Heart Problems (Feb 24)

Posted on February 24, 2016 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

heartproblems2

February 24
Heart Problems

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 31:9-18 | Leviticus 15:1-16:28 | Mark 7:1-23 | Proverbs 10:13-14

Today’s Scripture Focus: Mark 7:1-23

“These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain for their teachings are merely human rules.” (Mark 7:6-7 TNIV)

The Pharisees knew how to look spiritual. They knew how to play their spiritual games. They focused on the external and lived by the rules.

They were religious, but they were not godly. Their hearts needed a major cleansing.

Saying the right words, playing by the rules, and doing what others expect is not the essence of Christianity. What God is looking for is a heart that is changed from the inside. The transformed heart then works itself out into everything we do.

Don’t get so focused on the externals that you miss the heart of the matter—a heart that needs to be transformed. Open up your heart to Jesus and allow him to cleanse you from the inside out. Everything else will follow.

To focus only on the externals will lead you to pretending to be something that you are not—that is only hypocrisy. Yet, allowing Jesus to deal with your heart, allows you to live in fullness and freedom and authenticity. People will see the real thing and be amazed.

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Last Minute Dinner Plans (Feb 23)

Posted on February 23, 2016 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
lastminutedinner

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

February 23
Last Minute Dinner Plans

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 31:1-8 | Leviticus 14:1-57 | Mark 6:30-56 | Proverbs 10:11-12

Today’s Scripture Focus: Mark 6:30-56

By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. [36] Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” [37] But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” (Mark 6:35-37 NIV)

Had they been paying attention? Were they ready for a big test? It was time to find out. Jesus saw an overwhelming situation and decided to test the faith of his young disciples.

Jesus had demonstrated his authority over nature, sickness, demons and even death. The disciples had been in the company of one that found no task impossible. Once again, Jesus and the disciples face a seemingly impossible task: feeding 5000 people with a few fish and loaves of bread. This time, Jesus turns to his disciples and says, “You give them something to eat.”

Jesus didn’t immediately offer to do it. He gave the disciples an opportunity to deal with the overwhelming situation first. They immediately recognized how impossible it would be to feed such a big crowd. They said to him, “That would take eight months of a man’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?”

Then Jesus steps in and again reminds them who he is. No circumstances are too overwhelming for Jesus. He takes the limited resources at hand—five loaves and two fish—and feeds thousands with basketfuls left over.

We too find ourselves in overwhelming circumstances some times. Our resources seem limited. But in the hands of Jesus, no task is too big; no problem too overwhelming.

What opportunities before you seem overwhelming? Where do your resources seem limited? Take it all to Jesus and watch him work the impossible.

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Sackcloth to Joy (Feb 22)

Posted on February 22, 2016 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

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February 22
Sackcloth to Joy

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 30:6-12 | Leviticus 13:1-59 | Mark 6:1-29 | Proverbs 10:10

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalms 30:6-12

“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, [12] that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever.” (Psalm 30:11-12 NIV)

The Christian life is characterized by joy. Not that it is always easy—it is not. But joy flows from a relationship with Christ, not from our circumstances, so it is may be found in the most unusual places—especially the difficult ones.

The Psalmist tells us something surprising: that sackcloth and mourning often lead to deep joy. When desperate times came to God’s people in the Old Testament, the prophets and leaders would often call the people to cry out to God in sackcloth and ashes. Culturally, this was a way of expressing deep sorrow and grief. When faced by desperate times and difficult circumstances, sackcloth and ashes expressed the cries of their desperate hearts for the intervention of God. From the place of humility we cry out to God, the ultimate source of our joy.

Furthermore, dressing in sackcloth is a way to express repentance from sin. In times of revival, God’s people began to acknowledge their sin and to turn from it. They recognized that they have failed and begin to turn again to God. In the same way, repentance serves to free us from our guilt, and then our wailing can be turned to dancing. The chains of guilt and condemnation fall to the floor and can we begin the dance of joy.

Sackcloth and ashes was also a way of expressing faith and hope that God might hear their prayers, bring healing to their land and revival to the people of God. The joy of a revived heart flows from a life that humbly confesses sin and looks with faith for a fresh touch from God.

Looking for joy? Humble yourself. Turn from you sin. Look with eyes of faith. Allow God to revive your heart. Then let the dance begin!

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Lord of All (Feb 21)

Posted on February 21, 2016 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

lordofall

February 21
Lord of All

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 30:1-5 | Leviticus 11:1 – 12:8 | Mark 5:21-43 | Proverbs 10:8-9

Today’s Scripture Focus: Mark 5:21-43

He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” [35] While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher any more?” [36] Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” (Mark 5:34-36 NIV)

In yesterday’s reading we saw Jesus’ authority over nature (the calming of the storm) and over demons (casting the demons into pigs), in this reading we see his authority over sickness and death. Indeed, he is Lord of all!

No sickness is too great for Jesus, the healer. Doctors seemed to only make her condition worse. “She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse” (26). Jesus, in an instant, cured her completely.

Not even death is too great an obstacle. Jairus’ daughter was dead, but to Jesus it was as if she were only sleeping. With a gentle touch and a few words, she began to breathe again. “Immediately she stood up and walked around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished” (42).

Jesus is Lord of all. Whatever you are facing, know that he has authority over it. He is still able to calm the storm, push back the forces of darkness, heal a broken body and even to raise the dead. Nothing is too difficult for Him! Take your situation to him. Trust Him.

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Priestly Duties (Feb 20)

Posted on February 20, 2016 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
priestlyduties

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

February 20
Priestly Duties

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 29:1-11 | Leviticus 9:7-10:20 | Mark 4:26 -5:20 | Proverbs 10:6-7

Today’s Scripture Focus: Leviticus 9:7-10:20

“Then Aaron lifted his hands toward the people and blessed them. And having sacrificed the sin offering, the burnt offering and the fellowship offering, he stepped down. Moses and Aaron then went into the tent of meeting. When they came out they blessed the people; and the glory of the LORD appeared to all the people.” (Leviticus 9:22-23 TNIV)

Aaron and his assistants begin their priestly duties. Of course this meant caring for the sacrifices that brought atonement for sin. We are reminded in this text that it also meant the ministry of blessing the people.

With all the struggles and difficulties life brings we all stand in need of blessing. Circumstances sometimes beat us up and put us in a place where we need a blessing. Often the wounding words of other people become as curses to us and we need a blessing to bring the healing to our wounded souls. Life is difficult and we find ourselves emotionally beat up and bruised by the words and acts of others. The world around us brings more than enough cursing. We need to be blessed. This is why this ministry of blessing the people is such an important part of the priestly duties.

Therefore the priests were given the privilege and responsibility of blessing people. We see Aaron taking up that role several times in this text. He does so as he offers the sacrifices. Then again, we see Moses and Aaron coming out of the tent of meeting blessing the people.

They were acting on the Lord’s instructions given to Moses:

“This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: “The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” (Leviticus 6:23-26)

In the New Testament, God opens the priesthood to each of us. We are all part of his kingdom of priests. We are given the opportunity to bless others even as Aaron did. Don’t neglect your priestly duty of blessing. We all stand in need of the blessing.

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Rooted Firmly and Bearing Fruit (Feb 19)

Posted on February 19, 2016 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
RootedFirmly

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

February 19
Rooted Firmly and Bearing Fruit

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 28:1-9 | Leviticus 7:28 – 9:6 | Mark 3:31-4:25 | Proverbs 10:5

Today’s Scripture Focus: Mark 3:31 – 4:25

“Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. [4] As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. [5] Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. [6] But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. [7] Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain (Mark 4:3-7 NIV).

Jesus parable reminds us that there are many obstacles to our spiritual growth. God’s word given to us does not always produce a bumper crop. Sometimes the word is stolen. Sometimes because of “rocky soil,” the word gets started quickly but withers. Sometimes the thorns choke the word so that it does not bear grain.

Our first obstacle is Satan himself. He steals the word. If we don’t read or hear God’s word, he has already won the battle. No wonder he works so hard to keep us from reading and applying the word to our lives. Never underestimate the enemy. He is very good at tempting us with even good things that keep us from the best. He knows our weak and vulnerable places and he focuses on those. Stand firm and resist him.

Another obstacle to fruitful Christian living is “trouble or persecution.” As we go through the tough times of life, some who had started well lose ground. Anger, bitterness, discouragement and a whole host of other emotions cause our faith to wither. The word without faith only withers and dies. Yet the very same trials are intended to bring maturity and growth. Keep your eyes on Jesus in these trying times so that you do not lose hope. Persevere to the end.

Another obstacle to fruitfulness is “the things of this world.” Our possessions can easily become objects of worship. Materialism often makes thorns of houses, cars and other possessions. Hedonism produces thorns as we become consumed with the pursuit of pleasure. Jesus also mentions worry as a thorn. All of these thorns choke out the word and keep us from being fruitful.

Open your heart to Jesus and allow him to make your life fruitful. As you hear and obey his word, resisting the temptations, you will bear much fruit.

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Keep the Fire Burning (Feb 18)

Posted on February 18, 2016 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
keepthefire

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

February 18
Keep The Fire Burning

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 27:7-14 | Leviticus 6:1 – 7:27 | Mark 3:7- 30 | Proverbs 10:3-4

Today’s Scripture Focus: Leviticus 6:1 – 7:27

“Give Aaron and his sons this command: ‘These are the regulations for the burnt offering: The burnt offering is to remain on the altar hearth throughout the night, till morning, and the fire must be kept burning on the altar. (Leviticus 6:9 NIV)

The fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out. (Leviticus 6:13 NIV)

The aroma of the burnt offering was to go up to God always as a sweet savor to Him. It required the diligent attention of the priest so that it would not go out.

New Testament believers are called to be living sacrifices (Rom 12:1). The transformed life sends up an aroma pleasing to God. The spiritual passion of our lives requires the same constant attention, as did the continuous burnt offering. Spiritual passion, like fire, tends to go out unless it is attended to regularly.

Spiritual disciplines like prayer, meditation and the study of the Word help to tend the fire. The sacrifice of praise also fuels the passion. These disciplines keep our spiritual passion burning strong.

Fellowship with others who share your passion also keeps the fire burning. You don’t build a fire with one log. You build the fire by having several logs in close proximity. To keep the fire burning brightly you keep adding logs to the fire. So it is with our spiritual passion, it is difficult to remain strong apart from a group of others who will keep you burning bright.

Tend the fire of your spiritual passion–don’t let the fire grow dim. “The fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out.”

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Whom Shall I Fear? (Feb 17)

Posted on February 17, 2016 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
whomshallifear

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

February 17
Whom Shall I Fear?

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 27:1-6 | Leviticus 4:1 – 5:19 | Mark 2:13 – 3:6 | Proverbs 10:1-2

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 27:1-6

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1 KJV)

David often found himself in a place where he had to face his fears. Chased relentlessly by his enemies, he spent much of his life seeking a safe place to hide.

David here reveals his secret to facing his fears: God himself is his place of safety, his stronghold, his fortress. The circumstances around him change constantly, but his relationship with God is rock solid.

In the midst of darkness and confusion, the Lord is his light. In the midst of the battle, the Lord is the one who rescues and saves Him. In the midst of uncertainty and fear, the Lord is the safe place where he can run.

He longs for times of worship and prayer—precious times spent in the presence of the Lord. As he cries out to God and worships him with all his heart, the fears melt away in the beauty of the Lord’s presence.

Psalm 27:4 (NIV) One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.

When you face circumstances that tempt you to fear, it is good to seek his face; it is good to gaze upon his beauty. Remembering who he is, we can say with David, “The Lord is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?”

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God’s Surprising Answers

Posted on February 16, 2016 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Message number 2 in the “Habakkuk” series.

 

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A Solitary Place (Feb 16)

Posted on February 16, 2016 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

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February 16
A Solitary Place

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 26:1-12 | Leviticus 1:1 – 3:17 | Mark 1:29-2:12 |
Proverbs 9:13-18

Today’s Scripture Focus: Mark 1:29 – 2:12

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place where he prayed.” (Mark 1:35 NIV)

The day before had been incredibly busy for Jesus. Mark describes it this way: “That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons.” He had been up late healing people and setting them free from demons. The whole town had been at his doorstep.

If it had been me, I’d have been tempted to sleep in the next morning–to hit the snooze button a few times at least. Jesus, however, did nothing of the sort. “Very early, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place where he prayed.” Jesus desired intimate conversation with his father and would not let a busy day or lack of sleep keep him from the joy of fellowship through prayer. He delighted in these times of conversation with the heavenly Father. Refocused and refreshed he was ready for the day ahead.

How much more true for you and me. We dare not neglect the solitary place—the place where we can get alone and meet with our Heavenly Father—to have intimate conversation with the one who loves us most. Find a quiet place and pour out your heart to him. Make it a daily practice and don’t let anything crowd out those special times in your schedule.

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