Holy Love (Sept 10)

Posted on September 10, 2013 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

September 10

Holy Love 

Today’s Scripture Readings:  Psalm 103:1-5  | Isaiah 6:1-7:25 | 2 Corinthians 11:16-33 | Proverbs 23:1-3

Today’s Scripture Focus: Isaiah 6 & Psalm 103

Understanding both God’s holiness and his loving goodness brings a balanced focus to our lives. Like Isaiah, we need a vision of the holiness of God. Like the psalmist, we also need to understand God’s heart of love towards his people. While they seem to be in stark contrast, they come together in a unity that brings balance to both.

In Isaiah’s vision, angels are awestruck by the holiness of God and continually cry out, “holy, holy, holy.” Isaiah too, is struck by the holiness of God. To get a true vision of God is to see Him in holiness—to be awestruck by the beauty of his holiness.

To see and worship God in holiness brings to light our true condition. We become painfully aware of our weakness and sin. It leads us to confession and repentance that brings us to the joy of forgiveness and cleansing.

Just like Isaiah, when we see and worship God in his holiness our whole  life orientation and purpose changes. We are no longer living for ourselves, but for Him. We must give ourselves to him and to his call on our lives. We cry out with Isaiah, “Here am I, send me”.

To see and worship God in his holiness puts us in the place to really hear and communicate with God. It opens our blinded eyes and hearts to truth (9-10).

The Psalmist reminds us in Psalm 103:1-5 of the benefits of loving and serving God. While he is transcendently holy, he is also loving, gracious and benevolent. He desires to reach out to us in our need. He is gracious and compassionate and brings forgiveness and healing to his children. He redeems us from the pit and crowns us with love and compassion. He even satisfies our desires for good things so that our youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

God is holy, perfectly holy. God is love, unfailing steadfast love. Understanding the first truth (his holiness) makes the second truth (his love) even more amazing.

 

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A.W. Tozer on Trouble and Truth

Posted on September 9, 2013 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

awtTozerHead

Trouble

“To be right with God has often meant to be in trouble with men.”
Man the Dwelling Place of God, 114.

Truth

“Truth is a glorious but hard mistress. She never consults, bargains or compromises.”
Of God and Men, 39

Truth (Application Necessary)

For a long time I have believed that truth, to be understood must be lived; that Bible doctrine is wholly ineffective until it has been digested and assimilated by the total life.
That Incredible Christian, 92.

“There is scarcely anything so dull and meaningless as Bible doctrine taught for its own sake. Truth divorced from life is not truth in its Biblical sense, but something else and something less.”
Of God and Men, 26

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Boasting in Weakness (Sept 9)

Posted on September 9, 2013 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
From Open Up your Heart by Jeff Syverson

From Open Up your Heart by Jeff Syverson

September 9
Boasting in Weakness

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 102:18-28 | Isaiah 3:1-5:30 | 2 Corinthians 11:1-15 | Proverbs 22:28-29

Today’s Scripture Focus: 2 Corinthians 11

“If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.” (2 Corinthians 11:30 NIV)

Most of us spend a lot of energy trying to keep up a good front– to appear strong. We try very hard to pretend that everything is perfect. We try very hard to hide our weaknesses. Paul said, “I boast in my weakness.”

A number of years ago I heard John Maxwell, a powerful communicator, share that one of his most dynamic messages was to a group of pastors when he spent the whole message sharing the worst mistakes he had made in ministry. They laughed and cried and related to him at a deeper level than they might otherwise have. Then they were ready to really listen. His weakness enabled the audience to relate to him on a deeper level.

Someone once prayed over me, “your scars are a badge of your spiritual authority.” I think that is true. The comfort we receive in our weakness, becomes a ministry of comforting others who’ve gone through similar times of weakness

In our weakness, God’s strength shines through clearly and brightly. We are jars of clay in which God chooses to dwell. As he does, the clay is reworked and molded into a piece of beautiful craftsmanship, designed to do the good works he has called us to do (Ephesians 2:10). Yet often he seems to leave visible scars, reminders of our weakness–these are left only to show how weak we are in ourselves, and how strong He is.

Don’t be afraid to boast in your weakness. Don’t waste your energy pretending you don’t have any (there are more than enough hypocrites to go around–we don’t need another). Look to God to be strong in your times of weakness. Allow him to shine through your weakness for all the world to see His strength and to stand amazed.

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Demolishing Strongholds (Sept 8)

Posted on September 8, 2013 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Quote from Open up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

Quote from Open up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

September 8
Demolishing Strongholds

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 102:12-17 | Isaiah 1:1-2:22 | 2 Corinthians 10:1-18 | Proverbs 22:26-27

Today’s Scripture Focus: 2 Corinthians 10:1-18

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. (2 Corinthians10:4 NIV)

The enemy of our souls is sneaky. Knowing our weaknesses, he sets temptations before us. In our pain—our weakness—they appear to be castles of refuge, safety and pleasure. So we run to them to ease our pain, to meet our needs and desires or, sometimes, just for the fun of it.

The castle that promises pleasure becomes a prison from which we can’t seem to escape. We feel hopeless and defeated and wonder if we will ever find freedom and victory. Underneath the addictive behaviors are twisted patterns of thinking that need to be brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. The good news is that we can demolish these strongholds, but not with the weapons of this world.

When we give the devil a foothold, he doesn’t want to let us go. He is a master of blinding our eyes and dulling our ability to see the glory of God and his word. But there is hope. These twisted patterns of thinking can be made obedient to Christ if we stand firm and resist the devil—the enemy of our souls.

We must stand firm against his attacks by putting on the armor of God (see Ephesians 6). The armor protects, but also enables us to take the word of God praying in such a way as to defeat the enemy in our lives, and demolish his strongholds. He has no rightful place in our lives, and we can resist him through the promises of the word and through the command of faith in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. When we command him to flee, he must. For greater is he that is in us than he who is in the world. We stand in Christ’s authority, and he has won the battle.

God is our “mighty fortress.” All other fortresses/strongholds, are merely delusions that entrap and keep us in a place of hopeless defeat. Stand firm in your armor and resist the enemy. Don’t give him a foothold. Take back any ground he has stolen in the powerful name of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Be a student of the word and allow the word to dwell in you richly and you will be able to stand your ground and walk in victory–it is a powerful tool in taking thoughts captive and making them obedient to Christ.

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Tired of Waiting (Sept 7)

Posted on September 7, 2013 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

September 7
Tired of Waiting

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 102:1-11 | Song 5:1-8:14 | 2 Corinthians 9:1-15 | Proverbs 22:24-25

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 102:1-11

Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress. Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly. (Psalm 102:2 NIV)

Can you relate to the Psalmist? Have you ever had a time when you grew tired of waiting for the answer to your prayer? Maybe you are like me and you feel that way most every day.

It is so good to be able to just pour out our heart to God. It is good to let him know our struggles and frustrations. It is good to lament and tell him how we feel. Perhaps you can relate to the Psalmist’s description of waiting in prayer:

Because of my loud groaning I am reduced to skin and bones. [6] I am like a desert owl, like an owl among the ruins. [7] I lie awake; I have become like a bird alone on a roof. Psalm 102:5-7 (NIV)

Except for the skin and bones part, I know I can relate. In times of waiting, we feel alone and abandoned; we feel helpless and hopeless. Our anxious thoughts cause sleepless nights and poor eating habits. Times of waiting can feel downright devastating at times.

But the Psalmist knows that when the time is right God will answer.

But you, O Lord, sit enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations. [13] You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come. Psalm 102:12-13 (NIV)

O.K. I admit it, I read ahead a few verses (tomorrow’s verses), but those are the verses I needed to hear. When I desire a quick answer and am tired of waiting, I need to remember that God will arise when the appointed time comes. He is still seated on the throne, and He is gracious and compassionate. When the time is right, he will answer. Maybe that’s what you need to remember too.

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O Be Careful Little Eyes (Sept 6)

Posted on September 6, 2013 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

September 6
Oh Be Careful Little Eyes

Today’s Scripture Reading: Psalms 101:1-8 | Song 1:1-4:16 | 2 Cor. 8:16-24 | Proverbs 22:22-23

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 101:1-8

I will set before my eyes no vile (wicked, vain, evil, worthless) thing. (Psalm 101:3)

Images are powerful. One ancient tradition says that a picture is worth a thousand words. Indeed, we know it is true. Television is a powerful medium. So are movies. So is the Internet. Each is powerful for good or for evil.

Many become captivated by images only to become addicted to them. The epidemic of internet pornography is one example (and it is an epidemic). I know one person who has placed this verse (Psalm 101:3) above his computer monitor as a reminder not to surf into sin. Not a bad idea.

But it happens in more subtle ways, no less dangerous. Images form our thinking and values. Television and the movies shape our lives more than we know. I’m reminded of the wisdom of the prophet Jeremiah who wrote: “They followed worthless idols and became worthless themselves.” Another translation puts it: “walked after emptiness and became empty?” In other words, we become like the images we watch. Scary thought.

If images shape our thinking, then Paul’s teaching regarding the thought life applies to the images we place before our eyes as well:

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. [9] What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philip. 4:8-9 (ESV).

What images are filling your mind and heart? How are they affecting your values, beliefs and lifestyle? We do well to consider these things as we replace the worthless images with truth and beauty.

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Shout for Joy (Sept 5)

Posted on September 5, 2013 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Shout for Joy
September 5
Shout for Joy

Scripture Readings for Today: Psalms 100:1-5 | Ecclesiastes 10:1-12:14 | 2 Corinthians 8:1-15| Proverbs 22:20-21

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalms 100:1-5

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. (Psalm 100:1-2 NIV)

The most enthusiastic worship experience I’ve ever seen took place in the fall of 1987. I lived in Minnesota then. The Metrodome in Minneapolis was the site of the worship experience. For weeks leading up to the event, there was talk about the possibility of this event happening. As the day arrived, it was all that people could talk about. People waited in long lines in order to get tickets to be a part of the experience, but there were too many people and not enough seats. The rest of us had to worship at home in front of our TV’s.

Usually stoic Minnesotans were screaming, shouting, jumping up and down in excitement. They clapped, they “high-fived,” they waved banners. They were really into it. They were pegging the needles on the decibel meters. Everyone talked about how loud it all was—how exciting it all was.

For weeks following the worship event, it was all that people could talk about. It had made quite an impression. Unfortunately it was not the worship of our God. It was the worship of another kind, the worship of baseball: The World Series where the unlikely Twins surprised everyone and won it all.

Now I have no particular problem with people enjoying sports, I do too. But the irony in this situation is that if you were to see the same people in their churches, there would be no excitement–no joyful shouting. I often wonder why.

In light of the greatness of our God, in light of what Christ has done for us, should there not be a little shouting when we get together to celebrate his greatness and declare his worth?

Worship is not a time to mumble. It’s a time for joyful shouting—a time for joyful singing. Sure there are times for quiet reverence and a whole range of other moods and expressions.  But the Psalmist reminds us, there is also a time for joyful shouting.We serve a great and awesome God and he is so worthy of our praise. Let us come with thanksgiving and praise in our hearts and let’s celebrate the greatness of our God!

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The Right Response

Posted on September 4, 2013 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

rightresponse
September 4
The Right Response

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 99:1-9 | Ecclesiastes 7:1 — 9:18 | 2 Corinthians 7:8-16 | Proverbs 22:17-19

Today’s Scripture Focus: 2 Corinthians 7

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. (2 Corinthians 7:10 NIV)

How do you respond to your pastor’s message? It’s an important question. When God speaks to you through his word—and especially through the preaching of his word—how do you respond? Unless you respond—and respond rightly—you’ve missed out on a vital part of your worship experience.

Worship is our response to God’s glory. He is always the audience in worship. It’s easy to see how that works through singing. We sing to Him; praising for who he is and thanking him for what he has done. But the whole worship service is a response to God as he reveals himself to us. Even the message—or sermon—or whatever your pastor calls that time when he talks and you doze in and out (I’m teasing, I hope). But worship isn’t really happening through the preaching of the word until we respond.

As scripture is read and explained and applied through preaching, God speaks to us. His word to us requires a response. That response is an important part of our worship.

Paul was encouraged by the way the Corinthians had responded to his earlier letter. He had to say some tough things—and he hoped they would receive his words in the right spirit. More importantly, he hoped that they would hear and respond rightly.

Their godly sorrow is the evidence that they had heard and responded to the message they received. The Holy Spirit brought conviction. They knew what Paul was saying was true. The words cut like a sword and they had to respond. Godly sorrow led to repentance: A total change of mind about sin—a determination to turn in the other direction.

Each week, we come expecting God to confront us with his truth, and to point us to some needed changes. Godly sorrow leading to repentance is always evidenced by obedience to the truth revealed.

Worship doesn’t happen by just sitting in a pew; it doesn’t happen only through the singing. An important and often neglected part of the worship service takes place as we hear and respond to the Word of God as it is read and expounded—such a response is a pleasing sacrifice of worship that is sure to bring God delight.

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Good Friends (Sept 3)

Posted on September 3, 2013 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

goodfriendsSeptember 3
Good Friends

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 98:1-9 | Ecclesiastes 4:1 – 6:12 | 2 Corinthians 6:14- 7:7 | Proverbs 22:16

Today’s Scripture Focus: Ecclesiastes 4-6

“Two are better than one…if one falls down, his friend can help him up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NIV)

It’s a dangerous thing to try to live the Christian life on your own. You really do need some friends for the journey; Friends who will be there to encourage you when you get down; Friends who will keep you accountable and speak the truth in love when you are tempted to fall; Friends who will be faithful even when you do fall; Friends who will accept you and love you through it all.

Even the Lone Ranger had Tonto, his faithful sidekick. Yet many today try to live the Christian life on their own, without a group of faithful friends to come alongside them to help them on the journey. Two really are better than one…and a cord of three strands is not easily broken. There is strength in the fellowship of good friends.

Christianity is best lived out in “one another” relationships with other friends. Too often we have viewed church as “sitting in a pew listening to a sermon.” I’m certainly not against doing that, but Christianity is so much more. We need to connect with each other on a deeper level. We need to laugh, cry, share and pray with one another. The journey is not always an easy one. But good friends are gifts from God that help us along when we get to the tough spots.

Thanks for traveling with me on this journey, thanks for being a friend.

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Video on “joy killers” to prayer gatherings

Posted on September 2, 2013 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Another short video excerpt from our recent prayer retreat. Follow the link.

pastorjeffsneighborhood's avatarJoy in the House of Prayer

The link will take you to a short video from a recent prayer retreat. I am teaching about the “joy killers” of corporate prayer.

 

Prayer Meeting Joy Killers (introduction)

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