No Condemnation (Jul 21)

Posted on July 22, 2013 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

July 22
No Condemnation

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 77:16-20 | 2 Chronicles 6:12 – 7:10 | Romans 7:14 – 8:8 | Proverbs 19:24-25

Today’s Scripture Focus: Romans 7:14 – 8:8

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2 ESV)

“No Condemnation” (8:1), Yet many of us carry around a load of shame, guilt and condemnation. The good news is this: There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. God is the. Father of compassion who gladly runs out to meet all of his prodigals. He runs to us, embraces us, kisses us, brings the best robe and rings for our fingers and declares that “it’s time to party” for the prodigal has come home.

Our heavenly Father loves us deeply and does not condemn us. But we do not always live as if that is true. Many times others treat us as if that is not true. Their words shame us and condemn us. How unlike Jesus who said, “Neither do I condemn you, Go and sin no more.”

God has chosen each of us full well knowing our past, our present and our future. He knows all about us: our ups and downs, our victories, our low points, our times of devotion and our times of rebellion. The amazing truth of scripture is that “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” He sees our desperate condition and loves us enough to send his Son to die for us to clean us up and give us a new and better life. It is amazing, but in his grace he knows all about us and chooses us anyway. Truly, there is no condemnation for those who are his children.

Are you living in the freedom of knowing that there is “no condemnation?” Spend time in his presence and find the life and peace that come from that truth sinking deeply into your heart. This is a truth that can set you free.

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

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A. W. Tozer on hymnals, importance and intimacy with God

Posted on July 21, 2013 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

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Hymnal
“After the Bible the next most valuable book for the Christian is a good hymnal. Let any young Christian spend a year prayerfully meditating on the hymns of Watts and Wesley alone and he will become a fine theologian. Then let him read a balanced diet of the Puritans and the Christian mystics. The results will be more wonderful than he could have dreamed.”
Man: The Dwelling Place of God, 150-151.

Important people?
“I thank God that the kingdom of God is not divided into areas for big, important people and areas for little, unimportant people. Every one is just as needful in God’s sight as any other!”
“Who Put Jesus On the Cross”, 161

Intimacy with God
God formed us for His pleasure, and so formed us that we as well as He can in divine communion enjoy the sweet and mysterious mingling of kindred personalities. He meant us to see Him and live with Him and draw our life from His smile.
The Pursuit of God, p. 34.

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Hide and Seek (July 21)

Posted on July 21, 2013 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

July 21
Hide and Seek

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 77:1-15 | 2 Chronicles 4:1 – 6:11 | Romans 7:1-13 | Proverbs 19:22-23

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 77

“I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me. When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out tiring hands and my soul refused to be comforted. I remember you, O God, and I groaned; I mused and my spirit grew faint.” (Psalm 77:1, 2 NIV)

Hide and seek. We all loved to play it as children. We would play it for hours on end, day after day. We especially liked to play it with Dad. He was so much better at hiding than we were. He made it a challenge. As children, we found delight in the seeking process and we were positively ecstatic with joy when we finally found him. Sometimes God plays hide and seek.

The Psalmist, like many of us, has forgotten the joy of “hide and seek.” He’s forgotten the child-like giggles and laughter when we ran through the house looking under everything, opening every door, checking every closet, every nook and cranny (even small kitchen appliances where I guarantee dad would never fit). He’s forgotten the delight of seeking the one who loves us enough to make it a challenge. So have most of us. It was a fun game for kids, but we are ready to move on.

We groan, we can’t sleep and even singing songs in the night doesn’t seem to help (3-6). We are filled with questions and the answers seem as elusive as the presence of God (7-9). We feel abandoned. But God still delights in our seeking. “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart” (Jer. 29:13). His ways are beyond our ways and we may not understand all that God is doing in the times when he seems to be hiding. But know that the seeking process is not without purpose and rightly understood may even become a source of delight. Yet his ultimate goal in all of this “hide and seek,” is the mutual joy we have when the seeking process finally leads to “finding.”

We all have times when we wonder if God is hiding. We have times when we don’t feel the sense of his presence. But know that he is there, hoping that you will remember the childhood delight of seeking him diligently—hoping that you will not give up the search before the laughter and joy of “finding.”

This is not to criticize the Psalmist, he is groping in the dark for light and he is making some good choices: he opens his heart to God in honesty and pours out his concerns, he remembers the ways God has been faithful, he tries to make sense of things in light of what he knows about God. He remembers that God was there when they came up against the Red Sea, delivering them from their troubles though “his footprints were not seen” (19). God seemed to be hiding then too, but he hadn’t forgotten them.

Is God playing “hide and seek” with you? Then perhaps this is a time to become child-like again; a time to enjoy the seeking again–to rediscover the joy of hide and seek.

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Quotes (Life, Listening, Lost, Love, Lying)

Posted on July 20, 2013 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Life
“Life is too important to take seriously.” –Corky Siegel–

“How we spend our days is — of course — how we spend our lives.”
— Annie Dillard —

“It is more difficult to spend a day well than to write a book.”
— Ancient Polish Proverb —

Listening
“It takes a great man to make a good listener.” –Arthur Helps–

“It is a rare person who wants to hear what he doesn’t want to hear.” –Dick Cavett–

“The ear of the leader must ring with the voices of the people.”
— Woodrow Wilson —

Listening (to God)
“I suspect that the difference between a person of seasoned prayer and one of smaller prayer experience is the amount of time they spend talking rather than listening.” Calvin Miller, Out of the Depths, 110

“Those whose prayers are unending monologues make themselves a giant mouth while making God a small ear. The best prayers are dialogues of rapport. Presence is being ‘with God.’ It is neither talking nor listening. It is abiding in the presence of God. Rapport treasures oneness so much it will not make of prayer two modes–one mode of talking and one of listening.” Calvin Miller, Out of the Depths, 110

Lost
“I’m in a phone booth at the corner of walk and don’t walk.” –anon.–

Love
“The Bible tells us to love our neighbors, and also to love our enemies; probably because they are generally the same people.”
–G.K. Chesterton–

“The worth and excellency of a soul is to be measured by the object of its love.”
— Henry Scougal —

Lying
“A lie travels around the world while Truth is putting on her boots.”
–Charles Spurgeon–

“I was not lying, I said things that later on seemed to be untrue.”
— Richard Nixon —

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A Heart of Wisdom (July 20)

Posted on July 20, 2013 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

July 20
A Heart of Wisdom

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 76:10-12 | 2 Chronicles 1:1-3:17 | Romans 6:1-23 | Proverbs 19:20-21

Today’s Scripture Focus: 2 Chronicles 1:1 – 3:17

“Give me wisdom and knowledge to rule them properly for who is able to govern this great nation of yours?” (2 Chronicles 1:10 NLT)

If you were given an opportunity to receive one thing from God, what would you ask for? A computer glitch where the billions from Bill Gates’ bank account get transferred into yours? Perhaps you’d prefer to ask for the opportunity to have Willard Scott tell you how beautiful you are on your 100th birthday. Or would you prefer the honor of being the president of the United States of America (with all the office’s power, prestige, honor and headaches)? Solomon faced such a choice. What did he choose?

He bypassed all the selfish possibilities, and asked for the thing he most needed: wisdom. God was so pleased by his choice, that he gave him wealth, long life and honor too. All he asked for and so much more! Solomon made the choice we all need to make, he asked for wisdom. It’s a choice we need to make daily. Life is filled with confusing choices and too many options. It takes an hour just to get down the cereal aisle these days with all the options—and that is one of life’s easier decisions. What about all the moral dilemmas? What about the tough calls? What about the decisions that will impact my life and my family forever?

God is always pleased when we ask for wisdom. His word makes it clear that it is ours for the asking. He delights in giving it to us, whenever we need it.

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 invites you to ask. He gives wisdom generously. He never faults us for coming back again for more of it. He never grows tired of our daily requests for more of his wisdom. He is all-wise and there is nothing that causes him confusion.

Take the time today to open your heart to Jesus. Tell him all your troubles, your concerns and problems. Ask him your questions. Then listen for his wisdom. Through his word and by the still, small voice of his Spirit, he has some wisdom for you today.

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Be Strong and Courageous (Jul 19)

Posted on July 19, 2013 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

July 19

Be Strong and Courageous

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 76: 1-9 | 1 Chronicles 28:1 – 29:30 | Romans 5:6-21 | Proverbs 19:18-19

Today’s Scripture Focus: 1 Chronicles 28:1 – 29:30

“Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged by the size of the task, for the LORD God, my God is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” (1 Chronicles 28:20 NLT)

It’s a debilitating disease.  A disease of the heart—a heart attack indeed. It eats away at the heart and causes it to wither. In its final stages it combines with hopelessness and fear to completely debilitate the victim. It makes them unable to accomplish any task. They are tempted to give up. It is contagious—highly contagious.  What is this terrible disease? Discouragement.

To be discouraged is to lose heart. The heart, instead of living out of the “strength and courage” and hope found in our life in Christ, gives in to the temptations of fear and hopelessness. The thief, who only wishes to steal and kill and destroy, shoots the arrows of discouragement into our hearts.

At first, we hold up the shield of faith. But our arms get tired and we let down our guard and our shield only to be attacked again, this time without the shield in place. The heart begins to wither.  Then more arrows of fear and hopelessness find their target.  Finally, we have lost heart. The heart attack of discouragement leaves us numb and lifeless—unable to accomplish any task. Those called to a great task are those most likely to be targeted by discouragement arrows. So take heart, you must be causing some threat to the enemy or he wouldn’t bother to waste his arrows on you.

Have you ever noticed that when God calls a leader to a great task, he repeatedly reassures them with words like these: “Be strong and courageous,” “Do not be afraid” and “Do not be discouraged.”  Why?  Because he knows that their “strong and courageous” heart will be tempted to give in to fear and discouragement. The enemy knows that discouragement is an epidemic that keeps us from accomplishing the task in God’s strength and courage.

Solomon had been given the task of building the temple. Listen to these encouraging words and take them to heart. They are protection against the heart disease of discouragement:

“Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work . . . is finished” (28:20)

God is with you. He hasn’t forgotten you. Don’t grow weary in well doing. You will reap a harvest if you do not lose heart and give up. He is strong and courageous. He is not fearful or discouraged. Spend time with him today and let him deal with the fears, hopelessness and discouragement. Get that armor on today and stop giving in to the attacks of the enemy. You’ve got things to accomplish. Get to it!

——-

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson. This devotional which encourages you as you read through the Bible from cover to cover is now available in the kindle book store at Amazon.com.

 

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Retreats are coming soon! Special Discount!

Posted on July 18, 2013 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Normally it is true that “the early bird gets the worm” now and then the worm goes to the procrastinator. Have you registered for the retreat yet? We have reduced prices to make it as affordable as possible. Couples can come for $260 (and get their own room), Singles can come for $135. That include two nights, and five meals, and all retreat costs. Sign up today!

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retreatdiscount

It is not too late to register for our retreat. We want to make it as affordable as possible, so we have a special discount for couples (A discount is also available for singles, email and ask for more information from malousyv@yahoo.com).

You can register online at http://www.joyinthehouseofprayer.org

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A Hope that Will Not Disappoint (July 18)

Posted on July 18, 2013 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

July 18
A Hope That Will Not Disappoint

Today’s Scripture Reading: Psalm 75:1-10 | 1 Chronicles 26:12- 27:34 | Romans 4:13 – 5:5 | Proverbs 19:15-16

Today’s Scripture Focus: Romans 4:13- 5:5

“Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed…” (Romans 4:18 NIV)

His situation was absolutely hopeless. How could Abram and Sara—well past child bearing years—become the father of many nations? The facts: “his body was as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old and Sara’s womb was also dead.” Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed.

How could he have hope, when his situation seemed hopeless? What was his secret?

He remembered the promise. “Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God.” (20)

He knew that “the promiser” was faithful. “Being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised (21). “He considered him faithful who had made the promise” (Heb. 11:11).

Hope that doesn’t disappoint comes from an intimate walk with our God who is faithful to his promises. It remembers the promises of God and finds the grace to stand and persevere even through the trials of faith. It finds strength by relying on the character of the one who is faithful—strength to believe and strength to praise and give glory to God (20). It looks to the future glory when the going gets tough down here (5:2-5). It also remembers that God has a purpose in the trial of our faith that can bring joy even through the times of suffering (we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character; and character, hope).

When it’s all said and done, this trial of faith is going to cause me to hold on to Jesus more tightly, and he’s going to rub off on me. I’m going to become more like him—and I will find that my hope brought me through without disappointment. Most importantly, nothing can separate me from his love and knowing that he loves me can help me through the deepest, darkest trial (5:5, 8:28-39). I don’t know about you, but that brings me hope!

——–

From Open Up Your Heart:365 Daily Devotionals by Jeff Syverson available from the kindle bookstore on Amazon.com

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A Heart That Trusts (Jul 16)

Posted on July 17, 2013 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

July 17
A Heart That Trusts

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 74:12-23 | 1 Chronicles 24:1 – 26:11 | Romans 4:1-12 | Proverbs 19:15-16

Today’s Scripture Focus: Romans 4:1-12

Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness. Now to one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but trusts him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness. (Romans 4:3-5 ESV)

If you are looking for an example of faith, real faith, it’s hard to ignore Abraham. Clearly, he trusted God. Nearly all the New Testament writers make a point about that (see Galatians 3, James 2 and Hebrews 11 for a few more examples).

He trusted God when the way was unclear. Hebrews 11 describes his faith this way: “When called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, he obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country.” He trusted God and followed him “even though he didn’t know where he was going.” Have you ever been there? I have. Faith often requires following God “in the dark.” We walk by faith and not by sight. Abraham trusted God even when the way was unclear.

He trusted God when the promise seemed impossible. God promised a son through whom his descendants would be as the stars of the heaven, as the sands of the seashore. But he was “past age” and “as good as dead” —and Sarah was barren (Heb. 11:11-12). When it was all said and done, he trusted God to do the impossible and a son was born (that doesn’t mean there weren’t a few struggles of faith along the way—and a few missteps). He trusted God to fulfill an impossible promise. He trusted God when the cost seemed unbearable. Most strikingly, Abraham trusted God enough to be willing to sacrifice the son of the promise simply because God asked him to. Abraham’s faith was tested severely, and he passed the test. In this life, we all face trials of faith (James 1).

What was the secret of this man who knew how to trust God? What was the key to his faith: “He considered Him faithful who made the promise” (Hebrews 11:11). He knew God personally and knew that he could be trusted. He knew that God was always faithful to his promises.

This is the essence of faith—of a heart that trusts God: resting in the faithfulness of God.

Open your heart today to know the God who is faithful to his promises. Take your questions, burdens and worries to him—knowing that he cares and is faithful—and find rest for your soul.

——

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson, a 365 day devotional keyed to a read through the Bible in a year plan. These readings are especially designed to encourage you as your read through the Bible from cover to cover.  Open Up Your Heart is available from the kindle store at amazon.com.

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Retreats are coming soon! Special Discount!

Posted on July 16, 2013 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

retreatdiscount

It is not too late to register for our retreat. We want to make it as affordable as possible, so we have a special discount for couples (A discount is also available for singles, email and ask for more information from malousyv@yahoo.com).

You can register online at http://www.joyinthehouseofprayer.org

Posted in Neighborhood News, retreats, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 1 Comment