Titus 2 Men And Women

Thirt-five plus years ago a dear friend strongly advised me to never put God in a little black box.  Her explanation of this truth made such an impression on my heart that I have never forgotten where we were sitting, what time of year it was, and who was in the fellowship hall with us. This seemingly simple truth has kept my vision right in many trials. I have passed this wisdom on to many people through the years and always I have gotten a positive reaction.

Recently I have found Teddi Neevel after our paths separated many years ago. She is, as she always was, a dear friend. Twenty-five years ago she was a mentor to me as a young Christian a mentor and a friend. When I thanked her for her teaching on this subject and told her what a profound influence it has had on my life I also asked her to write us an article. I hope the truth makes a lasting impression on your life as it did mine. 

--- Sharon

"WHAT SIZE BLACK BOX DOES GOD FIT INTO"

Mrs. Teddi Neevel

Now, I'm certain that some of you have just decided there is a crazy woman at this site. You think no one can put God into a box, but I would really like you to continue reading. God impressed this concept on me about twenty-five years ago and it changed my attitude and life.

Many fundamental Christians try so hard to set themselves apart, not only from the world but also by denomination, that I believe they limit God and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Have you ever heard a preacher or teacher say, "Jesus or the apostles cast out demons, or saw visions, or healed the sick, or any other miracle. But that doesn't work anymore,"? Of course you have!

When I hear a speaker say God always, God only, God wouldn't and God never, I cringe. I do not believe these words stand the litmus test of the Bible.

How can I, as the created, put limits of always, only, wouldn't and never on God the omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent Creator? What god is able to do in our lives is only limited by what we believe He can do.

 One of the first times I saw God miraculously provide was when I was in the seventh grade. My family was going through a very hard time financially. Our ranch was failing and there was no extra money. My oldest brother, Dave, had just graduated from high school and was going to go to Bible College.

Now, Dave was 6'6" tall and wore a size 15 shoe. He had a couple of pairs of blue jeans, some shirts, a pair of tennis shoes and a pair of boots. For Bible College, he needed dress shirts, dress trousers, dress shoes and socks, suits and ties. As Dave worked that summer to make money to go to college, the family prayed that God would supply the clothes.

The week before Dave was to leave for college; the family came home from church and found several large boxes on the porch. There was a note attached that stated: "Please don't be offended. I was told you have a big son. I hope he will be able to use these clothes. My husband passed away and these are too good to throw away." The note was unsigned. We never knew whom the Lord used to provide.

Some items had never been worn. Everything was in style and everything fit as though it had been tailor made for Dave.

In the Bible, Moses smote the rock and it brought forth water. Noah built the ark before a drop of rain ever fell. Balaam listened to his donkey talk. Rahab believed the children of Israel would conquer a walled city. Peter walked on water. The widow had an oil bottle that never got empty. Sampson sinned yet believed that God would restore his strength and give Him victory. Sarah conceived when she was over 90 years old. Blind eyes saw, deaf ears heard, lame legs walked. The list just goes on and on.

All of these miracles had one thing in common; the recipients believed God!

In Matthew 13:58 we read "And he (Jesus) did not mighty works there because of their unbelief". Our unbelief is the one thing that will stifle the work of God.

Let me close with these thoughts: Psalm 66:18 "If I regard iniquity n my heart, the Lord will not hear me". Do you have unconfessed sin in your life?

I John 5:14 "This is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us". Do you desire God's will in all things in your life?

Matthew 21:22 "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive". Have you prayed about it and do you really believe God will answer in his will?

Open the black box of doubt and unbelief. Let God show you his power to forgive, heal, provide and restore. He desires to do might things in and through each of you.

Because of Calvary, 
Teddi Neevel

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