Wisdom (Nov 17)

Posted on November 17, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

November 17
Wisdom

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 124:1-5 | Ezekiel 35:1-36:38 | James 1:1-18 | Proverbs 27:23-27

Today’s Scripture Focus: James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5 NIV)

God loves to give us his wisdom. He wants us to ask him for it. He never gets tired of our coming back again and again to ask for it. He never faults us for asking over and over again.

He lays down two conditions. We must ask for it. James tells us in chapter 4: “you do not have because you do not ask.” We often trust our own wisdom and neglect to ask God for his wisdom.

The other condition is faith. “But let him ask in faith, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

God is not going to waste his wisdom on someone who doesn’t have the faith to put it into action. The double-minded person wavers between what he knows in his head he should do, and what he wants to do in his heart. He wavers between the wisdom of God and his own desires. Where there is no willingness to follow God’s wisdom–when there is only instability and wavering–we have not met the condition of faith. We should not expect wisdom from God–or anything else for that matter.

Set your mind fully on knowing and doing the will of God and ask him for it. He promises to give such a person all the wisdom that they need, anytime they need it.

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Spurs of Encouragement (Nov 11)

Posted on November 11, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

November 11
Spurs of Encouragement

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 119:161-168 | Ezekiel 23:1-49 | Hebrews 10:18-39 | Proverbs 27:13

Today’s Scripture Focus: Hebrews 10:18-39

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. [24] And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. [25] Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:23-25 NIV)

We all need encouraging words. Often those words of encouragement are ones that we want to hear such as a word of hope when we are going through a tough time; a word of affirmation when we are discouraged. Yet, encouragement doesn’t always mean flowery words of praise for another. Sometimes encouragement requires a spur–a painful poke in our backside that spurs us on to action.

Anyone whosever seen a “Western” movie remembers the cowboy with spurs on the back of his boots. When it’s time to get the horse moving, he gives a jab of the spurs and the horse is off and running full speed in no time.

Sometimes we all need to be spurred on. We need the encouraging words that move us beyond apathy and complacency to a full gallop toward the goal.

It’s reckless to get too busy for church–to give up on meeting together. You need the words of encouragement. You need the fellowship. Sometimes you need the spurs.

Do you know someone who is drifting? Complacent? Growing tired in the race and tempted to give up? God has given you the responsibility of spurring them on toward love and good deeds.

Now don’t go overboard. The spur is meant to prod, not to cause permanent hurt. In the hands of the wrong person, a spur can have a detrimental effect. So our attempts to spur on others to love and good deeds can have a detrimental effect when we aren’t loving and tactful.

Encourage one another daily. When necessary, use spurs.

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Standing in the Gap (Nov 10)

Posted on November 10, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

standing43

November 10
Standing in the Gap

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 119:153-160 | Ezekiel 21:1-22:31 | Hebrews 10:1-17 | Proverbs 27:12

Today’s Scripture Focus: Ezekiel 21:1-22:31

I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none. (Ezekiel 22:30 NIV)

What a haunting verse. I was looking for an intercessor, a prayer warrior, someone to stand in the gap, but I found none.

God accomplishes his kingdom purposes through the prayers of his people. The role of the intercessor–the one who stands in the gap–is not to be underestimated in the accomplishment of God’s plan.

Moses stood in the gap on behalf of Israel earlier–and God spared them. But in Ezekiel’s day there was no one who like Moses could intercede on their behalf. How incredibly sad.

What about for your church? Your nation? The peoples of this world? Is there someone to stand in the gap?

God is raising up an army of intercessors for these days. The work of proclaiming the gospel to each people group is ongoing, but there is much work to be done. Some are enlisted to go and preach. Others will do the equally hard and important work of intercession. Some will labor on the fields, others will stand in the gap on their behalf doing battle on their knees.

Don’t underestimate the importance and need of intercession. God is looking for those who will stand in the gap in this day. May he never be able to say, “I looked for someone to stand in the gap and I found none.”

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Watch and Pray (Nov 2)

Posted on November 2, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

November 2
Watch and Pray

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 119:89-96 | Ezekiel 3:16 – 6:14 | Hebrews 4:1-16 | Proverbs 26:27

Today’s Scripture Focus: Ezekiel 3:16-6:14

“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me.” (Ezekiel 3:12-13 NIV)

The watchman had an important and difficult job. Taking his place high upon the wall of the city where he could see, he would spend the night watching for impending danger. The protection of the city was in his hands.

God is looking for spiritual watchmen, like Ezekiel. Primarily this is a calling to intercession. Just as it takes time for the eyes to adjust to the darkness, so our “spiritual eyes” must be developed by sufficient time in God’s presence. If we are to warn of impending danger, we must be spiritually sensitive to what God is saying by his Word and through His Spirit. A watchman is first of all, a person of prayer; one who spends long, lonely hours in God’s presence getting God’s heart.

Spiritual watchmen are also called to proclaim God’s word: “Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me.” Time spent in the presence and with the word, brings unusual insight into our present situation. The watchman keenly sees the dangers of the days we live in and boldly alerts us to the things that others may miss.

Israel needed a watchman in Ezekiel’s day. We need them today—men and women called to watch and pray—and boldly speak when God give us the words to say.

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Encouragement (Nov 1)

Posted on November 2, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Open Up Your Heart

Open Up Your Heart

November 1
Encouragement

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 119:81-88 | Ezekiel 1:1 – 3:15 | Hebrews 3:1-19 |
Proverbs 26:24-26

Today’s Scripture Focus: Hebrews 3:1-19

“See to it that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the Living God. But encourage one another daily as long as it is called Today so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” (Hebrews 3:12-13 NIV)

The children of Israel drifted little by little into sin and unbelief. The tests of faith eventually led them to rebellion. The drifting led to hardened hearts and they missed out on the Promised Land. They didn’t enter into the rest that had been promised to them if they would listen and obey.

It is a dangerous thing to drift, to compromise, to rebel and to find one’s heart grow hard because of the deceitfulness of sin. It all starts so subtly–so easily.

That’s why God gives us brothers and sisters in the faith to encourage us and walk with us through the times of testing so that our hearts won’t grow hard. The ministry of encouragement is one that we all need. Sin is deceitful; it often draws us in subtly. Little compromises can eventually lead to rebellion and hardness of heart.

Sometimes God uses the prophet or the preacher to speak to hardened hearts (like Ezekiel who we also read about today)–but usually he uses a fellow traveler to speak a word of encouragement.

Do you know someone going through a tough time right now? Don’t neglect the ministry of encouragement. A card, a phone call, an email or a friendly conversation can have a major effect on a heart that is in a vulnerable place.

Do you know someone who seems to be drifting right now? Not showing up to worship or prayer? Making some bad choices? Your word of encouragement could be the one that keeps them from drifting further.

The ministry of encouragement is powerful, and it is one that we are all called to. Some may be especially gifted by God at it–someone like Barnabas in the New Testament–but we are all invited to join the ministry of encouragement: “Encourage one another daily.” Let me encourage you to be an encourager today.

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Drifting (Oct 31)

Posted on November 2, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

October 31
Drifting

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 119:73-80 | Lamentations 4:1-5:22 | Hebrews 2:1-18 | Proverbs 26:23

Today’s Scripture Focus: Hebrews 2:1-18

“We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” (Hebrews 2:1 NIV)

Growing up in Minnesota, I spent a lot of summer days on the lake. We used to love to take inner tubes from big tractor tires and float on them on the water. Often we would just lie on top of the inner tube enjoying the sun and the waves. If you weren’t paying attention you would find yourself drifting farther and farther from shore. Eventually it was possible to drift so far that you would be dragged away by the strong currents and have a very hard time getting back.

Drifting is subtle and it is dangerous. Spiritual drifting takes place through a series of small compromises. One small compromise leads to another, which leads to another, which leads to another. Usually the compromises seem innocent at first–we barely notice that they are making an impact on our spiritual life. But over time, the small compromises add up and we find ourselves in trouble.

The scripture tells us that we need to pay more careful attention so that we don’t drift away. Give time and attention to your walk with the Lord. Unless you do, you will naturally begin to drift away from your first love. Your spiritual fervor will be diminished and your will lose more and more battles with sin.

Usually the drifting begins by neglecting your daily time with the Lord in his word and in prayer. We get too busy with other things. We need to pay careful attention–don’t neglect the simple steps of obedience.

Drifting comes easily and is deadly. Be on your guard. Watch and pray. Don’t allow small compromises to eat away at and eventually steal your spiritual fervor and vitality.

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Great is Thy Faithfulness (Oct 30)

Posted on October 30, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

October 30
Great is Thy Faithfulness

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 119:65-72 | Lamentations 2:20 – 3:66 | Hebrews 1:1-14 | Proverbs 26:18-19

Today’s Scripture Focus: Lamentations 2:20-3:66

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)

Lamentations as a book is always hard for me to get into. But I have come to appreciate the importance of the lament in prayer. It is one of the most healthy ways for us to deal with difficult circumstances.

In the lament, we openly and honestly pour out our heart to God. We tell him what we are going through and how we feel about it. We get it all “out on the table”.

If we were to leave it there, and not go further, it would have limited effect. The important next step is to remember God’s faithfulness and mercies to me in the past and by that to readjust my focus on the greatness of who He is. My eyes, which have been focused on myself and my problems are then turned toward the Lord.

As my focus changes, the problems grow smaller and my faith grows larger. My depression and self-pity fades as my worship and adoration increases.

We see that change of focus in this verse that is central to Jeremiah’s laments. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to and end; they are new every morning great is your faithfulness.” His eyes refocus on God’s goodness and faithfulness and his heart turns toward adoration and worship. Hope begins to be restored.

Often life doesn’t make sense. It can be hard. In those times we can always come to God with our laments. But don’t get stuck in the pit of self-pity and despair: look up with eyes of faith to the one whose love never ceases, whose mercies are new every morning, and sing, “Great is Thy Faithfulness!”

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Tears (Oct 29)

Posted on October 29, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson. E-book available from the kindle store at Amazon.com

Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson. E-book available from the kindle store at Amazon.com

October 29
Tears

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 119:57-64 | Lamentations 1:1 –2:19 | Philemon 1-25| Proverbs 26:20

Today’s Scripture Focus: Lamentations 1

For these things do I weep, My eyes flow with tears: Far from me is any comforter who might revive my spirit. (Lamentations 1:16 NIV)

Jeremiah is sometimes called “the Weeping Prophet.” His Lamentations are a prime example. But Jeremiah had reason to weep. He had been given a ministry of calling Judah to repentance, and they refused to listen. They continued on in their idolatrous ways without thought of God. Anyone who has been in ministry knows the frustration of people who don’t hear the message that to us seems so urgent. There are times when all you can do is weep and pray that God will somehow get through to the hearts of his people.

In Lamentations, he sees that his words have come true. God’s judgment has come upon his people. Babylon has come and destroyed the once beautiful city of Jerusalem and her temple and carried off exiles.

Looking to the ruins, with the cries of those who lost loved ones still ringing in his ears, Jeremiah is filled with tears. All he can do is lament.

When confronted by things we can’t understand we must do the same. Laments and tears are a means of healing for our wounded hearts. They are also a powerful means of intercession as we look to God to bring beauty from the ashes.

Know that he sees your tears, he hears your cries of lament. He hasn’t forgotten you; hasn’t forsaken you. The songs of joy will return in time.

Remember that “those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him” (Ps 126:5-6).

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Devoted to Good Works (Oct 28)

Posted on October 28, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

October 28
Devoted to Good Works

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 119:49-56 | Jeremiah 51:54-52:34 | Titus 3:1-15| Proverbs 26:18-19

Today’s Scripture Focus: Titus 3

“The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works.” (Titus 3:8 NIV)

Believers should be “devoted to good works.” Paul makes that point repeatedly in these verses (2:7, 14; 3:1, 8, 14). In particular he points out that they should devote themselves to good works that would help out those in urgent need (3:14).

It is impossible to gain salvation by good works (though many people have been led to believe that is the way to salvation). Paul’s clear statement of Ephesians 2:8-10 is reaffirmed here: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Salvation is the gift of God. It is appropriated by grace through faith—not by good works. But the one who trusts in Christ for salvation is created to do good works. The good works are the result of salvation–not the means of it.

Paul makes a similar point here in chapter 1 where he speaks of those “who profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work” (1:16 ESV). There must first be the regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit (3:5) that remakes us into God’s craftsmanship to do good works (2:14).

While good works are never the way to salvation, good works are the natural result of it. In fact, we are saved to do good works. Therefore Paul says, “those who have believed in God” should “be careful to devote themselves to good works.” They should “learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need and not be unfruitful.”

We are urged to live lives that show good works so that “in every way (we) will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive (2:10 NIV). In essence, we preach the gospel through our lifestyle and good works. This is particularly true when we care for those in urgent need–showing the love and compassion of Christ.

Are you “careful to devote” yourself to good works? (8) Are you learning to do so? (14). Let me encourage you to be devoted to making the good news attractive by your devotion to helping those in need.

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It’s Not Just For Breakfast Anymore (Oct 27)

Posted on October 27, 2015 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

October 27
It’s Not Just for Breakfast Anymore

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 119:41-48 | Jeremiah 51:1-53 | 2 Timothy 2:1-15 | Proverbs 26:17

Today’s Scripture Focus: Titus 2

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope–the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” (Titus 2:11-14 NIV)

The orange juice growers had a series of commercials that ended with this line: “It’s not just for breakfast anymore.” It was their way of telling us that orange juice, usually a drink to begin the day, was also a good choice for the rest of the day. There’s a sense in which I’d like to use that slogan to describe grace.

We usually think of grace in terms of salvation–the beginning of our journey of faith. Of course, we are saved by grace–an important truth. It is the undeserved benefit of God on our behalf that brings God’s blessing of salvation. But that is just the beginning of grace. We need grace for all of our life– it’s not just for salvation. If you will, “it’s not just for breakfast anymore.”

Grace not only saves us, it teaches us to say “no” to sin. Each day we are confronted by choices–tempted by sin. Living by grace enables us to say no to sin.

It also helps us to do what is right. “Grace teaches us . . . to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” (12).

Finally, it even works in our desires, making us zealous for good deeds, or as the NIV puts it, “eager to do what is good” (14). Isn’t that amazing? God, by his grace, works to make us eager to do his will.

Truly his grace is amazing. Everything we need for salvation, to say no to sin, to live upright and godly lives, and even the desire to do what is right and good. It’s not just for breakfast anymore . . . not just for getting started in the Christian life, but for all of life.

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