A Joyful Heart of Praise! (July 12)

Posted on July 12, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Today’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 149:1-9 | 1 Chronicles 12:19- 14:17 | Romans 1:1-17 | Proverbs 19:4-5

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 149:1-9
Hallelujah!  It’s one of those words you can’t help but shout or sing out really loud! You just can’t mumble Hallelujah. (O.K., now everyone in the house is awake).  Psalm 149 is one of those glorious Hallelujah psalms.  While your translation may say “praise the Lord” at the beginning and end of this Psalm, (which is what it means) I always bring it back to the original: “Hallelujah!”  It’s a word that you really don’t need to translate.  It works in most every language. Hallelujah!  (even now I can’t help but hear the Hallelujah chorus in my head—and every time I hear it I am filled with overflowing joy and praise, I have to sing along—I just can’t help it).

Most of my growing up years, I was in a church where everybody understood the word, Hallelujah!  Every Sunday was a celebration of joyful praise and worship.  People sang from their hearts and with enthusiasm (even those who could only make a joyful noise—but they weren’t a distraction). 
They loved to sing new songs (and even the old ones sounded fresh and new) in the assembly of the saints.  Sunday was a celebration and we looked forward to gathering together to praise the Lord.  We rejoiced in our Maker; we were glad to worship of our King. Our only instrument was a clunky old piano, but on Sunday it knew how to play “Hallelujah!” I never could understand why we seemed to leave off the first part of verse 3, but we were dancing in our hearts.Why were they singing loudly and with joyful enthusiasm? They understood verses 4-5:  “For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation. Let the saints rejoice in this honor.”

But not all share this enthusiasm.  I have been in many churches and have noticed that some have lost their joy.  I’ll never forget the shock I felt as a teenager when I was asked to sing a solo at another church.  It was a big church with lots of people.  As the worship service began, the organ played and I sang out at the top of my lungs: “A mighty fortress….”  All eyes turned toward me.  I broke the rules, I actually sang.  They only mumbled.  They couldn’t help but look at me.  Unfortunately, I’ve experienced that same thing many times since.

It’s almost Sunday.  It’s almost time to gather with the saints to celebrate the greatness of our God.  It’s almost time to sing joyful songs.  Get excited, shout, sing, and if they’ll let you … break out the tambourine and dance.  Go ahead; take a chance. After all, “the Lord takes delight in his people”.  Think about it: “The Lord delights in you”. Isn’t that reason enough to let go of your inhibitions? Come on, let’s sing and dance and shout, “Hallelujah!”  Let’s have church!

With Joy (and voices in my head singing Hallelujah…but please don’t tell anyone about that),

Pastor Jeff

Tomorrow’s Scripture reading:
Psalm 150:1-6
I Chronicles 15:1-16:36
Romans 1:18-32
Proverbs 19:6-7
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Courageous To Do Exploits

Posted on July 11, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Today’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 148:1-14 | 1 Chronicles 11:1 – 12:18 | Acts 28:1-31 | Proverbs 19:1-3

Today’s Scripture Focus: 1 Chronicles 11:1-12:18

David’s mighty men: Courageous, loyal, and strong.  They followed David’s leadership and did “great exploits”.  Any leader longs to have men (and women) like these. 

Courageous – They had faces like the faces of Lions (12:8).
Loyal – Listen to their words of support. “We are yours, O David! We are with you, O son of Jesse! Success, success to you, and success to those who help you, for your God will help you.”  Some of the most valiant were willing to risk their lives to retrieve water from behind enemy lines, because they knew David was thirsty. (11:15-19) That’s loyalty. 

Strong— Several times we see the words: “such were the exploits…” (19, 24).  The stories told of these brave-hearted warriors show their strength again and again.  They were strong and victorious. ”But they took their stand in the middle of the field. They defended it and struck the Philistines down, and the LORD brought about a great victory.” (11:14)God sent these mighty warriors to David to extend his kingdom.  “…they together with all Israel, gave his kingship strong support to extend it over the whole land, as the Lord had promised.”

In our day, God is still extending his Kingdom (though not through military force as ”the weapons we fight with are not of this world.”). He is looking for Mighty men and women who are courageous, loyal and strong in his strength.  People who will “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power…so that ….you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything, to stand (Eph 6).”

He is looking for “brave warriors, ready for battle and able to handle the shield and spear” (12:8).  By putting on his armor and taking the sword of the Spirit praying and interceding, we too may do “great exploits”.

Spend time in his presence today and get to know the one who leads you victoriously in battle.  Take the time to put on the armor and be equipped by his word for the exploits he has planned for you today.  Gain courage and strength as you open your heart to Jesus (let him deal with those fears).  Get to know your God and you too will do exploits, O mighty warrior. 

 Daniel 11:32b (KJV) 
    “…but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. “

Standing firm with you in his courage and strength,
Pastor Jeff
Tomorrow’s scripture readings:
Psalm 149:1-9
1 Chronicles 12:19-14:17
Romans 1:1-17
Proverbs 19:4-5
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Courage to Face Life’s Storms (July 10)

Posted on July 10, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Today’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 147:12-20
1 Chronicles 9:1- 10:14
Acts 27: 21-44
Proverbs 18: 23-24
Today’s Scripture Focus: Acts 27:21-44
The storm was so devastating and went on for so long that they “finally gave up hope of being saved” (Acts 27:20).  They were overwhelmed by the storm.  Have you ever been there?  Confronted by a seemingly hopeless situation?  Tempted to give up all hope?  Sure, we all have.

What was Paul’s advice to his fellow shipmates? “Keep up your courage” (22) “Do not be afraid” (words passed on to him by an angel—did you ever notice how often angels use those words, it must be advice we need again and again) (24). “So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.”
Paul took comfort in the promise of God given to him.  He trusted in the promise of God and it enabled him to have courage even in the face of what seemed a life-threatening storm.  Because he trusted in God, he was able to find hope in an apparently hopeless situation.  Because he feared God, he didn’t have to fear the storm.I’m often struck by how often the Bible’s heroes need to hear the same words that you and I do: “Be strong and courageous”, “Do not be afraid”, “I will be with you”.

May the blessing of Paul to the Romans be yours as you face the storms of life:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him that you will overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Rom. 15:13)

We serve a God of hope who will give us hope and courage (even joy and peace) when we trust Him.  Rest in that promise and find peace for your soul even in the midst of the storm.

Standing with you in the Storm,
Pastor Jeff

Tomorrow’s scripture readings:
Psalm 148:1-14 
1 Chronicles 11:1-12:18 
Acts 28:1-31 
Proverbs 19:1-3
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Open Your Heart (July 7 Devotional)

Posted on July 7, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Today’s Scripture Readings:

Psalm 145:14-21 | 1 Chronicles 4:5-5:17  | Acts 25:1-27  | Proverbs 18:19

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Psalm 145:14-21

What is prayer? O. Hallesby looked to Rev. 3:20 and said: 
“To pray is to let Jesus come into our hearts…All he needs is access. He enters in of His own accord because He desires to come in. And He enters in wherever He is not denied admittance.  As air enters in quietly when we breathe, and does it’s normal work in our lungs, so Jesus enters quietly into our hearts and does His blessed work there.
He calls it to “sup with us.”In Biblical language the common meal is symbolical of intimate and joyous fellowship. This affords a new glimpse into the nature of prayer, showing us that God has designed prayer as a means of intimate and joyous fellowship between God and man.” (O. Hallesby, Prayer, p. 11-12)

In a similar way, Today’s Psalm (145) reminds us that our heavenly Father delights in drawing near to us, when we call out to Him.

Meditate on these truths:  

He is:

  • Righteous in all his ways (17)
  • Loving toward all he has made 
  • Near to all who call on him in truth (18)
  • The fulfiller of desires of those who fear him (19)
  • The one who hears our cries and saves us
  • The one who watches over all who love him (20)

He loves you and longs to be near you—to be close to you.  As you delight in him, he enjoys fulfilling the desires of your heart.  When you fall down, he lifts you up and comes along side you to help you on the way (14).  When we come in our humility, he opens his hand and satisfies our deepest desires. (16)  

Open your heart to Him today… tell him what is on your heart.  Don’t hold anything back.  He wants to hear your cries and satisfy your deepest desires.  Your pain, your sorrows, your fears, your questions; he wants to hear them all. .He wants to draw near to you…but he waits until we call on him—until we call on him in truth.  You don’t have to pretend in his presence—don’t have to put on any masks.  He can see your heart just as it is.  But he wants you to open it up “in truth”.

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jer. 29:13

Jesus is waiting at your heart’s door.  He is knocking today…he wants to enjoy fellowship with you.  Open up your heart to him and enjoy his presence.  He wants to be your friend.  Open up your heart…. Open it wide…don’t hold anything back.  Enjoy your time with him today.  

With Joy,
Pastor Jeff
Tomorrow’s scripture readings:
Psalm 146:1-10 | 1 Chronicles 5:18-6:81  | Acts 26:1-32  | Prov. 18:20-21
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Meditating on Your Works (July 5)

Posted on July 5, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Today’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 145:1-7 | 1 Chronicles 1:1-2:17 | Acts 23:11-35 | Proverbs 18:14-15

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Psalm 145:1-7

“On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works I will meditate.” Psalm 145:5 (ESV)
 
It’s easy in the busyness of our lives to neglect meditation.  It’s easy to rush through our devotional times with the Lord; to rush through our prayers.   When we do, we neglect the discipline that is most likely to bring a sense of the presence of God to our daily lives: meditation.

When we slow down our reading and praying and take time to meditate and listen, we become more aware of His presence and more sensitive to His voice. Our whole perspective on the day changes as we remember the greatness of the God who loves us and cares for us.  As we walk through the day aware of his goodness, we recognize his good works all around us.

Our negative attitudes and thought patterns begin to melt away with the sense of his glorious presence.  The trials of life seem more bearable knowing he is with me.  Even the most difficult circumstances and people cannot steal our joy when his presence is near, for “in his presence is fullness of joy”.

OK.  Now go back and read Psalm 145 again.  This time take it slow, chew on each phrase, and allow enough time to sense his presence and hear his voice.  Take the time to meditate on these truths:

“Great is the Lord–his greatness is unsearchable”
“The glorious splendor of Your Majesty”
“I will meditate on your wondrous works, your mighty acts, your awesome deeds”
“the fame of Your abundant goodness and righteousness”

With Joy,

Pastor Jeff

Tomorrow’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 145:8-13
1 Chronicles 2:18-4:4
Acts 24:1-27
Proverbs 18:16-18
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With All His Heart, Soul and Strength

Posted on July 3, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 144:1-8 | 2 Kings 22:3-23:30 | Acts 21:37-22:16 | Proverbs 18:11-12

Today’s Scripture Focus: 2 Kings 23

Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the LORD as he did—with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses. (2 Kings 23:25 NIV)

Reading through the book of Second Kings can get tiring. Again and again we see Kings who fail to live up to the calling of their position. Again and again we see people more than willing to follow the compromising example of their leaders. Some of the kings were worse than others, but all told it was a sorry lot. But there are a few bright spots, and Josiah is one of the brightest.

Josiah called for a return to Torah—a return to the covenant God had made with his people. He had the unique distinction of being a ruler who turned to the LORD “with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength.”

After years of evil Kings who refused to lead the people away from the idolatry and compromise back to the covenant God had made with his people, finally Josiah arose and called the people back to himself. While his reforms would not prove sufficient to hold back the judgment of God that has already been declared—Josiah stands tall as a light in the darkness: A man who loved God with all his heart and soul and with all his strength.

God is looking for leaders like Josiah, those who will turn to him—who will worship and serve him with all the heart and soul and all the strength they have.  Will he find such a person in you?

With Joy,

Pastor Jeff

Tomorrow’s Scripture Readings:

Psalm 144:9-15 | 2 Kings 23:31-25:30 | Acts 22:17-23:10 | Proverbs 18:13

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A Strong Tower (Daily Devotional for July 2)

Posted on July 2, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Today’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 143:7-12 | 2 Kings 20:2-22:2 | Acts 21:17-36 | Prov 18:9-10Today’s Scripture Focus:  Proverbs 18:10

 Proverbs 18:10 (ESV)

“The Name of the Lord is a strong tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe.”

 
God reveals himself through his names.  We sometimes choose names because we like they way they sound. But biblical names are given to say something about the person and their character. This is especially true of God as he reveals himself through his names. God reveals his names so that we might better understand who he is. Each of them is a reflection of his character. As we call on his names, he are reminded of who he is and we are encouraged. Like a strong tower that protects the city, He reminds us through his names that we are safe in the hands of our loving heavenly Father.He is:
“The LORD our Healer”
“The LORD our Peace”
“The LORD our Righteousness”
“The LORD our Provider”He is:
“Our Rock, Our Fortress, Our Deliverer, Our ever present help in times of Trouble.”

He is Almighty God–the one for whom nothing is too difficult.

And we’re only getting warmed up–there are hundreds more.  Search the Scriptures and run to the name of the LORD!  Remembering who he is brings comfort and safety–His name is a strong tower; a place of safety.  Run to His Name and find safety!

With Joy,

Pastor Jeff

Tomorrow’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 144:1-8
2 Kings 22:3-23:30
Acts 21:37-22:16
Proverbs 18:11-12

©2004 by Jeffrey R. Syverson. Feel free to share with others, but give credit where credit is due
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I’ve Got a Better Idea (June 23)

Posted on June 23, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Today’s Scripture Readings:

Psalm 137:1-8 | 2 Kings 4:18-5:27 | Acts 15:1-35 | Proverbs 17:22

Today’s Scripture Focus:  2 Kings 4:18-5:27

2 Kings 5:10-11 (NIV) 

Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, “Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.”

11But Naaman went away angry and said, “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy.“

Naaman was a valiant warrior, but he was also a leper. Urged by his wife’s helper, he set off to find healing from the healing prophet whose reputation for doing extraordinary miracles was already becoming well established: Elisha.

Journeying to Elisha’s door, he is directed by Elisha’s servant:  “Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.” He was hoping for something different—something that seemed more “prophet-like.” Angered by the suggestion of Elisha’s servant, he sketches out a scenario more to his liking: “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy” (5:11).

And more than that, if he needed to wash in a river, why not one more to his liking? He continues: “Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them and be cleansed?” (5:12). Naaman’s healing required humble submission to the simple acts of obedience prescribed by God through his prophet Elisha. When he stopped negotiating and started obeying, God answered and brought the miracle he desired.

Often the answer to our prayers requires an act of obedience. The miracle we seek depends on following through on the revealed will of God. We suggest alternate scenarios. We try to set the conditions for obedience. We want the miracle—the answer—but we want to dictate the steps it takes to get there.

The answer comes as we humbly submit to the acts of obedience that the Lord sets out in front of us. Often the path we have been seeking opens when we follow through on that one thing God has asked us to do but that we are resisting.  Do it—stop resisting, complaining, or trying to dictate alternate scenarios—follow through and see the miracle God brings.

With Joy,

Pastor Jeff

Tomorrow’s Scripture Readings:

2 Kings 6:1-7:20; Acts 15:32-16:15; Psalm 142:1-7; Proverbs 17:24-25

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God’s Abundant Supply (Devotional Thought for June 22)

Posted on June 22, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God’s Abundant Supply

Today’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 136:23-26 | 2 Kings 3:1-4:17 | Acts 14:8-28 | Proverbs 17:22

Today’s Scripture Focus: 2 Kings 3:1 -4:17

2 Kings 4:3-4 (NIV)

Elisha said, “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few. [4] Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side.”

The widow found herself in a desperate place. Unable to pay her debts, her children were about to be taken into slavery. God saw the need and sent his prophet Elisha. He intended to work in such a way that His power and provision would magnify his goodness (as he so often does).

Elisha told her to gather jars from her neighbors–as many as she could. Then she began to pour the little bit of oil she had left into the jars. God began to multiply the oil and it continued to pour until she had filled all the jars she could gather. Then she was able to sell the oil and pay off the debt and have some left over to live on.

Elisha’s word to the woman demanded two things: obedience to God and expectant faith. As she obeyed the word of the Lord (gathering jars) and as she acted in expectant faith (pouring the oil in the jars), God provided.

God sees your need. He is more than able to meet it. His ability to provide is unlimited. Walk in obedience to God’s leading step by step, expecting his provision.

With Joy,

Pastor Jeff

Tomorrow’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 137:1-8
2 Kings 4:18 – 5:27
Acts 15:1-35
Proverbs 17:23

©2004 by Jeffrey R. Syverson. Feel free to share with others, but give credit where credit is due.

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Bumps in the Road (Devotional Thought for June 21)

Posted on June 21, 2012 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Today’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 136:10-22 | 2 Kings 1:1-2:25 | Acts 13:42-14:7 | Proverbs 17:19-21

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Acts 13:42-14:7

“Some of the Jews convinced the most respected women and leading men of the town that their precious way of life was about to be destroyed. Alarmed, they turned on Paul and Barnabas and forced them to leave. Paul and Barnabas shrugged their shoulders and went on to the next town, Iconium, brimming with joy and the Holy Spirit, two happy disciples.” Acts 13:50-52, The Message
The narrow road of life in Christ can be a bumpy road sometimes.  But even then, we can find joy in Christ.

Paul and Barnabas got a mixed reaction as they preached.  The crowds showed up, but so did the persecution.  Jealous religious leaders stirred up the crowds against Paul and Barnabas.

Gentiles seemed to be the ones most responsive to the good news, clarifying Paul’s primary calling of taking the message to the Gentiles. “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth” (Acts 13:47, ESV).

But things got rough.  Jewish leaders incited riots and persecution.  Eventually all they could do was shake the dust off their feet and move on to the next city.

But the mixed reaction, the opposition and even the persecution couldn’t steal their joy.  The gladness found in our relationship with Christ and bubbling up from within by the Holy Spirit can not be taken away by mere circumstances.  They went on their way “brimming with joy and the Holy Spirit.”

The road can get bumpty sometimes, but Jesus is always there with you.  Depend on him to bring you joy by the Holy Spirit.  Depend on him to give you strength to press on in the power of the Holy Spirit.

With Joy,

Pastor Jeff

Tomorrow’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 136:23-26
2 Kings 3:1-4:17
Acts 14:8-28
Proverbs 17:22

©2005 by Jeffrey R. Syverson. Feel free to share with others, but give credit where credit is due.
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