Posts by Dr. John Neufeld
Becoming a Man or Woman of Integrity
Integrity is the harmony between what we believe and what we do. Life may press us to articulate our convictions, but then to act contrary to them. Dr. John looks at David as an example of one with integrity, who not only refused to do what was wrong, but chose to do what was right. A harmony of life needed within our days.
READ MOREFinding God Faithful Where We Might Not Be
Has God ever prevented you from doing something you would regret later? Perhaps in a surge of anger or a hasty decision, God intervenes for good in our lives. God does what is right, even if we are prone not to. Today Dr. John teaches on about David’s interaction with Nabal and Abigail. David had been wronged and was ready to avenge it. God stepped in with wisdom for the greater picture.
READ MORERefusing to Run Ahead of God
The confidence of a warrior is not enough to enable a king. David knew how to fight; he will need to learn how to reign. Dr. John points to God’s care and schooling for David as he ran from Saul. A key lesson was learned in a cave in En Gedi. We learn to wait on God.
READ MOREHanging On When Everything Crumbles
Only the naive think that David was prepared to be king at the defeat of Goliath. David demonstrated great courage and faith, but there was much in him that needed to be addressed by the grace of God. Dr. John teaches that the path towards glory is marked by suffering. God’s intent is not pain, but purification. He shaped David for His purposes, even as he shapes us too.
READ MORELearning Faithfulness When It’s Not Ideal
Faithfulness is not a single step. It is a journey of many steps, one after the other in the same direction. Before David would be king of Israel, there were countless faithful steps he had to take. His path would face opposition, treachery and temptation. Listen as Dr. John points to the faithfulness of David despite great struggle. We can take courage in our own journey and trust the power of God for each step.
READ MORELearning You Cannot Fight Alone
David went from being an obscure shepherd boy to Israel’s hero. He was elevated, applauded and sung about. How did a young boy navigate the rapids of fame? Today Dr. John points to a gift that God provided for David; a friend. Jonathan and David were bound by heart. This friendship did more than help David understand the royal court. It helped stabilize David in the crush of popularity. Everyone needs a friend.
READ MORELearning to Fight in Your Own Armour
It was over in an instant. The battle between David and Goliath lasted as long as the flight of a stone. David faced Goliath with the tools of a shepherd and had the experience of defending his flock from a bear and lion. Dr. John reminds us that we answer the calling of God with the shaping and resources of God. God had prepared David for this moment. God is preparing you for His purpose as well.
READ MORELearning to Have Courage and Confidence in God
The fact that we all have a calling from God doesn’t suggest that everyone responds well to it. Rising to the call of God requires courage – but a specific kind of courage. Listen as Dr. John speaks of David and Goliath. You will note that while David had personal courage, it did not rest upon his ability, experience or equipment. David’s confidence was in God.
READ MOREGod Chooses Our Calling
We are not self-made, but shaped. We are not self-directed, but guided. Believers do not craft their own calling, but respond to the Voice and Hand of God. We see in David’s life, not only that God had a calling for him, but the way David discerned and answered that call. David’s pattern becomes a template for us all.
READ MOREGod Chooses Our Times and Circumstances
The place and purpose of David within the Scriptures cannot be overstated. He is the epitome of Monarchs in the Old Testament and the foreshadow of Messianic reign in the New Testament. Mores so, David’s life is evidence that God has purpose for us all. Listen as Dr. John begins to trace the intent of God through David’s life. It gives hope and meaning for us as well. We may not rise to the heights of David, but our lives in God’s Hands have purpose.
READ MORE