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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Faith that Refuses to Give Up

Posted on January 23, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

January 23 

Faith that Refuses to Give Up

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 15:1-5 | Genesis 46:1 – 47:31 | Matthew 15:1-28 | Proverbs 4:14-19

Today’s Scripture Focus: Matthew 15:1-28

“Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession.”

Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” 

“Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed that very hour” (Matthew 15:22, 23, 28, NIV).

She refused to give up. She had heard of Jesus and knew that he could help her daughter. She sought him out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession.”

At first there was no answer. “Jesus did not answer a word.” Sometimes our cries for help seem to go unnoticed. Sometimes it seems that Jesus isn’t listening to our requests. But he always hears.

Not getting a response, she kept crying out, trying desperately to get his attention. Her persistence got the attention of the disciples who wanted Jesus to do something about it. “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.”

The Canaanite woman refuses to give up. Jesus engages her in conversation, but doesn’t seem to give any hope that he will answer her request. Sometimes the answers to our cries for help seem to be delayed indefinitely. Everything suggests to us that the answer is no.

She continues to make her case. Her persistent cries for help—her persistent faith—have not gone unnoticed. Jesus is amazed to see such faith in a Canaanite woman, and is pleased to grant her prayer. “‘Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.’ And her daughter was healed that very hour.”

Don’t give up. Persist in your faith. Press on with your prayers. Wait expectantly. Jesus sees and, when the time is right, will answer.

Faithful God, give me a faith that refuses to give up. Hear my persistent cries for help. Meet me in my need and make me whole. Amen.

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The Forgiving Heart (Jan 22)

Posted on January 22, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

January 22 

The Forgiving Heart

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 14:1-7 | Genesis 44:1 – 45:28 | Matthew 14:13-36 | Proverbs 4:11-13

Today’s Scripture Focus: Genesis 44:1-45:28

“And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you . . . . God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt” (Genesis 45:4-8 NIV).

Does God, in his sovereignty, use even the unjust acts of humans for his purpose? Does God, use painful, hard times to prepare us for the things he has planned for us? Does God really work out all things for good for those who love him and are called according to his purpose? All things?

That is exactly what Joseph believed. Despite the injustice and pain of being betrayed, abandoned and sold into slavery, Joseph knew that God was using that event for a greater purpose. Joseph could see the hand of God in it all, and he grew through the experience. The tough times in Joseph’s life were the very things that caused growth and maturity of character. They were the things that caused him to trust God and become the leader God was preparing him to become.

Understanding this truth, allowed Joseph to release forgiveness to his brothers. I’m sure that the work of healing had long been done in his heart—he had already dealt with the matter and brought the injustice, pain and hurt to God. For these are the words of a man whose heart has found healing and wholeness, not the words of someone who refuses to forgive and holds on to anger or bitterness.

When people hurt us, we are sometimes tempted to withhold forgiveness, thinking we retain some power over those who have hurt us by refusing to forgive. But the truth is, we cannot hold on to these things—they eat us up inside. The need to forgive deeply from the heart is a daily need (Jesus taught us that in the Lord’s Prayer). As we take the hurt to Jesus, he helps us to forgive and move beyond the pain, the anger, and the bitterness.

When you are hurt, take the wound to Jesus. Place it in his scars and allow him to take it from you. Allow him to enable you to forgive. Then you will find freedom—a heart that is free. Only a heart that has found such healing is able to deal with the situation with the maturity we see here in Joseph.

Yes, God uses even the hurts from difficult people and the wounds from difficult circumstances to accomplish his purposes. Forgive those who’ve hurt you and move on. Expect that God will use even this to prepare you for the good things he has ahead for you.

Sovereign God, I trust that you are at work even in this trial. I believe you are developing mature character within me. Even when life seems unfair, I rest in your wisdom. I wait with expectation as to how you will work even this for my good and for your glory. Amen.

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How Long, O Lord? (Jan 21)

Posted on January 21, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

January 21 

How Long, O Lord? 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 13:1-6 | Genesis 42:18 – 43:34 | Matthew 13:47 – 14:12 | Proverbs 4:7-10

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalms 13:1-6

“How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? . . . But I will trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord for he has been good to me” (Psalm 13:1-2, 5-6 NIV).

We’ve all had times when we can relate to the psalmist’s questions. There are times when we wonder if the Lord is really listening—times when the answer is slow in coming.  

In those times, we too wrestle with our thoughts and emotions. It is easy to become discouraged—easy to become disheartened.

So how do we handle those times when God seems distant and the answer we seek never seems to come? The same way the psalmist does.

We lament. We openly and honestly cry out to God. We lay out our thoughts and feelings. We get it all out on the table.

Then we look to the promises. We trust in his unfailing love. We can always rest in the character of God–even when we don’t sense his presence. This is a time to remember his names and attributes. As we remember his greatness and rest in his love, despair turns to hope; rays of truth begin to push aside the darkness of our doubts and fear. 

In time we are able to sing, “I will sing to the LORD, he for he has been good to me.” Nothing breaks through the shadows of circumstance like worshiping God through singing.  As we sing and remember God’s goodness, we break free from discouragement. Questions begin to fade as the joy of the Lord becomes our strength.

Dear Heavenly Father, teach me to lament, to wait in hope, and to rejoice in you. Help me to refocus from my problems to your promise. Replace my worries with songs of your faithfulness. Let your light shine in my darkness. I wait on you. Amen.

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