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

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Cleaning Up the Mess (July 16)

Posted on July 16, 2013 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

July 16
Cleaning up the Mess

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 74:1-14 | 1 Chronicles 22:1 – 23:32 | Romans 3:9-31 | Proverbs 19:13-14

Today’s Scripture Focus: Romans 3:9 – 31

“There is no one righteous, not even one; [11] there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. [16] ruin and misery mark their ways, [17] and the way of peace they do not know.” (Romans 3:10,11,16,17 NIV)

Left to myself, I can make a mess faster than anyone I know. I can’t explain how or why, I just know it’s true. Put me in a room and it will show signs of my inherent messiness in short order.

Paul tells us that spiritually speaking the same is true of all of us. We all have a tendency to make a mess of our lives and everyone else’s. “Ruin and misery mark their ways”(16).

Until we see the mess we’re in, we don’t see our need for the remedy to our situation. We are blind to the ruin and misery caused by our sin.

How does he describe the mess we’re in? “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away and become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” “Their throats are open graves, their tongues practice deceit. The poison of vipers is on their lips.” “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.” Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways, and the way of peace they do not know.” “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

God gave us the law, in part, to show us what a mess we’re in. He also wrote the requirements of the law on our hearts (conscience) and that is a pretty good reminder too (2:14-15).

Sin is messy. It messes up our lives and those around us. More importantly it messes up our relationship with God. It is a poison that does incredible damage and ruin. “Ruin and misery mark their ways.”

Because we’re all “a mess”, spiritually speaking, we need someone to clean us up and make us new. The law shows us how messy we are and points us to Jesus, the one who is able to deal with the sin in our hearts. He made a way for the sin and its consequences to be dealt with: the cross. As we turn from the mess we make because of our sin and turn to Him, confessing our sin and opening our heart to a relationship with Jesus, he comes to dwell in our heart and make us new. Sin and guilt are dealt with. We enter into a relationship characterized by faith and trust which brings life—life lived to the full (life as it was meant to be lived) now and in eternity (where it only gets better).

Then each day we open up the “mirror” of the word, to see the areas of our life where we are still a little messy. We allow him to make adjustments. This is the daily transformation that comes as Christ is formed in us through faith (James 1:19-25). Open your heart to Jesus today, and allow him to enter the “mess you’re in” and bring his transforming “glory.” As you do, you begin to look a little more like Jesus everyday (2 Cor. 3:18). That’s a makeover we all need every day.

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God is the Strength of My Heart

Posted on July 15, 2013 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson.

From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson.

July 15
God is the Strength of My Heart

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 73:15-28 | 1 Chronicles 19:1 – 21:31 | Romans 2:25 – 3:8 | Proverbs 19:10-12

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 73

“Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:25-26 ESV)

Some questions just can’t be answered to the heart’s satisfaction. Questions like: “Why do the wicked prosper?” As Asaph begins this Psalm he pours out his heart to God. He is in a place of suffering while the wicked only seem to prosper. How can this be? Somehow life just doesn’t seem fair. Why am I the one getting beat up and burned out, and not the wicked?

In the first 14 verses, Asaph seems to be “in a fog.” When you are hurting, things are often that way. Your situation seems worse than it really is; the situation of those we envy seems much better than it really is. When life gets us down, we don’t see things clearly (22) and we tend toward self-pity. Even trying to understand becomes oppressive (16). Our heart left to itself tends toward grief and bitterness (21, 22).

But there is a turning point in this lament Psalm: verse 17. “Till I entered the sanctuary of God.” The lament is an important part of our prayer life. We need to pour out our hearts, like Asaph, in complete openness and honesty. We need to open our hearts to God: even our questions, doubts, fears and wounds. But we do so in his presence, and when possible in the company of a loving group of fellow believers who are there with us to help us move from bitterness to strength. We need to enter the sanctuary of His presence.

We pour out our hearts to God, and suddenly we become aware of his presence—his nearness. “Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel” (23-24).

In his healing presence, our hearts our strengthened. He, himself, becomes “the strength of our heart and our portion forever.” (26). We find the courage and strength for the day. We are able to place the unanswerable questions in the hands of the Sovereign Lord and move ahead in the joy of his presence.

“As for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.” It really is good to be near God. Pour out your heart to him and he will draw near to you. ”The Lord is near to all who call on him. To all who call on him in truth” (Psalm 145:18). Let your heart be strengthened in his presence.

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An Honest Heart (July 14)

Posted on July 14, 2013 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

honestheart
July 14
An Honest Heart

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 73:1-14 | I Chronicles 16:37 – 18:17 | Romans 2:1-24 |
Proverbs 19:8-9

Today’s Scripture Focus: Romans 2: 1-24

You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things (Romans 2:1 NIV)

“Pastor Jeff, that was a great sermon today! I only wish that Mrs. Jones was here today to hear it.” I’ve heard words like that many times as people were leaving the church after a Sunday worship service. Nearly always the person who makes the comment is completely blind to the fact that they probably needed the message more than Mrs. Jones did.

Who needs the good news (the gospel, which is the power of God)? We all do. Especially those of us who don’t think we need it. In Romans 1, Paul points out the obvious fact that those living in idolatry and lifestyles characterized by sin, need good news. Chapter 2 points out that the one who thinks they have it all put together needs the good news too. The one who is tempted to think the sermon was for someone else. The one who is quick to point the finger at someone else, whose heart is filled with self-righteous pride, needs the good news just as much or more than the one they are so quick to condemn.

Some of us play the religious game very well. Paul points out that the good news is about life transformation, not playing religious games. The Pharisees played religious games better than anybody. And Jesus had some harsh words for them because of it.

Often the one who finds it most difficult to enter the kingdom is the religious one; the one who is not aware of their need. It is also a cause of lukewarm living. The diagnosis of the lukewarm Laodicean Church was this: “You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing,’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked” (Rev. 3:17).

Who needs good news? We all do– especially the self-righteous. The world already has enough bad news. We don’t need any more self-righteous judges pointing their fingers and bringing shame and condemnation. What it needs is people who have opened their heart to Jesus and are allowing his love to heal their hearts and flow through them to bring words of healing and salvation to others.

What brings people to Jesus? Not your condemning attitude. Too often the church comes across as bringing condemnation instead of hope and love. Listen to the words of Paul:

“Do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?”

God’s kindness, tolerance and patience: that sounds like good news to me!

Open your heart to Jesus and allow him to deal with your self-righteousness and pride. Experience a fresh touch of his love, his kindness, his tolerance and patience. Then you may actually have some good news to share with a world that desperately needs it.

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