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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Falling to Pieces (Feb 9)

Posted on February 9, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

February 9
Falling to Pieces

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 22:19-31 | Exodus 29:1-30:10 | Matthew 26:14-45 | Proverbs 8:14-26

Today’s Scripture Focus: Matthew 26:14-45

“Before the night’s over, you’re going to fall to pieces because of what happens to me.” Peter Broke in: “Even if everyone else falls to pieces on account of you, I won’t . . . even if I had to die with you, I would never deny you.” (Matthew 26:31 The Message)

The cross and the events leading up to it were going to be difficult ones for the disciples. Jesus knew that and warned them.

In one case, there was outright betrayal. But they would all “fall to pieces” and be like sheep without a shepherd.

Peter would have nothing of it. “Even if everyone else falls to pieces… I won’t.”

Jesus cautioned Peter, “Don’t be so sure . . . This very night, before the rooster crows up the dawn, you will deny me three times.”

With even more bravado Peter replied, “Even if I had to die with you, I would never deny you.”

Of course, as Jesus would remind them in the garden, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Peter, despite his best intentions found his flesh weak and gave into the temptation Jesus had predicted. He denied he even knew Jesus.

Following Jesus isn’t always easy. And despite our best intentions–even our bravado–we will have times when we fail him. There will be times when we fall down.

But we can be thankful that Jesus is eager to give us a second chance. Just as Jesus sought out Peter after the resurrection to encourage and reaffirm his leadership, so he affirms us, even when we fail.

We walk daily only by his amazing grace. We walk humbly knowing that even Peter “fell to pieces” under trial. We walk hopeful knowing that he is there to take us by the hand when we fall and help us on our way–just as he did with Peter.

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To the Least (Feb 8)

Posted on February 8, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

February 8
To The Least

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 22:1-18 | Exodus 28:1-43 | Matthew 25:31-26:13 | Proverbs 8:12-13

Today’s Scripture Focus: Matthew 25:31-26:13

“I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”(Matthew 25:40 NIV)

Jesus’ parables have a way of cutting right to the heart of the issue. In his parable of the sheep and the goats, Jesus reminds us that love for God is evidenced by our love for one another–especially as we express that love practically in meeting needs.

True love is feeding the hungry, giving water to the thirsty, taking in the stranger, visiting the lonely prisoner. The amazing part is that Jesus says when we do these practical acts of love and kindness to the “least of these,” it’s like we are doing it for Him. God cares about the poor, the hungry, the hurting. He cares about those who are in need. To show God’s love to them, is to express love to Christ himself.

To fail to show love through practical acts of love and kindness when we are able, is to ignore Christ– to fail to express our love to Him. Either choice has eternal consequences (46).

John makes a similar point in his first Epistle:

“This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another”
“If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:11, 17-18 NIV)

Jesus could not make it any more clear: love for God must be expressed by loving others–especially those in need. We cannot forget the “least of these.”

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Wise or Foolish (Feb 7)

Posted on February 7, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

February 7
Wise or Foolish

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 21:8-13 | Exodus 26:1-27:21 | Matthew 25:1-30 | Proverbs 8:1-11

Today’s Scripture Focus: Matthew 25:1-30

“The master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”(Matthew 25:21 NIV)

We have two choices: live for the moment or live for eternity. The story of the wise and foolish virgins is an encouragement to always live our lives with the eternal in mind. The wise virgins planned ahead and entered into the wedding banquet. They got in on the celebration because they lived their lives in preparation for it.

The foolish virgins didn’t live with the big picture in mind. They were more focused on the immediate moment. When the moment for the wedding banquet came, they proved unprepared and missed out on the wedding celebration. To live focused only on the present moment is to miss out on all that could be ours in eternity.

The story of the talents reminds us that we will be called to account for the way we’ve used the resources we’ve been given. A life of faithful service will be rewarded in eternity with great reward and the “smile of the Father.” The one who is faithful with what they have been given will be put in charge of much more in the life to come.

This life is not all there is. It’s just the warm up act to life that goes on forever. We do well to always live in light of the eternal realities. What we do down here will make a difference as to how we live our life that goes on forever.

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Wise, Faithful and Always Ready (Feb 6)

Posted on February 6, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

alwaysready

February 6
Wise, Faithful and Always Ready

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 21:1-7 | Exodus 23:14 – 25:40 | Matthew 24:29-51 | Proverbs 7:24-27

Today’s Scripture Focus: Matthew 24:29-51

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” (Matthew 24:42 NIV)

“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” (44)

Right after college, I was the house sitter for a retired medical doctor. A roommate and I were placed in charge of taking care of his house so that the doctor could hunt and fish and travel to his heart’s content. We had use of the whole house, except for two rooms that were kept ready at all times for the doctor’s return. What made our arrangement unique is that he would return from time to time and we would not ever know when.

When I read these stories of readiness, I am often reminded of those days. Just as we had to be “on our toes”—always making sure that things were cleaned up, the dishes washed, the lawn well cared for—so we who are Christ’s stewards are to be watching, waiting and working hard in preparation for his coming.

We are given stewardship of our time, our talents, our gifts, our money and other resources. The wise and faithful stewards will make the best use of these knowing that we will one day be held accountable for our stewardship. Thinking that the day is a long way off, we may get sloppy with what has been given—we may forget to be diligent our stewardship.

Each day, we need to live in the realization that one day we will give an account for our stewardship. One day the master will come on a day when we don’t expect him and at an hour we are not aware of. The wise and faithful steward lives each day in light of “that day.”

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Watching and Working (Feb 5)

Posted on February 5, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

watchingandworking

February 5
Watching and Working

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 20:1-9 | Exodus 21:22 – 23:13 | Matthew 24:1-28 | Proverbs 7:6-23

Today’s Scripture Focus: Matthew 24:1-28

“Because of the increase in wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:12-14 NIV)

The Disciples wanted a timeline. They wanted a detailed roadmap of prophetic events. Jesus gave them a few general characteristics of the “end times,” but seemed more concerned to give them an exhortation: “be ready, be prepared, be working to bring back the King.”

Yes, there would be wars, famines and earthquakes. There would be great deception. There would be persecution. Most telling of all the signs: “because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.”

We certainly do live in an age where wickedness seems to be increasing–an age where the love of many seems to be growing cold. We can certainly see the other signs as well. So shall we set a date for his coming? That is never a good idea. Not even Jesus knows the day or hour—it’s going to be a surprise.

I’m reminded of the words of the great preacher, C.H. Spurgeon: “A man says to me, ‘Can you explain the seven trumpets of the Revelation?’ No, but I can blow one in your ear, and warn you to escape from the wrath to come.”

I think that is exactly Jesus point. He doesn’t give us a specific day or hour–and the implication is that it is not our job to be concerned about such speculation. What he does make clear is this:

• We need to be ready at all times. “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”
• We must fight the complacency and apathy of our age that causes our love to grow cold. Wickedness may increase all around us, but we dare not let it take away our spiritual passion. We must not let our love grow cold.
• We must stand firm to the end. Whatever happens, we must persevere. We must press on. We may endure persecution or suffering. We will certainly be misunderstood. There will be trials of our faith. But whatever happens, we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and press forward.
• We must work hard for the sake of the Kingdom. There is a job to be done before the end will come. The gospel must be preached to every people group, then the end will come. As we pray, give and go, we work to bring back the King: “And this gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”

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Sweeter than Honey (Feb 4)

Posted on February 4, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

sweeter

February 4
Sweeter than Honey

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 19:7-14 | Exodus 19:16 – 21:21 | Matthew 23:13-29 | Proverbs 7:1-5

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalms 19:7-14

“The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; They are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping of them there is great reward.” (Psalms 19:9-11 NIV)

In our Exodus reading we see that God gives the Law to the people through Moses. The essence of the moral law—The Ten Commandments—is an expression of a way of life that flows out of love for God and for neighbor and reflects the perfection of our holy God. While it can be misused (a point well established in both the Old and New Testaments), the law was intended as a God-given expression of the will and wisdom of an all knowing, all-wise God. The law laid out a way of life for those whom God had entered into covenant.

In Matthew we read about the Pharisees who had misused the law as a tool for legalistic self-righteousness and as an intolerable burden placed upon others. That was never God’s intent—and the hypocrisy of the Pharisees is clearly spelled out by Jesus.

But the Psalmist views the law as the revealed will of God–principles that keep us on the right road. He views the law as a delight, a treasure and as something that brings great joy to the one who fears the Lord and walks in his ways. It gives us a foundation for knowing right and wrong. We also know that it reveals our sin and points us to Christ—the one who is the fulfillment of the law.

The law points out our need for Christ’s death on the cross. He lived a perfect, sinless life and died for us so that we can have eternal life–a gift of his grace (Ephesians 2:8-10). It also points out our need for the empowering of his Holy Spirit to live our lives daily to the Glory of God. Yet we can rejoice in meditating on it and allowing it to develop a reverential fear of God that will guide us on the right path–the delightful path that leads to joy.

Open your heart to God’s word today; find it to be your delight. May it be sweeter than honey from the honeycomb.

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