The Worthy Lamb

Posted on December 15, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
the worthy lamb

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!

Lord of Lords, we praise you. King of Kings, we honor you, Worthy is the Lamb! Lion of Judah, bring your reign of righteousness and peace. We place our hopes in the promise of your glorious return. Amen.

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Running from God

Posted on December 14, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Running from God: the Story of Jonah the reluctant prophet

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 am 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.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your being patient with me when I’ve tried to avoid a mission you’ve called me to—or run in the other direction. Thank you for straightening my paths and opening doors. Use me now where you’ve placed me to accomplish you will. Amen.

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Holy! Worthy!

Posted on December 13, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Holy Worthy

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.

Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come! Worthy, are you, our Lord and God to receive glory and honor and power; for you crated all things, and by your will they existed and were created. I stand in awe of you, I worship you! Amen.

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Lukewarm

Posted on December 12, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Lukewarm

December 12

Lukewarm 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 139:13-18; Amos 7:1-9:15; Rev. 3:7-22; Proverbs 29:23

Today’s Scripture Focus: Revelation 3

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm–neither hot nor cold–I am about to spit you out of my mouth (Revelation 3:15-16 NIV).

God’s desire for us as his children is that we would live in an intimate relationship with him. We sometimes use the expression, “being on fire for the Lord.” The tendency for fire is to go out, unless it is tended. Similarly, the tendency in relationships is for love to diminish unless it is given time and attention.

As with any relationship, our relationship with the Lord can over time become “lukewarm.” In such times, we lack the passion, the desire, the zeal we once had. We get sloppy about our obedience. We often think we “have it together,” but it’s clear that something is just not right.

In such times, Jesus knocks on our heart’s door and reminds us that what he really desires is for us to open our hearts to him. He wants to have fellowship with us–deep, intimate fellowship.

Prayer is opening your heart to Jesus and enjoying fellowship with Him. It is the solution to a lukewarm relationship with God. He desires something more–an intimate relationship. You do too, don’t you? Open your heart to Him today. Enjoy your time in his presence.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”

Lord Jesus, I open my heart to you today. Come in and fellowship with me today. I always enjoy this time with you, though I sometimes am distracted, though I sometimes drift. Thank you for the joy of opening my heart to you — the joy of real fellowship. Amen.

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Where Can I Go?

Posted on December 11, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Where Can I Go?
Where Can I Go?

December 11

Where Can I Go? 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 139:7-12; Amos 4:1-6:14; Revelation 2:18-3:6; Proverbs 29:21-22

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 139:7-12

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, 10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. 11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” 12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you (Psalm 139:7-12 NIV).

“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” Sometimes we try to hide from God’s presence. Adam tried that. It didn’t work then, it still doesn’t work. Jonah tried it too. Waking up in the mouth of a big fish is a pretty good reminder that running from God is a hard thing to do. “If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.”

Sometimes we think God is hiding from us. Depending on our feelings to guide our perception, we forget the objective reality spoken of by the psalmist. Wherever we go, he is there. There is no place where God is not present. There is no circumstance we encounter where he is not near. “If I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me.”

Even in the deepest darkest circumstances of life, where we might feel abandoned by God, know that God is there and even the darkness is not dark to him. You may have trouble seeing clearly under the stresses of your circumstances. He sees and understands. He is with you whether you are able to sense it or not. “Even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.”

Don’t run from his presence. You can’t hide. Don’t worry if you can’t feel his presence. Wherever you are, he is there.

Father, where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? Even when I am not aware of it, you are present with me. Thank you for your presence. Help me to walk with you today. Amen.

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Your First Love

Posted on December 10, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
your first love
Don’t love your first love

December 10

Your First Love

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 139:1-6 | Amos 1:1-3:15 | Revelation 2:1-17 | Proverbs 29:19-20

Today’s Scripture Focus: Revelation 2

You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. [4] Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love (Revelation 2:3-4 NIV).

The Ephesian church was doing many things right. For the most part, they receive words of praise as Christ evaluates their progress. They were working hard, and persevering in the faith. They dealt with false teachers in the proper manner. They showed their perseverance by remaining true to the faith while enduring hardships because they were Christians.

Yet there was one glaring fault in the Ephesian church. They had lost their first love.

It’s easy to do. We do the right things, but it becomes more of a ritual rather than a relationship. We go through the motions, but have lost the intensity of feeling and devotion we had at first.

Christianity is more than just going through the motions. It is an intimate relationship with one who loves you with an everlasting love.

Take the time to cherish your relationship with Christ. Spend time abiding in his love— meditating on scriptures that show how much he loves you. Believe it. Receive it. Soak in it. Spend time praising and adoring Christ. Tell him how much you love Him. Demonstrate it through your actions by loving obedience and by loving others. As he pours out his love in your heart and as you express it back in heartfelt praise, the love is rekindled and grows.

Father, pour out your love into my heart. Let me experience again the height, the breadth, the depth and the length of this love, this love that surpasses knowledge. As I abide in your love, enable me to express that love back to you and to others. Restore to me that first love. Amen.

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The Revelation of Jesus Christ

Posted on December 9, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
The Revelation of Jesus Christ

December 9

The Revelation of Jesus Christ 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 138:1-8; Joel 1:1-3:21; Revelation 1:1-20; Proverbs 29:18

Today’s Scripture Focus: Rev. 1

“Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades” (Revelation 1:18 NIV).

How does one approach a book like Revelation? Some treat it as an exercise in speculation. They are fascinated about interpreting all the details and symbols in light of today’s news and trying to set dates for Christ’s return. Other people get confused by it all, and just try to avoid it.

Let me suggest another approach, one that I have found helpful. Try reading Revelation as a book of worship. Stand in awe of the revelation of Christ in his glory. Stand in awe of the wisdom of God as we get glimpses of Christ’s rule and reign. Long for more of a revelation of His presence here even as we wait for his coming in great glory as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Learn of Him. And worship and adore Him.

Let’s try it. Meditate on the truths that are revealed about Jesus, just in the first chapter. As you ponder his names and attributes, allow them to lead you to praise him for who he is.

In Revelation 1, Jesus is revealed as “the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the Kings of the earth” (5). He is the “one who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and has made us to be a king and priests to serve his God and Father–to him be glory and power forever and ever!Amen” (6).

We look with anticipation for, “Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”(7).

He is the “Alpha and the Omega who is, and who was and who is to come, the Almighty” (8).

He is revealed as one “like a son of man” in glorious brilliance and beauty (13-16).

He is the one who speaks saying, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”

Don’t be afraid to read and meditate on this glorious revelation of Jesus Christ. May you grow in your knowledge of Him. Where the details are clear, rejoice. Where they seem a little fuzzy: stand in awe and worship (later you can come back to gain a fuller understanding of the details). When you see elders and angels and creatures worshipping, allow them to lead you to stand in awe and worship the Lord Jesus. He is the focus of this revelation and of our worship.

Father, open my eyes to the glory of Jesus. May your word open my heart to a fuller revelation of his glory. Let those things that I understand lead me to worship. Let the things that I don’t cause me to stand in awe. Amen.

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Grumblers and Faultfinders

Posted on December 8, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Grumblers and Faultfinders

December 8

Grumblers and Faultfinders 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 137:1-9; Hosea 10:1-14:9; Jude 1-25; Proverbs 29:15-17

Today’s Scripture Focus: Jude 1-25

“These men are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires, they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage” (Jude 1:16 NIV).

Jude, in his one chapter, gives us one of the starkest warnings in the New Testament. He reminds us of the judgment of God in places like Sodom and Gomorrah. He uses strong word pictures: “they are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind, autumn trees without fruit and uprooted–twice dead. They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame, wandering stars, for who the blackest darkness has been reserved forever.” He warns the faithful to stay away from these “godless men” who should expect to be judged in like manner.

What had these men done to deserve such strong words? Why did the people need to be so careful about their influence?

Of course, there was immorality, rejecting authority and slandering celestial beings. But that is not all. They were also “grumblers and faultfinders,” boasting about themselves and “flattering others for their own advantage.”

Do “grumbling” and “faultfinding” really demand such stark warnings? Boasting and flattery? We often tolerate the “sins of the tongue” and treat them as “not as big of a deal” as other sins. But they have devastating effects on people and in the life of the church. Perhaps that is why Jude includes them on his list of serious offenses.

Use your tongue to bless and not to curse. Allow it to encourage and lift up instead of grumbling and faultfinding. Don’t allow others to draw you into grumbling and faultfinding. It is a contagious disease with devastating effects.

Father, help me to speak from a heart of gratitude that I might bless others through my words. May my tongue always bless and never curse. May it bring words of healing, not words that wound and hurt. Let my words always bring you honor and glory. Amen.

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Forever

Posted on December 7, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

December 7

Forever 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 136:10-26; Hosea 6:1-9:17;  3 John 1-15;  Proverbs 29:12-14

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 136

Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever (Psalm 136:26 NIV).

Repetition can be a powerful rhetorical device. It brings emphasis making the point crystal clear. It enables the reader or listener to remember.

Repetition can be a powerful liturgical device. It helps us slow down and focus on a key theme long enough to let it sink in. It gives time for the truth to engage not only the mind, but the heart.

This Psalm is a great example. The love of God (Hebrew: hesed) is the focus. This Hebrew term, actually is much fuller than is suggested by the word love. It is certainly that, but so much more. It is the relentless love of God who is completely faithful to the people of the covenant; it is faithfulness, love, kindness and mercy all wrapped up in one word. It is the essence of God’s love for and commitment to his people. It is a wonderful word that is very well worth taking the time to meditate on.

Each of the phrases of the Psalm focuses on the character and actions of God that demonstrate his hesed (loving kindness). Then the congregation joins in; “His love endures forever.”

God loves you with the same kind of relentless, faithful love. Take the time to meditate on that. Remember something that God has done for you and then say, “His love endures forever.” Allow God to move that truth deeply into your heart.

Father, thank you for your ongoing faithfulness in my life. Indeed, your love endures forever. Amen.

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Love and Obedience

Posted on December 6, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Love and Obedience

December 6

Love and Obedience 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 136:1-9; Hosea 4:1-5:15; 2 John 1-13; Proverbs 29:9-11

Today’s Scripture Focus: 2 John 1-13

“And this is love that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love” (2 John 1:6 NIV).

John makes several connections repeatedly throughout his letters. He repeatedly connects love for God to our obedience—especially obedience to the two great commandments (to love God and to love our neighbor). “This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3).

He also repeatedly suggests that if we love God, we will walk in love toward brothers and sisters. Love for God will manifest itself in love for other people.

Here again, in verse 6, John reminds us of the connection of love and obedience to God’s commands. Loving God is the true motivation for obedience. We obey because we love Him. And to truly love Him is to obey Him. Every act of disobedience, then, comes from a lack of love for God.

Love for God is not measured so much by our words or our feelings as it is by our obedience to Christ’s command to love others. Do you love God? Are you demonstrating it by your obedience to his commands? Do you love others? Do you demonstrate that in practical ways–through action and truth, not just words? These are the true marks of love for God.

Father, fill my heart with your love and help me to love others as you do. Help me to make it practical—not just flowery words, but love in practical actions. Use me today to bring your love to others. Amen.

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