Hallelujah (Dec 31)

Posted on January 6, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

December 31
Hallelujah!

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 150:1-6 | Malachi 3:1-4:6 | Revelation 22:1-21 | Proverbs 31:25-31

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 150

Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, [4] praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute, [5] praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. [6] Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord (Hallelujah!) (Psalm 150:3-6 NIV)

The reason I began writing these devotionals about 10 years ago was to encourage the congregation I pastored then (Faith Alliance in Middletown, OH) to join me in reading the Bible through in a year. Down through the years others have joined in reading through the scriptures. Now there are people around the world reading the Bible with me. I do hope the devotionals help to encourage you. More importantly, I hope that they encourage you to dig in the text, opening your mind and heart for God to speak to you through his word.

For many of you, you are finishing up reading through the Bible over the course of this past year. That is reason to shout “Hallelujah!” May I encourage you to read through the Bible with me again next year? I do hope that you will continue to open up your heart daily as we read through the scripture from cover to cover. Perhaps you’ve joined in from time to time, let me encourage you to jump in with both feet and read through the Bible this next year.

The texts today, too, demand a shout of Hallelujah! God has given us a beautiful picture of heaven, eternity, and Christ ruling and reigning as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. You may not have understood every detail in the book of Revelation, but I hope that it has caused you to stand in awe of our majestic God and to look with anticipation to all that he has planned. Malachi too, points us to the coming of the King in his glory. Hallelujah!

Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. All history will find fulfillment in his glorious plan.

He really does have a good plan for each of our lives, and that is found in the life eternal and abundant that he freely offers to each of us.

Rev. 22:17 (NIV) The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.

Are you thirsty? Do you hear his call? Then open your heart to Him, and experience the free gift of the water of life: Life that is eternal, Life lived to the full. Open your heart to the one who comes “with healing in his wings.” Hallelujah!

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Generous Hearts (Dec 24)

Posted on December 24, 2014 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

Generous Hearts

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 145:14-21 | Zechariah 6:1-7:14 | Revelation 15:1-8 | Proverbs 30:24-28

Today’s Scripture Focus: Zechariah 6-7

“Was it really for me that you fasted?” “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other.” (Zechariah7:5b, 9-10 NIV)

The people of Bethel went to the priests and prophets asking, “Should I mourn and fast in the fifth month as I have done for so many years?” The hypocrisy of the hearts of the questioners was immediately revealed by the words given to Zechariah. “Was it really for me that you fasted? And when you were eating and drinking, were you not just feasting for yourselves?”

While fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline when used rightly, it is no substitute to obedience or the right heart attitudes. What God especially wanted to see in his people was a heart filled with justice, mercy and generosity; a heart that looked to the poor and the less fortunate with a willingness to help.

Whether fasting or feasting, we dare not forget those less fortunate. We are the hands and feet that respond to God’s compassionate heart for the poor and needy. “Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another, do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other.” God cares for the needy and our hearts should be a reflection of his; an important reminder in this time of feasting.

This Christmas season is a powerful reminder of the generous heart of our God who gave his one and only son for us. Let your heart be a reflection of his.

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Not by Might (Dec 23)

Posted on December 23, 2014 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

December 23
Not by Might

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 145:8-13 | Zechariah 4:1 – 5:11 | Revelation 14:1-20 | Proverbs 30:21-23

Today’s Scripture Focus: Zechariah 4-5

So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty. (Zechariah 4:6 NIV)

“Who despises the day of small things?” (Zechariah 4:10)

God had chosen Joshua and Zerubabbel to complete the task of building the temple. The key to their success in accomplishing their God-given task was not their human wisdom or strength. They key to their success was the empowering of the Holy Spirit.

We often look to natural talents thinking they are the sure predictor of future success. But God’s work calls for more than human talents and human strength. God’s work demands so much more–it requires the anointing of God to accomplish his purposes.

God often delights in choosing and anointing the weak and the foolish so that through his power they can accomplish unexpected things–and then all the glory goes to him.

I’m sure that Joshua and Zerubabbel, in their respective roles, felt overwhelmed by the task ahead. God wanted to remind them through this vision that their success in completion of the task did not depend on their human talents, intelligence, or strength. They might be tempted to be discouraged by the lack of progress (to despise the day of small things) but the victory was assured by the empowering of the Holy Spirit. As they walked in intimacy with God–led by the Spirit– and in humble dependence on his strength, the seemingly impossible task would be completed. The temple would be rebuilt and as Zerubabbel placed the final stone, all would cry out, “God bless it, God bless it” (4:7).

We must always remember that any God-sized mission will require dependence on God’s strength and power–it will be too much for our limited human strength. Yet God is always so willing to anoint and empower us as we trust Him and walk in obedience to his commands.

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Sing His Praise (Dec 22)

Posted on December 22, 2014 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

December 22
Sing His Praise

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 145:1-7 | Zechariah 2:1-3:10 | Revelation 13:2-18 | Proverbs 30:18-29

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 145:1-7

I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. (Psalm 145:1 NIV)

Everyday I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. (Psalm 145:2 NIV)

For the psalmist, praise was a daily practice that he intended to continue for a lifetime. “Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever.” Praise can transform your life. It takes our eyes off of ourselves and our problems and turns them to see the greatness and glory of our God. As we see his glory, our perspective changes. Praise shakes off the gloom and brings deep joy.

For the psalmist, meditation on the good things God has done was an important part of his prayer life. “I will meditate on your wonderful works.” God is at work all around us, but we often fail to slow down to see his hand at work. We fail to slow down to see his footprints –the evidences of his blessing and guidance in our lives. The psalmist knew the importance of meditating on the works of God.

The psalmist’s daily habit of praise and meditation was one that he intended to pass on to subsequent generations. “One generation commends your works to another.” A person whose life is characterized by praise has something to share with anyone who will listen. Such a person is needed to help the next generation put their hope in God. They too need to hear about God’s working in the lives of his people. They need to begin to look with eyes of expectance for the footprints of God’s activity in their lives.

Let your life be filled with praise. Meditate on the works of God. Remember the ways he has been at work in your life. Be sure to pass it on to the next generation. Praise is a practice worth passing on and on and on.

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From Questions to Praise (Dec 18)

Posted on December 18, 2014 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

December 18
From Questions to Praise

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 143:1-6 | Habakkuk 1:1-3:19 | Revelation 9:1-21 | Proverbs 30:10

Today’s Scripture Focus: Habakkuk 1-3

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” (Habakkuk 3:17-18 NIV)

Habakkuk was a prophet who asked a lot of questions. Tough questions. The big questions we would all like to ask God, even if we wouldn’t have the boldness to ask them. “How long, O Lord?” “Why don’t you answer my prayers?” “Are you ignoring me, Lord?” “Could you please explain why you are doing this Lord? It doesn’t make sense.” These are the kinds of questions Habakkuk raises to God.

The situation that brought on the questions was the impending Babylonian invasion of Judah. God had revealed to Habakkuk that wicked King Nebuchadnezzar and his armies would come in devastating power to Jerusalem and surrounding Judah and bring God’s judgment to his wandering, idolatrous people. But how could God use such a wicked nation and such a wicked king?

The book wrestles with those big questions. The answer God gives Habakkuk is that he is sovereign and is working out his plan in amazing ways–even using the evil plans of wicked kings to accomplish his purposes. Of course, he will ultimately judge Nebuchadnezzar and Babylon, but in his sovereign purposes he is using them for a time to execute his judgment upon his own holy nation who has wandered far from the truth.

Habakkuk spends the first few chapters wrestling with these answers. In the end, having been reminded that God is in control and is working out all things according to his purpose and plan, Habakkuk turns from complaints and questions to heartfelt words of trust and praise:

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” Habakkuk 3:17-18.

Habakkuk is resting in the amazing purposes of God. He may not understand all that is going on–all that God is doing–he may not understand his timing, but he knows that he can be trusted. He may not like the path ahead (I’m sure he didn’t) but he is still able to find joy, as he trusts the sovereign hand of the one who loves his children with an everlasting love.

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Never Alone (Dec 17)

Posted on December 17, 2014 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

December 17
Never Alone

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 142:1-7 | Nahum 1:1-3:19 | Rev.8:1-13 | Proverbs 30:7-9

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 142

“Look and see, there is no one at my right hand; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life.” (Psalms 142:4 NIV)

Christmas can be a lonely time. Memories of family and friends who are no longer with us haunt us especially this time of the year. Separation from those you love when you’d rather be “home for Christmas” brings a sense of loneliness. Singles sometimes feel left out and lonely this time of year. Even in the midst of the crowds, it is common to feel lonely this time of year.

The psalmist found himself in a lonely place where he felt abandoned. His spirit was growing faint and he was losing hope. Lonely, abandoned and feeling helpless he cries out to God. Tempted to self pity, he looks to find the one he knows is his ultimate refuge.

“I cry to you, LORD; I say, ‘You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living. Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need’”(5-6).

He somehow finds hope between verse 4, “I have no refuge” and verse 5, “you are my refuge.” Often in our desperate cries for help when we are just about to give up, hope mysteriously appears. Our eyes turn from our problems and ourselves to the one who is our hope.

Lonely? Cry out to the one who brings hope. Cry out to the one who is your refuge. Look to him for strength, for help, for hope.

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O Little Town of Bethlehem (Dec 16)

Posted on December 16, 2014 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

December 16
O Little Town of Bethlehem

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 141:1-10 | Micah 5:1-7:20 | Rev.7:1-17 | Proverbs 30:5-6

Today’s Scripture Focus: Micah 5-7

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” (Micah 5:2 NIV)

The gospel writers repeatedly stress that the story of Christmas—the birth of Jesus–was foretold in numerous passages by several Old Testament prophets. One of the most famous is the prophecy of Micah:

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times”
Micah 5:2 NIV.

In that simple prophecy, the fact that the birth of Christ had an unexpected twist is found. Instead of the place of his growing up, Nazareth, Jesus would be born in Bethlehem.

We also learn of the divine nature of this ruler, “whose origins are from old, from ancient times.” This made little sense until Christ came onto the scene–God in human form; fully God and fully man. How could a ruler be from ancient times? Because he is Eternal God incarnate in human flesh.

The prophets perfectly predicted the coming of Christ that we celebrate at Christmas. They also foretell another coming when he will rule as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. When “he will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth, and he will be their peace.” (5:4-5)

Yes, there will be peace on earth, good will toward men upon whom his favor rests. It will all be fulfilled just as it was told by the prophets.

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The Worthy Lamb (Dec 15)

Posted on December 15, 2014 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

worthylamb

December 15
The Worthy Lamb

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 140:9-13 | Micah 1:1-4:13 | Revelation 6:1-17 | Proverbs 30:1-4

Today’s Scripture Focus: Revelation 6:1-17

“I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a loud voice like thunder, “Come!” I looked and there before me was a white horse! It’s rider held a bow and he was given a crown, and he rode out as conqueror bent on conquest.” (Revelation 6:1-2 NIV)

In Chapter 5 and 6, the spotlight of heaven is focused squarely on the Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ. The scroll whose seals would bring forth the judgment of God upon the earth needed to be opened. The wrongs must be righted. Justice must be brought for the sin of man. But who is worthy to open the scroll?

Jesus, “The Lion of the son of Judah, the Root of David has triumphed” and is worthy to open the scroll. His triumph comes, ironically, by his death on the cross that purchased people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation to become a kingdom and priests to serve our God and reign on the earth.

Then all the angels, multitudes of angels encircle the throne and with the angels sing loudly, “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”

Jesus the one who conquered by his death on the cross, comes to open the scroll. He is the only one worthy to do it. Perfect in holiness and yet perfected by his unjust suffering for mankind’s sin, he comes to bring the “final verdict”: the judgment of God for the sin of mankind and all its ugly effects.

As each seal is broken, a series of events are unleashed on the earth. Christ comes as conqueror over Sin and Death and Hades. He avenges the sin of mankind. All the rulers of the earth stand in awe and hide as judgment is poured out.

We tend to have a negative view of judgment. In the scriptures we find another perspective that views judgment as God’s intervention in the world bringing justice where there has been injustice–righting the wrongs brought by sin.

Sin must be judged, and the worthy lamb that died that we might have life, was the perfect one to mete out the judgment and justice of God in the end times. God is incredibly patient and compassionate. He brings mercy to those who will humble themselves and receive it. But one day, sin and its horrific consequences must be dealt with. Every victim of sin looks to the worthy Lamb, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah to conquer and bring justice once for all.

Worthy is the Lamb!

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Running from God (Dec 14)

Posted on December 14, 2014 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
quote from open up your heart by Jeff Syverson

quote from open up your heart by Jeff Syverson

December 14
Running from God

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 140:1-8 | Jonah 1:1-4:11 | Rev. 5:1-14 | Proverbs 29:26-27

Today’s Scripture Focus: Jonah 1-4

But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry. [2] He prayed to the Lord, “O Lord, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. (Jonah 4:1-2 NIV)

Have you ever run from God or from a mission to which he has called you? I think most of us have. I think that the book of Jonah is popular because we all can relate to the reluctant prophet. I’m always amazed that God chose Jonah instead of a more willing prophet. But then I remember God chose me too. When I consider the parallels of my life and his, I’m thankful that God uses imperfect people to accomplish his tasks.

Jonah’s story reminds us that God is relentless in his pursuit of us. While we may try to run away, he patiently waits for us and straightens our paths. He may not always use violent storms and big fish, but he has many tools at his disposal. He is incredibly patient with us.

Jonah’s story reminds us that God has a compassionate heart for the entire world. When the enemies of Israel—the people of Nineveh–responded with repentance, God was indeed gracious and compassionate. While the focus of so much of the Old Testament is God’s relationship with Israel, Jonah reminds us that God cares about the rest of the world too and intends on sending us to share his grace and compassion with them.

Jonah’s story reminds us that God uses imperfect people to accomplish his purposes. In the process, he is shaping and forming our character. Jonah’s mission to Nineveh was probably as much to change Jonah, as it was to change the city of Nineveh. I wonder how much of the time the same is true of us. God calls us to a place of ministry or to a task more for our sake than theirs. In it all, God in his wisdom accomplishes his purposes in spite of the imperfections of his servants.

Be encouraged, if God can use Jonah to accomplish his will, he can use you too. Don’t be reluctant to answer his call. Allow him to use you–imperfections and all.

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Holy! Worthy!

Posted on December 14, 2014 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

holyworthy

December 13
Holy! Worthy!

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 139:19-24 | Obadiah 1-21 | Rev. 4:1-11 | Proverbs 29:24-25

Today’s Scripture Focus: Revelation 4

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” (Revelation 4:8b ESV)

“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Revelation 4:11 ESV)

Imagine that you are standing before the throne of God in heaven! That is what John is describing here: his vision of heaven. The scripture often suggests that we set our mind on heavenly things. Perhaps we need to return to these verses again and again.

Can I encourage you to read through the chapter verse by verse and meditate on it? What do you see? What is happening? What do you hear? What do you feel? Take your time, and soak it all in. You may not understand each and every detail on the first or second reading. But stand in awe of the beauty of heaven and the beauty of your creator.

Imagine the colors, the vivid imagery, the drama of what is taking place. Then join the “living creatures” who never cease to worship saying, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” Stand in awe of our Glorious Lord and repeat the words again and again.

Then join the 24 elders falling down before him who sets on the throne and worship him. Imagine casting your crown before the throne and saying:

“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power; for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” Say it with the elders. Repeat the words with feeling.

You’ve just joined the worship of eternity. You’ve gotten a taste of what is to come when you stand before the throne and worship him awestruck by his glory and join with all creation in heartfelt worship. You have found your reason for living–for you will worship Him throughout eternity.

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