God Will Provide

Posted on January 9, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

January 9

God Will Provide

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 6:4-10 | Genesis 20:1 – 22:24 | Matthew 7:15-29 | Proverbs 2:16-22

Today’s Scripture Focus: Genesis 20:1 – 22:24

“So Abraham called the place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided” (Gen. 22:14, NIV).

How do you respond when God’s command to you is absolutely unthinkable? That is the dilemma Abraham faces. God had promised him a son. Later, after years of waiting, God provided the son, Isaac, in the most miraculous way. He was the son of the promise.

Now God seems to be telling him something that flies in the face of everything he had previously said and done. God tells Abraham to take his son to the mountain to sacrifice him. It made no sense at all.

Abraham’s walk with God was intimate enough that he knew this was the voice of God. We don’t know what questions might have gone through his head, but the text tells us that he obeyed and went. Would we have had that much trust? Do we know him well enough to know his voice, when the voice calls us to do something unthinkable?

When confronted by the obvious question of his son, “Father, where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Abraham voiced the hopeful trust of a man who walked in obedience and faith, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.”  

When it was obvious that Abraham was willing to go through with the unthinkable act, the Angel of the Lord stopped Him. He was then told the purpose of this trial of faith. Isn’t it interesting how often God withholds the purpose of a thing until after we have gone through it?

And indeed, Abraham’s words of faith, turned out to be true. God did provide a ram and a blessing.

Abraham’s test of faith was extreme, yet we are all called to trials of faith. Abraham points the necessity of persevering faith even when the command doesn’t make sense; the necessity of instant obedience even when the way ahead is unclear.

God of Mysterious Ways, help me to hear your voice and obey even when the way ahead is unclear. Give me the ability to discern your will and obey, even when the path ahead is difficult. Teach me to trust you when your path takes me places that seem to make no sense to me. Give me the faith to trust you to provide. Amen.

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Worry or Trust?

Posted on January 8, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

January 8

Worry or Trust?

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 6:1-3; Genesis 18:20-19:38; Matthew 6:25-7:14; Proverbs 2:6-15

Today’s Scripture Focus: Matthew 6:25-7:14

So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:31-34, NIV). 

We all have needs, the most basic of which are described in this passage: “what shall we eat?” “what shall we drink?” “What shall we wear?” and “where will I live?” So, what do we do when we find ourselves in need?  

Recognize that God knows that you need these things (32). There is no need to get worried or anxious about it. God knows that you need these things. Most of our worry and anxiety is over things that will never happen, or over things that have already happened and which cannot be changed. Don’t worry about tomorrow, “each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Seek first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you as well. He doesn’t mean we should be irresponsible. Bills need to be paid, matters need to be dealt with. Yet, we can get so busy worrying about things that we lose all energy for the things that really matter: kingdom things—God’s priorities. We can get so busy worrying that we neglect the steps of obedience that are before us.

Worry saps our energy and keeps us from accomplishing much anything. It is counterproductive. Instead of worry, there is one more thing we must do: we should pray. Jesus tells us to “ask, seek and knock.” Powerful promises are given to us if we will seek the Lord in prayer. Instead of becoming depressed and worried, take it to the Lord in prayer. Trust him to give you peace and joy despite your circumstances. Walk in obedience to his commands and look expectantly for his provision.

You can worry or you can trust God. You must choose. He is asking you to trust Him. That means putting behind your worries and calling to him in prayer; continuing to press on with his work and will whatever circumstances you may find yourselves in at the moment. He knows your needs, but he wants you to come in faith, expectantly and persistently (asking, seeking knocking) for His provision.

Open your heart: ask, seek, knock. Wait expectantly for his provision: he does care for you!

Loving, Caring, Heavenly Father, help me to hand over my concerns to you. Enable me to turn my anxious thoughts into hope-filled prayers. Help me trust you even when the circumstances seem overwhelming. I look to you to provide, as you have promised. Amen.

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Too Good to be True

Posted on January 7, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

January 7

Too Good to be True

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 5:4-12; Genesis 16:1 – 18:19; Matthew 6:1-24; Proverbs 2:1-5

Today’s Scripture Focus: Genesis 16:1 – 18:19

Then the LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son” (Genesis 18:13-14 NIV).

How could she help but laugh?  It seemed too good to be true. “So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, ‘after I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?'” She had longed for a child for many years. Now, well after her childbearing years were over, God promised that she would bear a son.

The promise had come earlier, of course (but it was impossible then too). She had given up hope and had even come up with an alternative scenario (remember Hagar and Ishmael?). Abraham bargained with God, “If only Ishmael might live under your blessing!” But Ishmael was not God’s answer to the promise. 

Abraham and Sarah were promised a son, Isaac (meaning Laughter). Indeed he would be the laughter of an old couple that had no hope of their own—a source of joy that only the God of the impossible could bring.

God said it best: “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” How true. When confronted by the improbable, even the impossible, we too may laugh. Often God’s promises seem too good to be true. But we serve a God who is able to do the improbable, even the impossible. Therefore the laughter should not come from doubt, but from the joy that flows from hope (Rom. 15:13).

Open your heart to the amazing possibilities that God has in mind for you. Find joy in your relationship with the God who promises you the improbable and does the impossible.

Almighty God, I stand amazed at your ability to do the impossible and your desire to use the improbable. May I always find laughter and joy in the process of seeing your will worked out in my life. Amen.

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Waiting Expectantly

Posted on January 6, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

January 6

Waiting Expectantly

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 5:1-3; Genesis 13:6 – 15:21; Matthew 5:27-48; Proverbs 1:29 – 33

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalms 5:1-3

In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly (Psalms 5:3 NIV).

We all know the struggle the Psalmist describes. We pray and pray and wonder if God is listening. We lay our requests before the Lord and wait eagerly for the answer.

Waiting with expectation is the difficult but necessary condition of the heart that would get the ear of God. It demonstrates our faith in the unseen promises despite the circumstances we see. It reveals the kind of faith God delights in and rewards: persevering faith. “Without faith it is impossible to please God. Because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

We don’t like to wait. And the waiting is made even more difficult when our expectations are not being met (at least not on our time table). Sometimes God makes us wait expectantly for a long time. It is easy to become disappointed in the process. It often seems easiest to just give up. The Psalmist refuses to give up. He continues to look up with eager expectation.

God will not always meet our expectations. Sometimes he has other plans, and in those times disappointment can seem overwhelming. We can become angry and bitter. Sometimes we lash out at God. We sometimes try to run away.

But when God does not meet our expectations, it is because he has other plans—better plans. That does not mean they will be the plans we desire—and some of the best roads are the most difficult roads—but they will be best. The things that can cause us to become angry and bitter are meant to make us grow and become better. The greatest opportunity for growth comes in the times when we “walk in the dark” and the only hand we can hold on to is God’s. Sometimes, even his hand is hard to find. But he is there even in the long, lonely dark night of the soul.

Wait expectantly. Wait eagerly. Don’t become discouraged by the wait.  Don’t become disappointed when your hopes are not met. God often has eternal purposes for things that we cannot see. He is good and he loves you—and whatever plans he has for you are bound to be better than anything you could ever hope for.

Patient Heavenly Father, remind me that my waiting is not in vain. Fill me with patient expectation and help me not to give up hope. Hear me as I wait upon you. Amen.

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Good News in Unlikely Places

Posted on January 5, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
good news

January 5

Good News in Unlikely Places

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 4:1-8; Genesis 11:1-13:5; Matthew 5:1- 26; Proverbs 1:24-28

Today’s Scripture Focus: Matthew 5:1-26

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3-10 NIV).

Jesus message was truly good news–especially to those feeling beat up, burned out, and overwhelmed by the difficulties of life. The life he offers enables the unlikely and unlovely to experience the blessings of his grace. It is a message that promises eternal life not to the proud, but to the ones humbled and despised. It is a message that brings comfort to the mourner. Instead of the powerful, it is the meek who inherit the earth. It is those who have no righteousness of their own that find their hunger for holiness filled with Christ’s righteousness. It is the merciful that receive mercy. It is the pure in heart that see God. The peacemaker is the one who is called the son of God. Most strikingly, even the persecuted find blessing, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

It all seems rather upside down. It is not those who are rich in this world that find the blessings and happiness, not the powerful or even the religious (remember the Pharisees). It is the down and out person who knows he is needy and humbles himself to receive the gift of God’s grace that is blessed. Good news shows up in the most unlikely places and among the most unlikely people.

When we feel helpless and hopeless, we are in a place where God can meet us with his grace. When we feel overwhelmed, we are in a place where we can find his sustaining power. When life overwhelms us, we find peace in resting in the everlasting arms. When things seem darkest, we are most ready for the dawning of a new day. The blessing is found in the fact that he meets us where we are and blesses us beyond anything we deserve. That’s grace—and that’s always good news.

Sovereign King, rule and reign in my life. Help me to realize that obedience on your narrow path opens doors to the blessings of your kingdom. Thank you for the riches of your grace. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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Come Follow Me

Posted on January 4, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

January 4

Come Follow Me

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 3:1-8; Genesis 8:1-10:32; Matthew 4:12-25; Proverbs 1:20-23

Today’s Scripture Focus: Matthew 4:12-25

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people” (Matt. 4:19 NIV 2011).

When Jesus began to assemble his leadership team, he began in an unlikely place: he went to the seashore and found some fishermen. He chose average ordinary people through whom he would turn the world upside down.

Jesus sees the potential in people like Peter and Andrew, James and John, and he calls them to a new kind of fishing: fishing for people. He was looking for average ordinary people who could reach out to other average ordinary people with good news.

Their obedience is instant and wholehearted. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed Him. They turned from their old way of life and put their complete trust in Jesus as they followed him.

Jesus sees you too. He calls out to you: “Come follow me, together we’ll fish for other people” You might feel inadequate for the task. You might wonder if he should call someone else. But he is looking in your eyes and calling out to you: 

“I see potential in you for the kingdom. Come follow me. I will show you how to make a difference in your world. Join me in fishing for other ordinary people just like you.”

Jesus never makes mistakes. He knows your potential. He will be with you each step of the way as you reach out to others with the good news of the gospel. Don’t be afraid. Get out of your boat and follow him.

Eternal God who seeks and finds and calls, I hear your voice. Yes, I will join you. Teach me how to fish for people. I have a lot to learn, so teach me. When I feel afraid, be near me. I am putting my trust in you. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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He Walked with God

Posted on January 3, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
he walked with God

January 3

He Walked with God

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 2:7-12; Genesis 5:1-7:24; Matthew 3:7- 4:11; Proverbs 1:10-19

Today’s Scripture Focus: Genesis 5-7

When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah. After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked faithfully with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Enoch lived a total of 365 years. Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away (Genesis 5:21 NIV).

We really do not know a lot about Enoch. Though there is much speculation about him in extra-biblical literature, there are no stories of his life in the biblical text itself. But there is this incredible testimony: “Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.” It makes me want to know more.

What we do know is that “he walked with God.” The phrase suggests that he lived with unusual intimacy with God. To walk with someone is to spend time with them, to converse with them over a long period of time, to enjoy the company of another on your journey. From what we gather, Enoch enjoyed spending time with God.

Apparently God enjoyed spending time with Enoch too. For the scripture indicates that because of his intimate relationship, he was taken to heaven without dying.  After 365 years of walking and talking with God on the earth, He was given the privilege of being translated into the presence of God—to enjoy his presence without the limitations of earthly existence.

There were others who walked with God too (Noah for example, which we also read about in this text), but Enoch was one of a select few who were transported into the very presence of God without dying. He had found a way to press in close to the heart of the Father.

I hope that you will press in close to the heart of the Father this year, pursuing intimacy with Him.  He desires to walk with you too.

Loving Heavenly Father, I press in close to your heart. I want to know you better. I long to know you intimately. Teach me to walk with you as Enoch, enjoying your presence both here and in eternity. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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When the Best Doesn’t Seem Good Enough

Posted on January 2, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
when the best doesn't seem good enough
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

January 2   

When the Best Doesn’t Seem Good Enough 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 2: 1-6; Genesis 3:1- 4: 26; Matthew 2:13 – 3:6; Proverbs 1: 7-9 

Today’s Scripture Focus: Genesis 3-4 

“You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3: 4-5 NIV).   

There is no better place to learn about sin and temptation than the first few chapters of Genesis. Adam and Eve were the first humans to deal with temptation and sin and there is much to learn from their example. We find ourselves vulnerable to temptation in many of the same ways that they did. One of Satan’s best tricks is to get us to question the goodness of God. Questioning his goodness often leads us to question his wisdom, his truthfulness and his love.   

We begin to think that God is withholding something good from us. At that point, we are so vulnerable to temptation. We know God loves us with an everlasting love. We know that God is all-wise and that it is folly for us to question his wisdom. We know that God is perfect in truth and cannot tell a lie. Yet, when Satan creeps in with suggestions that God is withholding something good from us, our thinking is affected and our mind is taken captive by warped thought patterns. We often become blinded to the truth. This was the path of Adam and Eve and it is a path that we all know too well. 

When tempted to sin, it is helpful to remember that God is perfect in goodness, in love, in wisdom and truth. His will is always best–and any suggestion that he is withholding something wonderful from us is deception. God’s will cannot contradict his character–and therefore it is always good, wise, and loving.  To doubt his goodness only leads us to miss out on his good and perfect will. The dangling fruit of temptation looks good, but it always has consequences. It is never wise to second guess the goodness of God.

Dear Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of your goodness, your wisdom, your truthfulness, and your love. Teach me to never second guess your goodness; teach me to never doubt your love. Teach me to follow your good paths all the days of my life. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Posted on January 1, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
slow and steady
From Open Up Your Heart by jeff Syverson

January 1 

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 1:1-6; Genesis 1:1 -2:25; Matthew 1:1 – 2:12; Proverbs 1:1-6

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 1

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night (Psalm 1:1-2 NIV).

Remember the children’s story about the tortoise and the hare?  The “slow and steady” tortoise won the race. When it comes to reading the scripture the same principle is true. It is good to take it slow and meditate on the scripture. Notice that the blessing here is for the one who takes the time not only to read but also to meditate on the scripture all day long.

Note the scripture readings at the top, if you take a few minutes daily following the reading plan, you will read through the entire bible in the coming year. It really is not that difficult. Slow and steady wins the race.

As we begin this year of reading the scripture together, let me encourage you not to just rush through the scriptures. Read them slowly and meditate on them. Open your heart as you read them to all that God has for you today. He always has a fresh word for each day if you take the time to listen.

As you read, meditate, and apply the Word of God to your life, as you delight in it, you will find the blessing described here. You will be like a well-watered tree: fruitful, growing and healthy. You will know that the Lord is watching over your way and directing your paths.

Don’t miss out on the blessing. Take it slow and steady. Meditate, listen, apply and obey. You will see the blessing of God in your life. You have His word on it.

Dear heavenly Father, teach me to read your word slowly, carefully and prayerfully. Teach me to meditate,  listen, apply, and obey. I open my heart to all that you would teach me today. Amen.

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Hallelujah!

Posted on December 31, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Hallelujah!

December 31

Hallelujah! 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 150:1-6 | Malachi 3:1-4:6 | Revelation 22:1-21 | Proverbs 31:25-31

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 150

Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, [4] praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute, [5] praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. [6] Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord (Hallelujah!) (Psalm 150:3-6 NIV)

The reason I began writing these devotionals was to encourage the congregation I pastored then (Faith Alliance in Middletown, OH) to join me in reading the Bible through in a year. Down through the years others have joined in reading through the scriptures. Now there are people around the world reading the Bible with me. I do hope the devotionals help to encourage you. More importantly, I hope that they encourage you to dig in the text, opening your mind and heart for God to speak to you through his word.

For many of you, you are finishing up reading through the Bible over the course of this past year. That is reason to shout “Hallelujah!” May I encourage you to read through the Bible with me again next year? I do hope that you will continue to open up your heart daily as we read through the scripture from cover to cover. Perhaps you’ve joined in from time to time, let me encourage you to jump in with both feet and read through the Bible this next year.

The texts today, too, demand a shout of Hallelujah! God has given us a beautiful picture of heaven, eternity, and Christ ruling and reigning as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. You may not have understood every detail in the book of Revelation, but I hope that it has caused you to stand in awe of our majestic God and to look with anticipation to all that he has planned. Malachi too, points us to the coming of the King in his glory. Hallelujah!

Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. All history will find fulfillment in his glorious plan. Evil and suffering will come to an end. Wrongs will be made right. God’s kingdom has come in its fullness and it will never end!

He really does have a good plan for each of our lives, and that is found in the life eternal and abundant that he freely offers to each of us.

Rev. 22:17 (NIV) The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.

Are you thirsty? Do you hear his call? Then open your heart to Him, and experience the free gift of the water of life: Life that is eternal, Life lived to the full. Open your heart to the one who comes “with healing in his wings.” Hallelujah!

Father, thank you for how you have been at work in my life this year. May I continue to grow more and more into the likeness of Christ as I open my heart to you daily. Amen.

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