Turn the Tables

Posted on March 3, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
turn the tables

March 3

Turn the Tables

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 34:11-22; Leviticus 27:14 – Numbers 1:54; Mark 11:1-26; Proverbs 10:23

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Mark 11:1-26

And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers’” (Mark 11:17 TNIV).

Jesus passion and zeal was expressed as he sought to reclaim the temple as a house of prayer for all nations. He was upset with the misuse of the temple. He was angry that the nations were left out of the house of prayer as the court of the gentiles had become a place of merchandising.

Is your place of worship a house of prayer? Are God’s people devoted to prayer? Are you? Devotion to prayer was the hallmark of the early church. The church was birthed in a prayer meeting (Pentecost) and went forth in power as they continued to meet together to pray. Yet the commitment to prayer seems to be falling to the wayside in many churches today. I wonder if Jesus would do some house cleaning in our churches and teach us once again to become a people of prayer.

Is your house of prayer a place for all people? What about those that are from different nations and cultures? The Temple had lost its missional focus: the court of the gentiles had become a place of convenience for the Jewish worshipers—a place where they could buy the things they needed for the sacrifices. Are we reaching out to the nations? The nations are coming to us in America, what are we doing to reach out to them? Does your church see the potential of being involved in missions here—as well as there?

Don’t allow your church to become a place that exists for the convenience of the insiders. Turn the tables to bring new people in. Stir things up to remind them of their mission. Be a prayerful, missional person who is a part of Jesus revolution to call his people back to prayer and mission. Then perhaps we will find the promise of Isaiah to be fulfilled in our churches: “They will find joy in the house of prayer.”

Heavenly Father, help me to grow in my personal prayer life and fill my heart with the desire to pray with others. Make my church a powerful, joyful house of prayer. May it also be a place that welcomes all the nations to worship and pray. Give us a prayerful heart for the peoples of this world. Amen.

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Servant of All

Posted on March 2, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
servant of all

March 2

Servant of All

Today’s Scripture Readings:

Psalm 34:1-10; Leviticus 25:47- 27:13; Mark 10:32-52; Proverbs 10:22

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Mark 10:32-52

Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, [44] and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. [45] For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:43-45 NIV).  

The way to greatness is found in becoming a servant. The one who would be first must first become a slave of all. These are the principles of Christ’s kingdom.  

James and John, the Sons of Thunder, lived up to their nickname again. They blurted it out: “let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” They were asking for positions of authority in Jesus kingdom. This of course caused controversy with the rest of the disciples when they found out (probably because they each wished for the same position).

Jesus pointed James and John to the cost of following Him, and particularly the cost of greatness in His kingdom. To be first, to be great, required humbling oneself to the place of a servant.

He also pointed to his own example as he told them, that he had come not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. 

Jesus is the ultimate example of servanthood. He humbled himself by becoming a man, by his daily acts of service, and most graphically, by dying on a cross. When Jesus took the form of a servant and washed the disciples feet, he was giving an example of the kind of humble service we are all called to as his disciples.

Some seek for glory. Some seek for the first place. Christ is looking for those who will take the last place—for the one who will be a servant to all. Servanthood is the only road to greatness in Christ’s kingdom.

Lord Jesus, thank you for your example of humility. Help me to follow you in the path of humility. May I live as your servant looking for opportunities to meet the needs of others and bring you glory. Amen.

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When the Foundations are Being Destroyed

Posted on February 29, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Feb  29

When the Foundations are Being Destroyed

Today’s Scripture: [no verses scheduled for this day, choose some of your favorites]

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 11

Ps 11:1    In the LORD I take refuge.

How then can you say to me:

“Flee like a bird to your mountain.

2 For look, the wicked bend their bows;

they set their arrows against the strings 

to shoot from the shadows

at the upright in heart.

3 When the foundations are being destroyed,

what can the righteous do?”

4 The LORD is in his holy temple;

the LORD is on his heavenly throne.

He observes everyone on earth;

his eyes examine them.

5 The LORD examines the righteous,

but the wicked, those who love violence,

he hates with a passion.

6 On the wicked he will rain 

fiery coals and burning sulfur;

a scorching wind will be their lot.

7 For the LORD is righteous,

he loves justice;

the upright will see his face.

When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?

I’ve often seen this verse ripped from its context as a call to take things into our own hands. That is not what the verse calls for. When we see violence, injustice and wickedness around us, what should we do—the righteous, that is?

We should take refuge in the LORD who sees it all and will one day bring judgment and make all things right.

No need to listen to the voices who promote fear and urge you to flee to another place—to flee as a bird to the mountains. Perhaps God has placed you here for such a time as this.

This is certainly no call to take things into our own hands—to assert power or to be manipulated by those who seek it. Our trust is in God—not in political might. It is no excuse for resorting to violence or blind faith in unrighteous strongmen. God’s solutions are always accomplished in ways that are in keeping with his righteous ways.

It is not a call to fight—at least not in a conventional sense that ignores the teachings of Christ. It is a call to trust God. If there is a fight to be waged, it will be with weapons that are not of this world–a call to prayer.

Most importantly, even when everything seems to be falling apart, God is still on the throne. He observes it all. When the time is right, judgement will come. That is his domain—and his judgements are based in justice and truth. 

Vengeance is not our business, revenge is not our lot; we leave all the injustice and wickedness and violence to the Lord the Judge… he will make things right, in his time.

We are to take refuge in Him—we place our trust in Him. This is our responsibility. Our safety is in God’s hands as we trust and find refuge in God. He will vindicate. We will see his face.

Again, remember that the Lord is in his holy Temple, on his heavenly throne. He knows what is going on, He will bring righteous judgment, for the Lord is righteous and he loves justice;

The upright will see his face. Even when the foundations seem to be crumbling. He has not forgotten you—take refuge in him.

Lord, sometimes it seems the foundations are crumbling. I sometimes fail to understand what is going on around me. In these troubled times, help me to put my trust in you. You see it all, and in perfect justice, you will make it right in your time. Amen.

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When Words Are Many

Posted on February 28, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

February 28

When Words are Many

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 33:1-11; Leviticus 22:17- 23:44; Mark 9:30-10:12; Proverbs 10:19

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Proverbs 10:19

When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise (Proverbs 10:19 NIV).  

Our words do get us in a lot of trouble. As the proverb reminds us, “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.”

James says something similar: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19).

The tongue is very powerful for good or evil. The sins of the tongue—gossip, lying, slander—have great potential to hurt and wound. We do well to choose our words carefully. We show wisdom by being slow to speak and quick to listen.

Too many words may suggest that we are being careless with our words. Careless words sometimes entrap us, sometimes wound others, and sometimes get us in over our heads. Too many words may suggest that we are trying to cover over something. Too many words may also suggest that we are not careful listeners.

It is easy in the social media environment in which we live today, to pass on false, unhelpful or hurtful words. It’s easy to waste our time with “too many words.” Take the time to make sure your “few words” are truthful, helpful words.

Wisdom leads us to be careful listeners and to be careful with our words. Encouraging, well-timed words that build up rather than tear down are powerful—a sign of wisdom and maturity.

Heavenly Father, teach me the value of silence and solitude. Help me to be a good listener. When I speak, let it be with words that build up and encourage, words of wisdom and truth. Amen.

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Help Me Overcome My Unbelief

Posted on February 27, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

February 27

Help Me Overcome My Unbelief

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 32:6-11; Leviticus 20:22- 22:16; Mark 9:1-29; Proverbs 10:18

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Leviticus 19-20

Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. [22] “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” [23] “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” [24] Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:21-24 (NIV).

Everything is possible for the one who believes. It seems simple enough. But it was a difficult lesson for the disciples of Jesus to learn. It is hard for us too. The lessons of faith are never easily learned.

A boy was terribly tormented by a demon. The disciples were unable to set him free and this was causing quite a stir among the people in the crowd (and the religious leaders). Jesus rebukes them again for their lack of faith: “O unbelieving generation, how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” 

The boy’s father honestly expresses the struggle of a heart that earnestly hopes but struggles with doubts: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” In response to that honest confession, Jesus sets the boy free in an instant.

The simple statement of Jesus, “Everything is possible for him who believes,” is a source of hope and expectation to us as we pray. The boy’s father expresses the true state of most of our hearts: a mixture of hope and doubt—a combination of belief and unbelief. Yet Jesus seems to focus on the faith of the man—however incomplete—and seeks to encourage him to trust him even more.

Yes, we all struggle. Our faith is often mixed with unbelief. It is hard to overcome what we see in order to walk by faith. Yet Jesus looks into our hearts and sees the seeds of faith and encourages them to bloom. He calls us to trust him more; to trust him for even the impossible. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” 

Lord, help us to trust you; help us to overcome our unbelief knowing that everything is possible to the one who believes. Give us the grace to trust you more. Amen.

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Too Much Information

Posted on February 26, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
too much information

February 26

Too Much Information

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 32:1-5; Leviticus 19:1 – 20:21; Mark 8:11-38; Proverbs 10:17

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Leviticus 19-20

“Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am the Lord your God. [8] Keep my decrees and follow them. I am the Lord, who makes you holy” (Leviticus 20:7-8 NIV).

Sometimes it is easy to get bogged down or give up when you are reading through Leviticus. Regulations concerning mildew, bodily discharges and oozing sores may be a little “too much information” for most of us. But it is good to see the reason behind all these guidelines. God has chosen the people of Israel to display his glory to the nations. They are his chosen, dearly loved, holy people.

In many ways, the regulations set the people of Israel apart from the other nations. Often the regulations were given to protect them from disease or illness. Other regulations were given to keep them from the idolatrous practices of the nations around them. Admittedly, in some cases, it is hard to understand the reason for the regulation. But in all cases, God is showing his special care and protection for those he has chosen to be his own holy people.

In the New Testament, we who are believers in Christ, become his holy, chosen and dearly loved people by entering into relationship with God through faith apart from the works of the law. We walk by the new way of the Spirit rather than by the law. Still, we too are called to show God’s glory to the nations by living lives of holiness.  In a world of compromise, God is calling his people to follow him—to become his holy people. He promises that he will be there to “make us holy.”

God has chosen you to be one of his Holy people. He is working in you to accomplish his holy purposes. He has given you his Spirit to enable you to live freely in his strength and power. He still longs for a holy people that will show his glory to the nations. As we give ourselves to Him and allow him to work in us and through us, he proves himself to be “the Lord, who makes you holy.”

Holy God, Help me to remember that I am set apart for your purposes. Help me to live in a way that is worthy of my calling. I am trusting in you to accomplish what you have started. Amen.

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Stored Up Goodness

Posted on February 25, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
stored up goodness
Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

February 25

Stored Up Goodness

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 31:19-24; Leviticus 16:29 – 18:30; Mark 7:24- 8:10; Proverbs 10:15-16

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 31:19-24

How great is your goodness which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you (Psalm 31:19 TNIV).  

God is storing up blessings for you. He is a good, benevolent and generous God who loves you and looks to bless you. There are times when life seems unjust and unfair—times when we wonder if God is ever going to answer our prayers. But be strong and wait in hope. When the time is right he has goodness stored up for those who fear him. And he intends to bestow those blessings in the sight of all when the time is right.

Sometimes we cry out for mercy and we think God has forgotten us. The Psalmist describes such a time: “Praise be to the LORD, for he showed me the wonders of his love when I was in a city under siege. In my alarm I said, ‘I am cut off from your sight!’ Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help” (21, 22). Even when we think we are alone and abandoned, God is there hearing our cry for mercy. When the time is right, he pours out his goodness and love.

Sometimes following the LORD takes us down a difficult path. People might look at us and wonder why God seems not to have noticed our injustice and pain. One day he will vindicate you for your faithfulness. Those who stay true and trust, will one day experience the “stored up blessings” of God in such a way that all will see and know that God is with you, and has been all the way.

“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD” (24). Your faithful waiting will one day be rewarded.

God, you are the source of every blessing. May my heart be filled with gratitude as I remember the blessings you’ve poured out into my life. May my heart be filled with hope in anticipation of your continued blessings. In the moments where I struggle to see your hand of blessings, teach me to be strong and take heart and find hope in you. Amen.

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Heart Problems

Posted on February 24, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Heart Problems

February 24

Heart Problems

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 31:9-18; Leviticus 15:1-16:28; Mark 7:1-23; Proverbs 10:13-14

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Mark 7:1-23

“These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain for their teachings are merely human rules” (Mark 7:6-7 TNIV).

The Pharisees knew how to look spiritual. They knew how to play their spiritual games. They focused on the external and lived by the rules.

They were religious, but they were not godly. Their hearts needed a major cleansing.

Saying the right words, playing by the rules, and doing what others expect is not the essence of Christianity. What God is looking for is a heart that is changed from the inside. The transformed heart then works itself out into everything we do.

Don’t get so focused on the externals that you miss the heart of the matter—a heart that needs to be transformed. Open up your heart to Jesus and allow him to cleanse you from the inside out. Everything else will follow.

To focus only on the externals will lead you to pretending to be something that you are not—that is only hypocrisy. Yet, allowing Jesus to deal with your heart, allows you to live in fullness and freedom and authenticity. People will see the real thing and be amazed.

Heavenly Father, forgive me for playing games, for pretending. Create in me a clean heart, a pure heart and help me to live authentically. Amen.

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Last Minute Dinner Plans

Posted on February 23, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
last minute dinner plans

February 23

Last Minute Dinner Plans

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 31:1-8; Leviticus 14:1-57; Mark 6:30-56; Proverbs 10:11-12

Today’s Scripture Focus: Mark 6:30-56

By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. [36] Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” [37] But he answered, “You give them something to eat” (Mark 6:35-37 NIV). 

Had they been paying attention? Were they ready for a big test? It was time to find out. Jesus saw an overwhelming situation and decided to test the faith of his young disciples.

Jesus had demonstrated his authority over nature, sickness, demons and even death. The disciples had been in the company of one that found no task impossible. Once again, Jesus and the disciples face a seemingly impossible task: feeding 5000 people with a few fish and loaves of bread. This time, Jesus turns to his disciples and says, “You give them something to eat.”

Jesus didn’t immediately offer to do it. He gave the disciples an opportunity to deal with the overwhelming situation first. They immediately recognized how impossible it would be to feed such a big crowd. They said to him, “That would take eight months of a man’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” 

Then Jesus steps in and again reminds them who he is. No circumstances are too overwhelming for Jesus. He takes the limited resources at hand—five loaves and two fish—and feeds thousands with basketfuls left over.

We too find ourselves in overwhelming circumstances some times. Our resources seem limited. But in the hands of Jesus, no task is too big; no problem too overwhelming.

What opportunities before you seem overwhelming? Where do your resources seem limited? Take it all to Jesus and watch him work the impossible.

Lord Jesus, thank you for teaching me to trust you. I know that nothing is impossible with you. I know that amazing things happen in your kingdom. So now, as I feel overwhelmed by the opportunities, help me to seek your Kingdom and your righteousness, and join you in the work you’ve asked me to do fully expecting you to provide all that is needed. Amen.

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