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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Dwelling Place (Feb 15)

Posted on February 15, 2016 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Dwellingplace

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

February 15
Dwelling Place

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 25:16-22 | Exodus 39:1 – 40:38 | Mark 1:1-28| Proverbs 9:11-12

Today’s Scripture Focus: Exodus 39-40

“Take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and everything in it; consecrate it and all its furnishings, and it will be holy. Then anoint the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils; consecrate the altar; and it will be most holy.” (Exodus 40:9-10 NIV)

With meticulous detail, every last instruction was followed in preparing a tabernacle for the Lord. Now it was time to consecrate the tabernacle–time to anoint it with oil and set it apart for holy use. And time to set apart the priests by anointing them for God’s service.

Then the glory of the Lord descended on the Tabernacle and Tent of Meeting. So much so that Moses couldn’t enter the Tent of Meeting.

All of this is a picture of what God longs to do in us today. God no longer “tabernacles” in a structure built by human hands. He “tabernacles” (lives) in us by His Spirit. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.

He calls us to consecrate our bodies and become the vessels he can fill with His glory. He longs for you to give yourself wholly to Him; to become a holy vessel he will use for his glory.

“Therefore I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship.”

“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

He has set you apart for his purposes, allow him to fill you by His Spirit and use you for his glory!

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Fearing God Without Being Afraid (Feb 14)

Posted on February 14, 2016 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
fearinggod

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

February 14
Fearing God Without Being Afraid

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 25:8-15 | Exodus 37:1 – 38:31 | Matthew 28:1-20 | Proverbs 9:9-10

Today’s Scripture Focus: Proverbs 9:9-10

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10 NIV)

Fearing God is the beginning of wisdom. It is among the most admirable qualities a person can possess (Proverbs 31). The one who fears God is promised many blessings, including guidance “in the way chosen for him” and an intimate relationship with God in which the “Lord confides in those who fear Him” (Psalm 25). But what does it mean to fear God?

It does not mean being afraid of God. Some people live in servile fear—and that is not the kind of fear God delights in. Being afraid of God will not lead to worship or obedience.

Sinclair Ferguson defines the fear of God this way: “That indefinable mixture of reverence, fear, pleasure, joy and awe which fills our hearts when we realize who God is and what He has done for us.”

A. W. Tozer speaks of the fear of God as “astonished reverence.” He writes: “I believe that the reverential fear of God mixed with love and fascination and astonishment and admiration and devotion is the most enjoyable state and the most satisfying emotion the human soul can know.”

To rightly revere God, to stand in awe of Him, is to fear Him. This “astonished reverence” is foundational to a life lived in the fullness of his blessing, a life of intimate fellowship that brings the Father pleasure and brings our hearts deep satisfaction.

 

 

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Wounded (Feb 13)

Posted on February 13, 2016 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
wounded

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

February 13
Wounded

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 25:1-7 | Exodus 35:1 – 36:38 | Matthew 27:32-66 | Proverbs 9:7-8

Today’s Scripture Focus: Matthew 27:32-66

“And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him and led him away to crucify him.” (Matthew 27:31 NIV)

“And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way.” (Matthew 27:44 NIV)

Crucifixion is designed to bring excruciating physical pain. The physical torture of crucifixion is almost unimaginable. It was a cruel and painful way to die. It was also a method designed to bring shame and humiliation to the victim. The wounds of crucifixion were both emotional and physical.

The days preceding the cross were also filled with wounds. Jesus experienced emotional wounds of denial, betrayal, mocking and injustice. Most of these wounds were at the hands of those closest to him, magnifying the pain. Perhaps the worst of all the emotional wounds was the abandonment he experienced on the cross that brought voice to the words, “My God, my God why have you forsaken me?”

On the cross, Jesus became the suffering servant of Isaiah 53, he took upon himself our sin: “He was wounded for our transgressions.” He was condemned and forsaken. He was betrayed and denied. He endured shame for us. He felt the sting of abandonment from His Father. He did it all for you and me.

Those wounds that were the source of his pain are now the source of our healing: the forgiveness of sin, the freedom from bondages and shame, the healing of broken bodies and wounded hearts. When you experience the wounds brought on by denial, betrayal, mocking, injustice or abandonment, remember that Jesus understands. He has experienced those things too. Bring your wounds to Jesus and allow him to bring the healing you need.

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Shiny Faces (Feb 12)

Posted on February 12, 2016 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
shiningfaces

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

February 12
Shining Faces

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 24:7-10 | Exodus 34:1 – 35:9 | Matthew 27:15-31 | Proverbs 9:1-6

Today’s Scripture Focus: Exodus 34:1 – 35:9

“When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant.” (Exodus 34:29 NIV)

Moses had asked to see the glory of the Lord, “Now show me your glory” (33:18). The Lord gave him as much as he could handle: “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence . . . but you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live” (33:19-20). He had an awesome experience of the glory of the Lord.

But God gave Moses more than a one-time experience. He found the joy of the ongoing glory of the Lord’s presence as he spent time with Him. This glory would be reflected on his countenance—his face would be radiant. His face so reflected the glory of the Lord, that the people were afraid of Him when he would come down from his times with the Lord—even Aaron. “The Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory” (2 Cor. 3:7).

Yet as glorious as that is, the New Testament suggests that Moses’ glory cannot compare to the surpassing glory of Christ in us, the glory that lasts. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed in his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit (2 Cor. 3:17-18).

True Christianity is a relationship with Christ. As we spend time with Him, we reflect more and more of his character. Our whole being reflects his glory (2 Corinthians 3). Not only our faces, but our whole being and lifestyle reflects the glory of Christ within.

Moses experienced glory by being in the presence of the Lord. So do we. But there is no need for a veil anymore. The world needs to see Christ’s life reflected through his followers who are being transformed into his likeness with ever increasing glory.

Enjoy his presence today. Come away gloriously transformed by time in the presence of the Lord.

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Show Me Your Glory (Feb 11)

Posted on February 11, 2016 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
KingofGlory

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

February 11
Show Me Your Glory

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 24:1-6 | Exodus 32:1-33:23 | Matthew 26:69-27:14 | Proverbs 8:33-36

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 24, Ex. 32-33 and Proverbs 8:33-36

“Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the Lord.” (Psalm 24:3-4 NIV)

Moses sought and found an intimacy with God that was quite rare and precious: “The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend.” The people would see Moses go into the tent of meeting; all the people would stand and worship at the entrance to their own tents. Often after meeting with God, Moses face would shine with glory. Everyone knew he had been with the Lord.

His authority as a leader flowed from his intimacy with the Father.

How do we get to that place of intimacy? The Psalmist says, “we must come with clean hands and pure hearts” (Psalm 24:3). Often our own sin and idolatry keep us from entering into the place of intimacy with God. Instead of inviting the King of Glory to come in, we exchange his glory for a lie.

Proverbs tells us that the place of intimacy comes only to those who “watch daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.” Intimacy comes from “seeking Him” and learning to listen daily (Prov. 8:34).

For Moses too, intimacy came only from daily seeking, daily listening, and daily obedience. Moses fought for the “presence of the Lord” to go with them and had the audacity to ask for more of his presence. Though he had unusual intimacy with God, he wanted more. That holy longing for more of his presence was expressed in the cry of his heart, “God, show me your glory.”

Do you want to that kind of intimacy? You must press in to the heart of Father. You must seek Him with all your heart. You must not neglect that holy desire to know him more. Satisfaction with the status quo in your relationship with him will keep you from pressing in to deeper places of intimacy. Lord, show me your glory!

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The Lord is My Shepherd (Feb 10)

Posted on February 10, 2016 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
lordismyshepherd

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

February 10
The Lord is My Shepherd

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 23:1-6 | Exodus 30:11-31:18 | Matthew 26:47-68 | Proverbs 8:27-32

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 23

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul, He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” (Psalm 23: 1-3 NIV)

The Lord is our shepherd, our good shepherd, who cares for us. His aim is for our souls to be at rest and for our paths to be right and straight.

Jesus promises to take care of all the things that cause our soul to be restless, to be anxious, or disturbed. He promises to care for every need. He will bring comfort as he walks with us through difficult times. He is there with us even in the presence of our enemies.

The Shepherd desires rest for your soul. He wants to take you to quiet places beside the still waters, places of rest in green pastures. Yet in all of busyness—our hurrying and scurrying—we often resist the paths that will bring rest to our souls.

Your soul shrivels and dries up without sufficient times of rest that restore the soul. Find a quiet place and spend time with your good Shepherd. Allow him to restore your soul and “revive your drooping head” (vs 5, The Message).

Then follow the paths of righteousness, the paths of obedience. Your shepherd knows what is best. Obedience, too, brings rest to the soul.

Those who follow the lead of the shepherd can expect goodness and mercy to follow them all the days of their life; they can rest assured that his path will lead them to dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

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New Sermon Series

Posted on February 9, 2016 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

currentMessageSeries-Habakkuk

This past Sunday, Pastor Jeff began a six week series on the book of Habakkuk, The First Message: “How Long, Lord?”

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