Panting for His Commands (Nov 7)

Posted on November 7, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Today’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 119:129-136 | Ezekiel 16:43-17:24 | Hebrews 8:1-13 | Proverbs 27:7-9

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 119:129-136

Psalm 119:131 (NIV)
I open my mouth and pant,
longing for your commands.

The psalmist describes an intense longing for God’s word and his commands. He describes it like this: “I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands.”

Imagine a pet dog on a hot day running toward you, his tongue hanging out, his whole torso heaving with each breath. He runs to you filled with intense longing–seeking affection, but also hungry and thirsty for sustaining water and food. The intensity you sense in the moment, the panting after affection and sustenance is like the intensity of the Psalmist’s desire to know God through his word and to obey his commands. He couldn’t use a more intense image of longing and desire.

Do you long for God’s word? Do you go after it with panting? Is your desire to understand and do God’s will so intense that you pant after his commands? May he fill you with such an intense desire to know Him and follow his commands.

With Joy,

Pastor Jeff

Tomorrow’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 119:137-144 | Ezekiel 18:1-19:14 | Hebrews 9:1-10 | Proverbs 27:10

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Your Most Important Prayer Partner (Nov 6)

Posted on November 6, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Today’s Scripture Readings:

Psalm 119:121-128 | Ezekiel 14:12-16:42 | Hebrews 7:18-28 | Prov 27:4-6

Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Hebrews 7:25, NIV

Along with the duties at the temple handling the worship and sacrifices, priests in the Old Testament were to bless the people. Intercession was an important element in their job description. Jesus is the ultimate example of this as he is described in Hebrews as the Great High Priest. In speaking of his priesthood, the author of Hebrews tells us that Jesus “always lives to intercede” for us.

How can we be sure that our faith will endure? How can we be sure that we will persevere? We find great assurance in this: Jesus is “able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” Jesus is interceding for you!

As we come to God in Jesus name, we join him in his work of intercession. What an incredible truth. You may feel alone in your prayers and intercession for those you love, but you are not alone. Jesus is there praying with you. You may feel alone as you pray, frustrated by the trials and temptations, wondering if you will overcome, but you are not alone. Jesus is there praying for you.

Take heart, be encouraged and continue on in your prayers. Know that you are not alone. Jesus is with you. He is your most important prayer partner.

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Words of Hope (Nov 5)

Posted on November 5, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

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

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.

With Joy,

Pastor Jeff

Tomorrow’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 119:121-128 | Ezekiel 14:12-16:42 | Hebrews 7:18-28 | Proverbs 27:4-6

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Sanctuary (Nov 4)

Posted on November 4, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

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 (Heb. 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.

With Joy,

Pastor Jeff

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

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Growing Up or Growing Old? (Nov 3)

Posted on November 3, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

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

I’ve heard it said that “Some people grow up in the Lord, others just grow old in the Lord.” Unfortunately some times 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 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!

With Joy,

Pastor Jeff

Tomorrow’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 119:89-96 | Ezekiel 3:16 — 6:14 | Hebrews 4:1-16 | Proverbs 26:27

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Watch and Pray (Nov 2)

Posted on November 2, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

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 3:16-6:14

“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

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.

With Joy,

Pastor Jeff

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

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Encouragement (Daily Devotional for Nov 1)

Posted on November 1, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

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

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’s 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 traveller 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.

With Joy,

Pastor Jeff

Tomorrow’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 119:89-96 | Ezekiel 3:16 — 6:14 | Hebrews 4:1-16 | Proverbs 26:27

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Drifting (Daily Devotional for Oct 31)

Posted on October 31, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

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

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.

With Joy,

Pastor Jeff

Tomorrow’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 119:81-88 | Ezekiel 1:1 – 3:15 | Hebrews 3:1-19 | Proverbs 26:24-26

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It’s Not Just for Breakfast Anymore (Oct 27)

Posted on October 27, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

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

Today’s Scripture Focus: Titus 2

Titus 2:11-14 (NIV)
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.”

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 helps 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.

With Joy,

Pastor Jeff

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

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Looking for Leaders (Oct 26)

Posted on October 26, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Today’s Scripture Readings:
Psalms 119:33-40 | Jeremiah 49:23-50:46 | Titus 1:1-16 | Proverbs 26:13-16

Today’s Scripture Focus: Titus 1

“The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.”

Good leadership is crucial to any organization. Good, spiritual leadership is essential to a healthy church. Paul’s instruction to Titus is a reminder of this. He reminds him of the kinds of qualities to look for in choosing leaders. So what qualities are important in choosing leaders in the church?

Paul tells Titus to look to the home life. Are they faithful to their spouse? If they have children, how did or are they doing in raising them? One’s management of their home life can be an indicator of readiness for leadership.

Paul also recommends character qualities that won’t cause shame or embarrassment to the church: “not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.” The leader should be blameless; they should have a good testimony in the community.

On the positive side, he suggests looking for qualities like these: “must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.” The spiritual leader should be someone who demonstrates a spirit-filled life through the fruit of the spirit.

Another important quality is their knowledge of God’s word and their ability to teach it and defend it against false teaching. This is a safeguard to the church that keeps it from error and from getting sidetracked from the truth.

What is your reaction to reading the list? Do you say, “I could never be a leader” or “I don’t want to be a leader”? I hope not. I’m not sure that Paul intended for this to be a checklist for disqualification—and it is sometimes viewed that way. I’m sure each of us could find a point or two (or more) that would disqualify us if we looked at the list so rigidly. A grace-filled way to look at the list is to realize that these are qualities God wants to build into your life so that you can be used in greater measure for him. They are a measure of the life we should pursue.

He has ministry for you to do. Don’t get stuck on your past failures. Be faithful in the little things he gives you to do and look to God to help you become all you can be for him. He’s looking for leaders. Press on and allow him to make you into someone he can use for his glory.

With Joy,
Pastor Jeff

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

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