From Questions to Praise (Dec 18)

Posted on December 18, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

December 18
From Questions to Praise

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 143:1-6 | Habakkuk 1:1-3:19 | Revelation 9:1-21 | Proverbs 30:10

Today’s Scripture Focus: Habakkuk 1-3

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” (Habakkuk 3:17-18 NIV)

Habakkuk was a prophet who asked a lot of questions. Tough questions. The big questions we would all like to ask God, even if we wouldn’t have the boldness to ask them. “How long, O Lord?” “Why don’t you answer my prayers?” “Are you ignoring me, Lord?” “Could you please explain why you are doing this Lord? It doesn’t make sense.” These are the kinds of questions Habakkuk raises to God.

The situation that brought on the questions was the impending Babylonian invasion of Judah. God had revealed to Habakkuk that wicked King Nebuchadnezzar and his armies would come in devastating power to Jerusalem and surrounding Judah and bring God’s judgment to his wandering, idolatrous people. But how could God use such a wicked nation and such a wicked king?

The book wrestles with those big questions. The answer God gives Habakkuk is that he is sovereign and is working out his plan in amazing ways–even using the evil plans of wicked kings to accomplish his purposes. Of course, he will ultimately judge Nebuchadnezzar and Babylon, but in his sovereign purposes he is using them for a time to execute his judgment upon his own holy nation who has wandered far from the truth.

Habakkuk spends the first few chapters wrestling with these answers. In the end, having been reminded that God is in control and is working out all things according to his purpose and plan, Habakkuk turns from complaints and questions to heartfelt words of trust and praise:

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” Habakkuk 3:17-18.

Habakkuk is resting in the amazing purposes of God. He may not understand all that is going on–all that God is doing–he may not understand his timing, but he knows that he can be trusted. He may not like the path ahead (I’m sure he didn’t) but he is still able to find joy, as he trusts the sovereign hand of the one who loves his children with an everlasting love.

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Never Alone (Dec 17)

Posted on December 17, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
neveralone

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

December 17
Never Alone

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 142:1-7 | Nahum 1:1-3:19 | Rev.8:1-13 | Proverbs 30:7-9

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 142

“Look and see, there is no one at my right hand; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life.” (Psalms 142:4 NIV)

Christmas can be a lonely time. Memories of family and friends who are no longer with us haunt us especially this time of the year. Separation from those you love when you’d rather be “home for Christmas” brings a sense of loneliness. Singles sometimes feel left out and lonely this time of year. Even in the midst of the crowds, it is common to feel lonely this time of year.

The psalmist found himself in a lonely place where he felt abandoned. His spirit was growing faint and he was losing hope. Lonely, abandoned and feeling helpless he cries out to God. Tempted to self pity, he looks to find the one he knows is his ultimate refuge.

“I cry to you, LORD; I say, ‘You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living. Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need’”(5-6).

He somehow finds hope between verse 4, “I have no refuge” and verse 5, “you are my refuge.” Often in our desperate cries for help when we are just about to give up, hope mysteriously appears. Our eyes turn from our problems and ourselves to the one who is our hope.

Lonely? Cry out to the one who brings hope. Cry out to the one who is your refuge. Look to him for strength, for help, for hope.

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O Little Town of Bethlehem (Dec 16)

Posted on December 16, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
oLittletown

Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

December 16
O Little Town of Bethlehem

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 141:1-10 | Micah 5:1-7:20 | Rev.7:1-17 | Proverbs 30:5-6

Today’s Scripture Focus: Micah 5-7

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” (Micah 5:2 NIV)

The gospel writers repeatedly stress that the story of Christmas—the birth of Jesus–was foretold in numerous passages by several Old Testament prophets. One of the most famous is the prophecy of Micah:

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times”
Micah 5:2 NIV.

In that simple prophecy, the fact that the birth of Christ had an unexpected twist is found. Instead of the place of his growing up, Nazareth, Jesus would be born in Bethlehem.

We also learn of the divine nature of this ruler, “whose origins are from old, from ancient times.” This made little sense until Christ came onto the scene–God in human form; fully God and fully man. How could a ruler be from ancient times? Because he is Eternal God incarnate in human flesh.

The prophets perfectly predicted the coming of Christ that we celebrate at Christmas. They also foretell another coming when he will rule as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. When “he will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth, and he will be their peace.” (5:4-5)

Yes, there will be peace on earth, good will toward men upon whom his favor rests. It will all be fulfilled just as it was told by the prophets.

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The Worthy Lamb (Dec 15)

Posted on December 15, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

worthylamb

December 15
The Worthy Lamb

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 140:9-13 | Micah 1:1-4:13 | Revelation 6:1-17 | Proverbs 30:1-4

Today’s Scripture Focus: Revelation 6:1-17

“I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a loud voice like thunder, “Come!” I looked and there before me was a white horse! It’s rider held a bow and he was given a crown, and he rode out as conqueror bent on conquest.” (Revelation 6:1-2 NIV)

In Chapter 5 and 6, the spotlight of heaven is focused squarely on the Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ. The scroll whose seals would bring forth the judgment of God upon the earth needed to be opened. The wrongs must be righted. Justice must be brought for the sin of man. But who is worthy to open the scroll?

Jesus, “The Lion of the son of Judah, the Root of David has triumphed” and is worthy to open the scroll. His triumph comes, ironically, by his death on the cross that purchased people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation to become a kingdom and priests to serve our God and reign on the earth.

Then all the angels, multitudes of angels encircle the throne and with the angels sing loudly, “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”

Jesus the one who conquered by his death on the cross, comes to open the scroll. He is the only one worthy to do it. Perfect in holiness and yet perfected by his unjust suffering for mankind’s sin, he comes to bring the “final verdict”: the judgment of God for the sin of mankind and all its ugly effects.

As each seal is broken, a series of events are unleashed on the earth. Christ comes as conqueror over Sin and Death and Hades. He avenges the sin of mankind. All the rulers of the earth stand in awe and hide as judgment is poured out.

We tend to have a negative view of judgment. In the scriptures we find another perspective that views judgment as God’s intervention in the world bringing justice where there has been injustice–righting the wrongs brought by sin.

Sin must be judged, and the worthy lamb that died that we might have life, was the perfect one to mete out the judgment and justice of God in the end times. God is incredibly patient and compassionate. He brings mercy to those who will humble themselves and receive it. But one day, sin and its horrific consequences must be dealt with. Every victim of sin looks to the worthy Lamb, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah to conquer and bring justice once for all.

Worthy is the Lamb!

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Running from God (Dec 14)

Posted on December 14, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
running

quote from open up your heart by Jeff Syverson

December 14
Running from God

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 140:1-8 | Jonah 1:1-4:11 | Rev. 5:1-14 | Proverbs 29:26-27

Today’s Scripture Focus: Jonah 1-4

But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry. [2] He prayed to the Lord, “O Lord, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. (Jonah 4:1-2 NIV)

Have you ever run from God or from a mission to which he has called you? I think most of us have. I think that the book of Jonah is popular because we all can relate to the reluctant prophet. I’m always amazed that God chose Jonah instead of a more willing prophet. But then I remember God chose me too. When I consider the parallels of my life and his, I’m thankful that God uses imperfect people to accomplish his tasks.

Jonah’s story reminds us that God is relentless in his pursuit of us. While we may try to run away, he patiently waits for us and straightens our paths. He may not always use violent storms and big fish, but he has many tools at his disposal. He is incredibly patient with us.

Jonah’s story reminds us that God has a compassionate heart for the entire world. When the enemies of Israel—the people of Nineveh–responded with repentance, God was indeed gracious and compassionate. While the focus of so much of the Old Testament is God’s relationship with Israel, Jonah reminds us that God cares about the rest of the world too and intends on sending us to share his grace and compassion with them.

Jonah’s story reminds us that God uses imperfect people to accomplish his purposes. In the process, he is shaping and forming our character. Jonah’s mission to Nineveh was probably as much to change Jonah, as it was to change the city of Nineveh. I wonder how much of the time the same is true of us. God calls us to a place of ministry or to a task more for our sake than theirs. In it all, God in his wisdom accomplishes his purposes in spite of the imperfections of his servants.

Be encouraged, if God can use Jonah to accomplish his will, he can use you too. Don’t be reluctant to answer his call. Allow him to use you–imperfections and all.

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Holy! Worthy! (Dec 13)

Posted on December 13, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

holyworthy

December 13
Holy! Worthy!

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 139:19-24 | Obadiah 1-21 | Rev. 4:1-11 | Proverbs 29:24-25

Today’s Scripture Focus: Revelation 4

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” (Revelation 4:8b ESV)

“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Revelation 4:11 ESV)

Imagine that you are standing before the throne of God in heaven! That is what John is describing here: his vision of heaven. The scripture often suggests that we set our mind on heavenly things. Perhaps we need to return to these verses again and again.

Can I encourage you to read through the chapter verse by verse and meditate on it? What do you see? What is happening? What do you hear? What do you feel? Take your time, and soak it all in. You may not understand each and every detail on the first or second reading. But stand in awe of the beauty of heaven and the beauty of your creator.

Imagine the colors, the vivid imagery, the drama of what is taking place. Then join the “living creatures” who never cease to worship saying, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” Stand in awe of our Glorious Lord and repeat the words again and again.

Then join the 24 elders falling down before him who sets on the throne and worship him. Imagine casting your crown before the throne and saying:

“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power; for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” Say it with the elders. Repeat the words with feeling.

You’ve just joined the worship of eternity. You’ve gotten a taste of what is to come when you stand before the throne and worship him awestruck by his glory and join with all creation in heartfelt worship. You have found your reason for living–for you will worship Him throughout eternity.

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Lukewarm (Dec 12)

Posted on December 12, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
lukewarm

Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson. Available at the kindle store at Amazon.com

December 12
Lukewarm

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 139:13-18 | Amos 7:1-9:15 | Rev. 3:7-22 | Proverbs 29:23

Today’s Scripture Focus: Revelation 3

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! [16] So, because you are lukewarm–neither hot nor cold–I am about to spit you out of my mouth. (Revelation 3:15-16 NIV)

God’s desire for us as his children is that we would live in an intimate relationship with him. We sometimes use the expression, “being on fire for the Lord.” The tendency for fire is to go out, unless it is tended. Similarly, the tendency in relationships is for love to diminish unless it is given time and attention.

As with any relationship, our relationship with the Lord can over time become “lukewarm.” In such times, we lack the passion, the desire, the zeal we once had. We get sloppy about our obedience. We often think we “have it together,” but it’s clear that something is just not right.

In such times, Jesus knocks on our heart’s door and reminds us that what he really desires is for us to open our hearts to him. He wants to have fellowship with us–deep, intimate fellowship.

Prayer is opening your heart to Jesus and enjoying fellowship with Him. It is the solution to a lukewarm relationship with God. He desires something more–an intimate relationship. You do too, don’t you? Open your heart to Him today. Enjoy your time in his presence.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”

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Where Can I Go? (Dec 11)

Posted on December 11, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson.

Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson.

December 11
Where Can I Go?

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 139:7-12 | Amos 4:1-6:14 | Revelation 2:18-3:6 | Proverbs 29:21-22

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 139:7-12

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, 10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. 11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” 12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. (Psalm 139:7-12 NIV)

“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” Sometimes we try to hide from God’s presence. Adam tried that. It didn’t work then, it still doesn’t work. Jonah tried it too. Waking up in the mouth of a big fish is a pretty good reminder that running from God is a hard thing to do. “If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.”

Sometimes we think God is hiding from us. Depending on our feelings to guide our perception, we forget the objective reality spoken of by the psalmist. Wherever we go, he is there. There is no place where God is not present. There is no circumstance we encounter where he is not near. “If I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me.”

Even in the deepest darkest circumstances of life, where we might feel abandoned by God, know that God is there and even the darkness is not dark to him. You may have trouble seeing clearly under the stresses of your circumstances. He sees and understands. He is with you whether you are able to sense it or not. “Even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.”

Don’t run from his presence. You can’t hide. Don’t worry if you can’t feel his presence. Wherever you are, he is there.

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Your First Love (Dec 10)

Posted on December 10, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson. Available on Amazon.com

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson. Available on Amazon.com

December 10
Your First Love

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 139:1-6 | Amos 1:1-3:15 | Revelation 2:1-17 | Proverbs 29:19-20

Today’s Scripture Focus: Revelation 2

You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. [4] Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. (Revelation 2:3-4 NIV)

The Ephesian church was doing many things right. They receive mostly words of praise as Christ evaluates their progress. They were working hard, and persevering in the faith. They dealt with false teachers in the proper manner. They showed their perseverance by remaining true to the faith while enduring hardships because they were Christians.

Yet there was one glaring fault in the Ephesian church. They had lost their first love.

It’s easy to do. We do the right things, but it becomes more of a ritual rather than a relationship. We go through the motions, but have lost the intensity of feeling and devotion we had at first.

Christianity is more than just “going through the motions.” It is an intimate relationship with one who loves you with an everlasting love.

Take the time to cherish your relationship with Christ. Spend time “abiding” in his love- meditating on how much he loves you. Believe it. Receive it. Soak in it. Spend time praising and adoring Christ. Tell him how much you love Him. Demonstrate it through your actions by loving obedience and by loving others. As he pours out his love in your heart and as you express it back in heartfelt praise, the love is rekindled and grows.

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The Revelation of Jesus Christ (Dec 9)

Posted on December 9, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Revelation

Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

December 9
The Revelation of Jesus Christ

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 138:1-8 | Joel 1:1-3:21 | Rev. 1:1-20 | Proverbs 29:18

Today’s Scripture Focus: Rev. 1

“Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” (Revelation 1:18 NIV)

How does one approach a book like Revelation? Some treat it as an exercise in speculation. They are fascinated about interpreting all the details and symbols in light of today’s news and trying to set dates for Christ’s return. Other people get confused by it all, and just try to avoid it.

Let me suggest another approach, one that I have found helpful. Try reading Revelation as a book of worship. Stand in awe of the revelation of Christ in his glory. Stand in awe of the wisdom of God as we get glimpses of Christ’s rule and reign. Long for more of a revelation of his presence here even as we wait for his coming in great glory as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Learn of Him. And worship and adore Him.

Let’s try it. Meditate on the truths that are revealed about Jesus, just in the first chapter. As you ponder his names and attributes, allow them to lead you to praise him for who he is.

In Revelation 1, Jesus is revealed as “the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the Kings of the earth” (5). He is the “one who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and has made us to be a king and priests to serve his God and Father–to him be glory and power forever and ever!Amen” (6).

We look with anticipation for, “Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”(7).

He is the “Alpha and the Omega who is, and who was and who is to come, the Almighty” (8).

He is revealed as one “like a son of man” in glorious brilliance and beauty (13-16).

He is the one who speaks saying, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”

Don’t be afraid to read and meditate on this glorious revelation of Jesus Christ. May you grow in your knowledge of Him. Where the details are clear, rejoice. Where they seem a little fuzzy: stand in awe and worship (later you can come back to gain a fuller understanding of the details). When you see elders and angels and creatures worshipping, allow them to lead you to stand in awe and worship the Lord Jesus. He is the focus of this revelation and of our worship.

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