Wise or Foolish? (Feb 7)

Posted on February 7, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

February 7

Wise or Foolish?

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 21:8-13 | Exodus 26:1-27:21 | Matthew 25:1-30 | Proverbs 8:1-11

Today’s Scripture Focus: Matthew 25:1-30

“The master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”(Matthew 25:21 NIV).

We have two choices: live for the moment or live for eternity. The story of the wise and foolish virgins is an encouragement to always live our lives with the eternal in mind. The wise virgins planned ahead and entered into the wedding banquet. They got in on the celebration because they lived their lives in preparation for it.

The foolish virgins didn’t live with the big picture in mind. They were more focused on the immediate moment. When the moment for the wedding banquet came, they proved unprepared and missed out on the wedding celebration. To live focused only on the present moment is to miss out on all that could be ours in eternity.

The story of the talents reminds us that we will be called to account for the way we’ve used the resources we’ve been given. A life of faithful service will be rewarded in eternity with great reward and the “smile of the Father.” The one who is faithful with what they have been given will be put in charge of much more in the life to come.

This life is not all there is. It’s just the warm up act to life that goes on forever. We do well to always live in light of the eternal realities. What we do down here will make a difference as to how we live our life that goes on forever.

All Wise God, help me to live with eternity in mind. May I prove faithful with those things you have entrusted to my care—my talents and gifts, my resources, my time—that I might be rewarded with the joy of your smile when I one day stand before you and give an account. Amen.

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Always Ready (Feb 6)

Posted on February 6, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

February 6

Always Ready

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 21:1-7 | Exodus 23:14 – 25:40 | Matthew 24:29-51 | Proverbs 7:24-27

Today’s Scripture Focus: Matthew 24:29-51

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” (Matthew 24:42 NIV)

“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him” (44).

Right after college, I was the house sitter for a retired medical doctor. A roommate and I were placed in charge of taking care of his house so that the doctor could hunt and fish and travel to his heart’s content. We had use of the whole house, except for two rooms that were kept ready at all times for the doctor’s return. What made our arrangement unique is that he would return from time to time and we would not ever know when.  

When I read these stories of readiness, I am often reminded of those days. Just as we had to be “on our toes”—always making sure that things were cleaned up, the dishes washed, the lawn well cared for—so we who are Christ’s stewards are to be watching, waiting, and working hard in preparation for his coming.

We are given stewardship of our time, our talents, our gifts, our money, and other resources. The wise and faithful stewards will make the best use of these knowing that we will one day be held accountable for our stewardship.  Thinking that the day is a long way off, we may get sloppy with what has been given—we may forget to be diligent our stewardship.  

Each day, we need to live in the realization that one day we will give an account for our stewardship. One day the master will come on a day when we don’t expect him and at an hour we are not aware of. The wise and faithful steward lives each day in light of “that day.”

Come, Lord Jesus, remind me that this could be the day I give an account, this could be the day of your return. May I live in readiness. Enable me to watch, wait, and work hard in preparation for “that day.”Amen.

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Watching and Working (Feb 5)

Posted on February 5, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

February 5

Watching and Working

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 20:1-9 | Exodus 21:22 – 23:13 | Matthew 24:1-28 | Proverbs 7:6-23

Today’s Scripture Focus: Matthew 24:1-28

“Because of the increase in wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:12-14 NIV).

The Disciples wanted a timeline. They wanted a detailed roadmap of prophetic events. Jesus gave them a few general characteristics of the “end times,” but seemed more concerned to give them an exhortation: “be ready, be prepared, be working to bring back the King.”

Yes, there would be wars, famines and earthquakes. There would be great deception. There would be persecution. Most telling of all the signs: “because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.”

We certainly do live in an age where wickedness seems to be increasing–an age where the love of many seems to be growing cold. We can certainly see the other signs as well. So shall we set a date for his coming? That is never a good idea. Not even Jesus knows the day or hour—it’s going to be a surprise.

I’m reminded of the words of the great preacher, C.H. Spurgeon: “A man says to me, ‘Can you explain the seven trumpets of the Revelation?’ No, but I can blow one in your ear, and warn you to escape from the wrath to come.”

I think that is exactly Jesus point.  He doesn’t give us a specific day or hour–and the implication is that it is not our job to be concerned about such speculation.  What he does make clear is this:

  • We need to be ready at all times. “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”
  • We must fight the complacency and apathy of our age that causes our love to grow cold.  Wickedness may increase all around us, but we dare not let it take away our spiritual passion.  We must not let our love grow cold.
  • We must stand firm to the end.  Whatever happens, we must persevere.  We must press on.  We may endure persecution or suffering.  We will certainly be misunderstood. There will be trials of our faith. But whatever happens, we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and press forward.
  • We must work hard for the sake of the Kingdom.  There is a job to be done before the end will come.  The gospel must be preached to every people group, then the end will come.  As we pray, give and go, we work to bring back the King: “And this gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”

Coming King, help me to live in light of eternity. May I live and serve with readiness. Help me to do everything I can to bring the gospel to as many as I can. Fill my heart with hope and anticipation as I long for your coming. Come, Lord, Jesus. Amen.

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Sweeter than Honey (Feb 4)

Posted on February 4, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

February 4

Sweeter than Honey

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 19:7-14 | Exodus 19:16 – 21:21 | Matthew 23:13-29 | Proverbs 7:1-5

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalms 19:7-14

“The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; They are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping of them there is great reward” (Psalms 19:9-11 NIV).

In our Exodus reading we see that God gives the Law to the people through Moses. The essence of the moral law—The Ten Commandments—is an expression of a way of life that flows out of love for God and for neighbor and reflects the perfection of our holy God. While it can be misused (a point well established in both the Old and New Testaments), the law was intended as a God-given expression of the will and wisdom of an all knowing, all-wise God. The law laid out a way of life for those whom God had entered into covenant.

In Matthew we read about the Pharisees who had misused the law as a tool for legalistic self-righteousness and as an intolerable burden placed upon others. That was never God’s intent—and the hypocrisy of the Pharisees is clearly spelled out by Jesus.

But the Psalmist views the law as the revealed will of God–principles that keep us on the right road. He views the law as a delight, a treasure and as something that brings great joy to the one who fears the Lord and walks in his ways. It gives us a foundation for knowing right and wrong. We also know that it reveals our sin and points us to Christ—the one who is the fulfillment of the law.

The law points out our need for Christ’s death on the cross. He lived a perfect, sinless life and died for us so that we can have eternal life–a gift of his grace (Ephesians 2:8-10). It also points out our need for the empowering of his Holy Spirit to live our lives daily to the Glory of God. Yet we can rejoice in meditating on it and allowing it to develop a reverential fear of God that will guide us on the right path–the delightful path that leads to joy.

Open your heart to God’s word today; find it to be your delight. May it be sweeter than honey from the honeycomb.

God of Truth, help us to love your word. Help us to cherish the time we spend in your word. May we recognize how precious and how sweet are your promises. Make us doers and not just hearers of your word. For your word is truth and brings life. Amen.

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You Can’t Do it Alone (Feb 3)

Posted on February 3, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

February 3

You Can’t Do It Alone

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 19:1-6 | Exodus 17:8 – 19:15 | Matthew 22:34-23:12 | Proverbs 6:27-35

Today’s Scripture Focus: Exodus 17:8 – 19:15

“What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone . . . . Select capable men from all the people–men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain–and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens” (Exodus 18:17-21 NIV).

A leader will never be great without the support of their people.  He or she must recruit, train and delegate the work to capable, faithful men and women who can help accomplish the task.

A leader needs the support, prayers and encouragement of a few close associates. Moses needed Aaron and Hur to come along side him and lift up his arms. He needed Joshua to lead the troops. 

The Amalekites attacked the Israelites (Ch. 17). Joshua was given the task of leading the people into battle.  Moses would go to the top of the hill and lift up his staff. While he held up his arms, the Israelites were winning.  But when his arms grew tired, the Amalekites would win. Moses couldn’t do it on his own.  He needed Aaron and Hur to help hold up his arms.

The support and encouragement of your close associates is necessary if you are going to be a great leader. You need their prayers. You need their encouragement. You need their help. Aaron and Hur found their role in supporting Moses. Every pastor knows the value of men and women who take on the role of Aaron and Hur for them—especially those who will hold up their arms through their prayers.

But a few close associates is not enough for a great task. There is need for all to be involved–and there is especially a need for those who are faithful and capable to help carry the load of ministry.  

Moses found himself judging all the disputes.  It was too much for him.  He was burning himself out.  His father in law, Jethro, saw the problem and offered his advice: “Select capable men from all the people–men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain–and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.”

A good leader knows how important it is to recruit and equip capable men and women to help do the work of ministry.  You can’t do it alone.  It’s just too much.  

Your pastor needs your support, encouragement, prayer and willingness to help.  He can’t do it alone.  Your encouragement, support and prayers mean so much—they help hold up his hands and bring strength in the battle.  Your willingness to help–to use your gifts–ensures that the workload is shared by the many rather than an overworked few.  A healthy body requires that all the members do their part.

A great leader depends on the support and help of capable, trustworthy followers. Let’s work together to accomplish great things to the glory of God.

God of All Wisdom, remind our leaders of the importance of sharing the load with others. Help us each to do our part. Help us to support and pray for our leaders. Help us to be an encouragement and a help. Amen.

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Between Promise and Fulfillment (Feb 2)

Posted on February 2, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

February 2

Between Promise and Fulfillment

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 18:37-50 | Exodus 15:9-17:7 | Matthew 22:1-33 | Proverbs 6:20-26

Today’s Scripture Focus: Exodus 15:19 – 17:7

Moses and Aaron told the people of Israel, “This evening you will know that it is God who brought you out of Egypt, and in the morning you will see the Glory of GOD. Yes, he’s listened to your complaints against him. You haven’t been complaining against us, you know, but against GOD” Exodus 16:6-8, The Message.

The place between promise and fulfillment is a difficult place to be. And that is where the Children of Israel find themselves. God has promised them a land flowing with milk and honey, but it is hard to find either in the middle of the desert. There is often difficult territory between the promise and its fulfillment.

In these times where faith is tested and hope is put on hold, it is easy to give in to the temptation to complain and grumble. Generally it’s not difficult to find a group of fellow grumblers who will be more than happy to join you.

“In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron: ‘If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.'” (16:2,3)

It doesn’t take long for grumbling to infect a whole community of people. It’s a contagious disease.

We don’t often realize it, but grumbling really evidences a lack of faith and trust in God.  Often we grumble at our leaders without realizing the truth of this passage: “You are not grumbling against us, but against the LORD” (16:8).

It’s not easy to wait.  It’s not easy to trudge ahead when the circumstances seems hopeless.  It’s not easy to hold on to the promise when there is no “milk and honey” in sight.  But this is not a time to grumble and complain, it’s a time to trust and obey.

Faithful and Loving Lord, forgive me when I fail to be grateful. Forgive me when I grumble. Help me to find hope and to persevere in faith when I find myself between promise and fulfillment. Amen.

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Two or Three (Jan 27)

Posted on January 27, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

January 27

Two or Three

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 17:6-9 | Exodus 4:1- 5:21 | Matthew 18:1-22 | 

Proverbs 5:15-21

Today’s Scripture Focus: Matthew 18:1-22

“Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.  For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:19 NIV).

God loves prayer meetings. Many people avoid them. But God always shows up. He loves to be a part of any meeting where two or three of his children come together to pray.

Be assured that whenever you gather to pray, Jesus is right there in the middle of your group interceding along with you. The Holy Spirit is there too, interceding according to the Father’s will. And of course, so is the Father, listening and answering prayers. Your group may be small, but know that you have the ear of the Father.

There is power in agreeing together in prayer. Praying in a group is different than individual prayer. In a group, you are encouraged by each other’s faith. Often there is boldness and faith that comes as you press in to the heart of the father together.

As you pray together, you bring your various gifts that work together to pray more effectively.  One may be gifted with wisdom and have insight in how to pray for something that you wouldn’t by yourself. Another’s knowledge of scripture enables them to pray boldly because they are able to claim a promise pertinent to the situation that gives them faith to really believe. Another may bring a gift of faith and have the ability to touch God’s heart with the purity of their childlike trust.  

God loves prayer meetings.  He loves to show up.  What about you?

God Who Hears, help my heart to find joy in praying with others. May our various gifts work together to cry out as with one voice. Help us to agree together in faith and expect you to work through our prayers. Remind us that when we pray together—even two or three of us—you are present with us. Amen.

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Who Am I? (Jan 26)

Posted on January 26, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

January 26

Who Am I?

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 17:1-5 | Exodus 2:11-3:22 | Matthew 17:10-27 | Proverbs 5:7-14

Today’s Scripture Focus: Exodus 2-3

But Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” And God said, “I will be with you” (Exodus 3:11-12 NIV).

God appeared to Moses in an extraordinary way: he appeared in the form of a bush that keeps on burning without any signs of being consumed.

God called Moses to a huge task: to lead the people of Israel out of slavery and into the Promised Land. Leading any large group of people is filed with challenges, but this one also required confronting one of the most powerful rulers of history: the Pharaoh of Egypt.

Confronted by the difficulties ahead, Moses began to doubt his abilities. He began to question whether he was really up to the task. He expresses his self-doubt and insecurities with a question many of us can relate to: “Who am I?” 

God doesn’t answer that question directly. Yet his reply more than answers the question. His reply? “I will be with you.”

When confronted by a huge task, the real question is not “Who am I?”, the real question is “God are you with me?” It’s not a matter of who I am, but of who my God is. I may not be able to do it by myself, but if God is with me, I can do whatever he calls me to do.

Whenever God calls us to do something–especially something that will stretch us, something we are not sure we can do–be assured that God will be with you. He will be there to empower you, to give you wisdom and to strengthen you. He will be there to lift you up when you fall down.

Don’t limit yourself by self-doubt and insecurity. God is with you. That’s all that really matters.

Emmanuel, thank you for calling me, gifting me, and providing the opportunities that stretch me. Remind me that it isn’t who I am that matters. What really matters is that I know that you are with me today and always. Amen.

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God’s Purposes (Jan 25)

Posted on January 25, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

January 25

God’s Purposes

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 16:7-11 | Genesis 50:1 – Exodus 2:10 | Matthew 16:13-17:9 | Proverbs 5:1-6

Today’s Scripture Focus: Genesis 50

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20 NIV).

We live in a world where many evil things are done. People are hurt and wronged all the time. But that isn’t the whole story.

As in Joseph’s life, God is also at work. What others do to us with the intention of harm, God is able to turn around for his purposes to accomplish good.  

His brothers’ evil intentions of selling Joseph into slavery led to God’s good intention to make Joseph a powerful ruler in Egypt who would provide food for many during a time of famine (including his own family).

Romans 8:28 states the same principle: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

In all things, even the hardest to understand, God is at work shaping actions brought about by man’s evil intentions into opportunities for his own good intentions and our growth.  His ways are beyond our understanding—truly amazing.

When circumstances get you down, when people hurt or take advantage of you, look to the Lord and his amazing ways.  Look for a hidden purpose.  Wait in hope and look for the good that God intends to bring from your situation.

God of Hope, your ways are beyond my ability to completely understand. Yet I wait, I trust, I hope in your faithful, unfailing love. Work all things for my good and your glory. Amen.

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The Blessing (Jan 24)

Posted on January 24, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

January 24

The Blessing

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 16:1-6 | Genesis 48:1 – 49:33 | Matthew 15:29-16:12 | Proverbs 4:20-27

Today’s Scripture Focus: Genesis 48:1 – 49:33

“Then Jacob blessed Pharaoh…” (Genesis 47:8, 10 NIV).

“Bring them to me so I may bless them” (Genesis 48:9, NIV).

“Then he blessed Joseph. . .” (Genesis 48:15, NIV).

“Then Jacob called for his sons and said: “Gather around so I can tell you what will happen to you in days to come” (Genesis 49:1, NIV).

“All these are the twelve tribes of Israel and this is what their father said to them when he blessed them, giving each the blessing appropriate to him” (Genesis 49:28, NIV).

Throughout these chapters, the emphasis is on the blessings given by Jacob. He blessed Pharaoh. He blessed his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. He blessed Joseph. Then in chapter 49, he blesses each of his twelve sons.

In these blessings we see some of the common characteristics of blessings. There is often physical contact, usually placing one’s hand on the one being blessed. The blessing is spoken over the person so they can hear the blessing. The one blessing looks to the Lord for insight, and speaks words of insight and expectation.

In more informal ways, we often bless people through our prayers when we pray for them, seeking God’s best—his blessing. We also bless people through our words of encouragement. These are important too. But there is something even more powerful about the traditional blessing seen here, where one places their hand on you and looks to God for insight as they speak words of blessing over you.

In a world where we hear and experience more curses than blessings, these words of blessing are needed and encouraging. Blessings bring healing to wounded emotions and encouragement to the discouraged and disheartened. They bring joy, peace and hope–and we all need that.

Too often our words wound–they bring a curse rather than a blessing. James says, “From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.” (James 3:10, ESV).  Allow God to control your tongue, then you will become the source of blessing he intends for you to be.

Blessed Savior, bless me with words of encouragement, hope and healing that I might bless others. Replace the words that were intended to curse, with words that bless. May my mouth demonstrate the fruit of a heart that has been changed by an overflow of words that praise you and bless others. Amen.

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