Last Minute Dinner Plans (Feb 23)

Posted on February 23, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

lastminutedinner2

February 23
Last Minute Dinner Plans

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 31:1-8 | Leviticus 14:1-57 | Mark 6:30-56 | Proverbs 10:11-12

Today’s Scripture Focus: Mark 6:30-56

By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. [36] Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” [37] But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” (Mark 6:35-37 NIV)

Had they been paying attention? Were they ready for a big test? It was time to find out. Jesus saw an overwhelming situation and decided to test the faith of his young disciples.

Jesus had demonstrated his authority over nature, sickness, demons and even death. The disciples had been in the company of one that found no task impossible. Once again, Jesus and the disciples face a seemingly impossible task: feeding 5000 people with a few fish and loaves of bread. This time, Jesus turns to his disciples and says, “You give them something to eat.”

Jesus didn’t immediately offer to do it. He gave the disciples an opportunity to deal with the overwhelming situation first. They immediately recognized how impossible it would be to feed such a big crowd. They said to him, “That would take eight months of a man’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?”

Then Jesus steps in and again reminds them who he is. No circumstances are too overwhelming for Jesus. He takes the limited resources at hand—five loaves and two fish—and feeds thousands with basketfuls left over.

We too find ourselves in overwhelming circumstances some times. Our resources seem limited. But in the hands of Jesus, no task is too big; no problem too overwhelming.

What opportunities before you seem overwhelming? Where do your resources seem limited? Take it all to Jesus and watch him work the impossible.

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Sackcloth to Joy (Feb 22)

Posted on February 22, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

sackcloth2updateFebruary 22
Sackcloth to Joy

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 30:6-12 | Leviticus 13:1-59 | Mark 6:1-29 | Proverbs 10:10

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalms 30:6-12

“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, [12] that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever.” (Psalm 30:11-12 NIV)

The Christian life is characterized by joy. Not that it is always easy—it is not. But joy flows from a relationship with Christ, not from our circumstances, so it is may be found in the most unusual places—especially the difficult ones.

The Psalmist tells us something surprising: that sackcloth and mourning often lead to deep joy. When desperate times came to God’s people in the Old Testament, the prophets and leaders would often call the people to cry out to God in sackcloth and ashes. Culturally, this was a way of expressing deep sorrow and grief. When faced by desperate times and difficult circumstances, sackcloth and ashes expressed the cries of their desperate hearts for the intervention of God. From the place of humility we cry out to God, the ultimate source of our joy.

Furthermore, dressing in sackcloth is a way to express repentance from sin. In times of revival, God’s people began to acknowledge their sin and to turn from it. They recognized that they have failed and begin to turn again to God. In the same way, repentance serves to free us from our guilt, and then our wailing can be turned to dancing. The chains of guilt and condemnation fall to the floor and can we begin the dance of joy.

Sackcloth and ashes was also a way of expressing faith and hope that God might hear their prayers, bring healing to their land and revival to the people of God. The joy of a revived heart flows from a life that humbly confesses sin and looks with faith for a fresh touch from God.

Looking for joy? Humble yourself. Turn from you sin. Look with eyes of faith. Allow God to revive your heart. Then let the dance begin!

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Whom Shall I Fear? (Feb 17)

Posted on February 17, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

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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A Solitary Place (Feb 16)

Posted on February 16, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

DSC07382

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, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

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 15, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

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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A Risk of Faith (Jan 13)

Posted on February 15, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

January 13
A Risk of Faith

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 9:1-6 | Genesis 28:1 – 29:35 | Matthew 9:18-38 | Proverbs 3:11-12

Today’s Scripture Focus: Matthew 9:18-38

“If I can just put a finger on his robe, I’ll get well.”

“Courage, daughter, You took a risk of faith, and now you’re well.” (Matthew 9:21-22, The Message)

“According to your faith it will be done to you” (29)

Scripture tells us that “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Heb.11:6). Note how pleased Jesus was to find faith in each of these people. Also note the incredible things accomplished through that faith.

There are always doubters. The Pharisees play that role in our text. The Message paraphrases it: “Hocus pocus. It’s nothing but hocus pocus. He’s probably made a pact with the devil.” The Pharisees continually miss out on the blessings of God because they refused to believe.

The woman, who had hemorrhaged for 12 years, took a creative risk of faith. She thought that if she could just touch the hem of his garment, she would be made well. Jesus saw her faith and rewarded her with an instant healing that changed her life forever.

Two blind men cried out in faith, asking for mercy. When asked if they believed he could heal them, they responded, “yes Lord.” Touching their eyes with healing power, he said, “according to your faith it will be done to you.”

Then there is the girl who is raised from the dead, and a demon possessed mute man who was freed to speak. Indeed, “nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.”

Yet the Pharisees doubted, they refused to believe. And they missed out on the blessing.

What is your need? Come, like the woman, take a risk of faith. Cry out, like the blind men, for the grace and mercy of Jesus. It is amazing to see what blessings are brought about as we believe. May it be done according to your faith!

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Bring Them to Jesus (Jan 12)

Posted on February 12, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

bring

January 12
Bring Them to Jesus

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 8:1-9 | Genesis 26:17-27:46 | Matthew 9:1-17 | Proverbs 3:9-10

Today’s Scripture Focus: Matthew 9:1-17

“They were hardly out of the boat when some men carried a paraplegic on a stretcher and set him down in front of them. Jesus impressed by their bold belief, said to the paraplegic, “Cheer up son. I forgive your sins.” (Matthew 9:2, The Message)

All around us are friends in desperate need of an encounter with Jesus. Two stories in Matthew 9 remind us that we can be used by God to bring people to Jesus.

First notice the friends of the paraplegic. Did you notice the word, “their” in verse 2? Jesus was impressed by “their” faith. Whose faith? The Paraplegic? No, the text implies that Jesus was impressed by the faith of the men who brought the paraplegic to Jesus.

We don’t know about the paraplegic’s faith, we only know that Jesus commends his friends for having faith enough to bring the man to Jesus for healing.

It seems to me that this says something very important to us. We, through our prayers and faith, can bring people to Jesus. Our prayers do matter. Our faith does make a difference.

Nothing is too difficult for God; no need too big. We all know friends who need the miraculous intervention of God. Will we bring them to Jesus? Will we take their needs to Him in bold belief through intercession?

Notice also the story of Matthew. After he comes to Christ, Matthew has a party for all his old friends. Jesus and the disciples show up too. What is Matthew doing? He’s bringing his friends to Jesus so that they might have opportunity to experience the new life he himself has just received.

Whether through prayer or witness, we can play an important part in the lives of our friends as we bring them to Jesus. As we bring people into his presence, miracles happen and lives are transformed.

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Calming the Storm (Jan 11)

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

Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

January 11
Calming the Storm

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 7:10-17 | Genesis 24:52 – 26:16 | Matthew 8:18-34 | Proverbs 3:7-8

Today’s Scripture Focus: Matthew 8:18-34

He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” (Matt 8:26-27 NIV)

Throughout the gospels, Jesus shows again and again his authority to heal, to cast out demons, and to do all sorts of miracles. In this text, he has authority over the wind and sea.

I’m always struck with the fact that Jesus’ miracles were nearly always focused on meeting someone’s need: Bread for hungry people, healing for the sick, freedom for the demon possessed. Jesus knows our need and in his compassion he reaches out to us to meet that need.

The disciples were afraid as they were tossed by the wind and the wave. Jesus saw their need and brought peace to the storm.

What is your storm? Not all storms are weather related. Some of the strongest are those that rage in the human heart: turmoil because of relationships; frustration at work; difficult circumstances you are facing. Whatever the source of the storm, Jesus knows about it. He sees it. He is able to calm your storm too. Just as he brings peace to the storm, he is able to bring peace to your troubled soul.

Of course it also true that this storm is a test of your faith. As your faith is stretched, there is an opportunity for growth. Even when Jesus doesn’t put an immediate end to the storm, he is in the midst of the storm with you speaking words of encouragement; reminding you that there is no need for you to be afraid.

Cast your cares on him. He really does care about you.

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Straight Paths (Jan 10)

Posted on February 10, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

January 10
Straight Paths

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 7:1-9 | Genesis 23:1 – 24:51 | Matthew 8:1-17 | Proverbs 3:1-6

Today’s Scripture Focus: Proverbs 3:1-6

“Trust God from the bottom of your heart; Don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who’ll keep you on track.” Prov. 3:5-6 (The Message)

Life is a journey with many twists and turns. To us, the path ahead is uncharted and often unpredictable. Yet to God, the path is seen clearly. He sees the implications of every fork in the road. He knows what is ahead and how the path ahead fits in with his purposes and plans. Like a good shepherd, he desires to lead and guide us.

Therefore we are asked to trust him with all of our hearts. The wisdom for living life to the full is not found in our limited human understanding, therefore we must ask Him for wisdom and discernment as we journey ahead step by step.

But as we seek Him, trust Him, acknowledge him in all we do; as we allow him to guide us by his word and the gentle whisper of his Spirit, he goes before us and prepares the path. Indeed, he makes it straight.

Yes, he directs our paths. But more literally, he straightens our paths. This suggests that God is actively engaged in preparing the paths ahead of us. Not only telling us which fork in the road to take, but also preparing the path for our journey.

The story of Isaac and Rebekah in Genesis 24 is a prime example. God will not always follow the exact blueprint in bringing two people together, but notice how God has prepared the path of Abraham’s servant to find a wife for Isaac. Angels are sent ahead to prepare the path. Each detail is worked out to precision to accomplish the Lord’s will. God’s hand not only guides, but also prepares the way. The paths are straightened and God’s will is done in a most wonderful way.

Confused about where God might be leading? “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Or as Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase says it, “He’s the one who’ll keep you on track.”

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