One Accord (June 3)

Posted on June 3, 2014 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

June 3
One Accord

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 126:1-3 | 2 Samuel 20:14-22:20 | Acts 1:1-26 | Proverbs 16:18

Today’s Scripture Focus: Acts 1

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 ESV)

All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. (Acts 1:14 ESV)

Armin Gesswein often said, “When Jesus built a church, he first built a prayer meeting.” Acts chapter 1 is the record of that truth. The New Testament church was birthed out of a prayer meeting where “with one accord,” they were “devoting themselves to prayer.”

The result of that prayer meeting was a Spirit-filled church, described in Acts 2 and the chapters that follow. It was a dynamic church that was on fire with the good news. Jesus’ words were fulfilled: “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

There are too many churches that are just going through the motions; too many churches with no fire or passion; too many churches that are half-hearted about outreach. What’s the solution? Jesus started a prayer meeting. Maybe he was on to something.

Start a prayer meeting, devote yourselves to prayer with others in “one accord” and wait expectantly for the Spirit of God to be poured out. Then go, empowered by the Spirit and be one of his witnesses.

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Feed My Sheep (June 2)

Posted on June 2, 2014 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

June 2
Feed My Sheep

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 125:1-5 | 2 Samuel 19:11-13 | John 21:1-25 | Proverbs 16:16-17

Today’s Scripture Focus: John 21

The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” Then he said to him, “Follow me!” (John 21:17,19b NIV)

The Resurrection is a reminder that God is all about second chances. One of the most touching accounts concerning the resurrection is Peter’s encounter with Jesus. Jesus went out of his way to find Peter, knowing that Peter had denied him. He wanted to show grace to him. Underlying Jesus gentle rebuke, Jesus is reinstating Peter to ministry. In essence, Jesus is saying, “I’m giving you a second chance.”

Our failings are not lost on God. From the broken place, we learn to rely on God’s strength rather than our own. With humility, we begin again, with a new understanding of the grace of God. Don’t dwell on the failure. Don’t get stuck on the past. God is giving you another chance. And if the example of Peter is any indication, the future looks brighter and brighter every day.

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I Have Seen the Lord (Jun 1)

Posted on June 1, 2014 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Quote from Open Up Your Heart by jeff Syverson

Quote from Open Up Your Heart by jeff Syverson

June 1
I Have Seen the Lord!

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 124:6-8 | 2 Samuel 18:1-19:10 | John 20:1-31 | Proverbs 16:14-15

Today’s Scripture Focus: John 20

“I have seen the Lord!” (Mary Magdalene, 18) “The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.” (20) “My Lord and my God!” (Thomas, verse 28)

The Resurrection brought hope and joy to Jesus’ disciples. It brings hope and joy to us today. To the grieving, like Mary Magdalene, it brings the hope of the Resurrection. This life is not all there is. There is life eternal. There is a resurrection. Mary came to the tomb grieving and left rejoicing in hope because she was confronted by the risen Christ. The resurrection too, brings hope to us as we grieve. We don’t grieve as those who have no hope—the Resurrection of Christ brings the hope of the resurrection to all followers of Christ.

To the disheartened disciples, Jesus’ resurrection brought peace and joy. It also brought a new focus and a new power (the Holy Spirit). They had pretty much given up hope, and had gotten sidetracked from their mission. The Resurrection gave them a message to take to the world. The Resurrection power of Jesus gave them everything they needed to take that message with boldness. The same is true for us.

To the doubting, like Thomas, Jesus resurrection brought new hope to believe. Thomas was not alone with his questions and doubts. We all confront them. But the resurrection appearance of Jesus enabled him to move beyond his doubts to worship as he exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” The evidence of the Resurrection enables us too to trust Christ, even with our questions and doubts, as we surrender them to the risen Christ.

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It is Finished! (May 31)

Posted on May 31, 2014 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

May 31
It is Finished!

Today’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 124:1-5 | 2 Samuel 17:1-29 | John 19:23-42 | Proverbs 16:12-13

Today’s Scripture Focus:  John 19:23-42

When Jesus therefore had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head, and gave up His spirit.John 19:30 (NASB)

It is finished! The work that Jesus came to do was completed. His death would bring life to all who would believe.

It is finished!  All signs point to death and defeat. Yet, this is all part of God’s plan. Death is being swallowed up in victory. What appeared to be a defeat was in fact a glorious victory.

It is finished! Because of Christ’s death on the cross, our sins are forgiven and new life is ours. By faith we enter into life eternal and abundant. Because he died we have life.

It is finished! Jesus took upon himself all our sin. He bore the burden so we can find freedom and forgiveness.

It is finished! His wounds bring our healing: spiritual, emotional and physical.  By his stripes we are healed.

It is finished! Satan is defeated. Deliverance is ours through the triumph of the cross.

It is finished! All the spiritual blessings we could ever desire–all we need–are found in the one who was obedient to death–even death on a cross.

It is finished!  Look to Jesus. Press forward in faith. He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.

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The Spirit is Willing But… (May 30)

Posted on May 30, 2014 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

spiritiswillingbut

May 30
The Spirit is Willing But…

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 123:1-4 | 2 Samuel 15:23-16:23 | John 18:15-19:22 | Proverbs 16:10-11

Today’s Scripture Focus:  John 18:15-19:22

Meanwhile, Simon Peter was still standing there warming himself. So they asked him, “You aren’t one of his disciples too, are you? He denied it, saying, “I am not.” One of the high priests’ servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him. “Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?” Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.(John 18:17-18 NIV)

Peter was a man who aspired to greatness.  His adventurous spirit of faith was undeniable.  But while the spirit is willing, the flesh is weak.  Peter was about to learn that lesson in a humbling but life changing way.

He pledged to follow Jesus to the death: “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you?”

Jesus responded, “Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!” (14:37-38 TNIV).

Peter couldn’t believe it.  In his heart I am sure he meant the words; he seemed to have the best of intentions. But his inner fears were revealed when he was later confronted.  He denied that he even knew Jesus.

Yet it was all part of God’s plan. Peter was humbled. He had to face up to his own weakness. That put him in the place for Jesus post resurrection appearance where Jesus would reinstate him in ministry with a whole new attitude.

The humbling would lead to a greater dependence on God’s power rather than his own. It would lead him to seek the fullness of God’s spirit. At Pentecost we see the result of one who had come to see the weakness of his own flesh, as he experienced the incredible power of the Spirit.

We often go through a time of humbling that teaches us to trust not in ourselves, but in our God. Apart from Christ we can do nothing (John 15) yet we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

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Making Plans (May 29)

Posted on May 29, 2014 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

IMG_0030

May 29
Making Plans

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 122:6-9 | 2 Samuel 14:1-15:22 | John 18:1-24 | Proverbs 16:8-9

Today’s Scripture Focus: Proverbs 16:8-9

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps. (Proverbs 16:9 NIV)

Planning is important. To fail to plan is no virtue. Yet, in every plan God has the last say. He is the one who directs and establishes our steps.

It’s easy to get ahead of God. Wait is a common word in the scripture when it comes to discerning God’s will. It does not come easily.

It is also easy to drag behind. We sense God’s direction but for some reason we procrastinate our obedience. We fear the step of faith. We prefer the comfort of the boat and we are not really sure we want the adventure of walking on the water.

It’s best to include God in our planning. As he provides wisdom and insight, we press forward in steps of obedience and faith. When we don’t know what else to do, we just “do the next thing.” Often the mundane steps of simple obedience, in living our everyday lives with integrity, open the doors of opportunity and blessing. God establishes our steps.

It is good to know that we are not alone. God is there to guide and protect. If our plans somehow lead to a misstep, he is there to establish our steps and to re-direct us.

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Jesus’ Unanswered Prayer (May 28)

Posted on May 28, 2014 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

jesus_unansweredprayer

May 28
Jesus’ Unanswered Prayer

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 122:1-5 | 2 Samuel 13:1-39 | John 17:1-26 | Proverbs16:6-7

Today’s Scripture Focus: John 17:1-26

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. (John 17:20-23 NIV)

You learn a lot about a person when you hear them pray. You find out what is really in their heart—what are their priorities and passions. Perhaps that is why I find this text so intriguing. It gives us a picture of how Jesus’ prayed for his followers—including you and me.

What does he pray for? Along with protection from the enemy, along with sanctification, along with his concern for us to make a meaningful difference in the world, Jesus was concerned for the unity of the church: “that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity.” Why does his pray for this? “Then the world will know you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”

This, for the most part, seems to be an unanswered prayer. I struggle with unanswered prayers sometimes. I wonder if Jesus ever does.

There are so many good agendas that seem to get in the way of Jesus’ prayer being answered.

I don’t know about you, but I am joining Jesus in his prayer burden for the unity of his followers. I want to be a part of the answer rather than a part of the problem. It is time for Jesus’ prayer to be answered.

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1, NIV)

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David Danced (May 24)

Posted on May 24, 2014 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

May 24
David Danced

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 72:8-14 | 2 Samuel 4:1-6:23 | John 13:31-14:14 | Proverbs 15:31-32

Today’s Scripture Focus: 2 Samuel 4:1-6:23

David and the whole house of Israel were celebrating with all their might before the Lord, with songs and with harps, lyres, tambourines, sistrums and cymbals. [14] David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the Lord with all his might (2 Samuel 6:5,14 NIV)

Worship is a time for celebration. It is a time for us to break out the instruments and sing with all our might. It is not a time for half-hearted singing or mumbling words. It is a time for us to enter in with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength.

David sets a great example in leading the people of Israel to celebrate the greatness of their God: “David and the whole house of Israel were celebrating with all their might before the Lord, with songs and with harps, lyres, tambourines, sistrums and cymbals” (6:5). They worshiped with all their might–they didn’t hold anything back. That’s the kind of celebration God deserves each week as we gather together.

The story of Uzzah reminds us that worship also calls for an attitude of reverence. He treated the “holy” as common and suffered the punishment. Reverence need not dampen our enthusiasm or our celebration—but it does sharpen our focus in the midst of the celebration. We are not celebrating to entertain ourselves. We are celebrating to declare the worth of our God. He is the focus, and we dare not lose sight of that. Worship calls for celebration, but always keeps us focused on him and should lead us to a sense of wonder and awe.

Worship is a time to focus on God, not to judge others for the way they express themselves. Michal learned that lesson the hard way. She saw David dancing and celebrating before the Lord with all his might, and she was embarrassed by it. There is often a temptation to judge others during worship—their attitudes, their behaviors. This is a dangerous distraction that keeps us from worshiping God as we ought. Don’t worry about other people. Focus on God and worship him with all your might.

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The Humble King (May 23)

Posted on May 23, 2014 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
365 Daily Devotions to encourage you in your daily time with God

365 Daily Devotions to encourage you in your daily time with God

May 23
The Humble King

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 72:1-7 | 2 Samuel 2:12-3:39 | John 13:1-30 | Proverbs 15:29-30

Today’s Scripture Focus: John 13:1-30

When Jesus had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 13:12-15 NIV)

He was clear about his position. “Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God.” But that didn’t keep the King of Kings and Lord of Lords from taking the place of a servant.

In a day of sandals and dirt roads made for walking, foot washing was a common practice. The servant of the house would be expected to be the “foot washer.” It was a job for servants, a rather unpleasant and undoubtedly smelly job requiring a great deal of humility.

Jesus knew all that, of course. So did the disciples. It made for a powerful teachable moment. He would demonstrate his love for them and give them an unforgettable lesson in humility. The King, the Lord, the Teacher would wash the feet of his subjects, his servants, his students.

It was a lesson that Jesus repeatedly taught the disciples. It’s not an easy one to learn. But he demonstrated it repeatedly. It was humility that brought him to earth in the first place; humility that caused him to be born a baby; humility that caused him to take on human flesh; humility that would soon be most fully demonstrated by his death on the cross.

The way of greatness in the kingdom is found in the towel. It is the way of the King who humbles himself to meet the needs of the servant. It is an example he intended for us to follow.

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Daily Devotionals are taken from Jeff’s book, Open Up Your Heart, 365 Daily Devotionals. It is available on Amazon.com as a Kindle E-Book. Have you downloaded it yet?

http://www.amazon.com/Open-Your-Heart-Jeffrey-Syverson-ebook/dp/B00CODYK0C/

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Out of The Shadows (May 22)

Posted on May 22, 2014 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

outoftheshadows

May 22
Out of the Shadows

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 71:19-24 | 2 Samuel1:1-2:11 | John 12:20-50 | Proverbs 15:27-28

Today’s Scripture Focus: John 12:20-50

Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Those who walk in the dark do not know where they are going. Put your trust in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of the light.”(John 12:35-36 TNIV)

Jesus came as the Light of the world to bring us out of the darkness and into the light. His signs showed forth the glorious light that we might believe. Yet people reacted in different ways to the light.

Some were hardhearted (37-40). They saw the miracles, but didn’t get it. Their hearts were hard and they were unable to see or hear. They were unable to believe. A heart darkened by sin, a heart that has lingered in the shadows for too long finds it hard to believe. Jesus calls the hardhearted to come out of the dark and into the light.

Some were half-hearted. “Many even of the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue for they loved human glory more than the glory of God” (42-43). They believed but were not willing to come out of the shadows and into the light. They didn’t want to be too upfront about their faith because they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. Jesus calls the half-hearted to come fully into the light and follow him completely.

Others were whole-hearted. They were the ones who trusted Jesus completely and followed him whatever the cost. These were the children of the light who took Jesus at his word. Like kernels of wheat they were wiling to die to themselves to enter into the life that is really life. They lived the reality of Jesus words: “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it will produce many seeds. Those who love their life will lose it, while those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.”

God will honor the children of the light—those who come out of the shadows and live wholeheartedly for Christ. Those servants who follow Christ whatever the cost may not receive the praise of men in this life, but they can be sure to be honored by God in the next.

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