers. Then the time became more flexible because there are days that I need Jesus’ flexibility. Then my time became 24/7. I prayed in a focused time but I also had ongoing conversations with Jesus as my day progressed.

Prayer builds knowledge and strength. Prayer is conversation. It is me telling God everything that is on my heart. It is also listening to what God has to say in His Word and through His Spirit. Listen. Be quiet and listen. As I learn I am also “exercising” my spiritual muscles by trusting Him and building faith in God. Learning His promises are true. It’s like building blocks that provide a place of shelter when the storms come. (Not “if” but “when”)

Prayer is filling. Just as I need good, healthy foods to provide energy and nutrient energy to keep my body going, so I need spiritual nutrients to keep me spiritually healthy. Prayer is a big part of keeping me spiritually fit. It is a prime way for me to receive the fruit of God’s Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and focus on what is “good” from God (Philippians 4:8).

There’s always more when it comes to God. If you have an active, growing prayer life – thank Him today for it. If it is usually “hit or miss”, ask Him to help you make it daily with commitment, a favorite location (quiet and alone like Jesus), a favorite chair, or even favorite music. Our spiritual health is so worth it.

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus by Helen H. Lemmel (1922)  Led by Michael W. Smith

 

 

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Time to say, “Hosanna!”

Posted on March 27, 2012 by Jody Neufeld

When they approached Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany near the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples and told them, “Go into the village ahead of you. As soon as you enter it, you will find a young donkey tied there, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here right away.’”         Mark 11:1-3 (HCSB)

In many Bibles this passage is titled “The Triumphal Entry”. Jesus enters Jerusalem with

“Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD!” vv 9

In Luke’s gospel, the church leaders tell Jesus to tell his disciples to “Shut up!” (Luke 19:39-40). Jesus says that is impossible that even stones would shout.

When Jesus comes back again, will there be shouts of “Hosanna!” or fear and trembling? I want to be a shouter!

As I was reading this passage I was struck that Jesus anticipated that the disciples would encounter some questioning, maybe even some obstacles, while carrying out His mission to obtain the transportation for Him. But Jesus tells the disciples what to say before they even hear the questions. Have you ever been on a “mission” from God and ran into some questions? Did you panic about what to say?

Too often we may feel that we cannot be a witness (Acts 1:8) or an ambassador for Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:19-20) because we don’t know enough. We refuse the call to the mission – for what reason? We can not quote Scripture by book and verse. We can’t recite the Ten Commandments in the original King James translation. God doesn’t make those requirements of us. God just asks for us to be willing to be used (Philippians 2:13). The LORD chooses to use me (just as He used a donkey) to bring Him to others. The “triumph” can happen every day as I just tell my story of how Jesus helped me yesterday or today. Just as the disciples did that day in Jerusalem, I lay my story down (like a cloak) in tribute because every victorious story happened because of Jesus.

Take 4 ½ minutes and listen to this song. Maybe today or this week is a rough one. Then meditating on Jesus and His last week in Jerusalem should be a testimony that He has been in your shoes and will show you how to walk through whatever is going on and come out in victory. Join me, a shouter, so that no stones will have to say, “Hosanna!” for us.

Shout to the Lord, Written and sung by Darlene Zschech (1993) 

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Know My LORD

Posted on March 26, 2012 by Jody Neufeld

Give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good,
for his loving kindness endures forever.
Let Israel now say that his loving kindness endures forever…

Open to me the gates of righteousness.
I will enter into them.
I will give thanks to Yahweh.
This is the gate of Yahweh; the righteous will enter into it.
I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me, and have become my salvation.
The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner.
This is Yahweh’s doing.
It is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day that Yahweh has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it!
Save us now, we beg you, Yahweh!
Yahweh, we beg you, send prosperity now.
Blessed is he who comes in Yahweh’s name!
We have blessed you out of Yahweh’s house.
Yahweh is God, and he has given us light.
Bind the sacrifice with cords, even to the horns of the altar.
You are my God, and I will give thanks to you.
You are my God, I will exalt you.
Oh give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good,
for his loving kindness endures forever.               Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29(WEB)

Lectionary texts: Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29, Mark 11:1-11

The lectionary texts for Palm Sunday are only two passages. The focus is on, of course, Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Today I want to meditate on the Old Testament text.

This is a straightforward praise – petition – praise psalm. The writer begins by acknowledging who God is and how He is worthy of praise and thanks for all. Period. It is a good example for me to pattern my own prayers. No matter what I am praying about. It may be rejoicing for answered prayer. It may be a heart-cry for something I have no control and no visible positive resolution in my sight.

It is so important that I spend time meditating on what God has done. What is God’s history in situations that seem to be without hope? Over and over and over God reaches out His hand to His imperfect children, pulling them out of the mud and mire. Even when He is allowing the consequences of their choices to play out, God is not an absent or distant Father. When (not if) I sin and feel the conviction of God’s Spirit, I will remember this passage in Psalm 118 and come to my Father and ask forgiveness, knowing that He is the only one who can and will forgive and restore.

And then end my prayers with an affirmation that even if I cannot see the solutions now, I know that my LORD is real and good and loving. He has created all and so has power over all. And yet, He is the most kind and tender and will be with me every step of each day.

If you are having a struggle today, then do not leave this psalm until you have committed the character of God in your heart by repeating and meditating on these words. You deserve this truth. God wants you to have it.

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“For Thine is the Kingdom”

Posted on March 23, 2012 by Jody Neufeld

Then Jesus replied to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and they will deceive many. You are going to hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, because these things must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these events are the beginning of birth pains…

Now concerning that day and hour no one knows—neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son —except the Father only.”                   Matthew 24:4-8, 36 (HCSB)

“…these events are the beginning…”. Only the beginning. The time that Jesus spends speaking of the “end times” has a three point message for me no matter what gospel I read.

There will be deception. Jesus says there will be “many” deceivers which warns us to test and discern the truth that will line up with what Jesus has taught. It is His example, His standard that we are to hold ourselves and all others to.

And the events of this world will get “bad” with war, famine, natural disasters bringing great destruction upon this world. Again, it is on Jesus that I must keep my eyes focused and my life following so that I will not be led astray. It is in a close relationship with Jesus, surrounded by a body of Believers who will encourage and challenge me to study, pray and live in His Way.

No one – NO ONE – knows the time of the end. Matthew, Mark (13:32), and Luke (Acts 1:7) all relate that Jesus said that no one but the Father knows the exact time that He will return. It is not where Jesus wants me to put my focus: finding out what the timeline is and where we are in that time. Jesus talked about staying connected and building my relationship with Him, being a servant, and making disciples(John 14-17, Matthew 28). I need to live and be obedient to what I do know about what Jesus wants me to be doing as His disciple.

Jesus will be with me. No matter what may happen in this world: threats, persecution, suffering, even death – Jesus will be with me every step of the way. He will always be leading me through (Psalm 23:3). He doesn’t cheer from the sidelines but walks in the path, rocky road, even the steep mountain trail.

Lent is a time of repentance. It is a time to intentionally seek the Holy Spirit to make any course corrections in my life and ask forgiveness for any and all sins that have separated me from my LORD. It is a time of restoration that sets me up for great rejoicing and thanksgiving on Easter for the great love that my Father has for me. It is His perfect, extravagant love that is the real deal that will take me through the end times.

The Lord’s Prayer by Albert Hay Malotte (1935) Sung by Andrea Bocelli and The Morman Tabernacle Choir 

Posted in Matthew | 1 Comment

All I Have Needed – God Has Provided

Posted on March 22, 2012 by Jody Neufeld

Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus replied to them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.

“I assure you: Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains by itself. But if it dies, it produces a large crop. The one who loves his life will lose it, and the one who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me. Where I am, there My servant also will be. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.

“Now My soul is troubled. What should I say—Father, save Me from this hour? But that is why I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name!”          John 12:22-28 (HCSB)

Has God ever asked you to do something really hard? Have you tried to not hear it? Rationalize it right out of your thoughts?

Jesus tried to tell his disciples on several occasions that His mission here on earth was not to establish His Kingdom by overthrowing Rome and mounting a throne here on earth. His mission was to die and so establish an eternal, everlasting Kingdom that is not constrained by time or geography. They did not want to hear that. When the day came, they were shocked and struck down in disbelief. For three days they mourned His humiliating death.

It’s much easier to read this account with 2,000 years of hindsight and know that Sunday is coming with an empty tomb and a risen King. I was pretty comfortable in my distant chair, sitting in the sunny day of my perspective – until God brought this scripture into my life – for real.

Six months before my son died, the LORD brought me to this Scripture and told me that James was also going to be “a grain of wheat” that was going to produce “a large crop”. I had always read this scripture and applied it to my life as He was asking me to “die” to myself. That in dying to my way and taking His way, much would be produced in His Kingdom. That being a servant of the Father meant laying aside my life, my wants and instead be obedient to whatever He might ask. Is there any phrase in there that say, “But I will never ask you to give up your own son, Jody.”? No, it doesn’t say that. In fact, it says, “My soul is troubled.” Yeah, my soul was “troubled”, too.

More than seven years later I can say, “Yes, LORD, there has been a ‘large crop’”. The testimonies are given by those of us left behind who have followed an imperfect young man’s example of courage and faith that was promised and fulfilled by the Savior who loved him and walked with him every step of the way. That same Savior showed an imperfect mother how to be there for her son, to hold him but not too tightly, and to pray. Did I pray for James’ healing? Absolutely! Like David, I did not give up the possibility that God might change His mind (2 Samuel 12:22). But I also prayed for God’s blessings of strength, His joy that was not contingent upon circumstances. God was faithful. God was glorified.

This world exists in a finite amount of time. This world has evil and good that are at war with each other. There are no “neutrals” and no “innocent bystanders”. Evil doesn’t fight fair. Jesus came to save me. He came to show me how to fight in this war with the right weapons (2 Corinthians 10:1-6) and the right heart (Philippians 2:1-11). And when my heart is wounded by grief that is ripe and sharp with pain, it is His Spirit that comforts, heals, strengthens; speaking to me and listening to me. God is faithful.

Great is Thy Faithfulness by Thomas O. Chisholm (1923) and William M Runyan, Sung by CeCe Winans 

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True Joy

Posted on March 21, 2012 by Jody Neufeld

[reprinted from March 22, 2010]

One Sunday a few years ago, my pastor asked us this question, “What bring you joy?” He related Webster’s definition as “emotion evoked by well-being, success, good fortune, and the prospect of possessing what one desires.” So just stop a moment and give the first three things that pop in your mind…1) …. 2) … 3) …

The answers from the congregation were varied. “a child’s laughter”, “a hole in one”, several ‘church’ answers like “spending time with Jesus” and “sharing about Jesus”. The list went on for about 5 minutes or so with Pastor encouraging us to give an “Amen” if we also ‘voted’ for an item on the list!

Pastor then shared Hebrews 12 with us. As I have often done with the many wonderful sermons and teachings that I have received from God through others, I want to share the message but I also want to share how the message impacted my spirit as well. So I am going to relate this Scripture as an outline of thoughts to consider:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,
1) let us throw off everything that hinders and

2) [let us throw off] the sin that so easily entangles, and

3) let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

4) Let us fix our eyes on Jesus,
a) the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him
b) endured the cross,
c) scorning its shame,
d) and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.            Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV, my emphasis and formatting)

I am a disciple of Jesus. I am surrounded by many, many other disciples. I ‘hang with’ them! I have their example, support, encouragement – so throw off the ‘junk’ that drags me down and holds me back from what/who is really joy! If something or someone drains the joy out of me or holds me back, entangles me in its tentacles (like an overgrown octopus!), Throw it off! Dump it! And keep going. Keep on the path that God has given me to run. Each of us has a race to run. Each of us has hills and mountains to ‘sweat’ as we climb them and they come at different times. We also have plateaus and slippery slopes. With God’s help, may I run the race like a marathon, never giving up but relying on my ‘coach’ and on the cups of cool water and Gatorade along the way that the Holy Spirit holds out to me.

Jesus is in front of me as I run this race. He is there to be my coach, my cheerleader, my teammate! And here’s where the joy comes in!

Jesus – God in the flesh – went through the suffering, the humiliation, the death – for me – for my sin! And He thought of it – as joy!

“For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.” John 6:38 (NIV)

It is joy to Jesus to be obedient to the Father’s purpose and plan. Jesus receives what He desires – the Father’s “well done”. He knows true joy and that is what He wants for me.

“I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If a man doesn’t remain in me, he is thrown out as a branch, and is withered; and they gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, you will ask whatever you desire, and it will be done for you.

In this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; and so you will be my disciples. Even as the Father has loved me, I also have loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and remain in his love. I have spoken these things to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be made full.” John 15:5-11 (WEB, emphasis mine)

Complete joy, without any lack or end to it, that is what I find when I am obedient to the Father’s will. When I consider Jesus and follow His obedient path to true joy, then I will not become weary and I will not lose heart. Let’s think about that today.

Posted in Hebrews, John | 2 Comments

Restore Me

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Jody Neufeld

Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. 
Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins.
Wash me clean from my guilt.
Purify me from my sin.
For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night.
Against you, and you alone, have I sinned;
I have done what is evil in your sight.
You will be proved right in what you say,
and your judgment against me is just.         Psalm 51:1-4 (NLT)

Lectionary texts: Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33

The lectionary texts this week are AWESOME! I say that because they are about repentance and restoration. Since Adam and Eve’s fall from grace, God has said that His standard is holy but His heart is love. They are not in conflict with each other. It means He has had a plan since the beginning that will bring me back into a “right relationship” with Him.

Psalm 51 is the text that comes to my mind when I hear the Accuser in my head try to convince me that I am dirt and cannot possibly find my way back to that “special” relationship with God. Psalm 51 is a step by step, grace-filled walk back to God.

Step #1: vv 1-5 I am a sinner. No excuses. No justification but Jesus’ perfect sacrifice. I should be punished. Have mercy.

Step #2: vv 6-9 God sees me as I am. He knows me inside and out. Please clean me, LORD. Do not turn away from me.

Step #3: vv 10-12 Restore me, LORD, and bring me into Your presence again. Give me a spirit that is willing to be restored and forgiving of myself.

Step #4: vv 13 Then I am going to tell everyone what You have done!

Step #5: vv 14-17 Show me, LORD, how to praise You to others. Show me how to praise You with a heart that is broken and tender; easily repentant and open to Your way in my life.

Step $6: vv 18-19 And Your Kingdom will be here on earth as it is in heaven.

The steps are all about what the LORD will do and how perfectly He will do it – and all I im-perfectly did was to admit my sin and need for restoration. His love is so great for me – for you.

During His earthly life, He offered prayers and appeals with loud cries and tears to the One who was able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence. Though He was God’s Son, He learned obedience through what He suffered. After He was perfected, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him, and He was declared by God a high priest in the order of Melchizedek.        Hebrews 5:7-10 (HCSB)

It has been God’s desire that His Kingdom would be filled with His people who would be priests, mediators, who would have Him and His Way inside their hearts. Jesus has shown us as our High Priest what obedience means. My life in God’s Kingdom is about showing others about repentance and restoration. What God has done for me, He will do for all who ask and are willing.

Draw near today with an open heart that desires repentance and God will restore you completely and perfectly.

Renew Me by Avalon (2004) 

Posted in Hebrews, Psalms | 1 Comment

Earnestly Call on Him

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Jody Neufeld

But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.      Acts 12:5 (NLT)

Do you have a prayer that you can’t see how there can be a good outcome? I do. Oh, I know that my LORD is big – there is none bigger! In my head, there’s a “But”. I rationalize and say it isn’t God that I doubt but the person I am praying for who will bend to God working in their life.

In this passage in Luke’s letter called Acts, King Herod has just executed James and got such a “positive response” from the people that he decided to imprison Peter. Maybe he’ll execute Peter on the anniversary of Jesus’ death. Herod’s kind of celebration. So Peter is in the bowel of Herod’s dungeon and the Church is on their knees. They have no other options. They had no political favors to call in. They had no SWAT team to go in and get him out. They had prayer.

But Moses begged the Lord his God and said, “Lord, don’t let your anger destroy your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with your great power and strength.”    Exodus 32:11 (NCV)

Do words like “earnestly” and “begged” describe your prayer time? Or do “short” and “polite” come to mind? I am talking about words that describe our hearts. The time that I spend in prayer when tears, pounding my fist, throwing out my hands in surrender is time that I leave with a lighter heart and strengthened resolve. I have gotten real with God. I have released all that is in my flesh so that God can fill me up with His Spirit. If I hold on to my fear, frustration, doubt – then there isn’t room for God’s truth to change my view of the situation.

It’s interesting that Peter who wondered how Jesus could sleep in the boat through a hurricane-like storm now has to be awakened by an angel in order to participate in his prison release. I don’t know what amount of warfare was involved in the angel getting through to Peter, I just know that the angel got through many locked doors and was not slowed by Peter being chained to guards. The chains fell off and Peter walked out.

This lesson in prayer for me doesn’t stop there. I wonder if Peter could hear the prayers as he stepped up to knock on the door of the house.

When she heard Peter’s voice, she was too excited to open the gate. She ran back into the house and said that Peter was standing there.

“You are crazy!” everyone told her. But she kept saying that it was Peter. Then they said, “It must be his angel.” But Peter kept on knocking, until finally they opened the gate. They saw him and were completely amazed.      Acts 12:14-16 (CEV)

I am encouraged as I read this passage that even the “greats” of the 1st century Church struggled to believe that God would answer their prayers. I hurry through the prayers with words that are said while my thoughts are scattered in three or four other directions. I forget that “God answers our prayers better than we pray them” (Henry Neufeld). God doesn’t require that I get dressed up or say only “pretty” words. He doesn’t require that I be ordained or even thought highly by any church leader. God listens – because He loves me.

God isn’t the only one listening, however. Satan isn’t troubled by the number of words that I type in these devotions or when I proof another book as a publisher. But his bony, scaly knees tremble when I bend my knees and stammer my way through a heartfelt prayer. That scumbag will utilize every trick in his arsenal, every lie in his pea-brain to distract me and convince me that my prayers are weak and unimportant.

Jesus covered His words and works in prayer. How many times do I read that He went off to a mountain or withdrew to a quiet place? When time was growing short and the Cross was within His sight, Jesus was praying (John 17, Luke 22). He was praying so earnestly that His sweat was like blood (hematohidrosis).

Let us pray first. When worry or confusion comes to mind, I am turning first to God. When I need advice, I am going to ask my LORD first.

Let us pray without ceasing. God is always available. Day or night or both, I can call on Jesus and lay it all down. Just a continuous conversation.

Let us pray together. When someone calls me, emails me, texts me, sends me a message on Facebook – my first response is to pray. All of these make it possible for me to share that prayer if God says so. Just think of Facebook with prayers instead of Farmville requests!

Call on Jesus by Nicole C. Mullen (2006) 

Posted in Acts, Exodus | Comments Off on Earnestly Call on Him

The Ananias in My Life

Posted on March 16, 2012 by Jody Neufeld

[Ananias said,] “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road you were traveling, has sent me so that you can regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”                  Acts 9:17 (HCSB)

Ananias was a disciple that was called by God in a vision (Acts 9:10) to go to Saul of Tarsus and deliver His message. Ananias probably asked the question that anyone of us who has ever had a vision has asked, “Is this really You, God?”. Ananias is being sent to the most feared man in their immediate world. Saul was known as a hunter and killer of Believers in the Way. Ananias would probably rather hear anyone’s name from God’s lips.

God doesn’t “give up” on people as quickly as most of us do. Jesus is the the One, the only one who gets to pass judgment and dismiss someone and yet it is not uncommon for us to dismiss people, even groups of people, as “unacceptable” to receive our witness. Like Ananias I may think I know all about someone but what I don’t know is about what the Holy Spirit is doing or has done in their life before God sends me to them. To Ananias, Saul was blind. But Saul had spent three days in the presence of the Holy Spirit and it was time for the blind – to see.

Has God given you a “Saul assignment”? Are you trying not to hear His command? Is God asking you to welcome a gay couple who have begun attending your church? Or maybe God tells you to pray, actively pray every day, for someone you know who is – yet again – in rehab for drugs or alcohol.

I have had some people in my life who might have been named “Ananias”. The first one who comes to mind is my mother. I wasn’t an easy child. I always had questions and could rarely take the “easy road” as I grew up. I know that my mother prayed for me every day. When I left the church as a young adult, it must have been very difficult for my mother to trust God to turn that situation around. It wasn’t her nature to try to “argue me into faith” and if she had it probably would have caused me to dig my heels in deeper.

God may call me to speak directly to someone or He may ask me to quietly and steadfastly live my life out in Him before someone. What God does ask me to do is not give up. When other people may dismiss people because “they’re sinners”, “they are gay” or “they are homeless”, God may ask me to call them brother or sister. God will never send me where He hasn’t already been. By the time God sends me to a Saul – who knows what I might find!

This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me [Why?] so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. [Here’s the important part!] Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen.                1 Timothy 1:15-17 (NLT, my emphasis and comments)

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