PocketNeif Podcast

I fell last week while running in the dark. The street tripped me up. This event led to some thinking about causing others to stumble.

While visiting a church in Hawaii recently, I gained perspective on troubles which arise during ministry. Perhaps you'll be encouraged as you learn about faith vitamins as well.

A simple question asked by a hiker on a steep and slippery trail led to thoughts about the struggles we face in life as we follow Christ.

I have a file in a cabinet in my office labeled, Encouragement. I pulled it out today and read some of what I'd squirreled away. I was...encouraging.

The heavens above Kansas (and everywhere else, I suppose) declare God's glory. Thinking on God's might and beauty displayed in the giant blue dome over my state, I wrote this song of praise to God as a thank offering for what I see of him every time I step outside. Kansas Skies Shout Verse 1: Storm clouds racing ‘bove golden grain Winds start blowing and then comes rain Thunder rolling, li...

Do you like organ music? Some do. Some don't. Whether you do or not, you might miss out on something special if you write off all organ music without giving it a listen. In the same way, you might miss out on something God has to say if you click away from a message just because you don't like the delivery.

My wife and I and some of her friends climbed a bit in the arid climes of Scottsdale, Arizona, recently. Hiking in the desert requires water - lots of it! Some of our crew didn't bring enough. We shared. Afterward, I had a few thoughts about how the church is at its best when believers bear each other's burdens.

How long can a typo in a church bulletin go undetected? How long will you hang on to your sin habits while Jesus offers freedom? If you don't repaint - oops! repent - you'll never know how good God's ways can be.

We recognize the style of certain architects if we're paying attention. My wife and I can spot a Frank Lloyd Wright creation from a mile away. Do you see God in what he's made?

God is worthy of honor and praise. Glory is due his name. I hope the song based on Psalm 66's first verses which I present today will cause you to make God's praise glorious. Make His Praise Glorious (Psalm 66) Intro/Bridge: Make His praise glorious! Make His praise glorious! Make His praise glorious, all the earth. Verse 1: Shout for joy to your God, all the earth! Sing the glory of His n...

What do you do while waiting and watching for Jesus' return? That question came up recently. I found answers in Jesus' words to his disciples in Luke 12.

Keeping the main thing the main thing in our life with Jesus can be difficult. We tend to think what we do is more important than who (or whose) we are.

I got to hand out special awards to two of my cross country runners. The story of how I got the plaques in hand before the awards night is pretty cool. It reminds me of the way God answers prayer.

Can "rivals" get along? Be respectful? Compete without ill-will? I certainly hope they can do so when they're part of the kingdom of God.

Psalm 29 inspired the song I share today. It speaks of the greatness of God's voice and, if heard with a willing heart, inspires obedience. The Voice of the Lord (Psalm 29) Verse 1: The voice of the Lord shouts over the waters; The voice of the Lord thunders like the sea. The voice of the Lord breaks mighty cedars; The voice of the Lord lays bare each tree. Chorus: Glory, glory, glory, glory,...

I check the hourly forecast for the coming day every night before heading to bed. I want to know what I'll likely face on my morning run. Sometimes, I forget what I've read and am not prepared. God's word calls on us to be ready for what's to come. He gives us predictions of what's ahead. Will we heed his warnings?

The history behind the setting of the date of Easter each year is a bit sketchy. Learn more about what happened in 325AD and hear what God's word says about the ugly stuff behind the decision made by the "church" at that time.

Paul Johnson is running across the United States right now. He's knocking out 60-65 mile days. I got to "run" with him one day. I've been following his progress since then. I've learned a few things about how others feel about his run. Some have been less than happy with the decisions Paul has made. He keeps moving forward.

The song I share in this episode is an expression of my gratitude to God for sending his Son to sent me free. I am filled with joy when I think of the freedom I have in Christ. My hope is you will give thanks for freedom in Jesus as you listen. For Freedom Intro-Bridge: Freedom, freedom, there is freedom, Freedom in Christ. Verse 1: Jesus set prisoners free. Abolished slavery. Ended our captivity....

We are tested each day in much the same way Adam and Eve were by the serpent in the Garden. We can choose our own way or God's. Obedience to our Maker brings life. Disobedience results in death.

I love hiking and making trails easier to manage for others. I think God enjoys clearing paths for his people, too.

We have differing tastes in all kinds of things - coffee, TV shows, football teams, music. What happens when we're adamant about making our preferred tastes the only acceptable ones?

It's Leap Day! Time for some thoughts on leaping for joy inspired by a particular story in Acts 3.

The story behind the praise song I'm sharing today is kind of sketchy. Not at all spiritual. Still, the words, inspired by Isaiah 40:28-31 are encouraging to those who are weak or weary. Do You Know? Verse 1: Do you know? Have you heard? The everlasting God does not grow weary Do you know? Have you heard? The Creator of the ends of the earth will not grow tired. He gives strength, strength to...

Pastors need care. It's true. Could God use you to bless your pastor in some way? It's a topic I felt need to be addressed. Hope you're challenged to act in the power of the Spirit on behalf of the person who brings you God's word and blesses you by service.