Fire! (June 4)

Posted on June 4, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

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June 4
Fire!

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 126:4-6 | 2 Samuel 22:21-23:23 | Acts 2:1-47 | Proverbs 16:19-20

Today’s Scripture Focus: Acts 2

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. [2] Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. [3] They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. [4] All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. (Acts 2:1-4 NIV)

They took Jesus command seriously. They waited expectantly for the Holy Spirit to be poured out. They devoted themselves to praying together. And then it happened: Fire!

They were “all together in one place.” What were they doing? They were praying. They were waiting expectantly for the Spirit of God to be poured out on the church.

What was the result? A dynamic church was born:

A church that was fruitful in evangelism: “Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day” (41). “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (47).

A church where the gifts of the Spirit were in full operation (4: 17-19)

A church that continued to be devoted to prayer (along with teaching, fellowship and the breaking of bread).

A church that gave sacrificially (44,45).

A church that was filled with joyful praise and worship (47)

A church with a dynamic small group ministry (46 b)

A church that lived in awe, because God was present and active in their midst (43).

A church that was on fire!

May God do it again! May he do it in us as we “with one accord” devote ourselves to pray and wait expectantly.

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One Accord (June 3)

Posted on June 4, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

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June 3
One Accord

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 126:1-3 | 2 Samuel 20:14-22:20 | Acts 1:1-26 | Proverbs 16:18

Today’s Scripture Focus: Acts 1

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 ESV)

All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. (Acts 1:14 ESV)

Armin Gesswein often said, “When Jesus built a church, he first built a prayer meeting.” Acts chapter 1 is the record of that truth. The New Testament church was birthed out of a prayer meeting where “with one accord,” they were “devoting themselves to prayer.”

The result of that prayer meeting was a Spirit-filled church, described in Acts 2 and the chapters that follow. It was a dynamic church that was on fire with the good news. Jesus’ words were fulfilled: “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

There are too many churches that are just going through the motions; too many churches with no fire or passion; too many churches that are half-hearted about outreach. What’s the solution? Jesus started a prayer meeting. Maybe he was on to something.

Start a prayer meeting, devote yourselves to prayer with others in “one accord” and wait expectantly for the Spirit of God to be poured out. Then go, empowered by the Spirit and be one of his witnesses.

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Feed My Sheep (June 2)

Posted on June 2, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

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June 2
Feed My Sheep

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 125:1-5 | 2 Samuel 19:11-13 | John 21:1-25 | Proverbs 16:16-17

Today’s Scripture Focus: John 21

The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” Then he said to him, “Follow me!” (John 21:17,19b NIV)

The Resurrection is a reminder that God is all about second chances. One of the most touching accounts concerning the resurrection is Peter’s encounter with Jesus. Jesus went out of his way to find Peter, knowing that Peter had denied him. He wanted to show grace to him. Underlying Jesus gentle rebuke, Jesus is reinstating Peter to ministry. In essence, Jesus is saying, “I’m giving you a second chance.”

Our failings are not lost on God. From the broken place, we learn to rely on God’s strength rather than our own. With humility, we begin again, with a new understanding of the grace of God. Don’t dwell on the failure. Don’t get stuck on the past. God is giving you another chance. And if the example of Peter is any indication, the future looks brighter and brighter every day.

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I Have Seen the Lord! (June 1)

Posted on June 2, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

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June 1
I Have Seen the Lord!

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 124:6-8 | 2 Samuel 18:1-19:10 | John 20:1-31 | Proverbs 16:14-15

Today’s Scripture Focus: John 20

“I have seen the Lord!” (Mary Magdalene, 18) “The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.” (20) “My Lord and my God!” (Thomas, verse 28)

The Resurrection brought hope and joy to Jesus’ disciples. It brings hope and joy to us today. To the grieving, like Mary Magdalene, it brings the hope of the Resurrection. This life is not all there is. There is life eternal. There is a resurrection. Mary came to the tomb grieving and left rejoicing in hope because she was confronted by the risen Christ. The resurrection too, brings hope to us as we grieve. We don’t grieve as those who have no hope—the Resurrection of Christ brings the hope of the resurrection to all followers of Christ.

To the disheartened disciples, Jesus’ resurrection brought peace and joy. It also brought a new focus and a new power (the Holy Spirit). They had pretty much given up hope, and had gotten sidetracked from their mission. The Resurrection gave them a message to take to the world. The Resurrection power of Jesus gave them everything they needed to take that message with boldness. The same is true for us.

To the doubting, like Thomas, Jesus resurrection brought new hope to believe. Thomas was not alone with his questions and doubts. We all confront them. But the resurrection appearance of Jesus enabled him to move beyond his doubts to worship as he exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” The evidence of the Resurrection enables us too to trust Christ, even with our questions and doubts, as we surrender them to the risen Christ.

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Making Plans (May 29)

Posted on June 2, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

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May 29
Making Plans

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 122:6-9 | 2 Samuel 14:1-15:22 | John 18:1-24 | Proverbs 16:8-9

Today’s Scripture Focus: Proverbs 16:8-9

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps. (Proverbs 16:9 NIV)

Planning is important. To fail to plan is no virtue. Yet, in every plan God has the last say. He is the one who directs and establishes our steps.

It’s easy to get ahead of God. Wait is a common word in the scripture when it comes to discerning God’s will. It does not come easily.

It is also easy to drag behind. We sense God’s direction but for some reason we procrastinate our obedience. We fear the step of faith. We prefer the comfort of the boat and we are not really sure we want the adventure of walking on the water.

It’s best to include God in our planning. As he provides wisdom and insight, we press forward in steps of obedience and faith. When we don’t know what else to do, we just “do the next thing.” Often the mundane steps of simple obedience, in living our everyday lives with integrity, open the doors of opportunity and blessing. God establishes our steps.

It is good to know that we are not alone. God is there to guide and protect. If our plans somehow lead to a misstep, he is there to establish our steps and to re-direct us.

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Jesus’ Unanswered Prayer

Posted on June 2, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

JesusunansweredMay 28
Jesus’ Unanswered Prayer

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 122:1-5 | 2 Samuel 13:1-39 | John 17:1-26 | Proverbs16:6-7

Today’s Scripture Focus: John 17:1-26

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. (John 17:20-23 NIV)

You learn a lot about a person when you hear them pray. You find out what is really in their heart—what are their priorities and passions. Perhaps that is why I find this text so intriguing. It gives us a picture of how Jesus’ prayed for his followers—including you and me.

What does he pray for? Along with protection from the enemy, along with sanctification, along with his concern for us to make a meaningful difference in the world, Jesus was concerned for the unity of the church: “that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity.” Why does his pray for this? “Then the world will know you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”

This, for the most part, seems to be an unanswered prayer. I struggle with unanswered prayers sometimes. I wonder if Jesus ever does.

There are so many good agendas that seem to get in the way of Jesus’ prayer being answered.

I don’t know about you, but I am joining Jesus in his prayer burden for the unity of his followers. I want to be a part of the answer rather than a part of the problem. It is time for Jesus’ prayer to be answered.

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1, NIV)

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Whatever (May 27)

Posted on May 28, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Whatever

May 27
Whatever

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 121:1-8 | 2 Samuel 12:1-31 | John 16:1-33 | Proverbs 16:4-5

Today’s Scripture Focus: John 16:1-33

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask and you will receive that your joy may be full.” (John 16:23-24 ESV)

Whatever you ask. These are among the most amazing words from the mouth of Jesus. Apparently, they are so amazing that he needed to repeat it several times to allow the profound truth to sink in.

“If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (15:7)

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give to you.” (15:16)

“Truly, truly I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, I will do it.” (16:23)

Yes, there are conditions to the promises like abiding in the word, asking in his name, and being faithful to our mission to go and bear fruit. These all imply an intimacy with God that leads to obedience to his commands—a familiarity with God’s will, both his heart and his word. Still the promises are amazing: “Whatever you ask.”

God’s design for you is to bear fruit as you live in intimacy and obedience (John 15). As you do so, as you abide in him, you will know the heart of the Father and will be able to pray with confidence, believing that whatever you ask the Father in Christ’s name will be done. Then you will realize the next promise: “Ask and you will receive, that your joy may be full” (16:24).

May your joy be full as you walk in intimate obedience to the will of the Father, and as you ask and receive the answers to your “whatever” prayers. Your problem is not too big. Trust Him to show himself faithful and to give you the joy of answered prayer.

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David Danced (May 24)

Posted on May 24, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

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May 24
David Danced

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 72:8-14 | 2 Samuel 4:1-6:23 | John 13:31-14:14 | Proverbs 15:31-32

Today’s Scripture Focus: 2 Samuel 4:1-6:23

David and the whole house of Israel were celebrating with all their might before the Lord, with songs and with harps, lyres, tambourines, sistrums and cymbals. [14] David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the Lord with all his might (2 Samuel 6:5,14 NIV)

Worship is a time for celebration. It is a time for us to break out the instruments and sing with all our might. It is not a time for half-hearted singing or mumbling words. It is a time for us to enter in with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength.

David sets a great example in leading the people of Israel to celebrate the greatness of their God: “David and the whole house of Israel were celebrating with all their might before the Lord, with songs and with harps, lyres, tambourines, sistrums and cymbals” (6:5). They worshiped with all their might–they didn’t hold anything back. That’s the kind of celebration God deserves each week as we gather together.

The story of Uzzah reminds us that worship also calls for an attitude of reverence. He treated the “holy” as common and suffered the punishment. Reverence need not dampen our enthusiasm or our celebration—but it does sharpen our focus in the midst of the celebration. We are not celebrating to entertain ourselves. We are celebrating to declare the worth of our God. He is the focus, and we dare not lose sight of that. Worship calls for celebration, but always keeps us focused on him and should lead us to a sense of wonder and awe.

Worship is a time to focus on God, not to judge others for the way they express themselves. Michal learned that lesson the hard way. She saw David dancing and celebrating before the Lord with all his might, and she was embarrassed by it. There is often a temptation to judge others during worship—their attitudes, their behaviors. This is a dangerous distraction that keeps us from worshiping God as we ought. Don’t worry about other people. Focus on God and worship him with all your might.

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The Humble King (May 23)

Posted on May 24, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

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May 23
The Humble King

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 72:1-7 | 2 Samuel 2:12-3:39 | John 13:1-30 | Proverbs 15:29-30

Today’s Scripture Focus: John 13:1-30

When Jesus had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 13:12-15 NIV)

He was clear about his position. “Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God.” But that didn’t keep the King of Kings and Lord of Lords from taking the place of a servant.

In a day of sandals and dirt roads made for walking, foot washing was a common practice. The servant of the house would be expected to be the “foot washer.” It was a job for servants, a rather unpleasant and undoubtedly smelly job requiring a great deal of humility.

Jesus knew all that, of course. So did the disciples. It made for a powerful teachable moment. He would demonstrate his love for them and give them an unforgettable lesson in humility. The King, the Lord, the Teacher would wash the feet of his subjects, his servants, his students.

It was a lesson that Jesus repeatedly taught the disciples. It’s not an easy one to learn. But he demonstrated it repeatedly. It was humility that brought him to earth in the first place; humility that caused him to be born a baby; humility that caused him to take on human flesh; humility that would soon be most fully demonstrated by his death on the cross.

The way of greatness in the kingdom is found in the towel. It is the way of the King who humbles himself to meet the needs of the servant. It is an example he intended for us to follow.

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Out of the Shadows (May 22)

Posted on May 24, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

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May 22
Out of the Shadows

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 71:19-24 | 2 Samuel1:1-2:11 | John 12:20-50 | Proverbs 15:27-28

Today’s Scripture Focus: John 12:20-50

Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Those who walk in the dark do not know where they are going. Put your trust in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of the light.”(John 12:35-36 TNIV)

Jesus came as the Light of the world to bring us out of the darkness and into the light. His signs showed forth the glorious light that we might believe. Yet people reacted in different ways to the light.

Some were hardhearted (37-40). They saw the miracles, but didn’t get it. Their hearts were hard and they were unable to see or hear. They were unable to believe. A heart darkened by sin, a heart that has lingered in the shadows for too long finds it hard to believe. Jesus calls the hardhearted to come out of the dark and into the light.

Some were half-hearted. “Many even of the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue for they loved human glory more than the glory of God” (42-43). They believed but were not willing to come out of the shadows and into the light. They didn’t want to be too upfront about their faith because they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. Jesus calls the half-hearted to come fully into the light and follow him completely.

Others were whole-hearted. They were the ones who trusted Jesus completely and followed him whatever the cost. These were the children of the light who took Jesus at his word. Like kernels of wheat they were wiling to die to themselves to enter into the life that is really life. They lived the reality of Jesus words: “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it will produce many seeds. Those who love their life will lose it, while those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.”

God will honor the children of the light—those who come out of the shadows and live wholeheartedly for Christ. Those servants who follow Christ whatever the cost may not receive the praise of men in this life, but they can be sure to be honored by God in the next.

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