What if someone turned "You Are My Sunshine" into a minor-keyed song about avoiding your archnemesis? It happened. I share "You Are My Dark Cloud" in this episode. Hope it makes you smile a few times.

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2018 Mike Neifert

Who am I supposed to be? Should I compare myself with others? Those are the questions I consider in this episode which recalls words of encouragement spoken to me over the years and the call of God on my life.

I ran across a meme which spoke shockingly of what those martyred by Paul did when he entered heaven. They didn't do what you think they might have. In the same way, I ponder how I should act toward those who've wronged me.

Peter once asked Jesus, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” (Matthew 18:21) Jesus' reply must've startled the man. “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." (Matthew 18:22) Forgiveness is the duty of every kingdom citizen. In "How Many Times?", a song I wrote after reading this discussion, I remind myself (and others) of that responsibility (and joy) and recall God's repeated forgiveness of my sins.

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2022 Mike Neifert (Inspired by Matthew 18:21-22)

Listening to a perfectly in tune band or orchestra is satisfying. Listening to one which is out of tune...ugh! Watching believers who get along is bliss as well. Being in tune with Jesus and each other blesses others.

I love visiting the clearance aisle at our local grocery story. I find all sorts of good deals on things I might never encounter otherwise. Jesus also "shops" for the discounted, rejected, cast out.

What do you do when confronted about sin? Do you confess it or go into full-fledged denial? David, Israel's singing monarch, after hearing of his guilt from Nathan, God's prophet, repented and pled for mercy. And God granted his plea. Later on, the king penned Psalm 51, a song which pleads for mercy and grace in every verse. It also pleads for joy and gladness. It was these things which inspired, "I Will Be Clean", the song I share with you today. May you experience joy in your salvation as you listen.

I Will Be Clean

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2014 Mike Neifert

I've been an off and on crossword solver for many years. My wife, a year or so back, joined me in working these wordy things. In this episode, I'll tell you how we do things together and talk about how the many members of the church are to work similarly in tandem. (WARNING: There are bad crossword puns at the end.)

A challenging question from Kyle Idleman's book, One at a Time, prompted thoughts about how I do or do not feel compassion for the hurting people around me. In this episode, I answer the question, tell a story of a time when a complete stranger mattered a great deal to me, and let one of Jesus' parables prompt prayer for a more caring heart.

Jesus humbled himself and became a man. That's Christmas. He further humbled himself and died for mankind's sin. That's Good Friday. In this episode, I invite you to humble yourself and follow Jesus every day.