Shows
PocketNeif PodcastTo Him Who Is Able (Ep 296)What is God capable of? More than we could ever ask or imagine. That's what Paul said in Ephesians 3:20-21. This song, based on the words of these verses, is encouragement for the church to trust God's power for us.To Him Who Is AbleVerse:Now to him who is able To do immeasurably moreNow to him who is able To do far more than we askOr even imagine in this worldTo him be glory in the church
2025-11-2105 minPocketNeif PodcastReturn to Me (Ep 280)About 11 years ago, I wrote a short chorus inviting sinners to return to God. I wrote it from God's perspective, so it felt like a person plea for repentance. I recorded my original idea, then forgot about the project. A week or two ago, I found the original work and finished writing Return to Me, O Sinner. I pray it will encourage you to turn to God and find freedom.Return to Me, O SinnerVerse 1: Return to me, O Sinner. Leave behind your sin. I will pardon. I will love. My anger...
2025-08-0106 minPocketNeif PodcastThe Lord Is My Shepherd (Ep 275)I've been preaching from the Psalms over the past few weeks and sharing songs inspired by several of these Hebrew poems. When it came time to focus on Psalm 23, I decided to write a song which would reflect the joy and refreshment David wanted his hearers to experience as they heard his comforting psalm. I pray The Lord Is My Shepherd will bring your into God's loving and caring presence.The Lord is My ShepherdVerse 1:The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing good.I lie in green pastures; I drink...
2025-06-2705 minPocketNeif PodcastGracious God (Ep 270)What words best describe God? David, the author of Psalm 86 which inspired the song I share today, and many others would shout their answer, "Gracious!" God is gracious, slow to anger, full of love. Gracious God, which I wrote earlier this year, gives God glory for his compassion and mercy. I trust you will grow in your love for him as you listen.Gracious GodYou are a gracious God, slow to anger, full of love.Your faithfulness endures forever (and ever).Your heart is merciful; your strength beyond compare.Your people...
2025-05-2307 minPocketNeif PodcastWe Need Joy (Ep 266)A new-to-me custom, hand-crafted ukulele from Hawaii, gifted to me by my cousin, stirred up joy and a new worship song. "We Need Joy" is a bouncy, bubbly request for joy and two other gifts God is more than happy to grant to his children when they ask.We Need JoyVerse 1: We need joy, joy, joy, joy, joy in your Spirit! We need joy, joy, joy, joy, the fullness of your joy! We need joy, joy, joy, joy, joy in your Spirit; For the joy of the Lord is...
2025-04-2505 minPocketNeif PodcastJesus, Fill My Heart (Ep 262)Jesus, Fill My Heart is a song based on a prayer written by Ryan Skoog in the book, Lead with Prayer. It's a petition asking for God's good gifts of love and peace and wisdom among other things. I got permission from Mr. Skoog to adapt his words and put them to music and this is what came out. My prayer is that each of you will find this prayer useful in connecting with God. (The original prayer is on page 62 of the hardcover edition of Lead with Prayer.)Jesus, Fill My Heart (A Prayer)...
2025-03-2806 minPocketNeif PodcastLook on Me (Ep 254)Do you know people who are struggling with life’s troubles?
Maybe they’re dealing with a spouse who’s declining mentally or grieving a death of a close friend. Maybe a weird physical symptom has arisen and they’re worried or their job is stressing them almost to the breaking point.
Or maybe you’re the one suffering. You’re facing a situation that is stretching the limits of your patience…..with God.
David, the writer of dozens of psalms, seemed to be in that sort of place when he penned the words of Psalm 1...
2025-01-3105 minPocketNeif PodcastGod Is With Us (Ep 251)Just before Christmas (2024), I was reading John 1. What John wrote of God's Son coming into the world, inspired a song about Light shining the darkness and the Word becoming flesh so he could dwell among us. I hope you enjoy my thoughts on John 1 and the "live" recording of the song, "God Is With Us (Immanuel)".
God is With Us (Immanuel)
Verse 1:The heavens are shouting, the gift of the Son!The True Light that gives light to everyone!The Light is the Life by which death is undone!The curse...
2025-01-1006 minPocketNeif PodcastKansas Skies Shout (Ep 224)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, lightning flashing God’s great might displayed again
Chorus: For the glory of their MakerKansas skies shou...
2024-07-0506 minPocketNeif PodcastThe Voice of the Lord (Ep 214)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, to the Lord, our God on high!
Verse 2:
The voice of the Lord, it...
2024-04-2604 minPocketNeif PodcastDo You Know? (Ep 205)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 wearyDo you know? Have you heard?The Creator of the ends of the earth will not grow tired.
He gives strength, strength to the wearyAnd increases the power of the weakWhen you’re tired, When yo...
2024-02-2306 minPocketNeif PodcastMad at Mike (Ep 202)How you treat the poor matters to God. There are some in the rent-to-own and payday loan arena who need this info. Sparked by an advertising postcard, I talk frankly with them (and myself) about treating those in need in a godly way.
2024-02-0205 minPocketNeif PodcastForgiving and Good (Ep 166)Psalm 86, upon which the lyrics of my song, Forgiving and Good, is based, speaks of God's abounding love. I hope this piece I wrote for ukulele in praise of God's grace and goodness will stir up joy in your heart.
Forgiving and Good (Psalm 86)
Verse 1:You, Lord, are forgiving and good,Abounding in love to all who call on your name.
Verse 2:
You, Lord, are a great and marv’lous God,Guarding in love all who call on your name.
Chorus 1:Hear me, I’m poor and need...
2023-05-2604 minPocketNeif PodcastYou Are My Dark Cloud (Ep 153)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.
Verse 1:
On Monday night, dear, while I was walking,
I thought I saw you from afar.
I ducked and darted down a dark alley.
And I hid till you had gone.
Chorus:
You are my dark cloud, my only dark cloud.
I feel so gloomy when you are near me.
You've got...
2023-02-2405 minPocketNeif PodcastHow Many Times? (Ep 150)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.
Verse 1:
I find my heart filled up with anger
When my brother, does harm to me
I resi...
2023-02-0306 minPocketNeif PodcastI Will Be Clean (Ep 147)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
...
2023-01-1305 minPocketNeif PodcastThe Light Breaks Forth (Ep 143)In John 1, Jesus is named the Word. Verse 1: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." These words and others from the chapter along with a chorus I'd written years ago, became the song you'll hear today. I hope its lyrics will help you celebrate the coming of the Light of the World.
The Light Breaks Forth
Verse 1:
The Word who was before the world
The Word who was with God
That Word was born in a cattle stall
And all the...
2022-12-1607 minPocketNeif PodcastThe Prayer for Protection (Ep 139)This song almost didn't make it into this podcast. I tell you why in this episode. It's not because of the words, but because of a connection to a religious group I'm not in accord with. I am in full accord with the God who is with us, who will never leave us, never forsake us. It's to him this song is dedicated. I pray it will bless you.
The Prayer for Protection
Verse:
The light of God surrounds you;
The love of God enfolds you;
The power of God protects you;
2022-11-1807 minPocketNeif PodcastGrampa Mike (Ep 138)I gained a new title this week: Grampa Mike! I'm pretty excited about this new name. The reason for the promotion is amazing! In this episode, I ponder God's goodness in making this new human and in seeing us through times of suffering.
2022-11-1104 minPocketNeif PodcastThe Lord God Reigns (Ep 132)Inspired by the words of Psalm 99, I offer the song, The Lord God Reigns, as a prompt to worship the great, awesome, just, right, and holy God over all nations. May you be encouraged to "fear not" as you listen and worship.
The Lord God Reigns (Psalm 99)
Verse:
The Lord God reigns, let the nations tremble (at his voice)
The Lord is great, exalted over all (the earth)
The Lord is holy, just and right
The Lord is mighty, we worship at his feet (oooooh!)
Chorus:
Above all...
2022-09-3008 minPocketNeif PodcastBlessed Is the One (Ep 128)I wrote "Blessed Is the One", a song based on Psalm 1, as a reminder of the path to happiness in life and peace with God. My prayer is that it will bless you as you listen and that you will choose to follow God in all your ways.
Blessed Is the One (Psalm 1)
Verse 1:
Blessed is the one
Who does not walk in step with wicked men
Blessed is the one
Who does not stand in the path that sinners take
Blessed is the one
Who does not sit...
2022-09-0204 minPocketNeif PodcastHoly Father (Ep 125)What does Jesus want for his church? What does he desire for the saved? The answer is found in his prayer in John 17. He prays for the things his followers need most. Reading his prayer a while back inspired me to write a simple prayer and worship song based on Jesus' prayer in hopes the church would join him in praying for what matters most. I pray you will be moved by it and encouraged in your faith.
Holy Father
Verse 1:
Holy Father, protect your church
By the power of your name
...
2022-08-1207 minPocketNeif PodcastIn You, Lord, Have I Taken Refuge (Ep 122)Like shade on a sunny summer day, God is our refuge in times of struggle. In this episode, I honor God, our rescuer, with a few words and a song of praise. "In You, Lord, Have I Taken Refuge" is based on many words from David's 31st psalm. I pray it will encourage you.
In You, Lord, Have I Taken Refuge (Psalm 31)
Verse 1:
In you, Lord, have I taken refuge;
Let me never be put to shame;
Deliver me in your righteousness;
Come quickly to my rescue;
Be my...
2022-07-2205 min
PocketNeif PodcastThe Waffle Song (Ep 119)I'd like to pin the blame for the lyrical lunacy on Donny and Marie Osmond. I was listening to them shortly before The Waffle Song which I share on this episode burst forth from the womb of my imagination. I hope you are entertained by this syrupy sweet love song and that you'll sing it every single time you make or eat waffles for the rest of your life.
The Waffle Song
Verse 1:
Makin’ waffles
Makin’ waffles
Makin’ waffles for the love of my life.
Sausage and waffles
Bacon and wa...
2022-07-0102 min
PocketNeif PodcastExamine (Ep 113)Lamentations 3:40 says, "Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord..." These words inspired the song I share on this episode, a song of invitation to all who want a close and unhindered relationship with God, free from the guilt and power of sin. The invitation is to examine heart and soul and mind and action so God can show the way out of sin and into the life of joy he wants for every believer.
Examine
Verse 1:
Let us examine all our ways,
and let us...
2022-05-2005 min
PocketNeif PodcastDying Eggs (Ep 109)In our kitchen on the Saturday before Easter in 2013 a wacky moment occurred. As young women sat around our table dying eggs for a Sunday morning hunt. I grabbed my guitar and starting singing goofy stuff about dying eggs. Not dying as in coloring. Dying as in becoming dead! I offer the song to you today for your enjoyment.
Dying Eggs
Verse 1:
Sterile and white,
Not a chance for life,
No rooster to fertilize
Snatched from under their mamas
Placed in a cardboard crate.
Chorus 1:
Dying eggs...
2022-04-2204 minPocketNeif PodcastHumbled, Exalted (Ep 105)The song I share in this episode was written as I contemplated Philippians 2:5-11 and sought to honor Jesus, the Son of God who humbled himself to save the world, and who God, the Father, exalted to the highest place. My prayer as you listen is that you will bend your knee to Jesus and humbly confess him as Lord to the glory of God the Father.
Humbled, Exalted
Verse 1:
Humbled, God became a man
It was the Father’s plan to save the world
Humbled, the Son, as servant came
2022-03-2507 minPocketNeif PodcastDying for Me, Risen for Me (Ep 101)The song I share with you today was and then almost wasn't. I recorded the tune and typed out the words at the beginning of the year, then forgot about it till, two weeks later, I was looking for another song I'd written. There it was. Unfinished. With a little work, I finished the composition process and recorded the final version. In this episode, I share the song, but more than that, the process my songs go through from start to finish. Hope you enjoy and find happiness as you worship Jesus, the one who died for and rose...
2022-02-2506 minPocketNeif PodcastHow Long? (Ep 97)This is another one of those episodes which, if you have small children around, you might want to wait to give it a listen. While I won't be overly graphic or terribly detailed, I will be discussing the abuse I suffered in my teen years. Tim Hein's book, Understanding Sexual Abuse, which I finished a month or so ago, was helpful to me as a survivor and as a pastor. Hein understands abuse because he's been abused and understands pastors because he is one. His final chapter is full of ideas for dealing with trauma and its repercussions.
2022-01-2809 minPocketNeif PodcastWoe to Me (Ep 94)When Isaiah encountered God's holiness, he was undone. He pronounced woe upon himself. We would do well to take sin as seriously as the prophet did. In this episode, I sing my woe out to God and ask him to purify me as he did Isaiah.
Woe to Me
Verse 1:
Woe to me! My heart unclean! My sin of - fends the holy King! Woe to me!
Woe to me! I am undone! No righteousness that is my own! Woe to me!
Chorus 1:
Lord, please purify my heart!
Purge...
2022-01-0706 minPocketNeif PodcastO, Come, Ye! Adore Him! (Ep 91)My prayer as I share my reinvention of the classic, "O, Come, All Ye Faithful," is that you would be moved to worship the newborn king, Jesus, God's Son, and honor the Father for the great gift he's given us!
O Come, Ye! Adore Him!
Intro:
O, come, ye! Adore him!
Verse 1:
O come, ye faithful people, hearts filled up with joy!
O come and behold him, born the Word made flesh.
Refrain:
O, come, ye! Adore him!
Verse 2:
Son of God begotten; Light...
2021-12-1706 minPocketNeif PodcastFalcon Road (Ep 86)Sometimes life can be hard. You feel like you're running up a hill, barely able to catch your breath. The song I present in today's episode is as much about the rough patches in life as it is about the sandy, hilly rural byway which inspired it. Falcon Road, a side road a mile or two south of Sawyer, Kansas, is a road I and the cross country team I coach have run numerous times. It is challenging...just like life. I hope you are encouraged by the song which, until now, hasn't been sung much outside the tight...
2021-11-1207 minPocketNeif PodcastEyes on Jesus (Ep 83)What or who are your eyes fixed on? The writer of Hebrews, in chapter 12, urges his readers to fix their eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. (See verses 1-3.) The song I share in this episode draws from Hebrews and other biblical source material to call believers to keep their eyes on the One who saves from sin!
Eyes on Jesus
Verse 1:
Eyes on Jesus! Eyes on Jesus!
Pure and holy, free from sin!
Keep your gaze steady;
Don't let it waver.
Eyes on the one who...
2021-10-2205 minPocketNeif PodcastI Wait for the Lord (Ep 80)I am not the most patient person. I’m not good at waiting at all. I need help! God, through the psalmist, invites me to wait on the Lord and enjoy the benefits of that waiting – forgiveness, full redemption, steadfast love. In this episode, I share a song based on a few verses from Psalm 130. The words encourage me (and you) to wait on God and receive the good things he has for us.
I Wait for the Lord
Verse:
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits.
I wait for the Lord...
2021-10-0108 minPocketNeif PodcastPrayer for My Enemy (Ep 71)Years after the events detailed in episode 70 took place, God gave me a prayer song to express how I had felt and how he had transformed my desires. This song is seldom sung in public. I hardly ever get through in practice without tearing up. Somehow after several false starts, I got it on "tape" and am ready to share it with you. (If you haven't listened to episode 70, go do it now and come back. This episode isn't as powerful without the background info.)
Prayer for My Enemy
Verse 1:
Father, I hated him...
2021-07-3006 minPocketNeif PodcastLove Always Hangs On (Ep 68)Love is in the air, at least in our clan. My daughter is getting married the weekend of this episode's release. That's why I'm posting a love song, not a mushy, gushy, I love you, Baby ditty, but a worship song honoring the God who is love. I hope the truth of the words of 1 Corinthians 13 I've put to music and attributed to our Father in heaven will cause your love for God (and others) to grow.
Love Always Hangs On
Verse 1:
Love is patient. Love is kind.
It does not envy.
...
2021-07-0905 minPocketNeif PodcastBefore the Ending of the Day (Ep 65)The Church of England's Night Prayer (Compline) was the inspiration for the song I'm sharing with you in this episode. I will admit, my words went far afield from the original. (My apologies to my CoE brothers and sisters in Christ.) What I offer to you today is a bluegrassy, folksy tune which asks for God's protection through the night. My prayer is that the song will bless you and inspire you to seek God for rest as you lay down each night.
Before the Ending of the Day
Verse 1:
Before the ending of...
2021-06-1804 minPocketNeif PodcastPrayer Needed (Ep 62)Most church's publicly posted prayer lists are full of requests concerning physical maladies. My church's bulletin has such a list. If you only saw these lists, you'd get the idea that healing in the here and now was the first concern of God's kingdom. It is not! In this episode, we remind ourselves of the ones who need prayer far more than any ailing believer.
2021-05-2803 minPocketNeif PodcastYours Lord (Ep 61)The church is our Lord's bride. She belongs to Christ, not to herself. Christ can lead her as he pleases. Those are the themes of this original song, one of the first I wrote for more than personal enjoyment. I pray it will encourage you as you, together with your fellowship of believers, bring God glory through your work and worship.
Yours Lord
Verse 1:
Argonia Friends is yours, Lord;
Argonia Friends is yours.
Argonia Friends is yours, Lord,
To do with as you please.
Verse 2:
We are your...
2021-05-2103 minPocketNeif PodcastHonor Your Mother - Part 2 (Ep 60)My siblings and I are back for another mom-honoring episode. In this second half of our recent conversation, we honor mom for a second set of attributes and actions which we appreciate. Hope you learn something from our mom as you listen and are reminded of things for which you can thank you mom. Don't forget to tell her how much she's appreciated!
2021-05-1408 minPocketNeif PodcastHonor Your Mother - Part 1 (Ep 59)The Bible commands us to honor mother and father. In this episode, my siblings and I aim to obey God's command by honoring our mom. Our conversation, which is broken into two parts for this podcast, covers a wide range of lessons we learned from the one who gave us all birth. We're happy to sing her praises because she pointed us to the one who is worthy of ultimate praise. Hope you enjoy both parts of our tribute to our mom and that you, in turn, find some way to honor your mom.
2021-05-0710 minPocketNeif PodcastThe Tale of 202 East Twain (Ep 58)"On Star is never wrong," insisted the lawn care specialist. Except that it was wrong in this case. The treatment he'd just applied to help the green grass grow had been sprayed on the wrong yard. The story of ineptitude writ large told on this episode is a lot of fun. The names of the characters when known are changed. Street addresses are altered as well. I don't want someone going to visit my extremely patient friend to check the facts. I think I've got them straight. I hope you'll laugh. I hope you'll also consider the words I...
2021-04-3006 minPocketNeif PodcastEarly Morning Praise Song (Ep 57)What better way to start the day than a quiet song of praise accompanied by a softly-strummed ukulele? I can't think of any. Well, maybe if you add in a cup of coffee to sip while listening. That might improve the song and lift the fog of sleep simultaneously. If you need your morning caffeine before functioning, go brew a cup and then sit still in God's presence for a few short minutes and praise him along with me and my uke.
Early Morning Praise Song
Verse 1:
This is my early morning praise song...
2021-04-2304 minPocketNeif PodcastWhy God Gives Strength (Ep 56)Ever wonder why God gives greater strength to a few men and a handful of women? It's not so they can bulldoze their way through life, bullying and bossing others around. God gives might to these outliers for a much higher calling. Listen to this episode to learn why God, in his sovereignty, gives the gift of power to men and women who will follow his ways.
2021-04-1606 minPocketNeif PodcastDo the Crazy (Ep 55)There's a fine line between sanity and insanity. I cross that line pretty often in my running. I want to cross it more often in my faith life. Listen to this episode and learn what it means to trust God on the nutty side. (Oh, and happy April Fool's Day a week or two late!)
2021-04-0903 minPocketNeif PodcastEarly in the Morning (BONUS Easter Episode)Normally the "early morning" story we focus on each Easter is the one about the women going to the tomb and finding the stone rolled away and the angels scaring them and the disciples finding the hole in the rock empty. Jesus shows up a little later and everyone is happy. In this episode, we examine together a different "early morning" story. It's a 2-parter found in John 21. This one is about intimacy with Jesus and about humbling ourselves enough to follow him. Hope you enjoy my words and find yourself celebrating God's good resurrection life!
2021-04-0406 minPocketNeif PodcastDem Thorns (Ep 54)The spiritual style song I share today is a reminder of all our savior went through to purchase our salvation. It reminds us over and over of Jesus' suffering as he hung on the cross dying for our sin. Let it's words humble you and cause thanksgiving to well up within you for God's amazing love that made the way for us to become children of God.
Dem Thorns
Verse 1:
Dem thorns be a-hurtin’ my Jesus.
Dem thorns be a-hurtin’ my Lord.
Dem thorns be a-hurtin’ my Jesus.
Dem thorns be a-hurt...
2021-04-0204 minPocketNeif PodcastHe Saves (Ep 53)Excitement is in the air as the 2021 NCAA basketball tournament moves into its second weekend. Who will win? Who will go home? In this episode, I compare the tension in the air in this season with the electricity in the air as Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem a few days before he would go to the cross.
2021-03-2607 minPocketNeif PodcastWhose Job? (Ep 52)There are certain "jobs" that are not ours as believers in Jesus. There are others which are ours. At the beginning of Matthew 7, in verses 1 through 5, Jesus talks about judging and reproving, laying out whose job each of these is. One of these is your job as a believer. The other is not. Listen to this episode to find out which is which.
2021-03-1905 minPocketNeif PodcastSt Patrick's Song (Ep 51)As we prepare to celebrate St Patrick's Day, this song recalls the holiday's namesake's love for Christ and his recognition of God's closeness. The poem which I put to music is reported to have been engraved on Patrick's shield or breastplate. I hope its words will encourage you.
St Patrick's Song
Verse 1:
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Verse 2:
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in...
2021-03-1205 minPocketNeif PodcastPassing the Tests (Ep 50)I've been tested multiple times as a school bus driver. As a human being, I've been tested as well, tempted to sin in various ways. In this episode, my 50th, I talk about how to deal with the devil's testing. I hope you will be encouraged and strengthened in your faith.
2021-03-0505 minPocketNeif PodcastSpeak Highly (Ep 49)The recommendations of others influence us. Our words of praise cause others to take note. What if in the midst of all the negativity in the world we spoke highly of the good things in our lives? Might we affect change?
2021-02-2603 minPocketNeif PodcastGrieve, Mourn, and Wail (Ep 48)I love the blues. The words, the feel, the mood. A few years back, I decided to write a blues song. I wanted the lyrics to pack as big a punch as the music would, so I went looking in the Bible for a bluesy passage. I found it in James 4:7-10. James, Jesus' brother and a leader in the church, uses strong language to call the church to repentance. What could be more blues than grieving over sin? Nothing. The song and James' words call sinners to humility before God.
Grieve, Mourn and Wail
...
2021-02-1904 minPocketNeif PodcastBe Careful (Ep 47)"Be careful!" From our earliest days to our last we hear those words from others and coming out of our mouths. Sometimes we're being alerted to relatively minor dangers. Other times our lives are in serious jeopardy! Jesus says these words in Matthew 6:1. What he cautions us against is interesting. It's about doing righteous things to draw attention to ourselves. Is that a low-level warning or a urgent alert? Listen to this episode and find out.
2021-02-1205 minPocketNeif PodcastI Will Be Clean (Ep 46)Psalm 51 is David's plea for mercy song. He wrote it after he'd committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband, Uriah, killed to cover up his indiscretion. The king asks God to cleanse him and create in him a pure heart. That is my prayer as well and should be the prayer of every person who knows God. We all have sinned and all need his cleansing. Let the words of David's psalm set to music lead you into our merciful God's presence where you can find joy and gladness.
I Will Be Clean
Chorus:
2021-02-0505 minPocketNeif PodcastHate Your Own Sin (Ep 45)Unless you live under a rock, you've heard Jesus quoted over and over: "Do not judge!" What if Jesus said more than that. He did! In this episode, you'll hear what our savior said immediately after these famous (and often misused) words. You'll learn what kind of judgment you should practice and get an idea of what Jesus was prohibiting.
2021-01-2904 minPocketNeif PodcastApart from God (Ep 44)Jesus said it: "Apart from me you can do nothing!" (John 15:5) When I was younger, I thought he was mistaken. I could think of dozens of things I assumed I could do without him. In this episode, I tell that story and share a song that agrees with Jesus. You see, I'm older and wiser now. I know for a fact that apart from Jesus, I can do NADA!
Apart from God
Verse 1:
Apart from God you can do.
Apart from God you can do.
Apart from God you can do.
...
2021-01-2206 minPocketNeif PodcastGive Wildly (Ep 43)Look around you. You've been given so much. I can spot numerous things in my office and home which friends, family, and even strangers have given me. In this episode, I want to encourage you (and me) to respond to the generosity of others (and God) by giving wildly and joyfully when opportunities arise.
2021-01-1504 minPocketNeif PodcastHe Will Take Great Delight in You (Ep 42)Imagine a father singing a lullaby quietly to calm his restless infant daughter who struggles to fall asleep after a late night feeding. That's the picture of comfort I get when I hear the words of Zephaniah 3:17.
The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.
These words inspired a song about four years ago. My prayer as I sing for you today is that y...
2021-01-0807 minPocketNeif PodcastMay They See Jesus (Ep 41)Funny story! I was mistaken for Santa Claus recently. Hear the story and my new year's hope for 2021 in this short episode to start the next 12 months off right. You may want what I want in 2021...at least part of what I want!
2021-01-0104 minPocketNeif PodcastFirstborn Over Creation (Ep 40)Jesus is greater than any of us usually think of him. In Colossians 1:15-20, we find an awe-inspiring description of the King of kings. Reading this passage a few years ago, I found myself worshiping Jesus with a new song. It came together fairly quickly and incorporated ideas from Colossians and a few other passages. I hope it encourages your faith and invites worship of Jesus.
Firstborn Over Creation
Verse 1:
Firstborn over creation, the Son of the invisible God.
He is from the beginning. Through him all things were made.
Things above...
2020-12-2507 minPocketNeif PodcastDon't Lose Faith (Ep 39)"Famous" Christians are walking away from the faith and publicly sharing their deconstruction stories. Less famous Christians overwhelmed by doubts and a multitude of questions are doing the same. In this episode, I ask a few simple questions to those walking away from God. What or who are you rejecting? Who are you listening to? Is truth worth pursuing? I hope you'll give it a listen.
2020-12-1807 minPocketNeif PodcastCome to Me (Ep 38)I seems there are a lot of people worn out by all that's going on around them. They're burned out, stressed, worried, afraid. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites weary and burdened people to come to him and find rest. About seven years ago, I wrote a song based on the words of our savior, inviting listeners to do as he says, to come to him. I pray you will be encouraged as you hear Jesus' words and the lyrics of my song.
Come to Me
Verse 1:
Come to me, you who are weary.
...
2020-12-1107 minPocketNeif PodcastYou Better Watch Out (Ep 37)Throughout the Bible God gives warnings and promises to people. He gives them through prophets, angels, Jesus, the disciples. His assurances are meant to bring peace to the godly. His advisories aim to stir up fear in the heart of every sin-loving person. They call forth rejoicing and, if heeded, repentance. This episode fleshes out this idea using words from a popular Christmas song and a word from one of the prophets of old.
2020-12-0405 minPocketNeif PodcastThank You for the Things I'm Not Thankful For (Ep 36)There are things which happen in life for which we are less than thankful. Cars break down. Shirts get stained. Food spoils. What do we do when these things occur? We whine and complain! We have so much and still we mumble about how unfair life is. Thank You for the Things I'm Not Thankful For is my musical attempt to wake myself (and others) up to the truth: I have enough and then some! It is a reminder to each of us that we must, as 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, "...give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s wi...
2020-11-2706 minPocketNeif PodcastGive Thanks to the Creator (Ep 35)Over the past several years, I've been able to take in numerous natural vistas, places of amazing beauty. In this episode, I talk about a few of them and urge listeners to give thanks to the God who created this world for our pleasure. My hope is that all will see God's goodness as they walk through each and every day and that they will give thanks.
2020-11-2007 minPocketNeif PodcastHis Love Endures Forever (Ep 34)Thanksgiving Day is just around the corner. In my family, my mom will, on that day, ask one simple question of each person gathered around her dining room table: What's one thing you're thankful for? Everyone will answer. Mom's rule! This week as I was reading in the psalms, I ran across a repetitive song of thanksgiving. This psalm, Psalm 136, starts with these words:
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
When I read those words and the rest of the psalm, thanksgiving for God's enduring love welled...
2020-11-1305 minPocketNeif PodcastRunning for God's Glory (Ep 33)"Whatever you do..." (Colossians 3:17) That's pretty broad, isn't it? In includes all we do in life - the use of our gifts, abilities, talents. It encompasses every word we speak - sermons, lessons, conversations. Listen in as I talk about how God has allowed me to use one specific ability - running - for his glory and the good of others.
2020-11-0605 minPocketNeif PodcastGet That Rattlesnake Outta My Church (Ep 32)What do you do when you hear a young boy singing, "Get that rattlesnake outta my house," over and over accompanied by an off-key toy guitar? If you're a songwriter, you take his one line and pen a new song. That's the actual story behind the song I share on today's pre-Halloween episode. I hope you enjoy this humorous tale of a church worship service gone wild.
Verse 1:
Walked into church, half in a daze, cuz I’d stayed up late watchin’ sports replays.
Strolled down the aisle, gave my friend a grin, wond’rin’ if our w...
2020-10-3105 minPocketNeif PodcastPolitically-Motivated Prayer (Ep 31)The 2020 presidential election is fast approaching. You probably have a favorite candidate. You probably have a candidate you kind of dislike, too. Few people seem to be apathetic about this year's contest. In this episode, I want to challenge you to pray specifically for one candidate. If that makes you nervous, good. It should. But don't turn away. Listen. I believe you'll choose the politically-motivated prayer I suggest. Win or lose, every person running for the highest office in our land needs God's help. Perhaps you can ask for God's will in a leadership team's lives.
2020-10-2304 minPocketNeif PodcastAmen! Praise and Glory! (Ep 30)Last week I got to thinking about worship. I turned to the book of Revelation and found a couple of passages full of God-honoring praise. As I read them, a song came forth. I hope "Amen! Praise and Glory!" will cause you to bow before the One who sits on the throne and before the Lamb! Salvation belongs to our God!
Verse:
Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks
and honor and power and strength be to our God
forever and ever; forever! Amen!
Chorus:
Salvation belongs to our God,
2020-10-1607 minPocketNeif PodcastCast All Your Fears on Him (Ep 29)Someone asked recently, “Can we just go ahead and make 2020 a cuss word?” I’m not one to utter obscenities, but I’m okay with this suggestion. This year has been a rough one. If you haven’t lost your sanity yet, good for you! You must be living right…or trusting entirely in our Lord! I hope it’s both! In case you're struggling, in this episode I share three promises from God to grab a hold of this year and in any trying time. My prayer is that you will be encouraged to face each day as it comes.
2020-10-0904 minPocketNeif PodcastAs the Rain and the Snow Come Down (Ep 28)One of the most encouraging passages to me as a pastor is Isaiah 55:9-11. It reads:
“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what...
2020-10-0207 minPocketNeif PodcastKeep the Left Hand in the Dark (Ep 27)I witnessed a good deed quietly done the other day. It reminded me of Jesus' words concerning acts of righteousness and how they should be done if you want rewards in heaven. This episode is a good reminder to me (and I hope you) that when there's something amiss, it might be my job to do it when no one's watching.
2020-09-2503 minPocketNeif PodcastAt Just the Right Time (Ep 26)Amazed by God's love which he demonstrated by sending Christ to die for us while we were sinners (See Romans 5:6-8), I wrote this song of worship and thanksgiving. I pray that it will draw you to Christ and that you will believe on him for your salvation.
Verse:
At just the right time, when we were powerless,
Christ died for all the ungodly.
While we were still sinners, God reconciled us
To himself through the death of his Son.
Chorus 1:
We were rebels. We were enemies of God.
2020-09-1808 minPocketNeif PodcastBlessed Are Those (Ep 25)Generally speaking, following the laws of man and the commands of God, leads to a better life. I know there are exceptions, but most of the time, joy rather than sorrow is in the hearts of those who are obedient. The writer of Psalm 112 shouts a hallelujah as he considers God's goodness toward the righteous. He gives thanks for the way God provides and protects. I invite you to hear this song of praise and offer thanks to God along with all who live for him.
2020-09-1104 minPocketNeif PodcastA Beautiful Day for Ducks (Ep 24)What do you do on a rainy day? I write songs! This one, I wrote years and years ago when my kid were small. Hope you enjoy "Beautiful Day for Ducks" and have a ducky day!
Lyrics
Chorus:
It's a beautiful day for ducks (QUACK!)
A beautiful day for ducks (QUACK! QUACK!)
A beautiful day for ducks and ducklings
It's a beautiful day for ducks (QUACK!)
A beautiful day for ducks (QUACK! QUACK!)
A beautiful day for ducks and ducklings
Verse:
When it's raining...
2020-09-0402 minPocketNeif PodcastNot Your Enemy (Ep 23)Everywhere we go, around every corner, ENEMIES! Or so we think. But what if those we think are enemies aren't enemies at all? What if we're mistaken about this whole enemy thing? In this episode, I urge every listener to consider what Jesus and Paul say about enemies - who they are and how Jesus-followers treat their foes.
2020-08-2805 minPocketNeif PodcastEvening Praise (Ep 22)What does your evening look like? How do you spend the hours after work is done? Do you sit and watch movies, read a book, play games, iron your clothes for the next day? I hope what you do brings joy to your life and peace to your soul. We all need those things! I hope your nighttime schedule allows time for praising God, thanking him, acknowledging his goodness shown to you throughout the day. This week’s episode offers up a song which I hope will create a sense of God’s presence and peace as you close out...
2020-08-2106 minPocketNeif PodcastWhat's Next? (Ep 21)Sometimes I think it would be nice to get a weekly "coming soon" report? Can you imagine the ad revenue YouTube could bring in from a channel that told each of us what's next? Such a thing doesn't exist. (Probably wouldn't be good if it did.) So trusting God and submitting our plans to him is the way forward. This week's episode encourages you to do just that. Listen and then...follow God with great faith!
2020-08-1404 minPocketNeif PodcastMorning Praise (Ep 20)Like eating a good breakfast, pondering the goodness of God early in the morning gives strength for the day. In this episode, I share with you a song that uses Scripture to honor God for his grace, his mercy which is new every morning. It acknowledges his sustaining love and our need for his presence in each new day. My prayer is that you will be encouraged as you listen. (Scripture references: Psalm 90:14; Isaiah 33:2; Lamentations 3:22-23; 2 Corinthians 12:9)
Lyrics
Satisfy us, Lord, in the morning; Satisfy us with unfailing love.
Satisfy us, Lord, in the...
2020-08-0708 minPocketNeif PodcastWhat If I'm Wrong? (Ep 19)"What if I'm wrong?" I think we ought to ask that question more often than we think we need to. It is foolish to think we're always right. Titus 3:9-11 suggests something else that's foolish. On this week's episode I talk about that and suggest away to avoid foolishness. It starts with acknowledging that others could be right, but goes beyond that.
2020-07-3104 minPocketNeif PodcastAlone With None But Thee (Ep 18)I have a friend who loves the ancient prayers written by the saints of old. He's always introducing me and other pastors to them when he leads retreats. About three years ago, after attending a get-away at which he facilitated prayer times, I sought out prayers from centuries ago to put to music. One of the first I ran across was a prayer of Columba, a man from Ireland, who opened monasteries all over Ireland to train evangelists who would spread the good news all across Europe. The prayer I offer up musically today expresses this saint's confidence in...
2020-07-2404 minPocketNeif PodcastHighest Risk Behavior (Ep 17)You're not much of a risk taker, right? Or are you? Are you the stay at home on the couch type or the let's go hang gliding this weekend type? Whatever level of danger you're okay with, there is a behavior that is by far more dangerous than any other action you might take. It has to do with God and his commands. Do you obey him or do you not? Take a listen as I talk about a story from the end of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and a few verses from an early chapter in the...
2020-07-1705 minPocketNeif PodcastHe Is There (Ep 16)I read a poem on Facebook on August 9, 2017. I love it and wrote a song using the words. Then I decided to find out from the friend who posted it where she got it since she hadn't given an author's name. Did she write it? Did some famous poet pen the words? The answer she gave blew me away. The words were from Johnny Hart's B.C. comic strip. Wiley, that prehistoric philosopher, spoke them in a strip published on Sunday, September 29, 2002. Fifteen years later, posted on Facebook anonymously, they inspired praise to God.
He Is There
2020-07-1004 minPocketNeif PodcastHonor Your Father - Part 2 (Ep 15)My siblings and I decided to obey God's command to honor our father by putting together a special two-part podcast. This second session features my brother, Jon's, and my responses to the question: What did you learn from dad? I hope that our words will encourage you to thank your dad for his goodness to you. I hope, also, that you will commit yourself to God and follow him as our dad did. He was a great example.
2020-07-0308 minPocketNeif PodcastWalk in Your Ways (Ep 14)Psalm 139 is one of my favorites. I love the intimate relationship with God that David reveals in the deeply personal words of this song. I imagine the king sitting under a tree on a starry night, singing to the lover of his soul. At the end of the psalm is a prayer that I find engaging. It asks God very simply to reveal to the writer the truth of his position before God. It invites God to search the writer's heart, to know his soul, and to point out anything that's offensive to God. The implication is that the...
2020-06-2606 minPocketNeif PodcastHonor Your Father - Part 1 (Ep 13)My siblings and I decided to obey God's command to honor our father by putting together a special two-part podcast. This first session features my sister, Pam's, and my youngest brother, Patrick's, responses to the question: What did you learn from dad? I hope that their words will encourage you to thank your dad for his goodness to you. I hope, also, that you will commit yourself to God and follow him as our dad did. He was a great example.
2020-06-1911 minPocketNeif PodcastFear the Lord (Ep 12)Seven or so years ago, I was surprised by God’s overwhelming presence as I read the story of his coming to his people on Mt Sinai to enter into a covenant with them. As he prepared to give them the ten commandments, the people trembled before him. His power was on full display. When I finished reading the story, I sat in stunned silence and then, after a pregnant pause, I wrote a song encouraging God’s people to fear him and obey. I share that song with you in this episode.
FEAR THE LORD
Ve...
2020-06-1206 minPocketNeif PodcastUnresponsive (Ep 11)My medical training sometimes makes me understand things differently than others mean them. Take the term unresponsive. That word makes the heart of an EMT race, while it just causes irritation or concern for those in the non-medical community. In this episode, I examine an arena in life where I'm trying to be more unresponsive so as to maintain peace with friends and family. I'm doing so with varying degrees of success. Listen and see if you can learn how be be more unresponsive in life and find joy rather than stress.
2020-06-0504 minPocketNeif PodcastCome, My Light (Ep 10)At a 2017 spiritual retreat in the mountains of Colorado, I ran across a prayer written by Dimitri of Rostov (1651-1709). The words moved me to write the song I share with you today. My hope is that you will find yourself inviting God to rule in your life as you listen.
Lyrics:
Come, my Light, and illumine my darkness.
Come, my Life, and revive me from death.
Come, my Physician, and heal all my wounds and diseases.
Come, Flame of divine love, and burn up the thorns of my sins.
Come...
2020-05-2906 minPocketNeif PodcastThey'll Know (Ep 9)How do those around you know that you're a believer? They can't tell by your church attendance. You've been watching from home! What is it then that says loud and clear, "I'm with Jesus!"? Jesus told his disciples how people would know they were his. Maybe it's time you and I reviewed his words and put them into practice.
2020-05-2205 minPocketNeif PodcastLove You Now (Ep 8)I love singing hymns. Some my favorite songs of all time were written hundreds of years ago. To be clear, I love new songs too. Any song that exalts Jesus and helps the church worship God in spirit and in truth is okay by me. A few years back, I wrote a new melody line and added a bridge to a beloved hymn, My Jesus, I Love Thee. The resulting song, Love You Now, is featured in this episode. Hope it encourages you and causes you to worship.
Love You Now
Words by Adoniram Judson...
2020-05-1506 minPocketNeif PodcastThe End Is Coming (Ep 7)Jesus spoke about the end times with his disciples so that they would be ready for his return and aware of what those times would be like. He also made sure they knew how to live in light of his second coming.
2020-05-0808 minPocketNeif PodcastI Am Unspiritual (Ep 6)After my previous episode, I knew exactly which song I wanted to share with you. This one is based on Romans 7:14-15; 19; 24-25. I encourage you to read the chapter in its entirety before you listen. In it you'll find Paul's heart-felt testimony of the struggle between the flesh and the Spirit. He also shares with his readers the source of his victory over sin!
Lyrics:
Chorus:
I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin.
The good I want to do is not what I’m doing.
I am unspiritual, sold as a...
2020-05-0407 minPocketNeif PodcastExceeding Pharisee-Righteousness (Ep 5)Jesus, in his Sermon on the Mount, tells his followers that unless their righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees they cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. I read those words recently and pondered these two questions:
1) What is the righteousness of the Pharisees?
2) How do I exceed it?
In this episode, I note how Jesus answered both those questions immediately after warning those who would hear that they needed a Pharisee-exceeding righteousness.
2020-05-0106 minPocketNeif PodcastIdiots Running (Ep 4)As my podcast info says, I'm an avid runner. Some would say I"m a bit crazy when it comes to this past time! I embrace that as a member of the Idiots Running Club - I'm Idiot #20! In this "Monday Music" episode, talk briefly about my running obsession and offer up "Idiots Running", a song I wrote about the IRC back in 2013. I present it for your listening pleasure. Idiots Running Club Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/tinotridemosbur Idiots Running Song on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4E7j7f8wG4&t=15s Idiots Running Song...
2020-04-2706 minPocketNeif PodcastWorse Than Before (Ep 3)For years I struggled to overcome a habit. I prayed and tried, but I couldn't get free. I finally found freedom when I learned how to pray and do one more important thing. Learn how God and a few trusted friends help me find freedom. I believe God wants freedom for you too! Listen and then follow God's direction!
As promised, a link to the Celebrate Recovery ministry locator: https://locator.crgroups.info
2020-04-2407 minPocketNeif PodcastI Choose (Ep 2)God loves those who are afraid, who are struggling, who are not at peace. I offer Scripture and an original song (see lyrics below) to you in this episode, inviting you to choose peace in the midst of trouble.
I Choose
Verse 1:
I choose peace when war rages ‘round me.
I choose faith when no one else believes, God.
I choose rest when my life is filled with chaos.
I choose peace. I choose faith. I choose rest.
Verse 2:
I choose hope when I can’t see the path...
2020-04-2007 minPocketNeif PodcastLife Is a Blooper Reel (Ep 1)Have you said stuff you regretted the moment it was out of your mouth? Oh, my, have I ever! Ever done dumb stuff you wish you hadn't? You know I have. Sometimes my mistakes have made my friends laugh. Sometimes they've hurt folks I love. In this episode of the PocketNeif podcast, my first ever, I invite you to hear Jesus' words on what you and I are to do when our words or actions damage relationships. (Matthew 5:21-24; 2 Corinthians 12:18)
2020-04-1707 min