Words of Hope

Posted on November 5, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Words of Hope
Words of Hope

November 5

Words of Hope 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 119:113-120; Ezekiel 12:1-14:11; Hebrews 7:1-17; Proverbs 27:3

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 119:113-120

“You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word” (Psalm 119:114 NIV).

We serve a God of Hope (Rom 15:13). His word is a message of hope. Whatever our circumstance, we can always run to God’s word and find shelter, comfort and encouragement.

A few years ago, I heard David Bryant at the College of Prayer encourage us to be messengers of hope. He repeatedly reminded us to “preach the pink passages.” He explained that he had Bible, in which he had marked all the verses that should cause us to hope with a pink highlighter. He paged through his Bible for us and it was obvious that nearly every page of his Bible had verses highlighted in pink. Many pages were almost completely pink. Indeed the Bible is a book of hope.

We live in a world in need of hope. We find ourselves daily in need of hope. That very fact is a reminder that we need daily time in God’s word. We need time for our hope to be renewed and our hearts to be refreshed. Then we are able to become messengers of hope that impact the world.

May you find the LORD to be your hiding place and your shield. May his word bring you hope daily.

God of Hope, fill me with joy and peace today as I trust in you that I might overflow with hope by the power of your Holy Spirit. Be my hiding place and my shield. Help me to find hope in your word and enable me to become a messenger of hope today. Amen.

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Sanctuary

Posted on November 4, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Sanctuary: God dwells with his people

November 4

Sanctuary 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 119:105-112; Ezekiel 10:1-11:25; Hebrews 6:1-20; Proverbs 27:1-2

Today’s Scripture Focus: Ezekiel 10:1-11:25

“Therefore say: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Although I sent them far away among the nations and scattered them among the countries, yet for a little while I have been a sanctuary for them in the countries where they have gone’” (Ezekiel 11:16 NIV).

The people of Israel had strayed far from God and broken the covenant again and again. God had been incredibly patient with them, but after years and years of their rebellion and disobedience his patience had found it’s rightful end. It was time for judgment.

In apocalyptic words and images, Ezekiel describes the judgment of God. But in all of the creative imagery, he does not leave the people without a word of hope.

Yes, he would send them far away and scatter them among the nations (all of this a righteous response to their rebellion and disobedience). Yet, even then, he would not leave them alone: he would be their sanctuary. The Temple (the place where his glory rests) may be destroyed, but he would still be present with his people.

Moreover, he would bring revival and restoration when they began to seek Him again with all their hearts:

I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. [20] Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God (Ezekiel 11:19-20 NIV).

These Old Testament promises are not far removed from us; Hebrews teaches us that these and similar promises find their fulfillment in Christ and his new covenant (Hebrews 8-10).

Even in our “prodigal times,” our times where we try to distance ourselves from the Lord, he is there. He remains our sanctuary. He continues to offer the hope of a new heart and a fresh start.

Father, I seek you with all my heart. Help me to find rest in your sanctuary—in your presence. Help me to follow you today with an undivided heart. Amen.

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Growing Up or Growing Old

Posted on November 3, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Growing Up or Growing Old?

November 3

Growing Up or Growing Old? 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 119:97-104; Ezekiel 7:1-9:11; Hebrews 5:1-14; Proverbs 26:28

Today’s Scripture Focus: Hebrews 5:1-14

“We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!” (Hebrews 5:11 NIV).

I’ve heard it said that “Some people grow up in the Lord, others just grow old in the Lord. ”Unfortunately sometimes this is the case. There is a big difference between “growing up” and “just growing old” in the Lord. Growth and maturity require more than years of “pew time,” they require years of diligent learning, application and obedience.

Paul urges these believers on to maturity. They should have grown to the point where they were teaching others, but they were still nursing like babes. Babies are cute, for a while, but it would be a pathetic thing to have an adult behaving like an infant.

God is looking for more than pew warmers. He is looking for those who are diligent students of his word, people who are eager to hear and understand. He desires us to be people who are being molded and shaped by God as we apply and live out the truths of the word. He is looking for disciples who are being trained to become like their master teacher, Jesus. He is looking for people who are using their gifts and abilities to edify and build up the body and to reach others with the good news.

Don’t just grow old. It’s time to grow up!

Father, help me to grow up and become fully mature. Strengthen me to be a student of your word—one who seeks to understand, to apply and live out the truth. Equip me for every good work that you have for me and help me to be diligent in using my gifts for your kingdom. Amen.

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Where are the Watchmen?

Posted on November 2, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

November 2

Where are the Watchmen? 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 119:89-96; Ezekiel 3:16 – 6:14; Hebrews 4:1-16; Proverbs 26:27

Today’s Scripture Focus: Ezekiel 3-6

“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me” (Ezekiel 3:12-13 NIV).

The watchman had an important and difficult job. Taking his place high upon the wall of the city where he could see, he would spend the night watching for impending danger. The protection of the city was in his hands.

God is looking for spiritual watchmen, like Ezekiel. Primarily this is a calling to intercession. Just as it takes time for the eyes to adjust to the darkness, so our “spiritual eyes” must be developed by sufficient time in God’s presence. If we are to warn of impending danger, we must be spiritually sensitive to what God is saying by his Word and through His Spirit. A watchman is first of all, a person of prayer; one who spends long, lonely hours in God’s presence getting God’s heart.

Spiritual watchmen are also called to proclaim God’s word: “Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me.” Time spent in the presence and with the word, brings unusual insight into our present situation. The watchman keenly sees the dangers of the days we live in and boldly alerts us to the things that others may miss.

Israel needed a watchman in Ezekiel’s day. We need them today—men and women called to watch and pray—and boldly speak when God give us the words to say.

Father, help me to prioritize the quiet place where I can hear you speaking by your word and your Spirit. Give me eyes to see this world as you see it that I might intercede and warn as you lead. Thank you for the privilege and responsibility of intercession. Amen.

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Encouragement

Posted on November 1, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Encouragement

November 1

Encouragement 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 119:81-88; Ezekiel 1:1 – 3:15; Hebrews 3:1-19; 

Proverbs 26:24-26

Today’s Scripture Focus: Hebrews 3:1-19

“See to it that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the Living God. But encourage one another daily as long as it is called Today so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Hebrews 3:12-13 NIV).

The children of Israel drifted little by little into sin and unbelief. The tests of faith eventually led them to rebellion. The drifting led to hardened hearts and they missed out on the Promised Land. They didn’t enter into the rest that had been promised to them if they would listen and obey.

It is a dangerous thing to drift, to compromise, to rebel and to find one’s heart grow hard because of the deceitfulness of sin. It all starts so subtly–so easily.

That’s why God gives us brothers and sisters in the faith to encourage us and walk with us through the times of testing so that our hearts won’t grow hard. The ministry of encouragement is one that we all need. Sin is deceitful; it often draws us in subtly. Little compromises can eventually lead to rebellion and hardness of heart.

Sometimes God uses the prophet or the preacher to speak to hardened hearts (like Ezekiel who we also read about today)–but usually he uses a fellow traveler to speak a word of encouragement.

Do you know someone going through a tough time right now? Don’t neglect the ministry of encouragement. A card, a phone call, an email or a friendly conversation can have a major effect on a heart that is in a vulnerable place.

Do you know someone who seems to be drifting right now? Not showing up to worship or prayer? Making some bad choices? Your word of encouragement could be the one that keeps them from drifting further.

The ministry of encouragement is powerful, and it is one that we are all called to. Some may be especially gifted by God at it–someone like Barnabas in the New Testament–but we are all invited to join the ministry of encouragement: “Encourage one another daily.” Let me encourage you to be an encourager today.

Father, thank you for the encouragers that you have placed in my life. Continue to encourage them and enable them to minister encouragement to others. Multiply the ministry of encouragement so that none of us may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. Amen.

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Drifting

Posted on October 31, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Drifting

October 31

Drifting

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 119:73-80; Lamentations 4:1-5:22; Hebrews 2:1-18; Proverbs 26:23

Today’s Scripture Focus: Hebrews 2:1-18

“We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away” (Hebrews 2:1 NIV).

Growing up in Minnesota, I spent a lot of summer days on the lake. We used to love to take inner tubes from big tractor tires and float on them on the water. Often we would just lie on top of the inner tube enjoying the sun and the waves. If you weren’t paying attention you would find yourself drifting farther and farther from shore. Eventually it was possible to drift so far that you would be dragged away by the strong currents and have a very hard time getting back.

Drifting is subtle and it is dangerous. Spiritual drifting takes place through a series of small compromises. One small compromise leads to another, which leads to another, which leads to another. Usually the compromises seem innocent at first–we barely notice that they are making an impact on our spiritual life. But over time, the small compromises add up and we find ourselves in trouble.

The scripture tells us that we need to pay more careful attention so that we don’t drift away. Give time and attention to your walk with the Lord. Unless you do, you will naturally begin to drift away from your first love. Your spiritual fervor will be diminished and your will lose more and more battles with sin.

Usually the drifting begins by neglecting your daily time with the Lord in his word and in prayer. We get too busy with other things. We need to pay careful attention–don’t neglect the simple steps of obedience.

Drifting comes easily and is deadly. Be on your guard. Watch and pray. Don’t allow small compromises to eat away at and eventually steal your spiritual fervor and vitality.

Father, enable me to fix my eyes on Jesus and relentlessly follow him without distraction, without drifting. Help me to see and turn from the subtle, yet powerful effect of drifting. Enable me to be focused and obedient. Amen.

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October 30

Posted on October 30, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Great is Thy Faithfulness

Great is Thy Faithfulness

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 119:65-72; Lamentations 2:20 – 3:66; Hebrews 1:1-14; Proverbs 26:18-19

Today’s Scripture Focus: Lamentations 2:20-3:66

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning great is your faithfulness” Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV).

Lamentations as a book is always hard for me to get into. But I have come to appreciate the importance of the lament in prayer. It is one of the most healthy ways for us to deal with difficult circumstances.

In the lament, we openly and honestly pour out our heart to God. We tell him what we are going through and how we feel about it. We get it all “out on the table”.  

If we were to leave it there, and not go further, it would have limited effect. The important next step is to remember God’s faithfulness and mercies to me in the past and by that to readjust my focus on the greatness of who He is. My eyes, which have been focused on myself and my problems are then turned toward the Lord.

As my focus changes, the problems grow smaller and my faith grows larger. My depression and self-pity fades as my worship and adoration increases.

We see that change of focus in this verse that is central to Jeremiah’s laments. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to and end; they are new every morning great is your faithfulness.” His eyes refocus on God’s goodness and faithfulness and his heart turns toward adoration and worship. Hope begins to be restored.

Often life doesn’t make sense. It can be hard. In those times we can always come to God with our laments. But don’t get stuck in the pit of self-pity and despair: look up with eyes of faith to the one whose love never ceases, whose mercies are new every morning, and sing, “Great is Thy Faithfulness!”

Loving Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing us opportunity to honestly pour out our hearts to you—to lament. We often face troubles and trials that we just don’t understand. Help me to look to your goodness. Help me to remember your faithfulness. I need your new mercies for this day. Help me to move from lament to praise. Enable me to sing, “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” Amen.

October 30

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Tears

Posted on October 29, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Tears

October 29

Tears

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 119:57-64; Lamentations 1:1 –2:19; Philemon 1-25; Proverbs 26:20

Today’s Scripture Focus: Lamentations 1

For these things do I weep, My eyes flow with tears: Far from me is any comforter who might revive my spirit (Lamentations 1:16  NIV).

Jeremiah is sometimes called “the Weeping Prophet.” His Lamentations are a prime example. But Jeremiah had reason to weep. He had been given a ministry of calling Judah to repentance, and they refused to listen. They continued on in their idolatrous ways without thought of God. Anyone who has been in ministry knows the frustration of people who don’t hear the message that to us seems so urgent. There are times when all you can do is weep and pray that God will somehow get through to the hearts of his people.

In Lamentations, he sees that his words have come true. God’s judgment has come upon his people. Babylon has come and destroyed the once beautiful city of Jerusalem and her temple and carried off exiles.

Looking to the ruins, with the cries of those who lost loved ones still ringing in his ears, Jeremiah is filled with tears. All he can do is lament.

When confronted by things we can’t understand we must do the same. Laments and tears are a means of healing for our wounded hearts. They are also a powerful means of intercession as we look to God to bring beauty from the ashes.

Know that he sees your tears, he hears your cries of lament. He hasn’t forgotten you; hasn’t forsaken you. The songs of joy will return in time.

Remember that “those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him” (Ps 126:5-6).

Father, see my tears. Hear my cry. I open my heart to you to lament—to bring to you my questions, my fears, my disappointments, my hurt. I look to you for hope and healing. Amen.

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Devoted to Good Works

Posted on October 28, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Devoted to Good Works
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

October 28

Devoted to Good Works

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 119:49-56;| Jeremiah 51:54-52:34; Titus 3:1-15; Proverbs 26:18-19

Today’s Scripture Focus: Titus 3

“The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works” (Titus 3:8 NIV).

Believers should be “devoted to good works.” Paul makes that point repeatedly in these verses (2:7, 14; 3:1, 8, 14).  In particular he points out that they should devote themselves to good works that would help out those in urgent need (3:14). 

It is impossible to gain salvation by good works (though many people have been led to believe that is the way to salvation). Paul’s clear statement of Ephesians 2:8-10 is reaffirmed here: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Salvation is the gift of God. It is appropriated by grace through faith—not by good works. But the one who trusts in Christ for salvation is created to do good works. The good works are the result of salvation–not the means of it.

Paul makes a similar point here in chapter 1 where he speaks of those “who profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work” (1:16 ESV). There must first be the regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit (3:5) that remakes us into God’s craftsmanship to do good works (2:14).

While good works are never the way to salvation, good works are the natural result of it. In fact, we are saved to do good works. Therefore Paul says, “those who have believed in God” should “be careful to devote themselves to good works.” They should “learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need and not be unfruitful.”

We are urged to live lives that show good works so that “in every way (we) will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive (2:10 NIV). In essence, we preach the gospel through our lifestyle and good works. This is particularly true when we care for those in urgent need–showing the love and compassion of Christ.

Are you “careful to devote” yourself to good works? (8) Are you learning to do so? (14). Let me encourage you to be devoted to making the good news attractive by your devotion to helping those in need.

Lord, thank you for saving me by your grace, help me now to be careful to devote myself to doing good works. Open my eyes to those in urgent need, and enable me to demonstrate the love of Christ. Amen.

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It’s Not Just for Breakfast Anymore

Posted on October 27, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Grace: It's not just for breakfast anymore

October 27

It’s Not Just for Breakfast Anymore

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 119:41-48; Jeremiah 51:1-53; Titus 2:1-15; Proverbs 26:17 

Today’s Scripture Focus: Titus 2

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope–the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good” (Titus 2:11-14 NIV).  

The orange juice growers had a series of commercials that ended with this line: “It’s not just for breakfast anymore.” It was their way of telling us that orange juice, usually a drink to begin the day, was also a good choice for the rest of the day. There’s a sense in which I’d like to use that slogan to describe grace.

We usually think of grace in terms of salvation–the beginning of our journey of faith. Of course, we are saved by grace–an important truth. It is the undeserved benefit of God on our behalf that brings God’s blessing of salvation. But that is just the beginning of grace.  We need grace for all of our life– it’s not just for salvation.  If you will, “it’s not just for breakfast anymore.”

Grace not only saves us, it teaches us to say “no” to sin. Each day we are confronted by choices–tempted by sin. Living by grace enables us to say no to sin.

It also trains us to do what is right. “Grace teaches us . . . to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age” (12).

Finally, it even works in our desires, making us zealous for good deeds, or as the NIV puts it, “eager to do what is good” (14). Isn’t that amazing? God, by his grace, works to make us eager to do his will.

Truly his grace is amazing. Everything we need for salvation, to say no to sin, to live upright and godly lives, and even the desire to do what is right and good.  It’s not just for breakfast anymore . . . not just for getting started in the Christian life, but for all of life.

Father, thank you for the never-ending benefits of your amazing grace. May it train me in the virtues of Christ-like living that I might be able to say “No” to sin and to live a godly, self-controlled and upright life in this present age while I wait for the blessed hope. Give me the grace to be eager to do what is good. Amen.

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