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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Never Alone

Posted on December 17, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Never Alone by Jeff Syverson "Tempted to sel fpity, he looks to the find the one he knows is his ultimate refuge."

December 17

Never Alone 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 142:1-7; Nahum 1:1-3:19; Revelation 8:1-13; Proverbs 30:7-9

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 142

“Look and see, there is no one at my right hand; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life” (Psalms 142:4 NIV).

Christmas can be a lonely time. Memories of family and friends who are no longer with us haunt us especially this time of the year. Separation from those you love when you’d rather be “home for Christmas” brings a sense of loneliness. Singles sometimes feel left out and lonely this time of year. Even in the midst of the crowds, it is common to feel lonely this time of year.

The psalmist found himself in a lonely place where he felt abandoned. His spirit was growing faint and he was losing hope. Lonely, abandoned and feeling helpless he cries out to God. Tempted to self pity, he looks to find the one he knows is his ultimate refuge.

“I cry to you, LORD; I say, ‘You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living. Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need’”(5-6).

He somehow finds hope between verse 4, “I have no refuge” and verse 5, “you are my refuge.” Often in our desperate cries for help when we are just about to give up, hope mysteriously appears. Our eyes turn from our problems and ourselves to the one who is our hope.

Lonely? Remember that Jesus is “Emmanuel” which means “God with us.” Cry out to the one who brings hope. Cry out to the one who is your refuge. Look to him for strength, for help, for hope.

Jesus, Emmanuel, thanks for being with us in this season. Bring comfort to the grieving. Remind the lonely of your great love for them. Make us all aware of your presence and bring joy, peace and hope. Amen.

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O Little Town of Bethlehem

Posted on December 16, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
O Little Town of Bethlehem

December 16

O Little Town of Bethlehem 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 141:1-10; Micah 5:1-7:20; Rev.7:1-17; Proverbs 30:5-6

Today’s Scripture Focus: Micah 5-7

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times” (Micah 5:2 NIV).

The gospel writers repeatedly stress that the story of Christmas—the birth of Jesus–was foretold in numerous passages by several Old Testament prophets. One of the most famous is the prophecy of Micah:

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times” (Micah 5:2 NIV).

In that simple prophecy, the fact that the birth of Christ had an unexpected twist is found. Instead of the place of his growing up, Nazareth, Jesus would be born in Bethlehem.

We also learn of the divine nature of this ruler, “whose origins are from old, from ancient times.” This made little sense until Christ came onto the scene–God in human form; fully God and fully man. How could a ruler be from ancient times? Because he is Eternal God incarnate in human flesh.

The prophets perfectly predicted the coming of Christ that we celebrate at Christmas. They also foretell another coming when he will rule as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. When “he will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth, and he will be their peace.” (5:4-5)

Yes, there will be peace on earth, good will toward men upon whom his favor rests. It will all be fulfilled just as it was told by the prophets.

Lord Jesus, we worship and adore you in this Christmas season. Thank you for coming to us as Emmanuel—God with us. Help me to walk in your presence today. Amen.

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The Worthy Lamb

Posted on December 15, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
The Worthy lamb

December 15

The Worthy Lamb 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 140:9-13; Micah 1:1-4:13; Revelation 6:1-17;  Proverbs 30:1-4

Today’s Scripture Focus: Revelation 6:1-17

“I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a loud voice like thunder, “Come!” I looked and there before me was a white horse! It’s rider held a bow and he was given a crown, and he rode out as conqueror bent on conquest” (Revelation 6:1-2 NIV).

In Chapter 5 and 6, the spotlight of heaven is focused squarely on the Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ. The scroll whose seals would bring forth the judgment of God upon the earth needed to be opened. The wrongs must be righted. Justice must be brought for the sin of man. But who is worthy to open the scroll?

Jesus, “The Lion of the son of Judah, the Root of David has triumphed” and is worthy to open the scroll. His triumph comes, ironically, by his death on the cross that purchased people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation to become a kingdom and priests to serve our God and reign on the earth.

Then all the angels, multitudes of angels encircle the throne and with the angels sing loudly, “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”

Jesus the one who conquered by his death on the cross, comes to open the scroll. He is the only one worthy to do it. Perfect in holiness and yet perfected by his unjust suffering for mankind’s sin, he comes to bring the “final verdict”: the judgment of God for the sin of mankind and all its ugly effects.

As each seal is broken, a series of events are unleashed on the earth. Christ comes as conqueror over Sin and Death and Hades. He avenges the sin of mankind. All the rulers of the earth stand in awe and hide as judgment is poured out.

We tend to have a negative view of judgment. In the scriptures we find another perspective that views judgment as God’s intervention in the world bringing justice where there has been injustice–righting the wrongs brought by sin.

Sin must be judged, and the worthy lamb that died that we might have life, was the perfect one to mete out the judgment and justice of God in the end times. God is incredibly patient and compassionate. He brings mercy to those who will humble themselves and receive it. But one day, sin and its horrific consequences must be dealt with. Every victim of sin looks to the worthy Lamb, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah to conquer and bring justice once for all.

Worthy is the Lamb!

Lord of Lords, we praise you. King of Kings, we honor you, Worthy is the Lamb! Lion of Judah, bring your reign of righteousness and peace. We place our hopes in the promise of your glorious return. Amen.

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Running from God

Posted on December 14, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

December 14

Running from God 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 140:1-8; Jonah 1:1-4:11; Rev. 5:1-14; Proverbs 29:26-27

Today’s Scripture Focus: Jonah 1-4

But  Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry. [2] He prayed to the Lord, “O Lord, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity (Jonah 4:1-2 NIV).

Have you ever run from God or from a mission to which he has called you? I think most of us have. I think that the book of Jonah is popular because we all can relate to the reluctant prophet. I’m always amazed that God chose Jonah instead of a more willing prophet. But then I remember God chose me too. When I consider the parallels of my life and his, I am thankful that God uses imperfect people to accomplish his tasks.

Jonah’s story reminds us that God is relentless in his pursuit of us. While we may try to run away, he patiently waits for us and straightens our paths. He may not always use violent storms and big fish, but he has many tools at his disposal. He is incredibly patient with us.

Jonah’s story reminds us that God has a compassionate heart for the entire world. When the enemies of Israel—the people of Nineveh–responded with repentance, God was indeed gracious and compassionate. While the focus of so much of the Old Testament is God’s relationship with Israel, Jonah reminds us that God cares about the rest of the world too and intends on sending us to share his grace and compassion with them.

Jonah’s story reminds us that God uses imperfect people to accomplish his purposes. In the process, he is shaping and forming our character. Jonah’s mission to Nineveh was probably as much to change Jonah as it was to change the city of Nineveh. I wonder how much of the time the same is true of us. God calls us to a place of ministry or to a task more for our sake than theirs. In it all, God in his wisdom accomplishes his purposes in spite of the imperfections of his servants.

Be encouraged, if God can use Jonah to accomplish his will, he can use you too. Don’t be reluctant to answer his call. Allow him to use you–imperfections and all.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your being patient with me when I’ve tried to avoid a mission you’ve called me to—or run in the other direction. Thank you for straightening my paths and opening doors. Use me now where you’ve placed me to accomplish you will. Amen.

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Holy! Worthy!

Posted on December 13, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Holy! Worthy! by Jeff Syverson "You've gotten a taste of what is to come when you stand before the throne and worship him awestruck by his glory."

December 13

Holy! Worthy! 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 139:19-24; Obadiah 1-21; Rev. 4:1-11; Proverbs 29:24-25

Today’s Scripture Focus: Revelation 4

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” (Revelation 4:8b ESV).

“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created” (Revelation 4:11 ESV).

Imagine that you are standing before the throne of God in heaven! That is what John is describing here: his vision of heaven. The scripture often suggests that we set our mind on heavenly things. Perhaps we need to return to these verses again and again.

Can I encourage you to read through the chapter verse by verse and meditate on it? What do you see? What is happening? What do you hear? What do you feel? Take your time, and soak it all in. You may not understand each and every detail on the first or second reading. But stand in awe of the beauty of heaven and the beauty of your creator.

Imagine the colors, the vivid imagery, the drama of what is taking place. Then join the “living creatures” who never cease to worship saying, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” Stand in awe of our Glorious Lord and repeat the words again and again.

Then join the 24 elders falling down before him who sets on the throne and worship him. Imagine casting your crown before the throne and saying:

“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power; for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” Say it with the elders. Repeat the words with feeling.

You’ve just joined the worship of eternity. You’ve gotten a taste of what is to come when you stand before the throne and worship him awestruck by his glory and join with all creation in heartfelt worship. You have found your reason for living–for you will worship Him throughout eternity.

Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come! Worthy, are you, our Lord and God to receive glory and honor and power; for you crated all things, and by your will they existed and were created. I stand in awe of you, I worship you! Amen.

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