Behind the Scenes (Daily Devotional for Aug 18)

Posted on August 18, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Today’s Scripture Readings:
Psalms 89:38-45  | Esther 1:1-3:15  | 1 Cor. 11:17-34 | Proverbs 21:19-20

Today’s Scripture Focus:Esther 1-3

 Esther 2:16-17 (NIV)  She was taken to King Xerxes in the royal residence in the tenth month, the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. [17] Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.

 
While the book of Esther never mentions the name of God, his working is seen throughout the book.  While he may not be “front and center,” he is clearly working behind the scenes.

Unfortunately there are too many people like Haman.  Their love for sin and hatred for God translates into hatred for God’s people.  Human history is evidence that Haman is not alone.  There are always some whose twisted hearts would seek to lash out at God and his people.

But we are also reminded that God is at work thwarting the work of the enemy.  He has Godly men like Mordecai who are willing to stand up to the evil without compromise.  He has Godly women like Esther who are willing to risk it all for the sake of what is right and good.

Yes, there is an enemy who seeks to steal, kill and destroy.  But God is at work behind the scenes using people like you and me to accomplish his purposes.  He has placed us where we are “for such a time as this”.  We may live in a land of compromise, but we do not have to compromise.  God will use us “in such a time as this” as we stand strong with a willingness to risk it all for the sake of the Gospel.

With Joy,

Pastor Jeff

Tomorrow’s Scripture Readings:
Psalms 89:46-52
Esther 4:1-7:10
1 Cor. 12:1-26
Proverbs 21:21-22
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Time to Celebrate (Daily Devotional for Aug 17)

Posted on August 17, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Today’s Scripture Readings:
Psalms 89:14-37
Nehemiah 12:27-13:31
1 Cor. 11:3-16
Proverbs 21:17-18

Today’s Scripture Focus: Nehemiah 12:27-13:31

“The singers, directed by Jezrahiah, made the rafters ring.  That day they offered great sacrifices, an exuberant celebration because God had filled them with great joy. The women and children raised their happy voices with all the rest. Jerusalem’s jubilation heard far and wide.”
A major work has been completed. The walls have been rebuilt.  Despite opposition and numerous setbacks, the job has been completed.  It was time to celebrate.

They gathered the choirs and “made the rafters ring”.  They had an exuberant celebration.  They were filled with great joy.

Notice that it was God who filled them with joy.  He had worked behind the scenes moving on the hearts of pagan kings and officials.  He had chosen the leaders and given them direction.  He had been there to give them the strength to complete the project.  From first to last, God made a way for the impossible to be done.  He had shown himself faithful again and again.  As they remembered his goodness, they were filled with joy.

In a similar way, we are able to find joy in the Lord.  “Rejoice in the Lord and again I say it: Rejoice!” says Paul in Phillippians.  As we grow in our relationship with Christ, as we walk with him through the trials of life, he produces joy in the most unusual places and at the most unexpected times.  As we begin to see his hand at work in our lives, our hearts are filled with joy.

God is faithful; He is good.  His love endures forever.  He is with us through it all, loving us always.  Sounds like a reason for joy–sounds like a reason to celebrate!

With joy,

Pastor Jeff

Tomorrow’s Scripture Readings:
Psalms 89:38-45
Esther 1:1-3:15
1 Cor. 11:17-34
Proverbs 21:19-20
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I Could Sing of Your Love Forever (Daily Devotional for Aug 16)

Posted on August 16, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Today’s Scripture Readings:
Psalms 89:1-13 | Nehemiah 11:1-12:26 | 1 Cor. 10:14-11:2 | Proverbs 21:14-16

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 89:1-13

Psalm 89:1-2 (NIV)

I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever;
with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.
[2] I will declare that your love stands firm forever,
that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself.
“Jesus loves me this I know . . .” is a simple but profound truth.  That the creator of all things loves me with a steadfast, undying love, is positively amazing.  It was that truth, God’s love, that set the Psalmist’s heart to singing…and singing….and singing.

It’s a song worth singing forever and ever.  It’s also a truth that needs to be passed down through the generations.  Realizing that we are loved by God is a life-altering truth.  It is the open door that can lead us into a personal relationship with Christ.

It’s also a life-sustaining truth.  “Your love has always been our live’s foundation, your fidelity has been the roof over our world.” (2, The Message).  God’s love for us is a truth that provides a firm foundation. There are many things in this world that we do not understand, or cannot understand. God’s love and faithfulness is the foundational truth through which we filter the questions in our attempts to make sense of the tough times.

God’s love is a roof of protection from the unkind and hateful words and deeds of others.  When all the world seems against me, I know that God loves me.  Abiding in his love brings healing to the wounds I have suffered.  It restores my soul and brings hope.  It enables me to come and find rest for my soul.

The psalmist just couldn’t get that song about God’s love out of his head. . . he had to sing it over and over again. . . forever.  Open your heart to Jesus and his love, and allow him to pour out his love into your heart.  Then you too will sing of his love forever.

With Joy,

Pastor Jeff

Tomorrow’s Scripture Readings:
Psalms 89:14-37
Nehemiah 12:27-13:31
1 Cor. 11:3-16
Proverbs 21:17-18
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All Things to All People (Daily Devotional for Aug 15)

Posted on August 15, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Today’s Scripture Readings:
Psalms 88:8-18 | Nehemiah 9:22-10:39 | I Cor. 9:19-10:13 | Proverbs 21:13

Today’s Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 9:19-10:13

1 Cor. 9:20-22 (NIV)  [20] To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. [21] To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. [22] To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.                                                 
The gospel is a message for all people of all languages and cultures.  God’s message of love must be communicated to each of those cultures in a way that they can really understand it.  Paul, like any good missionary, understood this principle.  He went out of his way to communicate the gospel to each group in ways they would be able to better understand it.  He became all things to all people so that by all possible means he might save some.

We must be careful not to put stumbling blocks in the way to understanding the message.  We often use language that doesn’t communicate clearly.  Even more often we use methods that just aren’t relevant to the audience we seek to reach. Sometimes our methods betray the message and we miscommunicate the gospel.

The gospel should be communicated differently in Mali, Africa than in Manila, Philippines.  Different means will be necessary in Lima, Peru than Lima, Ohio.  We must seek to understand our target audience if we are going to relate the message to them in a way that really communicates the gospel.  The more we can communicate in the “heart language” of the people (their music, their stories, their language, their culture), the better they will understand.

We have a message for all ages, for all peoples, for all languages and cultures.  Let us seek to understand those we are communicating with, so we can better relate the gospel to them in ways that best communicate the truth.

Tomorrow’s Scripture Readings:
Psalms 89:1-13
Nehemiah 11:1-12:26
1 Cor. 10:14-11:2
Proverbs 21:14-16
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Strengthened by Joy (Devotional Thought for Aug 14)

Posted on August 14, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Today’s Scripture Readings:
Psalms  88:1-7 | Nehemiah 7:61-9:21 | 1 Corinthians 9:1-18  | Proverbs 21:11-12

Today’s Scripture Focus: Nehemiah 7:61 — 9:21

Neh. 8:10 (NIV)
“…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

“And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.” Neh. 8:12 (ESV)
It was quite a scene.  After years and years of neglect, the scripture had been uncovered.  Ezra got all the people together in one place and began to read the law.  He along with some of the other priests read and explained the law to the people.

How did the people react to hearing the Word of God?

They worshiped.  “All the people answered, ‘Amen, Amen,’ lifting up their hands. ‘And they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground'”(8:6).

They also wept.  “For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law.” (8:9)  Confronted by the law, they could clearly see their disobedience and sin.  Conviction of sin brought tears.

But Nehemiah encouraged the people to find joy.  They were hearing the law and understanding it.  This was reason for celebration.  There would be a time for weeping, but this was a time for celebration:  the celebration of understanding God’s word.

Each day is an opportunity for celebration as we hear and understand God’s word. Understanding it brings joy, and that “joy of the Lord is our strength”(8:12).  God teaches us principles that enable us to live “life to the full”.  His promises give us hope that strengthens us through the most difficult of times.

As you spend time in His word today, look for understanding and find joy knowing that the principles will strengthen you for the day ahead.

May the Joy of the Lord be your strength!
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Building Up or Tearing Down

Posted on August 13, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Today’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 87:1-7 | Nehemiah 5:14 — 7:6 | 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 | Proverbs 21:8-10

Today’s Scripture Focus: Nehemiah 5:14- 7:60 


“I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you? Four times they sent me the same message, and each time I gave them the same answer.” Neh. 6:3-4 (NIV)
Tearing down is simple.  Building up is an art.  Anyone can criticize;  it takes no great skill to see the problems.  It takes a real leader not to be distracted by the words that tear down; to keep to the task despite criticism.

The world is filled with critics (so is the church–when will realize that there is no “gift of criticism” listed in scripture?).   They are good at seeing the obvious, and get stuck on the problem rather than trying to be part of the solution.  Nehemiah had his critics.  They kept harassing him with their complaints.

Anyone in a leadership role must learn to deal with criticism.  Nehemiah was in the midst of this leadership lesson.  I love his response to the criticism: “I am carrying out a great project and I can’t come down.”  He refused to be distracted by the criticism of Tobiah and Sanballat.

Tobiah and Sanballat had evidently gone to the school of Telemarketing, and kept pestering Nehemiah again and again.. Nehmiah remained devoted to the task and undeterred from his vision of rebuilding the walls.  He would not stop building just because a few words were aimed his way to tear him down.

When the criticism became almost unbearable, he took it to the Lord.  “But I prayed, ‘now strengthen my hands.” (6:10)  When the criticism seems too much to bear, take it to the Lord and ask him to fill you with his strength to stick to the task he has called you to do.

With Joy,

Pastor Jeff

A Few Related Quotes:

“A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.”  — David Brinkley —

“There is nothing as easy as denouncing.  It doesn’t take much to see something is wrong.  But it does take some eyesight to see what will put it right again.” — Will Rogers —

“Criticism is something you can avoid easily by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing.” — Aristotle —

“If you’re willing to stand apart from the crowd, you’re putting yourself in a vulnerable position, so count on some degree of criticism.”  — John Maxwell Be a People Person, 119. —

“You will be criticized. So it might as well be for doing the right thing.” Dan Southerland, Transitioning, 118.

Tomorrow’s Scripture Readings:
Psalms  88:1-7
Nehemiah 7:61-9:21
1 Corinthians 9:1-18
Proverbs 21:11-12
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A.W. Tozer Quote of the Week

Posted on August 13, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

One of the most popular pages on Pastor Jeff’s Neighborhood was the “Tozer Quote of the Week Page.”  Each week I shared a quote from the ever-quotable Tozer.  So in keeping with the tradition, here are a few quotes from A.W. Tozer:

“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” 
(The Knowledge of the Holy, 7)

“Man is bored, because he is too big to be happy with that which sin is giving him.  God has made him too great, his potential is too mighty.”
(Who Put Jesus on the Cross, 170)

“God wants worshipers before workers; indeed the only acceptable workers are those who have learned the lost art of worship”
(That Incredible Christian, 37)

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Bending God’s Ear (Aug 12)

Posted on August 12, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Today’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 86:8-17 | Nehemiah  3:15-5:13 | 1 Cor. 7:25-40 | Proverbs 21:5-7

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 86

“Bend an ear, God; answer me” (The Message vs.1)

“Teach me, your way O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart that I may fear your name. I will praise, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.” (vs. 11-12, NIV)
We’ve looked for God’s eye to watch over us and his hand to bless us.  Today, David is looking for God’s ear. He is looking for God to hear and answer his prayer.  He finds himself in a desperate situation, and he is looking for someone to talk to…someone who can protect and save him.

David knew where to turn.  He knew the greatness of his God:

“You are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you” (5).
“You are great and do marvelous deeds, You alone are God” (10)
“Great is your love toward me” (13)
“You, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”

Awestruck by his greatness, amazed by his abounding love toward him, David always knew where to turn.  No matter how difficult the circumstances or the opposition, he knew His God was greater; he knew his God loved him.

Open up your heart like David.  Tell him all your troubles and look to his loving heart to bring the deliverance you need.
With Joy,

Pastor Jeff

Tomorrow’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 87:1-7
Nehemiah 5:14– 7:60
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Proverbs 21:8-10
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Constructive Praying (Aug 11)

Posted on August 11, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Today’s Scripture Readings:
Psalms 86:1-7 | Nehemiah 1:1 — 3:14 | 1Corinthians 7:1-24 | Proverbs 21: 1-2

Today’s Scripture Focus: Nehemiah 1-3

“O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” (Nehemiah 1:11 NIV)

 
Cupbearers tend to be men of prayer (being the guinea pig for possible poisoning will bring on that tendency).  Contractors tend to be men of action.  Nehemiah was both.  A Burdened heart led to powerful intercession. The struggle of prayer led to an open door by the blessing of God.  A praying cupbearer was given opportunity to put feet to his prayers.

The King saw Nehemiah’s distress and asked him why he looked the way he did.  Nehemiah, because the hand of the Lord was upon him, grew bold and not only told the king the reason for his distress but also made some major requests.  The praying cupbearer became the contractor on a major project: Rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.

The foundation for his work was laid in prayer.  It always is.  Men of action must also be men of prayer.  To try to do God’s work without laying the prayer foundation will lead to frustration and walls that won’t stand stand for long.  As one seasoned prayer warrior said, “We must do more than pray, but not until we have prayed”.

Men of prayer must always be men of action.  While men of prayer know how to wait until the right time, they don’t procrastinate their obedience when God opens the door.  They step out in faith expecting the hand of the Lord to be upon them.  They expect God to already be at work, preparing the way for their steps of obedient faith.

Nehemiah’s story also reminds us that it isn’t only the pastor’s job that is important. Whatever we do should be done for the glory of God.  Ezra (the ministry role) and Nehemiah (the contractor role) had to work together to get the job done (not to mention prophets like Zechariah). If you are a cupbearer, God can use that for his glory.  If you are a contractor, he can use that too.  Whatever your vocation or calling, God would have you do it with all your heart unto him (bringing him great glory).

Like Nehemiah, lay the foundation of prayer and look for the opportunity to act.  This is the way to glorify God and to accomplish great things for him.

With Joy,

Pastor Jeff

Tomorrow’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 86:8-17
Nehemiah  3:15-5:13
1 Cor. 7:25-40
Proverbs 21:5-7
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The Eye of God (Aug 7)

Posted on August 7, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Today’s Scripture Readings:
Psalms 84:5-8
Ezra 5:1 – 6:22
1 Corinthians 3:5-23
Proverbs 20: 26-27

Today’s Scripture Focus: Ezra 5:1 – 6:22

“But the eye of their God was watching over the elders of the Jews, and they were not stopped…” (Ezra 5:5)
God has been watching his people.  As they’ve begun to turn to him, he’s turned toward them; he’s watching out for them.

The story of Ezra is the story of God turning is face of blessing toward his people after a time of Judgment. The people had been idolatrous and rebellious under the Kings of Judah and had been taken into exile by Nebuchadnezzar, the wicked king of Babylon.

Prophets like Jeremiah and Habakkuk saw it coming, and lamented and wept that the people of God could fall so low that God would remove his hand of blessing, and allow them to come under the judgment of exile in Babylon. The story of Daniel and his three brave friends takes place during this exile in Babylon.  It was a hard time for the people of Judah.  But as the 70 years of exile were coming near to an end, Daniel (and presumably others) began to pray and seek God for the fulfillment of the promise that God would turn his face toward them again…and bring them back to the land of the promise.The Kings of Babylon were eventually overthrown by the Medo-Persian empire (as God had predicted through his prophets); God was watching and he was acting on behalf of his people.  He would prove faithful to his covenant, and his promise by moving on the heart of a pagan King (isn’t he amazing?).

One of those kings, Cyrus, ordered that the walls of Jerusalem and the temple be rebuilt.  He allowed some of the people to go back to begin the job.  He also sent along helpers and supplies.

Of course it didn’t take long for opposition to arise.  When God is at work, the enemy does what he can to cause confusion, division and frustration.  No exception here.

But once again, we see the sovereign hand of God ruling over even the hearts of evil kings.  His eye was watching over Judah to protect them, to care for them, to bless them.  His eye was watching to strengthen them to accomplish the task of rebuilding the temple.  That’s the story of Ezra: The story of God watching over his people, remembering his promises to them, seeking to bless them so they can be a blessing.

But his eye is watching you too.  He wants to strengthen you today to accomplish the tasks he has given you. He hasn’t forgotten about you.  He’s there to care, to protect, to provide and to bless.

“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9)

With Joy,
Pastor Jeff.

Tomorrow’s Scripture Readings:
Psalms 84:9-12
Ezra 7:1 – 8:20
1 Corinthians 4:1-21
Proverbs 20:28-30
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