Bumps in the Road (June 21)

Posted on June 22, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

June 21
Bumps in the Road

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 136:10-22 | 2 Kings 1:1-2:25 | Acts 13:42-14:7 | Proverbs 17:19-21

Today’s Scripture Focus: Acts 13:42-14:7

“Some of the Jews convinced the most respected women and leading men of the town that their precious way of life was about to be destroyed. Alarmed, they turned on Paul and Barnabas and forced them to leave. Paul and Barnabas shrugged their shoulders and went on to the next town, Iconium, brimming with joy and the Holy Spirit, two happy disciples.” (Acts 13:50-52 The Message)

The narrow road of life in Christ can be a bumpy road sometimes. But even then, we can find joy in Christ.

Paul and Barnabas got a mixed reaction as they preached. The crowds showed up, but so did the persecution. Jealous religious leaders stirred up the crowds against Paul and Barnabas.

Gentiles seemed to be the ones most responsive to the good news, clarifying Paul’s primary calling of taking the message to the Gentiles. “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth” (Acts 13:47, ESV).

But things got rough. Jewish leaders incited riots and persecution. Eventually all they could do was shake the dust off their feet and move on to the next city.

But the mixed reaction, the opposition and even the persecution could not steal their joy. The gladness found in our relationship with Christ and bubbling up from within by the Holy Spirit can not be taken away by mere circumstances. They went on their way “brimming with joy and the Holy Spirit.”

The road can get bumpy sometimes, but Jesus is always there with you. Depend on him to bring you joy by the Holy Spirit. Depend on him to give you strength to press on in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Inquire of the Lord (June 20)

Posted on June 20, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

InquireoftheLORD

June 20
Inquire of the Lord

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 136:1-9 | 1 Kings 22:1-53 | Acts 13:16-41 | Proverbs 17:17-18

Today’s Scripture Focus: 1 Kings 22

“Will you go with me to fight against Ramoth Gilead?” Jehoshaphat replied to the king of Israel, “I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses. But Jehoshaphat also said to the King of Israel, “First seek the counsel of the LORD.”(1 Kings 22:4-5 TNIV)

Ahab and Jehoshaphat were ready to join forces to recapture Ramoth Gilead. Jehoshaphat made one wise request before pledging full support, Let’s seek the counsel of the LORD. He knew that to make a decision with out inquiring of the LORD was to make a decision too quickly.

The LORD’s wisdom includes information about the seen and the unseen. We see only part of the picture. God knows what will happen. He knows the hidden purposes he will accomplish. His ways are higher than ours—but he has promised to reveal his wisdom if we ask for it.

The LORD’s wisdom is not always what we want to hear, either. Ahab was hesitant to call on the prophet Micaiah since he always prophesied what Ahab didn’t want to hear. We sometimes surround ourselves with counselors who will only tell us what we want to hear. But there is wisdom in seeking the LORD’s counsel from one who has the integrity to tell us the truth—even when the truth hurts.

The messenger sought out Micaiah and asked him to speak the same words as the other prophets. His response was filled with wisdom, “As surely as the LORD lives, I can tell him only what the LORD tells me.” To speak in any other way is to become a false prophet.

Seek the LORD and his counsel. When he speaks, listen, even if it is not what you want to hear.

When you are asked for counsel, seek the LORD and his wisdom first. Do not presume to know his will without seeking his counsel. Do not just tell people what they want to hear. Hear from the LORD and speak the truth even when it isn’t popular.

Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Becoming Like the One You Worship (June 19)

Posted on June 19, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

becominglike2

June 19
Becoming Like the One You Worship

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 135:15-21 | 1 Kings 20:1-21:29 | Acts 12:24-13:15| Proverbs 17:16

The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, nor is there breath in their mouths. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them. (Psalm 135:15-18)

The Psalmist suggests that we become like the one we worship. The idols of the nations were sometimes beautifully crafted in precious metals, but they remained the lifeless works of human hands: having mouths but not able to speak; having ears but being unable to hear; having mouths but being unable to breathe. They were often beautiful, but always lifeless.

He is suggesting that these gods made by human hands have no life in themselves. They don’t bring any life to those who make them. They don’t bring any life to those who trust in them. In fact they leave their worshipers just as lifeless as they are.

Few in the western world worship such idols. We are more sophisticated (or so we think). I believe it was Calvin that called our hearts an “idol making factory”—on that point I would firmly agree. The gods we dream up—greed, materialism, hedonism and the like—have neither eyes nor ears. They are just as lifeless—and bring us no more life than the more traditional idols. As we trust in them, we become more like them.

There is another alternative, of course. We can worship and serve Jesus Christ. To trust in him, to worship, is to become more and more like him. The one who trust him finds life abundant and eternal.

Who do you trust?

Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Surprise! (Jun 18)

Posted on June 18, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

surprise

June 18
Surprise!

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 135:8-14 | 1 Kings 19:1-21 | Acts 12:1-23 | Proverbs 17:14-15

Today’s Scripture Focus: Acts 12

“Peter is standing at the door!””You’re out of your mind,” they said. When she insisted, they decided, “It must be his angel. “Meanwhile, Peter continued knocking. When they finally went out and opened the door, they were amazed. (Acts 12:14b-16 NLT)

James had already been killed. Now Peter was in prison and a similar fate was expected. The church called a special prayer meeting.

They gathered and prayed at Mary’s house (mother of John Mark): “the church prayed very earnestly for him” (5).

Despite their earnest praying, they all stood completely amazed when Peter showed up at the door—Alive! Let’s be honest, we too are sometimes amazed when God answers our prayers.

Often we pray more out of desperation than in expectation. We pray more because we feel overwhelmed than because we are overflowing with hope. Their disappointment at the death of James, perhaps also weighed in—when we feel confused and overwhelmed by that which we do not understand it is sometimes hard to hold on to hope.

Still, whatever deficiency there may have been regarding their expectation, God did answer their prayer. An angel of the Lord awakened Peter. His chains fell off and he was led to safety. Peter went to tell the others.

He knocked on the door and the servant girl answered. She was so amazed and overjoyed that she left Peter at the door knocking while she told the news to the others. Despite their fervent praying, they couldn’t believe their ears.

Finally they had to see for themselves. Opening the door, they were completely amazed to find Peter without a scratch.

God answers prayer. Pray fervently and expectantly. And don’t be too surprised when the answer you are seeking comes knocking at the door.

Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The God Who Answers (Jun 17)

Posted on June 17, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

thegodwhoanswers2

June 17
The God Who Answers

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 135:1-7 | 1 Kings 18:1-46 | Acts 11:1-30 | Proverbs 17:12-13

Today’s Scripture Focus: 1 Kings 18:1-46

“How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” (1 Kings 18:21 TNIV)

“LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” (36-37 TNIV)

His bold faith brought him to a dangerous place. Elijah took on King Ahab and the prophets of Baal. He called them to reject Baal worship for the living God. He challenged them to a “duel” where the true God would answer by sending fire.

The prophets of Baal did everything they could to get their god’s attention. Louder, even louder, they cried. Then they took desperate measures, even cutting themselves to try to gain Baal’s attention. But there was only silence. “But there was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention.” (29)

Elijah rebuilt the altar of the LORD. He placed the sacrifice on the altar and then to make it harder, he had them pour water–lots of water–on the sacrifice. Then he prayed.

This time, there was an answer. The living God showed himself to be a God who hears and answers prayer. He answered by fire, consuming the sacrifice.

We often find it convenient to worship other gods—often gods of our own making or imaginations. These gods bring us some pleasure or satisfaction, but in the end they cannot save—they bring no real hope. When we really need someone to be there, someone to answer, we are left with silence.

How good it is to know that there is a God we can always turn to, one who always listens. He is able to save us no matter where we find ourselves. It is time to stop wavering between false gods and the living God. It is time to devote ourselves wholeheartedly to the one who loves us and hears and answers our prayers.

Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Always Enough (Jun 16)

Posted on June 17, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

alwaysenough2

June 16
Always Enough

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 134:1-3 | 1 Kings 15:25-17:24 | Acts 10:23b-48 | Proverbs 17:9-11

Today’s Scripture Focus: 1 Kings 15-25-17:24

“So she did as Elijah said, and she and Elijah and her son continued to eat from her supply of flour and oil for many days. For no matter how much they used, there was always enough left in the containers, just as the LORD had promised through Elijah.” (1 King 17:15-16 NLT)

God has revealed himself in scripture as “The Lord our Provider.” The story of Elijah is a reminder of how God is able to provide in extraordinary ways.

At first God used Ravens to feed Elijah. Each morning and evening they would bring meat and bread to Elijah. After a period of time, though, God used another method. This new method required an even greater measure of faith and obedience.

He was told to go to a widow in Zaraphath. God would provide for Elijah’s need through someone in need. Apparently God had already spoken to her about the situation. Still it was quite the test of faith for all involved.

She had only enough flour and oil to feed her son and herself. They were expecting it to be their last meal. Then Elijah comes expecting to be fed as well. The timing just didn’t seem right.

Elijah encouraged her that God would provide if she would feed him, in faith and obedience to God. So she took the step of faith. And of course, God supplied. He supplied again and again each day. The flour and oil containers refused to be depleted. There was always enough!

God is our provider. Follow his instructions carefully. Walk in obedience and faith. Trust him to provide. He is the God who makes sure there is always enough!

Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

There’s Always Hope (June 13)

Posted on June 13, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

alwayshope2

June 13
There’s Always Hope!

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 132:6-12 | 1 Kings 11:1-12:19 | Acts 9:1-25 | Proverbs 17:4-5

Today’s Scripture Focus: Acts 9:1-25

“Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with the authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.” (Acts 13-15 TNIV)

Ananias had reason to be skeptical. He had reason to be fearful. Saul had been at the forefront of the persecution of Christians. He had been there to give approval to Stephen’s death. Was the Lord really telling him to go and speak to Saul?

Yes, God was telling him to speak to Saul because Saul had undergone a radical transformation. The one who had been leading the cause of persecuting Christians had an encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus–a life changing encounter.

Paul’s conversion is a reminder that there is no one beyond hope. If Saul could become a Christian, then there is every reason for us to hope and pray for the salvation of the most unlikely—the hardest cases.

Paul’s call to ministry is a reminder that there is no one whom God cannot use for his glory. Yes, God could use one who had persecuted and killed Christians. He could so redeem and turn around his life that he could be called as a “chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel? Do you suppose Paul had doubts about that at first? “Could God really use me after all I’ve done?” I would bet that he did. But yes, God forgives and he was able to use Paul. He can use you too.

Don’t give up on praying for the most unlikely people to come to know Jesus. One real encounter with Jesus can alter a person’s destiny.

Don’t give up believing that God can use you, in spite your past, in spite of your failures. In fact, those struggles and failures might be the very experiences he uses most for his glory.

Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Expect the Unexpected (June 12)

Posted on June 12, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson: 365 Daily Devotionals (Available at Amazon.com)

Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson: 365 Daily Devotionals (Available at Amazon.com)

June 12
Expect the Unexpected

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 132:1-5 | 1 Kings 9:1-10:29 | Acts 8:14-40 | Proverbs 17:2-3

Today’s Scripture Focus: Acts 8:14-40

“As for Philip, an angel of the Lord said to him, ‘Go south down the desert road that runs from Jerusalem to Gaza.’ So he did, and he met the treasurer of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under the queen of Ethiopia. The eunuch had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and he was now returning. Seated in his carriage, he was reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.” (Acts 8:26-28 NLT)

The one who is led by the Spirit is in for an adventure. You never know what unexpected opportunities you will encounter. Such was the life of Philip.

He had been preaching in Samaria and had the unexpected opportunity to find the Samaritans receptive to the gospel.

Now he was given specific direction to take a certain road. He found an Ethiopian official sitting in a carriage reading aloud from Isaiah. Again, Philip gets his direction from the Spirit, “Go over and walk along beside the carriage.”

Hearing what the man was reading, Philip was given the unexpected opportunity to explain that scripture and many others that pointed to Christ as the Messiah. It became an unexpected opportunity to share the gospel with a man from Ethiopia.

You never know what opportunities lay ahead when the Spirit leads you. Learn to know his voice through walking intimately with him. Take the time to be quiet and listen. Solitude and silence are two disciplines that are often neglected in our busy and noisy lives. Then led by the Spirit, expect the unexpected.

Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Scattered on Purpose (June 11)

Posted on June 11, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

scattered2

June 11
Scattered On Purpose

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 131:1-3 | 1 Kings 8:1-66 | Acts 7:51-8:13 | Proverbs 17:1-33

Today’s Scripture Focus: Acts 7:51-8:13

“On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria…Those who had been scattered preached the gospel wherever they went.” (Acts 8:1, 4 TNIV)

The stoning of Stephen was just the beginning of a wave of persecution against believers in Jerusalem. Saul and his associates went from house to house dragging Christians from their homes and putting them into prison. What would happen to the young church?

Even while Satan seemed to be getting the upper hand, God remained sovereign. The believers’ willingness to suffer for the sake of the name only made their witness more powerful. Their boldness in spite of threat and persecution only amplified the words they spoke.

The persecution also was a means of fulfilling the Great Commission. The church was moving beyond the walls of Jerusalem into all of Judea and Samara—just as Jesus said it must.

God uses the tough times in our lives to show forth his power in our weakness. Sometimes God uses the tough times to move us to another place, sometimes spiritually, sometimes physically, sometimes both.

When you are feeling beat up, lost and like your world is out of control, know that God is still watching over you. He has a plan to use even this tough time for his glory. His design is that in this you would trust him and continue to proclaim his goodness to others. There is a purpose in the tough time. There is a purpose in pushing you out of the comfortable nest and into a new place in your walk with Him.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Waiting and Watching (June 10)

Posted on June 11, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

waitingandwatching2

June 10
Waiting and Watching

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 130:5-8 | 1 Kings 7:1-51 | Acts 7:30-50 | Proverbs 16:31-33

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 130:5-8

I pray to God—my life a prayer—and wait for what he’ll say and do. My life’s on the line before God, my Lord, waiting and watching till morning, waiting and watching till morning. (Psalm 130:5, 6 The Message)

The watchman spent the night in the tower on the city wall watching and waiting. Of course, he was looking for any sign of danger. Yet ultimately, he was looking for the morning to come–hoping for another peaceful night awakened by a beautiful sunrise.

Intercessors serve as watchmen. They often spend late nights and early morning hours waiting on God–watching for him to work. Alert to the dangers; alert to the enemies movements, the watchman is focused especially on the coming dawn when God’s light breaks forth—the long awaited answers that result from watching and waiting.

Watching and waiting: “counting on the Lord” and “longing for Him.” It requires being utterly dependent on him. Seeing only darkness now, but waiting in expectation for the light to break forth and awaken a new day.

Don’t give up. Keep waiting. Keep watching. Keep your hope focused on God and his promises. Keep praying. The dawn is coming.

Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment