Two or Three (Jan 27)

Posted on January 27, 2016 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

TwoOrThree

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?

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Who Am I? (Jan 26)

Posted on January 26, 2016 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

whoami

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 calls 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 isn’t “Who am I?”, the real question is “God are you with me?” It’s not a matter of who I am, but 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 comfort 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.

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God’s Purposes (Jan 25)

Posted on January 25, 2016 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

godspurposes

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 turning man’s evil intentions into his own good intentions. 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.

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The Blessing (Jan 24)

Posted on January 24, 2016 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

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.” 48:9
“Then he blessed Joseph…” 48:15
“Then Jacob called for his sons and said: “Gather around so I can tell you what will happen to you in days to come.” 49:1
“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.” 49:28

Throughout these chapters, the emphasis is on the blessings given by Jacob. He blessed Pharaoh. He blessed Ephraim and Manasseh (Joseph’s sons). He blessed Joseph. Then in chapter 49, he blesses each of his 12 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 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.

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Faith That Refuses to Give Up (Jan 23)

Posted on January 24, 2016 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

faiththatrefuses

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.” (Matthew 15:22, 23 NIV)

“Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” and her daughter was healed that very hour.” (28)

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 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.

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The Forgiving Heart (Jan 22)

Posted on January 22, 2016 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
forgivingheart

Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

January 22
The Forgiving Heart

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 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 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.

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How Long, O Lord? (Jan 21)

Posted on January 21, 2016 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
HowlongoLord

Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

January 21
How Long, O Lord?

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

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 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 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. This is a time to remember his promises. 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.

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Can We Find Anyone Like This? (Jan 20)

Posted on January 20, 2016 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
canwefind

Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

January 20
Can We Find Anyone Like This?

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 12:1-8| Genesis 41:17 – 42:17| Matthew 13:24-26| Proverbs 4:1-6

Today’s Scripture Focus: Genesis 41:17 – 42:17

“So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?’ Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “since God has made all this know to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.” Genesis 41:38-40

Joseph had been through quite a journey of ups and downs. Rejected and betrayed by his brothers, he was sold into slavery. Taken to Egypt, the hand of the Lord was upon him and he proved faithful and successful. He was taken into the service of Potiphar. There again, the Lord prospered him, and he proved faithful. Potiphar’s wife made advances and his integrity was tested. Joseph proved faithful, but Potiphar’s wife’s deceitful ways meant that he suffered great injustice again: he was thrown in prison. There again he proves faithful and successful. But further injustice was seen in the cupbearer who fails to follow through on his promise.

Yet, in all of this, Joseph waited patiently on God. When the time was right, God exalted Joseph. The times of testing, the perseverance through difficult and sometimes unjust circumstances had taught him lessons of faith and trust. Now he was ready–and God brought him from the lowest place to the highest place.

Joseph, relying on God’s Spirit, is able to interpret the dream of Pharaoh. He carefully gives the glory to God. Yet Pharaoh is impressed by his discernment and wisdom. He knows that this is a man who evidences the “Spirit of God” (38). What a powerful testimony.

Joseph proved faithful through incredibly difficult and unjust circumstances. He continued to trust when things seemed hopeless. He refused the temptation to allow bitterness to poison his spirit (despite the injustice, rejection and betrayal he suffered). When God exalted and used him, he proved humble and trustworthy–and he exalted and magnified the Lord.

The world, like Pharaoh, is looking for men and women of like character– people of integrity, men and women who are spirit-filled and walking in intimacy with God. May others look to us and say, “Can we find anyone like this, one in whom is the Spirit of God?”

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Resist (Jan 19)

Posted on January 19, 2016 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Resist

Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

January 19
Resist

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 11:1-7 | Genesis 39:1-41:16 | Matthew 12:46-13:23 | Proverbs 3:33-35

Today’s Scripture Focus: Genesis 39:1-41:16

“Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he refused.

“How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:6,7 and 9 NIV)

“Come to bed with me!” she says. How would he respond to the unexpected advance of his master’s wife? How would Joseph deal with temptation?

Instead of giving in to the passion of the moment, he looked at the situation rationally and righteously. His split second decision made the difference between falling into sin and standing strong as a righteous man.

Joseph resisted temptation because he looked at the situation rationally (8,9). He knew that he was a steward of his master’s property and being held accountable for how he handled his responsibility. To sin against his master by giving in to the temptation, would clearly have serious consequences when his actions were discovered. Sin brings pleasure for a season, but it always has consequences. Realizing this helped Joseph resist temptation.

Joseph resisted temptation because he looked at the situation righteously–from God’s perspective. Joseph rightly understood that his sin would not only be against Potiphar and his wife, but would be against God himself. “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (9) Sin is rebellion against God. We often forget that perspective and give in easily to temptation. Joseph was very aware that to give in to temptation was to sin against God.

Joseph resisted temptation because he stuck to his decision resolutely. He determined that he would not give in. He stuck to his decision stubbornly. “And though he spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her.” (10)

Joseph resisted temptation by fleeing rapidly. He knew that willpower itself would only go so far. He refused to give in and “made a run for it” when he was in a particularly vulnerable place.

Temptation is an everyday reality. We would do well to follow Joseph’s example in standing up resolutely to temptation.

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Careless Words (Jan 18)

Posted on January 18, 2016 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

carelesswords

January 18
Careless Words

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 10:16-18 | Genesis 37:1 – 38:30 | Matthew 12:22-45 | Proverbs 3:27-32

Today’s Scripture Focus: Matthew 12:22-45

“A tree is recognized by its fruit . . . . For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:33-38 NIV)

Our words say a lot about who we really are on the inside. They are one of the fruits of our inner life. Jesus reminds us: “out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” Our words often say a lot more about us than we realize.

You expect an apple tree to bear apples, a peach tree to produce peaches and a pear tree to bring forth pears. Similarly, you expect an angry person to produce angry words, a dishonest person to speak lies, and a negative person to criticize and put down other people. You expect a loving person to speaking loving, encouraging words. A joyful person can be counted on to brighten up your day with words that bring you laughter.

Your words really do reveal your character.

To the follower of Christ, those words should more and more be words that bless rather than curse; words that lift up rather than words that tear down. Instead of gossip and slander, the changed heart speaks words of hope and love.

Jesus also reminds us that we are accountable for our words. We will one day be accountable for every careless word we have spoken.

Do your words reflect a heart being transformed into the likeness of Jesus? As he changes you from the inside out, you should expect the fruit of your words to be consistent with the transformed heart within. Open your heart to Jesus. Allow him to transform your heart into his likeness . . . and your tongue.

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