Emmanuel: God with Us (Dec 25)

Posted on December 25, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Today’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 146:1-10 | Zech 8:1-23 | Revelation 16:1-21 | Proverbs 30:29-31

Today’s Scripture Focus: Zech 8

This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Many peoples and the inhabitants of many cities will yet come, [21] and the inhabitants of one city will go to another and say, ‘Let us go at once to entreat the Lord and seek the Lord Almighty. I myself am going.’ [22] And many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the Lord Almighty and to entreat him.” [23] This is what the Lord Almighty says: “In those days ten men from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, ‘Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.’ ” Zech. 8:20-23 (NIV)

The Prophets can be a challenge to read and understand. But underlying the whole of the prophetic scripture is something we dare not miss: God has not forgotten his people and intends to bless them with His very presence: Jesus, the savior is to be born; God with us, Emmanuel. In him, God has come near. Through and through, the prophets point to the coming of God in human flesh to redeem people from the curse of sin. They look forward to the coming of the Messiah: Jesus.

I am always struck by Matthew’s account of the Christmas story. He again and again points out the prophetic significance of each detail of the story. So when I read this passage from Zechariah I am aware that the coming of the Gentiles to pray and worship, “Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you,” points to the coming of “Emmanuel: God with us.” Jesus came as God in human flesh, God with us, to express God’s love to the whole world that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.

To the one who receives Him, he gives the greatest gift of all, Eternal life. Joy to the world! Merry Christmas!

With Joy,

Pastor Jeff

Tomorrow’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 147:1-11 | Zech 9:1-17 | Revelation 17:1-18 | Proverbs 30:32

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Generous Hearts (Dec 24)

Posted on December 24, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

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

Today’s Scripture Focus: Zech 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.” Zech. 7:5b, 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.

With Joy,

Pastor Jeff

Tomorrow’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 146:1-10 | Zech 8:1-23 | Revelation 16:1-21 | Proverbs 30:29-31

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Not by Might (Dec 23)

Posted on December 23, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

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

Today’s Scripture Focus: Zech 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. Zech. 4:6 (NIV)

Zech. 4:10 “Who despises the day of small things?

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.

With Joy,

Pastor Jeff

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

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Sing His Praise (Dec 22)

Posted on December 22, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Today’s Scripture Readings:

Psalm 145:1-7 | Zechariah 2:1-3:10 | Revelation 13:2-18 | Prov 30:18-29

Psa. 145:1 ¶ I will exalt you, my God the King;
I will praise your name for ever and ever.
Psa. 145:2 Every day I will praise you
and extol your name for ever and ever.

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 you life. It takes our eyes off of our selves 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.

With Joy,

Pastor Jeff

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A Voice of Truth (Dec 22)

Posted on December 22, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Today’s Scripture Readings:

Psalm 145:1-7 | Micah 2:1-3:10 | Revelation 13:2-8 | Proverbs 30:18-29

Today’s Scripture Focus:

Micah 3:8 But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the LORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin.

Micah saw injustice and corruption among the political and religious leaders of Judah. Other prophets were telling the people what they wanted to hear: messages of peace and prosperity. He refused to compromise the truth; he stood as a prophet that declared the impending judgment that was to come to Judah.

The leaders failed to act justly; the needs of the poor and powerless were being ignored. Micah tells them to expect the same treatment from the Lord (3:4). They will cry out to him and he will hide his face.

Micah, seeing the injustice and knowing the consequences of such violations of God’s law stands up to be a mouthpiece of truth. He knows that as he speaks truth, the Spirit of the LORD has empowered him to declare the message that the people do not want to hear–pointing out the sin and transgression of the people.

It’s easy to listen to the voices that tell us what we want to hear. Be discerning; don’t too quickly assume that the message you hear is God’s message, especially when it “tickles your ears.” God’s message will both confront sin and bring hope. Expect both from God’s messenger.

Be a voice of truth. Don’t be afraid to stand up amidst the false prophets who tell people only what they want to hear. Stand up against the crowd.

When confronted by conflicting messages, don’t too quickly assume that the message you want to hear is God’s message. Make sure the voice speaks truth, and is not just tickling your ears.

With Joy,

Jeff

Tomorrow’s Scripture Readings:

Psalms 145:8-13 | Micah 4:1-5:11 | Revelation 14:1-20 | Proverbs 30:21-23

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The Accuser (Dec 21)

Posted on December 21, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Today’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 144:9-15 | Zech 1:1-21 | Revelation 12:1-13:1 | Proverbs 30:17

Today’s Scripture Focus: Revelation 12:1-13:1

“Now have come salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.”

He’s a liar, a thief, a deceiver. He’s the accuser of our brothers and sisters in Christ. An enemy to God and all his ways, Satan tries desperately to cause as much damage and havoc as he can. But his days are numbered: “He is filled with fury, because he knows his time is short” (12) and he has been “hurled down”(10).

He has made an occupation of accusing us before the throne of God. Remember the story of Job?

Sometimes we live in the false guilt of his accusations. We have trouble receiving forgiveness–thinking that our past can never be put behind us. This is only a trick of the enemy –the accuser–and his days are numbered.

Overcome his schemes by the victory that is yours in “the blood of the Lamb”: Christ’s death on the cross, which triumphed over Satan. Boldly proclaim the word of your testimony. You are God’s child–forgiven and dearly loved. You are proclaimed “not guilty” and cleansed from your sinful past.

Don’t allow the accuser to keep you in defeat. Live in the victory that is ours in Christ Jesus. The accuser may try to remind you of your past, but pay no attention–you know his future. He’s only desperate because his time is short.

With Joy,

Pastor Jeff

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

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Missing Out on the Blessing (Dec 20)

Posted on December 20, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Today’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 144:1-8 | Hag 1:1-2:23 | Revelation 11:1-19 | Proverbs 30:15-16

Today’s Scripture Focus: Haggai 1-2

This is what the Lord Almighty says: “These people say, ‘The time has not yet come for the Lord’s house to be built.’ Then the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai: [4] “Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?” Haggai 1:2-4 (NIV)

God had been faithful to remember the Jewish exiles. They began to return to Jerusalem from their exile in Babylon and began the task of rebuilding the temple. Opposition arose and the job turned out to be much more difficult and more costly than they had imagined. They became discouraged and gave up on their God-given vision and mission.

The people procrastinated their obedience. They told the Lord, “Yes we will build the temple someday, but not yet.” They became more concerned with their own personal pleasure and building their own houses, while they neglected their call to rebuild the temple.

Delaying their obedience, they lost out on the blessing of God.

Haggai calls the people to return to their God-given mission. He encourages them that as they do, the blessing of God will return. ” ‘From this day on I will bless you.’ ” (2:19b)

We often get sidetracked from what we know we should be doing by our own self-interest (our paneled houses). We get discouraged from our mission by opposition and trials. Focusing on the circumstances, we give up. God calls us to return to our mission and purpose and to be about the work he has called us to do. His blessing is bound to follow if we don’t grow weary and give up. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” Galatians 6:9 (NIV).

With Joy,

Pastor Jeff

Tomorrow’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 144:9-15 | Zech 1:1-21 | Revelation 12:1-13:1 | Proverbs 30:17

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Making God Sing (Dec 19)

Posted on December 19, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Today’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 143:7-12 | Zephaniah 1:1-3:20 | Revelation 10:1-11 | Proverbs 30:11-14

Today’s Scripture Focus: Zephaniah 1-3

The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zeph. 3:17 (NIV)

Children know how to enjoy the moment. Imagine a beautiful sunny day. You stretch out your arms and spin around and around, laughing and singing–utter delight. Do you remember the delight of just spinning around and finding delight in the moment?

Such is the delight of God in his faithful remnant—the humble and meek. In sharp contrast to all the warnings of the day of reckoning for the proud that dominates the majority of the prophecy, here Zephaniah reminds us that those who are faithful to seek the Lord humbly are a source of great delight to the Lord. He takes great delight in them, he quiets them with his love and (my favorite part) he rejoices of over them with singing.

Someone has suggested that the Hebrew root word here could be translated “spin around (with violent emotion)”. The words really do bring to mind the delight of a child spinning and laughing and singing at the top of their lungs–caught up in the delight of the moment. Take a few minutes today to meditate on his great love for you–and ask him to reveal to your heart how much he delights in you. Maybe you’ll even hear the song he is singing as he rejoices over you.

How good it is to know that when we seek the Lord our humble obedience causes him such great delight. Here are a few verses to meditate on concerning God’s delight in you:

Psalm 147:11 (NIV)
the Lord delights in those who fear him,
who put their hope in his unfailing love.

Psalm 149:4 (NIV)
For the Lord takes delight in his people;
he crowns the humble with salvation.

With Joy,

Pastor Jeff

Tomorrow’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 144:1-8 | Haggai 1:1-2:23 | Revelation 11:1-19 | Proverbs 30:15-16

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From Questions to Praise (Dec 18)

Posted on December 18, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

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

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.

With Joy,

Pastor Jeff

Tomorrow’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 143:7-12 | Zephaniah 1:1-3:20 | Revelation 10:1-11 | Proverbs 30:11-14

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Never Alone (Dec 17)

Posted on December 17, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

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

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 find 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.

With Joy,

Pastor Jeff

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

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