The Good Shepherd

Posted on December 27, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

December 27

The Good Shepherd 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 147:12-20 | Zechariah 10:1-11:17 | Revelation 18:1-24 | Proverbs 30:33

Today’s Scripture Focus: Zechariah 10:1-11:17

The idols speak deceitfully, diviners see visions that lie; they tell dreams that are false, they give comfort in vain. Therefore the people wander like sheep oppressed for lack of a shepherd.3 “My anger burns against the shepherds, and I will punish the leaders; for the LORD Almighty will care for his flock, the people of Judah (Zechariah 10:2-3 NIV).

The image of a shepherd leading his sheep is a familiar theme in Scripture. Good leadership requires many of the same qualities as good shepherding—leading and caring for sheep. Here the shepherds of God’s people are being chastised for not leading the people as they should.

It is an incredible responsibility to be a leader of people. The leader is not only responsible for his or her own actions—but is also to lead the people under their care in the right direction.

How had the leaders of Judah been doing? Not very well. The political “shepherds”—the Kings of Judah—were, on the whole, a miserable lot who more often than not led the people further and further into idolatry.

The spiritual leaders weren’t doing much better. The prophets are chided for bringing false comfort. Under the leadership of priests and prophets, the people of God regularly drifted away from the worship of the LORD to worship and serve idols made by human hands. Therefore God’s people “wander like sheep oppressed for lack of a shepherd.”

Still God is not done with his people. He tells them that he, himself, will come to lead them as their shepherd. He, himself, would come to lead and guide them onto the right path.

Jesus picks up this image as the “Good Shepherd” as recorded in John’s gospel. He is the good shepherd who even lays down his life for the sheep. He is the ultimate model of a caring shepherd. To follow his lead is to find life lived to the full.

Earthly leaders do often fail us. Yet God is with us to lead us and guide us (Psalm 23), and he has given us the good shepherd in Jesus to love and care for us. Follow his lead.

Good Shepherd, lead us each day in your truth. Guide us on the right path. Keep us from wandering from your path. Amen.

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Rejoice Greatly!

Posted on December 26, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Rejoice Greatly!

December 26

Rejoice Greatly! 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 147:1-11; Zechariah 9:1-17; Revelation 17:1-18; Proverbs 30:32

Today’s Scripture Focus: Zechariah 9

Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey (Zechariah 9:9 NIV).

One of my favorite parts of the Holiday season is listening to Handel’s Messiah. It is a beautiful work that weaves together so many of the prophetic texts that point to the coming of the Messiah. One such text is taken from this chapter; perhaps you have heard Handel’s musical setting to “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion.” As so much of the prophetic scripture, these verses point to the coming Messiah. They find their fulfillment as Jesus rides into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Zechariah knew that the coming Messiah was reason for his people to rejoice.

In Jesus, the prophecies find fulfillment. He is the Messiah, gentle and riding on a donkey. Years before it comes to pass, Zechariah envisioned the gentle King and rejoiced. Indeed, the celebration of Christ’s coming to earth is a reason for all of us to rejoice. So rejoice, O daughter of Zion! As another great Christmas hymn says so well: “Joy to the world the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room and heaven and nature sing!”

Jesus, we rejoice in your coming to the earth in the Incarnation. We find joy in your presence in our lives as Emmanuel. We look with hope to your coming again. Amen.

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Emmanuel: God with Us

Posted on December 25, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Emmanuel: God with Us by Jeff Syverson "God intends to bless his people with his very presence; Jesus the savior is to be born; God with us, Emmanuel. In him God has come near."

December 25

Emmanuel: God with Us 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 146:1-10; Zechariah 8:1-23; Revelation 16:1-21; 

Proverbs 30:29-31

Today’s Scripture Focus: Zechariah 8

This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Many peoples and the inhabitants of many cities will yet come, [21] and the inhabitants of one city will go to another and say, ‘Let us go at once to entreat the Lord and seek the Lord Almighty. I myself am going.’ [22] And many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the Lord Almighty and to entreat him.” [23] This is what the Lord Almighty says: “In those days ten men from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, ‘Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you’” (Zechariah 8:20-23 NIV).

The Prophets can be a challenge to read and understand. But underlying the whole of the prophetic scripture is something we dare not miss: God has not forgotten his people and intends to bless them with his very presence: Jesus, the savior is to be born; God with us, Emmanuel. In him, God has come near. Through and through, the prophets point to the coming of God in human flesh to redeem people from the curse of sin. They look forward to the coming of the Messiah: Jesus.

I am always struck by Matthew’s account of the Christmas story. He again and again points out the prophetic significance of each detail of the story. So when I read this passage from Zechariah I am aware that the coming of the Gentiles to pray and worship, “Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you,” points to the coming of “Emmanuel: God with us.” Jesus came as God in human flesh, God with us, to express God’s love to the whole world that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.

To the one who receives Him, he gives the greatest gift of all, Eternal life. Joy to the world! Merry Christmas!

Jesus, Emmanuel, be present in our lives. In our struggles, in our sorrows, in our joys, and in our celebrations, be present today. Amen.

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Generous Hearts

Posted on December 24, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

December 24

Generous Hearts 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 145:14-21; Zechariah 6:1-7:14; Revelation 15:1-8; Proverbs 30:24-28

Today’s Scripture Focus: Zechariah 6-7

“Was it really for me that you fasted?” “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other” (Zechariah 7:5b, 9-10 NIV).

The people of Bethel went to the priests and prophets asking, “Should I mourn and fast in the fifth month as I have done for so many years?” The hypocrisy of the hearts of the questioners was immediately revealed by the words given to Zechariah. “Was it really for me that you fasted? And when you were eating and drinking, were you not just feasting for yourselves?”

While fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline when used rightly, it is no substitute to obedience or the right heart attitudes. What God especially wanted to see in his people was a heart filled with justice, mercy and generosity; a heart that looked to the poor and the less fortunate with a willingness to help.

Whether fasting or feasting, we dare not forget those less fortunate. We are the hands and feet that respond to God’s compassionate heart for the poor and needy. “Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another, do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other.” God cares for the needy and our hearts should be a reflection of his; an important reminder in this time of feasting.

This Christmas season is a powerful reminder of the generous heart of our God who gave his one and only son for us. Let your heart be a reflection of his.

Father, thank you for your generous heart toward your people. Help me to reflect your heart to those in need. Give me a heart that is full of justice, mercy and generosity. Amen.

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Not by Might

Posted on December 23, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Not By Might

December 23

Not by Might 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 145:8-13; Zechariah 4:1 – 5:11; Revelation 14:1-20; Proverbs 30:21-23

Today’s Scripture Focus: Zechariah 4-5

So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty (Zechariah 4:6 NIV).

“Who despises the day of small things?” (Zechariah 4:10).

God had chosen Joshua and Zerubabbel to complete the task of building the temple. The key to their success in accomplishing their God-given task was not their human wisdom or strength. They key to their success was the empowering of the Holy Spirit.

We often look to natural talents thinking they are the sure predictor of future success. But God’s work calls for more than human talents and human strength. God’s work demands so much more–it requires the anointing of God to accomplish his purposes.

God often delights in choosing and anointing the weak and the foolish so that through his power they can accomplish unexpected things. Then all the glory goes to him.

I’m sure that Joshua and Zerubabbel, in their respective roles, felt overwhelmed by the task ahead. God wanted to remind them through this vision that their success in completion of the task did not depend on their human talents, intelligence, or strength. They might be tempted to be discouraged by the lack of progress (to despise the day of small things) but the victory was assured by the empowering of the Holy Spirit. As they walked in intimacy with God–led by the Spirit– and in humble dependence on his strength, the seemingly impossible task would be completed. The temple would be rebuilt and as Zerubabbel placed the final stone, all would cry out, “God bless it, God bless it” (4:7).

We must always remember that any God-sized mission will require dependence on God’s strength and power–it will be too much for our limited human strength. Yet God is always so willing to anoint and empower us as we trust Him and walk in obedience to his commands.

Father God, thank you for empowering me to accomplish the tasks you have given me to do today. I rely not on my own mighty or power, but on your Spirit. May you be glorified in it all. Amen.

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Sing His Praise

Posted on December 22, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Sing His Praise

December 22

Sing His Praise 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 145:1-7; Zechariah 2:1-3:10; Revelation 13:2-18; Proverbs 30:18-29

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 145:1-7

I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever (Psalm 145:1   NIV).

Everyday I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever (Psalm 145:2  NIV).

For the psalmist, praise was a daily practice that he intended to continue for a lifetime. “Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever.” Praise can transform your life. It takes our eyes off of ourselves and our problems and turns them to see the greatness and glory of our God. As we see his glory, our perspective changes. Praise shakes off the gloom and brings deep joy.

For the psalmist, meditation on the good things God has done was an important part of his prayer life. “I will meditate on your wonderful works.” God is at work all around us, but we often fail to slow down to see his hand at work. We fail to slow down to see his footprints –the evidences of his blessing and guidance in our lives. The psalmist knew the importance of meditating on the works of God.

The psalmist’s daily habit of praise and meditation was one that he intended to pass on to subsequent generations. “One generation commends your works to another.” A person whose life is characterized by praise has something to share with anyone who will listen. Such a person is needed to help the next generation put their hope in God. They too need to hear about God’s working in the lives of his people. They need to begin to look with eyes of expectance for the footprints of God’s activity in their lives.

Let your life be filled with praise. Meditate on the works of God. Remember the ways he has been at work in your life. Be sure to pass it on to the next generation. Praise is a practice worth passing on and on and on.

God, my King, I will exalt you and praise your name for ever and ever. Help me to pass on your goodness to the next generation. Amen.

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The Accuser

Posted on December 21, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
The Accuser

December 21

The Accuser 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 144:9-15; Zechariah 1:1-21; Revelation 12:1-13:1; Proverbs 30:17

Today’s Scripture Focus: Revelation 12:1-13:1

“Now have come salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down” (Revelation 12:10, NIV).

He’s a liar, a thief, a deceiver. He’s the accuser of our brothers and sisters in Christ. An enemy to God and all his ways, Satan steals, kills and destroys and tries desperately to cause as much damage and havoc as he can. But his days are numbered: “He is filled with fury, because he knows his time is short” (12:12) and he has been “hurled down” (12:10).

He tempts us to settle for less than God’s best for us through deception, often causing us to question the goodness of God and his blessings. We exchange glory for a lie and worship and serve created things rather than the creator.

He has made an occupation of accusing us before the throne of God. Remember the story of Job?

Sometimes we live trapped in guilt and shame: Often in the false guilt that result from his accusations. We have trouble receiving forgiveness–thinking that our past can never be put behind us. This is only a trick of the enemy–the accuser–and his days are numbered.

Overcome his schemes by the victory that is yours in “the blood of the Lamb”: Christ’s death on the cross, which triumphed over Satan. Boldly proclaim the word of your testimony. You are God’s child–forgiven and dearly loved. You are proclaimed “not guilty” and cleansed from your sinful past.

Don’t allow the accuser to keep you in defeat. Live in the victory that is ours in Christ Jesus. The accuser may try to remind you of your past, but pay no attention–you know his future. He’s only desperate because his time is short.

Father, thank you for the victory that is ours in our Lord Jesus Christ. Help me to live free from the accusations of Satan. Help me to live in the freedom and joy found in Christ. Amen.

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Missing Out on the Blessing

Posted on December 20, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Missing Out on the Blessing by Jeff Syverson "Delaying their obedience they lost out on the blessing of God."

December 20

Missing Out on the Blessing 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 144:1-8;| Haggai 1:1-2:23; Revelation 11:1-19;| Proverbs 30:15-16

Today’s Scripture Focus: Haggai 1-2

This is what the Lord Almighty says: “These people say, ‘The time has not yet come for the Lord’s house to be built.’ Then the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai: [4] “Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?” (Haggai 1:2-4 NIV).

God had been faithful to remember the Jewish exiles. They began to return to Jerusalem from their exile in Babylon and began the task of rebuilding the temple. Opposition arose and the job turned out to be much more difficult and more costly than they had imagined. They became discouraged and gave up on their God-given vision and mission.

The people procrastinated their obedience. They told the Lord, “Yes we will build the temple someday, but not yet.” They became more concerned with their own personal pleasure and building their own houses, while they neglected their call to rebuild the temple. Delaying their obedience, they lost out on the blessing of God.

Haggai calls the people to return to their God-given mission. He encourages them that as they do, the blessing of God will return. “From this day on I will bless you” (2:19b).

We often get sidetracked from what we know we should be doing by our own self-interest (our paneled houses). We get discouraged from our mission by opposition and trials. Focusing on the circumstances, we give up. God calls us to return to our mission and purpose and to be about the work he has called us to do. His blessing is bound to follow if we don’t grow weary and give up. 

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” Galatians 6:9 (NIV).

Heavenly Father, keep me focused on the mission you have given rather on personal pursuits. Help me not to be sidetracked by self-interest nor discouraged by opposition or trials. Help me to press forward to the goal. Amen.

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Making God Sing

Posted on December 19, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Making God Sing by Jeff Syverson "Ask God to reveal to your heart how much he delights in you. Maybe you'll even hear the song he is singing as he rejoices over you."

December 19

Making God Sing 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 143:7-12; Zephaniah 1:1-3:20; Revelation 10:1-11; Proverbs 30:11-14

Today’s Scripture Focus: Zephaniah 1-3

The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17 NIV).

Children know how to enjoy the moment. Imagine a beautiful sunny day. You stretch out your arms and spin around and around, laughing and singing–utter delight. Do you remember the delight of just spinning around and finding delight in the moment?

Such is the delight of God in his faithful remnant—the humble and meek. In sharp contrast to all the warnings of the day of reckoning for the proud that dominates the majority of the prophecy, here Zephaniah reminds us that those who are faithful to seek the Lord humbly are a source of great delight to the Lord. He takes great delight in them, he quiets them with his love and (my favorite part) he rejoices of over them with singing.

It has been suggested that the Hebrew root word here could be translated “spin around (with violent emotion).” The words, then, really do bring to mind the delight of a child spinning and laughing and singing at the top of their lungs–caught up in the delight of the moment. Take a few minutes today to meditate on his great love for you–and ask him to reveal to your heart how much he delights in you. Maybe you’ll even hear the song he is singing as he rejoices over you.

How good it is to know that when we seek the Lord our humble obedience causes him such great delight. Here are a few verses to meditate on concerning God’s delight in you:

The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love (Psalm 147:11 NIV).

For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation (Psalm 149:4 NIV).

Father, I stand amazed that you delight in me. It brings me joy to know that you rejoice over your people with singing. May all I do today bring you glory and honor, and may it make you sing. Amen.

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From Questions to Praise

Posted on December 18, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

December 18

From Questions to Praise 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 143:1-6; Habakkuk 1:1-3:19; Revelation 9:1-21; Proverbs 30:10

Today’s Scripture Focus: Habakkuk 1-3

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior” (Habakkuk 3:17-18 NIV).

Habakkuk was a prophet who asked a lot of questions. Tough questions. The big questions we would all like to ask God, even if we wouldn’t have the boldness to ask them. “How long, O Lord?” “Why don’t you answer my prayers?” “Are you ignoring me, Lord?” “Could you please explain why you are doing this Lord? It doesn’t make sense.” These are the kinds of questions Habakkuk raises to God.

The situation that brought on the questions was the impending Babylonian invasion of Judah. God had revealed to Habakkuk that wicked King Nebuchadnezzar and his armies would come in devastating power to Jerusalem and surrounding Judah and bring God’s judgment to his wandering, idolatrous people. But how could God use such a wicked nation and such a wicked king?

The book wrestles with those big questions. The answer God gives Habakkuk is that he is sovereign and is working out his plan in amazing ways–even subverting the evil plans of wicked kings using them to accomplish his good purposes. Of course, he will ultimately judge Nebuchadnezzar and Babylon, but in his sovereign purposes he is using them for a time to execute his judgment upon his own holy nation who has wandered far from the truth.

Habakkuk spends the first few chapters wrestling with these answers. In the end, having been reminded that God is in control and is working out all things according to his purpose and plan, Habakkuk turns from complaints and questions to heartfelt words of trust and praise:

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior” Habakkuk 3:17-18.

Habakkuk is resting in the amazing purposes of God. He may not understand all that is going on–all that God is doing–he may not understand his timing, but he knows that he can be trusted. He may not like the path ahead (I’m sure he didn’t) but he is still able to find joy, as he trusts the sovereign hand of the one who loves his children with an everlasting love.

Lord, thank you for being present, even as I wonder if you are here with me right now. Thank you for letting me pour out my heart and soul—questions, fears, and doubts included. May I find the hope and joy of Habakkuk in resting in your sovereign plan, even when all of my questions are not answered as I would like them to be. Strengthen me through these trials and make me steadfast. Help me to turn my questions to praise. Amen.

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