When Jesus Got Angry

Posted on May 2, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
When Jesus got angry
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

May 2

When Jesus Got Angry

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 64:1-10;Judges 15:1-16:31;John 2:1-25;Proverbs 14:17-19

Today’s Scripture Focus:  John 2

So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money  changers and overturned their tables.  To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” (John 2:15-16 TNIV). 

Zeal for his Father’s house consumed Jesus as he overturned tables and chased out the moneychangers from the temple. Jesus was filled with righteous indignation.

The temple was to be a place of worship and prayer. It had become a smelly, noisy marketplace. The true purpose of the temple was being lost in the confusion created by sheep and cattle and doves and money exchange.

It was also an evidence of a lost sense of mission as it was the court of the gentiles that was being used for this purpose. This was to be a house of prayer for all nations, as Isaiah said.

Places of worship too easily lose their sense of purpose, their sense of mission. They become places where our personal comfort and convenience is more important than prayer, worship and witness.

Likewise, each of us is a “temple of the Holy Spirit.” We too need to be careful to guard our life’s mission and purposes. We dare not get too busy with other things so that we forget the real reason we are created: to bring glory to God.

Perhaps it is time to clear the temple of our lives of things that hinder and distract. Indeed it is time to return to God’s purposes for us.

Dear Heavenly Father, may my heart be stirred to whole-heartedly pursue your purposes for my life. Make me a passionate worshipper, a powerful pray-er. Let me bring you glory in all I do. Amen.

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Behold the Lamb of God

Posted on May 1, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
behold the lamb

May 1

Behold the Lamb of God 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 63:1-11; Judges 13:1-14:20; John 1:29-51; Proverbs 14:15-16

Today’s Scripture Focus: John 1:29-51

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!  This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me’” (John 1:29-30 NRSV).

From the beginning to end, the Gospel of John paints a spectacular and exalted picture of Jesus. The testimony of John the Baptist is a case in point. What do we learn about Jesus’ identity through his testimony as recounted in the gospel of John?

Jesus is the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” John paints a picture of Jesus mission through the familiar imagery of sacrifice in the Hebrew Scriptures. Surprisingly, Jesus is the lamb for the sacrifice. In so doing he foreshadows Jesus who will die for our sins.

Jesus is the one who “was before,” hinting at Jesus’ pre-existence as a member of the Trinity. He is pre-eminent and worthy of exaltation and honor.

Jesus is the one who “baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” The eschatological hopes of the prophets find their fulfillment in Jesus. He is the one in whom Israel’s hope (and that of the whole world) is found. He is the one who will ascend to the right hand of the Father as the enthroned Messiah who will pour out the Spirit and empower the church.

Jesus is the chosen one, the very Son of God. There can be no doubt that Jesus is God incarnate in human flesh.

Jesus, the exalted Messiah and King; the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world; He is worthy of our praise. Worship him from the depths of your heart!

Jesus, you are the exalted Messiah and King, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Thank you are taking away my sin. Praise the Lord! Amen.

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Message of Life

Posted on April 30, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

April 30

Message of Life

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 62:1-12; Judges 11:1-12:15;John 1:1-28;Proverbs 14:13-14

Today’s Scripture Focus:  John 1 

Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God–children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God (John 1:12-13 NIV). 

Jesus–the Word who is God–came in human flesh to live out God’s message to us. The one who created all things comes to live like one of the created to communicate God’s love for us.

To a world in darkness, he brings light. To all who receive him, he brings life. God could have communicated his most important message–the message of salvation, the message of life–only through words. He certainly did spell it out clearly in the scriptures. Yet, God’s love for us was so great, that he decided to communicate the message not only through words, but also by a living demonstration as Jesus humbles himself and takes on human flesh. God incarnate–the Word with us.

He demonstrates life lived to the full and calls all to a relationship with him that brings life abundant and eternal. Then he demonstrates his incredible love by dying on a cross to bring us forgiveness and life eternal.

Don’t miss the message clearly communicated through Jesus’ birth, life, death and resurrection. Many do. Yet to all who receive him (who believe in his name) he gives the right to become children of God–children born of God.

God loves you and sent his son to die for you. Jesus’ life and death shine forth the truth that we can be forgiven, that we can live life in vital relationship with him–a life lived to the full for eternity. Open your heart to Jesus, invite him in. Open the door by faith and enter into fellowship with Jesus. He stands at the door and knocks. Let him in.

Dear Heavenly Father, I want to follow Jesus, I want to receive life abundant and eternal. Forgive me from my sin as I turn from my old path and place my confidence in Jesus to be my Lord and Savior. I open the door of my heart to a life of fellowship and life. Amen.

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Waiting and Witnessing

Posted on April 29, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Waiting and Witnessing

April 29

Waiting and Witnessing

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 61:5-8; Judges 9:22-10:18; Luke 24:13-53; Proverbs 14:11-12

Today’s Scripture Focus:   Luke 24 (NIV)  
    
[48] You are witnesses of these things. [49] I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:48-49 NIV). 

Jesus left us with a big job to do. We are his witnesses to the world. The message must be taken to all nations beginning in your hometown.

But we can’t do the job on our own. We need his power to be effective witnesses. Therefore Jesus tells us to wait and pray.

Pray for the Holy Spirit to fill and empower you. Pray for boldness. Pray for the words to say. Pray for open doors of opportunity.

Pray for God to be at work in those you talk to. Pray that they will be hungry for truth. Pray that they will be convicted of their need. Pray that God will be at work drawing them by his loving-kindness.

We are his witnesses. But we are not alone. Jesus has promised the Holy Spirit to be our helper and our guide. In his strength we can overcome our timidity and fear and be his witnesses.

Heavenly Father, fill me with your Holy Spirit. Empower me to be your witness. Open doors and make me sensitive to your leading. Fill me with love and compassion and help me to listen and serve. Give me the words that will point people to Jesus. Fill me today and use me. Amen.

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Listen

Posted on April 28, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

April 28

Listen

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 61:1-4;  Judges 8:18- 9:21; Luke 23:44-24:12;Proverbs 14:9-10

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Psalm 61:1-4

 “Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer” (Psalm 61:1, NIV).  

Like the Psalmist, we often wonder if our prayers are getting through. We want to make sure we have God’s full attention. We cry out, “Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.”

Sometimes in the process of waiting for the answer “our hearts grow faint” (2). It is easy to get discouraged. It is easy to lose hope.

But know that God is listening. He is the rock we can stand upon (2). He is a place of refuge when we need a place to run to. He is a strong tower to protect us from our foes (3).

He is there to shelter us in his presence and his “wings” (4) are there to protect us and shield us from danger. There is no reason to fear.

We may feel alone, but we are never alone. We may wonder if anyone is listening, but he is always there. Don’t get discouraged. Don’t lose hope.

Open up your heart to God–pour it all out. He listens and he cares.

Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. You are the rock I run to. You are my strong tower. You are the one who shelters me, protects me. I pour out my heart to you and wait in your presence. Amen.

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Too Big an Army

Posted on April 27, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Processed with MOLDIV

April 27

Too Big an Army

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 60:5-12; Judges 7:1 – 8:17; Luke 23:13-43; Proverbs 14:7-8

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Judges 7:1-8:17

The Lord said to Gideon, “You have too many men for me to deliver Midian into their hands. In order that Israel may not boast against me that her own strength has saved her (Judges 7:2 NIV). 

God sized projects require leaning on God for wisdom—not relying on our own. God sized projects require trusting in his strength rather than our own. God sized projects require being prayerful and obedient even when the direction God gives goes against all conventional wisdom.

Conventional wisdom says, “assemble the largest army you can to defeat the enemy.” God in his wisdom said, “You have too many men.” He gives instructions to let the fearful men go back home. The army goes from 32,000 to 10,000. But there were still too many. So God gives further instructions that whittle down the army to 300. Just the right size to accomplish his will.

The temptation for Israel would be to boast in her military strength. God wanted to remind them that he is their strength. He wanted to show them that what really matters is not the strength of the army, but the strength of our God.

God accomplished the victory using 300 men. What a testimony to his power. What a testimony to His wisdom. When we trust in God’s strength and are obedient to his wise direction (however unconventional), we are blessed and he is glorified.

When you find yourself in a difficult place, look for God’s wisdom and strength. Sometimes he stretches our faith by giving us unconventional wisdom. Don’t be afraid. Trust him and obey and look with expectation to the victory he will bring.

Lord, I need your wisdom and your strength to carry it through. I trust you to be faithful to your promise. I look with expectation to the victory you will bring as I follow your instructions. Amen.

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Mighty Warrior

Posted on April 26, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

April 26

Mighty Warrior

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 60:1-4; Judges 6:1-40; Luke 22:54-23:12; Proverbs 14:5-6

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Judges 6

When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” [13] “But sir,” Gideon replied, “if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our fathers told us about when they said, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the Lord has abandoned us and put us into the hand of Midian”(Judges 6:12-13 NIV).   

The Bible often shows us that God sees the potential in us long before we do. Such was the case for Gideon. Based on what we read about Gideon, we might be tempted to see only his fears, his questions and his doubts. Gideon himself was surprised by God’s call: “Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house” (Judges 6:15 -ESV).

Yet God saw Gideon’s potential. In complete contrast to Gideon’s confession of his weakness, God calls him “Mighty Warrior!” He reminds Gideon that he has no reason to doubt or fear. He is being called by God to lead the people of Israel. What matters is not his inability, but God’s ability. The one God chooses can depend on him to provide all they need to accomplish the task they are given. When God calls us to a task, we need only know that He is with us.

When you are tempted to focus on your failures and your weakness, open your heart in prayer to God. Pour out your questions, doubts and fears. Then be silent. Perhaps in the silence, you too will hear God’s affirming words. Allow him to rename you according to your God-given potential. Don’t be afraid of the future. Press ahead in God’s strength to accomplish your God given calling.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your call. Thank you for providing everything necessary to accomplish the tasks you have given. Give me the strength and courage this day to be a Mighty Warrior for you. When I feel inadequate or discouraged, remind me of the potential I have in you. I wait in quietness—ready for a new name, ready for affirming words. Walk with me today as together we accomplish the tasks you have given. Amen.

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Strength to Go On

Posted on April 25, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

April 25

The Strength to Go On

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 59:14-17; Judges 4:1-5:31; Luke 22:35-53; Proverbs 14:3-4

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Luke 22:35-53

When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. [46] “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation” (Luke 22:45-46 NIV). 

Facing denial, betrayal, mocking, scourging and a cruel painful death on a cross, Jesus went to his usual place to pray: The Mount of Olives. This solitary place was a regular place of refuge for Jesus where he would pour out his heart to the Father.

He was tempted, as we all are, to take the easy way out. But he didn’t give in to the temptation. Strengthened by an angel, he resisted and persevered in prayer.

He, like his disciples, was undoubtedly exhausted by sorrow from the difficulties of the past week, and the prospect of the future. But unlike the disciples who fell asleep, he pressed in to the heart of the father and found the strength that he needed to resist temptation and take the needed steps of obedience under the Father’s direction.

We all have times where we face temptation. We all have times where the circumstances we face seem overwhelming. There are times when what God calls us to do seems more than we are able to handle. In those times, Jesus example reminds us that the best thing we can do is go to our solitary place where we pour out our heart to the Father and look for his strength.

Father, when I am facing times of trial and temptation help me to run to you, to pour out my heart to you, to wait upon you. You are my Rock, my Fortress, my Deliverer, my Ever Present Help in Trouble. Fill me with joy, with peace and help me to overflow with hope. Amen.

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Never Ending Cycle

Posted on April 24, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

April 24

Never Ending Cycle

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 59:6-13; Judges 2:10-3:31; Luke 22:14-34; Proverbs 14:22

Today’s Scripture Focus: Judges 2

Then the LORD raised up judges, who saved them out of the hands of these raiders. 17 Yet they would not listen to their judges but prostituted themselves to other gods and worshiped them. They quickly turned from the ways of their ancestors, who had been obedient to the LORD’s commands (Judges 2:16-17 NIV).

What happens when God’s people turn away from God’s commands and do whatever is right in their own eyes? That seems to be the question that the writer of Judges is trying to answer. The answer? In short: Chaos. The pages of Judges are filled with missed opportunities, deceit, destruction, and death.

There is a pattern in Judges that we see over and over again and it is clearly laid out in chapter two verses twelve to nineteen. First the people forsake the LORD and worship the gods of the people around them. This arouses the LORD’s anger that results in God giving them over to their enemies. Because of their idolatry and sin, when they go out to fight, they end up fighting not only an opposing army, but the LORD himself (vs. 15). Eventually God’s people become distressed and begin to cry out to God. Then he sends a judge to rescue and save them from their enemies once again. Their gratitude for God’s saving action does not last long. Soon they drift off into idolatry and disobedience once again. When the judge dies, their disobedience and rebellion are taken to new heights. This triggers the cycle again. Each time, things only get worse and worse. If you understand this section, you get the point of Judges.

There is much to be learned from the cycles of disobedience and repentance found in Judges. The church has not been immune from these cycles. There are times of revival and religious fervor and there are times of compromise and drifting. There are times of repentance that are sometimes quickly forgotten as we drift back to our old ways and worship the gods of our culture. Perhaps it is a time for us to cry out to the LORD for his deliverance.

In our individual lives, drifting back into old patterns of disobedience comes easily. We are easily lured into compromise, just as they were in Judges. We must cry out to God in true repentance and seek his deliverance. We must walk in the fullness of his Spirit to break the old patterns and move forward into the abundant life he offers.

Judges is a powerful reminder of how easy it is to drift; how easy it is to compromise; how easy it is to miss out on God’s best for our lives. It is a reminder that “everyone doing what is right in their own eyes” is a recipe for chaos that causes hurt and harm. Open up your heart to Jesus. Cry out to him for deliverance and break the cycles of compromise.

Lord God, let my life be characterized by doing what is right in your eyes and not my own. Keep me focused and following you and not drifting off the way you set before me. Deliver me from the gods of this age and give me whole hearted devotion to you. Amen.

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Time Well Spent

Posted on April 23, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

April 23

Time Well Spent

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 59:1-5; Judges 1:1-2:9; Luke 21:29-22:13; Proverbs 13:24-25

Today’s Scripture Focus: Luke 21

Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives, and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple (Luke 21:37-38).

The cross was drawing nearer and nearer. Ministry was taking place daily. After a day of teaching in the temple, Jesus finds one of his favorite places to pray. He gets away to the Mount of Olives to spend the night in fellowship with his Father through prayer.

Likely weary from a day of teaching and ministry, Jesus finds a solitary place—and as was his practice—he spends extended time in prayer. Clearly this is a pattern rooted in delight rather than duty—this is a time and place set apart to enjoy fellowship with his Father in prayer.

In so doing, Jesus once again reminds us of the importance of prayer. It was clearly a priority in his life, even when life was busy with ministry activity; even when life was stressful. Even when he must have been weary after a full day of teaching, he shows deep commitment to finding time to pray.

Surely Jesus commitment to pray is also a testimony to the delight Jesus found in prayer. Such commitment reveals a heart that is motivated by delight more than duty. Prayer is intimate fellowship with the Father: an opportunity to pour out his heart; an opportunity to listen; a time to be refreshed and refocused in preparation for the ministry of the coming day.

May you find the delight that Jesus did in finding a quiet place to pray. Enjoy time in the presence of the father. Pour out your heart, listen, be refreshed and refocused in the presence of the Father who loves you deeply and who also delights in such times of fellowship.

Dear Heavenly Father, let me find the joy and delight of time spent in your presence. Like Jesus help me to find quiet places where I can spend time in fellowship with you. As I pour out my heart to you, refresh me and prepare me for the day. Refocus me, give me direction and empower me for the day ahead. Amen.

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment