pastor jeff's neighborhood

November 25
Standing Strong

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 130:1-4 | Dan 1:1-2:23 | 1 Peter 3:8-4:6 | Proverbs 28:14

Today’s Scripture Focus: Daniel 1

“But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs.” (Daniel 1:8-9 ESV)

Daniel is an example of integrity in the midst of a culture of compromise. His own people, the people of Judah, had drifted from God and were suffering the consequences of being under judgment: Nebuchadnezzar’s armies had taken them into exile. Still, the compromise and iniquity of Judah paled in comparison to the wickedness Daniel found in pagan Babylon. In the midst of this spiritual darkness, the integrity of Daniel and his…

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

November 24
Unjust Suffering

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 129:1-8 | Ezekiel 47:1 – 48:35 | 1 Peter 2:11-3:17 | Proverbs 28:12-13

Today’s Scripture Focus: 1 Peter 2:11 – 3:17

“But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example so that you may follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:20-21 ESV)

Life isn’t always fair and it isn’t always easy. Suffering and persecution were an everyday reality for the readers of Peter’s letter. They are a reality for many believers, even today. While the injustices and sufferings we face may pale in comparison with those suffered by Peter’s original readers, we all know the sting of injustice and suffering. But unjust suffering is…

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

November 23
The Good Scissors

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 128:1-6 | Ezekiel 45:13-46:24 | 1 Pet 1:13-2:10 | Proverbs 28:11

Today’s Scripture Focus: 1 Peter 1:13-2:10

But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written; “Be holy, because I am Holy” (1 Peter 1:15 NIV)

I’m sure every mom has them. My mom did: the good scissors.

One life’s most important early lessons was, “don’t use the good scissors.” One of the most awkward moments came when you were asked the question, “Did you just use my good scissors?”

The good scissors were not for common use–they were set apart for a special use. As important as craft projects were to us as children, they did not rank at the level of “good scissor use.” The good scissors were for…

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

November 22
Living Hope, Unspeakable Joy

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 127:1-5 | Ezekiel 44:1-45:12 | 1 Pet 1:1-12 | Proverbs 28:8-10

Today’s Scripture Focus: 1 Peter 1:1-12

“He has given us new birth into a living hope through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”(1 Peter 1:3 NIV)

Peter’s readers were going through difficult times. In the midst of all that they were going through they held on to a living hope.

They knew that Christ had been raised from the dead. Hopelessness had turned to hope in the most impossible way. They knew they had an eternal hope and had every reason to find hope even in their present circumstances knowing that God had not deserted them. He was at work bringing good even of their tough times.

They also knew they had an inheritance “that can never perish, spoil…

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

November 21
A Healing Community

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 126:4-6 | Ezekiel 42:1-43:27 | James 5:1-20 | Proverbs 28:6-7

Today’s Scripture Focus: James 5:1-20

Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. [14] Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. (James 5:13-14 NIV)

James describes the church as a healing community: A place where the broken and wounded can come to find people filled with faith and love. It is a place where needs are met through prayer; It is a place where “it’s OK” to “not be O.K.”; where people are honest and transparent about their true condition–no masks needed.

It is a place of prayer. “Is…

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

November 20
Lord Willin’ and the Creek Don’t Rise

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 126:1-3 | Ezekiel 40:28-41:26 | James 4:1-17 | Proverbs 28:3-5

Today’s Scripture Focus: James 4:1-17

“Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.’” (James 4:14 ESV)

I worked for many years with a pastor that had many colorful expressions from his Kentucky upbringing. As I was leaving the church each day, I’d say something like, “See ya.” He’d always reply the same way, “Lord Willin’ and the Creek Don’t Rise.” I just wrote it off as another one of those expressions that I don’t really get, and thought it was probably not worth the energy to pursue.

I remember not longer after that running into this passage in James, and realizing it probably was one key to understanding the: “Lord…

From Open Up Your Heart by jeff Syverson

November 19
Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 125:1-5 | Ezekiel 39:1-40:27 | James 2:18-3:18 | Proverbs 28:2

Today’s Scripture Focus: James 2:18-3:18

“From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers these things ought not to be so.” (James 3:10 ESV)

The tongue is a powerful force for evil or for good. James encourages us to be people who bless rather than curse with our tongues. He does so by illustrating the power of the tongue.

He describes the tongue like a small bit that can turn and guide a large horse. He says it is like the small rudder of a ship that can turn the whole ship and set its course. It is like a spark that sets a whole forest ablaze.

I think we all know the truth of those word pictures. Anyone…

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

November 18
Mirror, Mirror

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 124:6-8 | Ezekiel 37:1-38:23 | James 1:19-2:17 | Proverbs 28:1

Today’s Scripture Focus: James 1:19-2:17

“But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it–he will be blessed in what he does.” (James 1:25 NIV)

Did you look in the mirror this morning? What did you see?

Each morning I roll out of bed, and begin my morning ritual. One of the first things that I do is look in a mirror. Usually that is enough to scare me into showering, shaving and getting ready for the day. It’s a daily reminder that I’m not ready to go out into the world yet –-and they certainly aren’t ready for me looking like this.

In a similar way…

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

Nov 17

Wisdom

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 124:1-5 | Ezekiel 35:1-36:38 | James 1:1-18 | Proverbs 27:23-27

Today’s Scripture Focus: James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5 NIV)

God loves to give us his wisdom. He wants us to ask him for it. He never gets tired of our coming back again and again to ask for it. He never faults us for asking over and over again.

He lays down two conditions. We must ask for it. James tells us in chapter 4: “you do not have because you do not ask.” We often trust our own wisdom and neglect to ask God for his wisdom.

The other condition is faith. “But let him ask in faith, for the…

November 16
Through Us and In Us

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 123:1-4 | Ezekiel 33:1-34:31 | Hebrews 13:1-25 | Proverbs 27:21-22

Today’s Scripture Focus: Hebrews 13:1-25

Hebrews 13:20-21 (NIV) May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, [21] equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

As the letter comes to an end, the writer of Hebrews gives a blessing. He first blesses them by asking that God would provide everything they need to do the work he has called them to do– everything they need for doing his will.

What tasks has God given you to do today? Do you believe that God will give you…