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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You Can’t Do It Alone (Feb 3)

Posted on February 3, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

February 3
You Can’t Do It Alone

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 19:1-6Exodus 17:8 – 19:15 | Matthew 22:34-23:12 | Proverbs 6:27-35

Today’s Scripture Focus: Exodus 17:8 – 19:15

“What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone . . . . Select capable men from all the people–men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain–and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.” (Exodus 18:17-21 NIV)

A leader will never be great without the support of his people. He must recruit, train and delegate the work to capable, faithful men and women who can help accomplish the task.

A leader needs the support, prayers and encouragement of a few close associates. Moses needed Aaron and Hur to come along side him and lift up his arms. He needed Joshua to lead the troops.

The Amalekites attacked the Israelites (Ch. 17). Joshua was given the task of leading the people into battle. Moses would go to the top of the hill and lift up his staff. While he held up his arms, the Israelites were winning. But when his arms grew tired, the Amalekites would win. Moses couldn’t do it on his own. He needed Aaron and Hur to help hold up his arms.

The support and encouragement of your close associates is necessary if you are going to be a great leader. You need their prayers. You need their encouragement. You need their help. Aaron and Hur found their role in supporting Moses. Every pastor knows the value of men and women who take on the role of Aaron and Hur for them—especially those who will hold up their arms through their prayers.

But a few close associates is not enough for a great task. There is need for all to be involved–and there is especially a need for those who are faithful and capable to help carry the load of ministry.

Moses found himself judging all the disputes. It was too much for him. He was burning himself out. His father in law, Jethro, saw the problem and offered his advice: “Select capable men from all the people–men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain–and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.”

A good leader knows how important it is to recruit and equip capable men and women to help do the work of ministry. You can’t do it alone. It’s just too much.

Your pastor needs your support, encouragement, prayer and willingness to help. He can’t do it alone. Your encouragement, support and prayers mean so much—they help hold up his hands and bring strength in the battle. Your willingness to help–to use your gifts–ensures that the workload is shared by the many rather than an overworked few. A healthy body requires that all the members do their part.

A great leader depends on the support and help of capable, trustworthy followers. Let’s work together to accomplish great things to the glory of God.

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Between Promise and Fulfillment (Feb 2)

Posted on February 3, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

February 2
Between Promise and Fulfillment

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 18:37-50 | Exodus 15:9-17:7 | Matthew 22:1-33 | Proverbs 6:20-26

Today’s Scripture Focus: Exodus 15:19 – 17:7

Moses and Aaron told the people of Israel, “This evening you will know that it is God who brought you out of Egypt, and in the morning you will see the Glory of GOD. Yes, he’s listened to your complaints against him. You haven’t been complaining against us, you know, but against GOD.” Exodus 16:6-8, The Message

The place between promise and fulfillment is a difficult place to be. And that is where the Children of Israel find themselves. God has promised them a land flowing with milk and honey, but it is hard to find either in the middle of the desert. There is often difficult territory between the promise and its fulfillment.

In these times where faith is tested and hope is put on hold, it is easy to give in to the temptation to complain and grumble. Generally it’s not difficult to find a group of fellow grumblers who will be more than happy to join you.

“In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron: ‘If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.'” (16:2,3)

It doesn’t take long for grumbling to infect a whole community of people. It’s a contagious disease.

We don’t often realize it, but grumbling really evidences a lack of faith and trust in God. Often we grumble at our leaders without realizing the truth of this passage: “You are not grumbling against us, but against the LORD.” (16:8).

It’s not easy to wait. It’s not easy to trudge ahead when the circumstances seems hopeless. It’s not easy to hold on to the promise when there is no “milk and honey” in sight. But this is not a time to grumble and complain, it’s a time to trust and obey.

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Deliverance (Feb 1)

Posted on February 2, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

deliverance

February 1
Deliverance

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 18:25-36 | Exodus 13:17-15:18 | Matthew 21:23-46 | Proverbs 6:16-19

Today’s Scripture Focus: Exodus 13:17-15:18

“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”(Exodus 14:13 NIV)

God sure knows how to write a great drama. With an army in hot pursuit behind them, the people of God come to a major obstacle: the Red Sea. As the army closes in, and with nowhere to go, what would they do?

The natural reaction to overwhelming situations is to give in to fear. Moses addresses this tendency directly. “Don’t be afraid.” He encourages them to trust God to bring deliverance. Instead of giving into fear, he invites them to trust.

Another reaction might be to panic or try to do something desperate. Moses tells them, “Be still.” Instead of trying to do something desperate in their own strength, he reminds them to put their hope in God who has promised to protect them.

Are you experiencing overwhelming circumstances? Do not fear. Put your trust in God the deliverer. There is no need to panic. If God can open up the Red Sea so a multitude of people could pass through, he can make a way for you. Put your hope in the one who fights on your behalf, God your protector. “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

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