Boasting in Weakness

Posted on September 9, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Boasting in Weakness by Jeff Syverson We are jars of clay in which God chooses to dwell. As eh does, the clay is reworked and molded into a piece of beautiful craftsmanship. Yet often he seems to leave visible scars, reminders of our weakness.

September 9

Boasting in Weakness 

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

Today’s Scripture Focus: 2 Corinthians 11

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jesus, your scars are graphic reminders of the incredible love of God. My scars, too, are marks of grace—reminders of your goodness. So we boast in weakness, because that is where we are most likely to look to you for strength. Strengthen me by your Spirit and use me for your glory. Amen.

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Demolishing Strongholds

Posted on September 8, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Demolishing Strogholds

September 8

Demolishing Strongholds

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

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

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4 NIV).

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

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

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

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

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

Father, equip me with the armor of God that I might stand against all the schemes of the enemy. Enable me to stand strong and resist temptation. Give me the mind of Christ that I might take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ. I stand in your strength and victory today in the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.

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Tired of Waiting

Posted on September 7, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Tired of Waiting

September 7

Tired of Waiting 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Father, I don’t like to wait. Yet, I realize that there are lessons to be learned in the school of faith that can be learned no other way. So, I wait and look for the answer. Amen.

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Oh Be Careful Little Eyes

Posted on September 6, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Oh, Be Careful Little Eyes

September 6

Oh Be Careful Little Eyes

Today’s Scripture Reading: Psalms 101:1-8;  Song 1:1-4:16;  2 Corinthians 8:16-24;  Proverbs 22:22-23

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God of Glory, help me to dwell on thoughts and celebrate images which are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and praiseworthy. Keep me from those images and thoughts that are empty, vain, worthless, evil and degrading. Make me aware of your glorious presence and seek your glory in all I do. Amen.

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Shout for Joy

Posted on September 5, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Shout for Joy "Worship is not a time to mumble. It's a time for joyful shouting--a time for joyful singing." --Jeff Syverson

September 5

Shout for Joy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In light of the greatness of our God, in light of what Christ has done for us, should there not be a little shouting when we get together to celebrate his greatness and declare his worth? Of course, worship incorporates a variety of forms and encompasses a whole variety of responses—still I wonder where is the joy?

Worship is not a time to mumble. It’s a time for joyful shouting—a time for joyful singing. We serve a great and awesome God and he is so worthy of our praise. Let us come with thanksgiving and praise in our hearts and let’s celebrate the greatness of our God!

Lord, when I think of your majestic splendor, my heart is filled with joyful songs of praise. I sing of your lovingkindness, I declare your glory, I shout the wonders of your grace. Lord, it is good to praise you! Amen.

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The Right Response

Posted on September 4, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
The Right Response "An important and often neglected part of the worship service takes place as we hear and respond to the Word of God as it is ready and expounded." --Jeff Syverson

September 4

The Right Response

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

Today’s Scripture Focus: 2 Corinthians 7

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Father, speak to me through your word daily and especially through the preaching of your word on Sunday. When you speak, help me to respond to what you say. I recognize that this is an important part of worship. Amen.

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Good Friends

Posted on September 3, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Good Friends

September 3

Good Friends 

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

Today’s Scripture Focus: Ecclesiastes 4-6

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

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

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

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

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

Father, thank you for those friends I journey with. May our fellowship grow deeper and stronger. Help me to be the kind of friend that encourages others to grow in their faith and that walks with others through their times of trial. Amen.

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I’m Bored

Posted on September 2, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
I'm Bored by jeff Syverson Pleasing God. All other pursuits only lead to a dead end. Pleasing God brings wisdom, knowledge and happiness.

September 2

I’m Bored

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 97:7-12;  Ecclesiastes 1:1 – 3:22;  2 Corinthians 6:1-13;  Proverbs 22:15

Today’s Scripture Focus: Ecclesiastes 1:1 – 3:22

“Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher “Utterly Meaningless! Everything is meaningless.”  “All things are wearisome; more than one can say. The eye never has enough of seeing, nor the ear its fill of hearing” (Ecclesiastes 1:2, 8  NIV).

The Teacher is bored. “Everything is meaningless” “All things are wearisome.” He has tried stimulating every one of his senses with the best life could offer. Where did it take him? Nowhere. He was bored.

In these chapters, he describes a search for meaning in life through education, money and possessions, power, position, relationships (hundreds of them—the most beautiful women of all the earth), and the pursuit of pleasure. He had it all, by the world’s standards, and still he felt that he was coming up short.

Somehow, he knew that there must be more to life than hedonism and materialism. Ecclesiastes is about that pursuit for life’s meaning and purpose. It speaks about the dead end of trying to live life “under the sun”—in the pursuit of money, pleasure and things. If it seems a little hopeless at times, perhaps that is because life lived that way is hopeless, meaningless and indeed, boring.

But the Teacher points us to another way of life—a way worth pursuing: “To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness” (2:26). Where is purpose and meaning in life to be found? Pleasing God. All other pursuits only lead to a dead end. Pleasing God brings wisdom, knowledge and happiness.

Many of us live as the Teacher did, pursuing life’s meaning and purpose through the pursuit of money, pleasure and things. Perhaps we haven’t gone down that road far enough yet to realize that it is a path that goes nowhere. But the Teacher had tried it and found it a journey that leads to meaningless and hopelessness. We do well to heed his words and seek the wisdom, knowledge and happiness of pleasing God.

Heavenly Father, I am sometimes tempted to pursue life under the sun as the teacher did. Remind me that these pursuits are a meaningless dead end. Help me to find meaning in pleasing God in the wisdom, knowledge and happiness he only can give. Amen.

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When God Asks the Questions

Posted on September 1, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
When God Asks the Questions

September 1

When God Asks the Questions

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 97:1-6;  Job 40:1 – 42:27;  2 Corinthians 5:11-21;  Proverbs 22:14

Today’s Scripture Focus: Job 40-42

“Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me” (Job 40:7, NIV).

Job has asked his questions. He has finally said all that he could think of to say. Now he is waiting for the answers. Then something surprising happens. God shows up not to answer the questions, but to ask His own.

The questions that God asks are real “doozies,” questions that only he can answer. Questions like: “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundations?” “Who marked off its dimensions?” “Who stretched a measuring line across it?” God continues his questions for several chapters.  Each is a question that no man could ever answer.

God answers Job’s questions not with answers, but with even more difficult questions.

I think God is telling Job (and us): Remember who I am. I know the answers to your questions and thousands much more difficult. Life does not always make sense. It is not always fair. But I am the creator, the sustainer, the sovereign Lord over all things. I have it all under control. Trust me.

The answer to God’s questions is not found in words, but in falling on our faces in humility, repentance and worship before the awesome creator of all things. The questions call for a response: surrendering all that we are to Him; becoming a living sacrifice.

In the end, God rewards Job for his perseverance through the trials. He always does. Sometimes he does so down here, sometimes in eternity. But he is always faithful to reward us for persevering through life’s trials.

“As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about, The Lord is full of compassion and mercy” (James 5:1).

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12).

He may not answer our questions.  Even if he does, the answers (or questions) might not be to our liking. But he will be with us, and he is faithful to reward those who hold on tight to him through the trials—to those who persevere.

Father, help me to trust you when my questions are not answered. Help me to press ahead in faith even when I’m confused. Fill with me joy as I press ahead trusting in your compassionate and merciful heart. Amen.

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Eternal Glory

Posted on August 31, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Eternal Glory by Jeff Syverson "He focused more on the glory that was to be revealed. From that perspective, even the most devastating events were viewed as 'light and momentary troubles.'"

August 31

Eternal Glory

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 96:7-13;  Job 37:1 – 39:30;  2 Corinthians 4:13 – 5:10;  Proverbs 22:13

Today’s Scripture Focus: 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:10

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17 NIV).

I love the phrase Paul uses to describe troubles: “Our light and momentary troubles.” Remember his light and momentary troubles? “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed, perplexed but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned, struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed” (4:8-10).

A few chapters later he further details his “light and momentary troubles”:

I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and have been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country; in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and been cold and naked” (11:23-27).

How can he say that such things were light and momentary troubles? Because Paul focused the eyes of his heart on the hope that is to come—his focus was eternal glory. He knew that the rewards for his faithful service would so far outweigh the suffering and pain he had experienced here that they could only be considered light and momentary troubles. He looked forward to Christ’s return, to resurrection, to the consummation of the new creation, to all the blessings of the age to come.

We tend to magnify the troubles down here and lose sight of the glory that is to come. It seems the natural tendency. Paul did the opposite. He focused more on the glory that was to be revealed. From that perspective, even the most devastating events were viewed as “light and momentary troubles.”  

Therefore “we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (4:18). Keep looking up! Keep pressing on. There is yet glory to be revealed.

Father, enable me to keep my eyes focused on the glory that is to come rather than on the light and momentary troubles of daily life. Fill me with hope as I look forward to all the blessings of eternity. Strengthen me with joy as I press ahead through trying times. Amen.

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