Working in Jesus’ Clinic

Posted on April 11, 2011 by Jody Neufeld

As Jesus passed by from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax collection office. He said to him, “Follow me.” He got up and followed him. It happened as he sat in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw it, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

When Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do. But you go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Matthew 9:9-13 (WEB)

I see myself as a disciple of Jesus. I am not just a believer. I made the decision in 1995 to not only believe in Jesus as Savior and Lord but to follow Him and live my life by His example.

I admit that there was a time in my life about a few years ago when I had decided that being a ‘disciple’ had too high a cost. I was on a mission trip in Hungary and while there my youngest son’s cancer reoccurred. For 10 days I ‘wrestled’ with God about this question of cost. I came out of that time knowing that the cost was high to be His disciple. But the cost of not being His disciple was even higher. Not having an intimate relationship with Him, for me, meant that I would be confused and beat up and have no clue of ‘why’ or assurance that He cared. I needed His outpouring of faith. So I walked on.

Jesus’ statement of about the healthy and the sick and the righteous and the sinners is found not only in Matthew but in Mark and Luke also. But Matthew is the only one that mentions the prophet Hosea’s words about desiring mercy not sacrifice.

I believe this is why God led me to this Scripture today. I know a young man who has struggled with his relationship with God. He wants very much to be a disciple and walk the path behind Jesus but over and over he stumbles and falls off the path for months, a few years. He feels such guilt. His guilt is not unfounded and I have heard several well-meaning Christians say that they have no more patience with him. “Let’s wait until he is ready to be serious!” I admit that I, too, like people who are hungry for God and excited to be in Bible study and come to worship every Sunday and Wednesdays in-between. But I wouldn’t want to put my spiritual life up for that kind scrutiny for the last 15+ years.

Jesus’ statement to the Pharisees doesn’t sound to me like a mandate about just salvation. He doesn’t say that people are ‘dying’. He says they are ‘sick’. Their spiritual life is not healthy like He, the Great Physician, desires it to be. It is out of ‘sync’ or ‘sick’ – not dead. There is hope for Godly spiritual health as far as Jesus is concerned. And who am I to say different?

Jesus told me to “Go and make disciples”. He didn’t say it would be easy. He didn’t say they would all be healthy students. He didn’t even say that they would all accept the prescribed ‘treatment’. They might get sicker before they got better and they may even ‘relapse’.

Jesus came to call those who are sick and are sinners. He came to call me. And as His disciple I am here for the sick and the sinners. Jesus is here for me and all my flaws. “Go and do likewise, Jody!” He says.

“I’m following You, Jesus!”

 

 

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The Point – Out of Context

Posted on April 8, 2011 by Jody Neufeld

He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth.
Like a lamb led to the slaughter and like a sheep silent before her shearers, He did not open His mouth.          Isaiah 53:7 (HCSB)

Church signs have become interesting to me. Sometimes in a good way (clever, not puns) and sometimes not so good. (I will let you decide the definition of that.) Often a Scripture reference is made and often, while a point is attempted, the passage that is to support the point is out of context. For example, if a sign is quoting anywhere in Job 4 – 37 as an encouragement of what to do, chances are it’s out of context as Job and friends are talking out the top of their heads. In chapter 38, God essentially tells them to “Shut up!”.

There is a billboard here in my town that says, “Are we like silent sheep? Isaiah 53:7”. Hmmm. Now I assume the person/organization that put it up there is making some political statement. Maybe we should not just let Congress make decisions we oppose and not write/call our representatives. I guess that’s the point. But Isaiah 53:7 is actually a prophecy about Jesus and Him as the “suffering servant”. I would take that to mean that, yes, I am to follow Jesus’ example as a servant. I want to put one of those plain black billboards with the white print next to this one: “The best Bible version is the one you read!” – Henry Neufeld

God has really, consistently encouraged me to read, study, His Word. The wisdom that He will give is not just about “Holy things” or philosophy but His Spirit brings wisdom into my daily, moment-to-moment life. When I am discussing a situation with my spouse, child, or friend, do I quote some self-help writer, or do I look at what God says? I challenge you to find a subject that God hasn’t covered. If I want to know the best answer, I need to go to the Creator, my LORD.

Psalm 119

Happy are those who keep His decrees and seek Him with all their heart. v. 2 (HCSB)

Young people can live a clean life by obeying your word. v. 9 (CEV)

Open my mind and let me discover the wonders of your Law. v. 18 (CEV)

Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. v. 49 (NIV)

LORD, Your word is forever; it is firmly fixed in heaven. Your faithfulness is for all generations; You established the earth, and it stands firm. vv. 89-90 (HCSB)

Please, LORD, hear my prayer and give me the understanding that comes from your word. v. 169 (CEV)

I know this is the longest chapter in the Bible. But it just might be an unexpected blessing to read Psalm 119 this weekend.

 

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The sometimes uncomfortable Way

Posted on April 7, 2011 by Jody Neufeld

After these events, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield; your reward will be very great. Genesis 15:1 (HCSB)

The LORD answered me: Write down this vision; clearly inscribe it on tablets so one may easily read it. For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it testifies about the end and will not lie. Though it delays, wait for it, since it will certainly come and not be late. Habakkuk 2:2-3 (HCSB)

Visions. Dreams. Revelation from the Lord. What is the most comfortable way to receive a message , a truth from the Lord? I don’t know if ‘comfortable’ is the right word but I ask myself that question and I don’t know if I know the answer.

In some ways, hearing a ‘revealing word’ from an authoritative speaker from the pulpit is good. There’s a certain expectation of integrity and anointing from God. A speaker says that God spoke to him/her and I take that and line it up with the rest of his/her sermon or teaching and then weigh it with God’s Word as I know it from the Bible and I feel a certain level of confidence in that test.

But then there is the same type of speaker and instead of a generic statement that “God spoke to me” I am told that the person had a dream or a vision. Now that brings in an element of ‘fanciful’. What is real and what is imagined? Is that any different from listening to someone say they hear voices?

Maybe that is the reason behind many who say that “these kinds of things don’t happen any more”. Visions and dreams, prophetic words, miracle healings that defy medical science are ‘messy’ and ‘untidy’ in the Church. All the loose ends of the words or events do not neatly connect together. The Pharisees became angry that Jesus healed on the Sabbath partly because they could not explain the manifestation of the miracle so they ‘got crazy’ about what they could point their fingers.

This disciple is the one who told all of this. He wrote it, and we know he is telling the truth. Jesus did many other things. If they were all written in books, I don’t suppose there would be room enough in the whole world for all the books. John 21:24-25 (CEV)

John would probably still be isolated on an island if he were a member of our church today. His preaching on Jesus’ life and recounting of his visions would have many church leaders making sure that he did not get an opportunity to speak or teach again. He would be seen as a ‘loose cannon’. Fortunately, it is not their opinion of John’s spiritual life that counts.

Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.                     3 John 11 (HCSB)

Whether teachings, Word from God, sermons, visions, or dreams, all can and should be checked for the fruit that they produce; fruit like Jesus produced. They should always point to and glorify God. It is always about building up the Body of Christ and His Kingdom.

 

 

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Here’s the Path…

Posted on April 6, 2011 by Jody Neufeld

Some of you accuse others of doing wrong. But there is no excuse for what you do. When you judge others, you condemn yourselves, because you are guilty of doing the very same things. We know that God is right to judge everyone who behaves in this way. Do you really think God won’t punish you, when you behave exactly like the people you accuse? You surely don’t think much of God’s wonderful goodness or of his patience and willingness to put up with you. Don’t you know that the reason God is good to you is because he wants you to turn to him?

But you are stubborn and refuse to turn to God. So you are making things even worse for yourselves on that day when he will show how angry he is and will judge the world with fairness. God will reward each of us for what we have done. He will give eternal life to everyone who has patiently done what is good in the hope of receiving glory, honor, and life that lasts forever. But he will show how angry and furious he can be with every selfish person who rejects the truth and wants to do evil. All who are wicked will be punished with trouble and suffering. It doesn’t matter if they are Jews or Gentiles. But all who do right will be rewarded with glory, honor, and peace, whether they are Jews or Gentiles. God doesn’t have any favorites! Romans 2:1-11 (CEV)

That first sentence is a ‘toe-stomper’, isn’t it? Part of the growing in my spiritual life is the recognition of my sinfulness. On that hot July night when I gave myself to God and decided to hold nothing back, I began my journey of repentance. I began turning away from the path I had been leading. I began to follow Jesus’ example. And unfortunately, I also began to recognize my shortcomings in others. I quickly found out that judging them could make me more comfortable because I wasn’t looking at myself so much! God already knew that would be a problem and so He wrote Scriptures like this.

God does not ‘wink’ at my sins when I do not repent. He doesn’t let my sins ‘slide by’ just because He loves me. In fact, because He loves me, like any good parent, He shows me that there are consequences for my actions. I learn through His discipline. So what about “that day” Paul says will come with God’s great anger and judgment ?

Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, “Go, pour out the seven bowls of God’s wrath on the earth.”…

Then I heard a loud voice from the sanctuary saying to the seven angels, “Go and pour out the seven bowls of God’s wrath on the earth.”…

Then the seventh poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the sanctuary, from the throne, saying, “It is done!” There were lightnings, rumblings, and thunders. And a severe earthquake occurred like no other since man has been on the earth—so great was the quake.                                         Revelation 16:1, 17-18 (HCSB)

We have seen the devastation of earthquakes and tsunamis and yet here, John tells us that the wrath of God will produce an earthquake of unspeakable horror. God does not ‘wink’ at our sins. God shows me His love and His desire that I repent! He doesn’t want me to be severely punished. He ‘woos’ me with loving kindness! And tells me to do the same. It is with kindness that my heart is broken for God and I fall to my knees asking forgiveness.

Be true to your name, LORD, by forgiving each one of my terrible sins.

You will show the right path to all who worship you.

They will have plenty, and then their children will receive the land.

Our LORD, you are the friend of your worshipers, and you make an agreement with all of us.

I always look to you, because you rescue me from every trap.

I am lonely and troubled. Show that you care and have pity on me.

My awful worries keep growing. Rescue me from sadness.

See my troubles and misery and forgive my sins. Psalm 25:11-18 (CEV)

As God has been gracious and drawn me with loving-kindness to repentance so may I show that same path to everyone I meet. Let the repentance begin with me and the loving-kindness stay with me.

 

 

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How Do I Spend my Time?

Posted on April 5, 2011 by Jody Neufeld

Dear friends, keep building on the foundation of your most holy faith, as the Holy Spirit helps you to pray.           Jude 20 (CEV)

Jude wrote a letter that the Bible originators put into 25 verses. That’s it. No multiple chapters. 25 verses. When you have something to say that God has given you it doesn’t always have to take many words to say it! So Jude says I am to “build myself UP”. How do I do that?

A word spoken at the right time is like golden apples on a silver tray.

A wise correction to a receptive ear is like a gold ring or an ornament of gold. Proverbs 25:11-12 (HCSB)

God’s words are gold. Songs of worship to God are gold. Fellowship with others who have their eyes on God, not themselves, is nourishing to my spirit. I am built up!

Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute! Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Philippians 4:4-7 (The Message)

When I come to Jesus to spend time with Him – He is always awake and alert! Have you ever come to Jesus and heard Him say, “Jody, now is not a good time. Come back later. I’m busy. I have too many people asking for my time right now.” No! Jesus is always ready to talk and always ready to encourage me!

Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. 9You know the teachings I gave you, and you know what you heard me say and saw me do. So follow my example. And God, who gives peace, will be with you.                          Philippians 4:8-9 (CEV)

It seems to me that if I spend an hour watching the world’s news then to balance that out I need to spend two hours with God. If I spend my work day hearing the complaints and grousing of others – then I need to make sure that my car is equipped with praise and worship CDs. And when I get home – realize that my spouse and children have also been in the mud of the world so let’s put the worship music on at home and speak in joy with one another. It’s a choice to tear down or build up.

[Jesus said,] “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of Mine and doesn’t act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, the rivers rose, the winds blew and pounded that house, and it collapsed. And its collapse was great!”                          Matthew 7:24-27 (HCSB)

I want my life built on the Rock of Jesus Christ. So I need to spend my time wisely every day with Him and use His words as the foundation for each and every day.

Posted in Jude, Matthew, Philippians, Proverbs | Comments Off on How Do I Spend my Time?

Unanswered Prayers

Posted on April 4, 2011 by Jody Neufeld

My God, my God, why have you deserted me?

Why are you so far away? Won’t you listen to my groans and come to my rescue? I cry out day and night, but you don’t answer, and I can never rest.         Psalm 22:1-2 (CEV)

I believe that God always answers. I believe that my perception of no answer IS an answer. There are times that God is silent.

I have had very difficult seasons in my life. Frankly, it seemed to become more difficult after I made my commitment to follow Jesus Christ! My father died. My husband told me he wanted to divorce. My youngest child was diagnosed with cancer. I committed my life to Jesus and all hell broke loose! I’ve heard other people share similar stories.

Have you ever cried out to God – and cried out to God – for days, weeks, months, years – and heard nothing? What is God saying when He is not speaking? Couldn’t He say, “Wait” or “No”?

Jesus answered: “Don’t let anyone fool you. Many will come and claim to be me. They will say that they are the Messiah, and they will fool many people. You will soon hear about wars and threats of wars, but don’t be afraid. These things will have to happen first, but that isn’t the end.”            Matthew 24:4-6 (CEV)

Jesus warns us here and in John 16 that there will be a time when the world and events become our worse nightmare. Today, in 2011, we may think we are seeing some of the beginnings of that time. Multiple disasters of nature, multiple wars, violent crime escalating, and churches bickering, back-biting, and refusing to work together for God’s Kingdom. Yes, it seems bad. But I believe it is going to get much worse. We must learn to walk in faith in Jesus and His plan, not by what we see with our eyes. Jesus is teaching me how to grow spiritual muscle.

Jesus knew that Lazarus was sick with an illness that could kill him. He waited another two days before going to Bethany (John 11). Instead of healing a man, Jesus chose to raise him from the dead. Faith.

Jesus sent his disciples out in the boat alone. Storms comes up then Jesus walked out to them. In both Matthew 14 and Luke 8, Jesus does not prevent the storms but instead allows the frightening events to occur and then comes. Faith.

And then there are the times in my life when I begged God to give me what I wanted and heard nothing. As days became months, I learned that what I thought was essential was wrong for me. God had saved me from myself. He had a better vision and plan for my life. Faith.

Garth Brooks recorded a song a few years ago about learning how God did not answer his prayer. It’s a good way to take some time today to thank Jesus for His mercy and great love for me that He would not answer a “my way” prayer and, instead, answer me in His best way. My faith is growing!

Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers.

Remember when you’re talkin’ to the Man upstairs,

That just because He doesn’t answer

Doesn’t mean He don’t care.

Some of God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.

(Chorus, Unanswered Prayers. Garth Brooks. No Fences album. 2000)

Posted in Matthew, Psalms | Comments Off on Unanswered Prayers

The Measure of a Woman (Man)

Posted on April 1, 2011 by Jody Neufeld

I waited patiently for Yahweh. He turned to me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay. He set my feet on a rock, and gave me a firm place to stand. He has put a new song in my mouth, even praise to our God. Many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in Yahweh. Blessed is the man who makes Yahweh his trust, doesn’t respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. Psalm 40:1-4 (WEB)

This world and its priorities are so distorted and confusing and yet it is the world that I must live in. And God is the only one who is able to successfully guide me through the maze.

The world says my success is measured by money; the accumulation of it and how I am able to use it with power to manipulate people and situations in my life. I can even hire lawyers to free me from poor choices and outright illegal acts! I can hire people to raise my children and send them to the best schools to learn right from wrong.

The world also says that success comes from within me. If I spend time thinking about myself and keep myself centered on what makes me feel good, what will move me ahead to achieve praise for me, and think well of myself then I will rise to the height of the expectations of they (whoever they are). I should rely only on myself.

It’s taken me more than a few years but I’ve figured out that I am not able to meet the expectations of this world. And so when this revelation came to me, I began looking for another answer. It took awhile but I chose God. (Actually, He had been looking for me and waiting for me to ‘come home’.)

Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have lifted up my hand to Yahweh, God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth,…                   Genesis 14:22 (WEB)

Choosing to put my trust in the One who created all that I know is the best place to put my #1 priority ‘chips’ in this game of life.

He has shown you, O man, what is good.

What does Yahweh require of you, but to act justly,

to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?     Micah 6:8 (WEB)

This is God’s way of measuring my success. God says that my power comes from my weakness and love and humble heart that gives all the praise for whatever good that I do – to Him.

Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. A second likewise is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.”           Matthew 22:37-39 (WEB)

With these two commands I have the benchmark for my life. I have the standard for every decision that I make. I have the focus for my life.

Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect; but I press on, if it is so that I may take hold of that for which also I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus. Brothers, I don’t regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one thing I do. Forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14 (WEB)

I live as an alien in this world. I am not at home here. I may never be seen as a success in the eyes of this world. But I am a child of The King and He thinks I am awesome because I am His! His opinion is the only one that counts in my eternal life!

 

 

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Lion Up!

Posted on March 31, 2011 by Jody Neufeld

So I ask you to make full use of the gift that God gave you when I placed my hands on you. Use it well. God’s Spirit doesn’t make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control. Don’t be ashamed to speak for our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, just because I am in jail for serving him. Use the power that comes from God and join with me in suffering for telling the good news. God saved us and chose us to be his holy people. We did nothing to deserve this, but God planned it because he is so kind. Even before time began God planned for Christ Jesus to show kindness to us.                 2 Timothy 1:6-9 (CEV)

I just finished reading J. Lee Grady’s article, “Where is the Roar of the Real Men of God?”. Here is an exerpt:

It’s time for God’s lions to come out of their cages of shame, defeat, condemnation and addiction. There is a new move of God stirring among men in this country—but it is not about “taking charge” or throwing their testosterone around. It is about reflecting the full nature of Christ—humility, compassion, integrity, gentleness and strength—and passing it on, as fathers, to those we are called to mentor and disciple. – J. Lee Grady (Contributing Editor, Charisma

I hope you will take time to read the entire offering and consider subscribing to his RSS feed. I find what he writes to be sometimes encouraging but always thought provoking and challenging.

I certainly do pray that more men will make the decision to put their relationship with God as #1 in life. However, I also heard and received Mr. Grady’s exhortation to release the Lion that has lived inside me since I made my commitment to Christ.

Too often I have a laundry list (what is a laundry list exactly besides long?) of excuses that keep me from outright sharing of the Good News. I don’t believe that I have to stand on a table at McDonald’s in order to obediently share the Gospel but that said, I also know that I have felt the nudge of the Holy Spirit to speak – and I don’t.

I am currently proofing a new book for the publishing company that I am in partnership with my husband. Rite of Passage (by D. Kevin Brown) has really found its way under that pretty, well-constructed wall of knowledge that I have from years of working with and loving people in their discipleship. The focus of his writing is the growing of teens and young adults into mature, strong disciples of Jesus Christ. I have examined my own life as a parent. In what areas was I a wimp? I have to be honest and say that my expectations for my children and their education was much higher than my expectations of their spiritual life. That is sad. I allowed my priorities for my children to be in the world instead of in Christ. I will continue to walk my life openly in front of them, praying that they will see the failures and victories and the importance of God in my life.

It may be a bit late in life but I am claiming and releasing the ROAR of the Lion of Judah in my life!

 

 


 

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Listen Up!

Posted on March 30, 2011 by Jody Neufeld

That winter, Jesus was in Jerusalem for the Temple Festival. One day he was walking in that part of the temple known as Solomon’s Porch, and the people gathered all around him. They said, “How long are you going to keep us guessing? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly!”

Jesus answered, “I have told you, and you refused to believe me. The things I do by my Father’s authority show who I am. But since you are not my sheep, you don’t believe me. My sheep know my voice, and I know them. They follow me, and I give them eternal life, so that they will never be lost. No one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father gave them to me, and he is greater than all others. No one can snatch them from his hands, and I am one with the Father.”      John 10:22-30 (CEV)

“Tell me, Lord!” How often have I cried out to God to answer my questions and tell me “plainly”?! Sometimes it is one of life’s tough questions about right and wrong. Maybe it is a question of which way to go in my life – left or right, stop or go. Maybe my question is simple: Why did this happen or turn out this way? The answers can be very complicated.

In this Scripture from John’s gospel, the Pharisees are asking that Jesus identify Himself. Of course, we know that Jesus has answered that question many times through what He preaches and what He does. We have the hindsight of 2,000 years. But the Pharisees do not want to hear it! Matthew tells us in his Gospel that when Jesus tells the High Priest and other leadership that He is the Son of God, they tear their robes and basically – go ballistic! (Matthew 26:64-65) They still don’t believe what Jesus says and only look for the answer that they want to hear. They are not open to God’s voice. They only want to hear their own.

Jesus speaks to me. I am of His flock. I spend time with Him so that I will know His voice. If I spend time with Him every day, I will become so familiar with His voice that I know God’s voice and His ways. I can identify who is speaking to me not only by how He sounds but also by what He says. God does not contradict Himself. What He says to me today will line up with what He said yesterday and 2000 years ago. God’s Holy Spirit that moved over the water in Genesis 1:2 is the same Spirit that speaks to my spirit. Am I willing to open my spirit to hear what God has to say in encouragement, in discipline and correction? Am I willing?

[Jesus said,] “If you have ears, pay attention!” Matthew 11:15 (CEV)

[Jesus said,] “If you have ears, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.”      Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29, 3:6, 13, 22

If Jesus says basically the same thing – EIGHT TIMES – maybe it is important! If I have ears to hear what God wants to say to me – then I am listening ‘rightly’. To paraphrase Rev. Steve Hill, God will often have wonderful ‘Twinkie-tasting’ messages to say to me. But sometimes the messages will taste more like brussel sprouts! I need to have open ears to hear both!

 

 

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How to Grow Trust

Posted on March 29, 2011 by Jody Neufeld

A story is told about Oliver Cromwell, a 17th century politician and military leader, who ruled England, Scotland, and Ireland for a short time as a republic. He and his man servant were spending the night at an inn. Cromwell, burdened by many events and decisions was unable to sleep. He finally got up and lit a candle and buried his face in his hands. “What am I going to do?”

“If I may ask, sir,” said his servant, “do you believe that God created and has cared for you and this world since before you were born?”

“Of course,” said Cromwell.

“And will God care for this world after you are dead and gone from this earth?” asked the servant.

“Yes.” said Cromwell.

“Then why not let Him handle the present, too, sir.”

God has repeatedly told us that He is our loving Father and has and always will care for us. There is no other who can defeat Him and “get to us”. I believe the primary reason we misplace that reassurance is that we spend too much time listening to the world, its media, and my own flesh. I do not spend enough time listening to the Truth.

God said that He was the I AM (Exodus 3:14). He was, is, and always will be.

God said again that He is the I AM who is first and last and apart from Him there is no other god (Isaiah 44:6).

God promised that before I can call for Him, He will answer, and while I am still talking, He hears me (Isaiah 65:24).

God said that He will clean me up with His water and take out my stoney heart and give me a heart that His Spirit can mold with His teaching (Ezekiel 36:25-27).

Jesus said that if I am weary and feel weighed down by the cares, come to Him and He will give me rest and if I connect with Him, I will find the yoke easy (Matthew 11:28-30).

Jesus said that to have the promise of eternal life is not something I can find with my works or in anything that I do; it is only possible – all things are possible – with God (Mark 10:27).

Jesus said that if I acknowledge Him, He will acknowledge me on the most important Day of my life (Luke 12:8-10) and not to worry when I am to speak before the Church or authorities to defend myself because His Spirit will tell me what to say (Luke 12:11-12).

Jesus said, on His way to the Cross, not to be troubled or worried, but to trust God – also trust Him (John 14:1).

There isn’t enough space and time today to begin to give a list that even begins to voice the many promises and assurances of God to me. I hope that these few that I have written will inspire or peak your desire to begin reading Isaiah or Luke or John. Read one or two chapters a day and allow the words of God to marinate your heart and spirit so that you walk through your day steeped in the fragrance that makes you salivate for God.

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will not be hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.”                John 6:35 (WEB)

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