Sing a New Song

Posted on August 30, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Sing a New Song

August 30

Sing a New Song

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 96:1-6;  Job 34:1 – 36:33;  2 Corinthians 4:1-12;  Proverbs 22:10-12

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 96

“Sing to the Lord a new song; Sing to the LORD, all the Earth” (Psalm 96:1 NIV)

Do you like to sing new songs? The Psalmist did. I do too. It’s not that there aren’t great old familiar songs to sing—and there is a place for that too. But, we dare not get stuck in a rut. Here the psalmist calls us to worship the Lord with new songs. 

Why new songs? God is always doing something new and fresh. We must proclaim “his salvation day after day.” If our relationship with God is growing—if there is a newness and freshness in our walk with him—there will be new songs to express that vitality. With every fresh move of the Spirit of God upon the church there are many new songs.

I’ve noticed that people tend to like the songs that remind us of experiences we’ve had with the Lord. Some songs bring me back to my childhood experiences, others to college, others to conferences where God met me in an unusual way. But just as God desires a fresh intimate walk with me each and every day, so there will be new expressions of praise. A daily, fresh encounter with Jesus is likely to lead to new songs of praise—and will often bring new meaning to some of those great old classics as well.  

We must also sing new songs, because there are new people to reach. New songs must be written and sung in the heart language of each and every generation; each and every language; each and every culture. We must declare “his glory among the nations” and that will require new songs that will enable people of every language, nation and people to bring praise to God in ways most meaningful to them. Someday, we’ll all get together and worship God around the throne in heaven. People from all nations will be there, each singing to God in their own unique way (read Revelation 4 and 5). The sound will be glorious. I can hardly wait.

Hymns are valuable and often express deep theological truths that we dare not leave behind. They provide a connection with christians from other generations and eras. They have staying power—they do stick with you. They are not to be neglected. When given opportunity, sing them thoughtfully, sing them with enthusiasm. You may experience in them, something new and fresh.

Singing new songs is a challenge for some of us. In many ways it is easier to sing familiar songs.   But don’t get stuck in a rut in your walk with God. Don’t get stuck in a rut in your singing either. Keep learning, keep growing and keep singing with all your heart! He really is worthy of our praise.

Father, put a new song in my heart. With mercies that are new every morning, keep my walk with you fresh and vibrant. Keep me singing whether on the mountaintop or in the deepest, darkest valley. May my new song bring you pleasure, and bring encouragement to other travelers on the way. Amen.

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Glowing with Glory

Posted on August 29, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Glowing with Glory by Jeff Syverson "It's God's intentions or each opus to experience a little more of that glory today than we experienced yesterday."

August 29

Glowing with Glory

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 95:1-11;  Job 33:1 – 33:33;  2 Corinthians 3:1-18;  Proverbs 22:8-9

Today’s Scripture Focus: 2 Corinthians 3

“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV).

Moses walked intimately with the Lord and the effect was sometimes seen on his face–it would glow with reflected glory. But over time, the glory would fade, so Moses began to put a veil over his face.

The New Testament promises a “surpassing glory” that goes beyond what Moses experienced. As we behold the glory of the Lord, we are transformed into the very likeness of the one we worship–the Lord Jesus Christ.

I’m encouraged to know that as I spend time with Jesus daily, he begins to rub off on me. Time spent in the yoke of discipleship, and trained by grace have this effect: Little by little, day-by-day, I reflect more of the life of Christ within me in my daily attitudes, character and behavior.

It’s God’s intention for each of us to experience a little more of that glory today than we experienced yesterday. Of course, it doesn’t just happen with time. It requires seeking the Lord.  It requires time in his presence. It requires times of intimate fellowship with the one who loves us most. Maybe that’s why some of us don’t seem to be glowing much. Maybe that’s why some of us aren’t growing much.

There is so much more of the glory of Christ to be revealed in us. There is so much more of his glory to be reflected on our faces and through our lives. So, with Moses, our prayer is, “Show us Your Glory!”

Lord, show us Your glory. Shine the glory of Jesus into our hearts as we fellowship with him. May we be transformed from the inside out—attitudes, mindset, character, behavior. May his radiance shine from our faces and draw others to Christ. Amen.

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What is that Fragrance You Are Wearing?

Posted on August 28, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
What is the Fragrance You Are Wearing? by Jeff Syverson As we know and walk in the fullness of Christ, we begin to take on an aroma--the sweet fragrance of the knowledge of Christ. Wherever we go, that pleasant aroma follows us.

August 28

What is that Fragrance You Are Wearing? 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 94:12-23;  Job 28:1 – 30:31;  2 Corinthians 2:12 – 17;  

Proverbs 22:7

Today’s Scripture Focus: 2 Corinthians 2:12-17

“But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere” (2 Corinthians 2:14 ESV).

“What is that fragrance you are wearing?”

“It’s called ‘fragrance of the knowledge of Christ.’ Do you like it?”

As we know and walk in the fullness of Christ, we begin to take on an aroma–-the sweet fragrance of the knowledge of Christ. Wherever we go, that pleasant aroma follows us. Just by being around us, people sense Christ’s joy, or his love, or his kindness, or one of his other winsome character qualities. As Christ lives out his life in us, we become more and more like him, and people begin to notice the difference.

It is this fragrance of Jesus that we should bring with us everywhere we go. Then doors open to share the hope we have in Christ. We no longer need to be peddlers who force our way intrusively into every conversation in a “telemarketer” fashion–which only turns people off anyway.

Paul looked for open doors (and prayed for them), and remained sensitive to the Spirit’s leading. He sought to share the hope he had in Christ, but knew that he was not a peddler on a sales call, he was a sincere lover of Christ who wanted to bring the fragrance of Jesus wherever he went–hoping it to be the fragrance leading to life to everyone in the room. Not everyone finds the aroma to their liking, but those whom God has prepared are bound to notice and ask about the fragrance we are wearing.

One of the best parts of the fragrance “knowledge of Christ” is that as we wear it, the aroma rises to heaven and brings a smile to the face of our heavenly Father. “For we are the aroma of Christ to God” (2:15 ESV). Isn’t it good to make God smile?

Father, I give myself as a living sacrifice to you. May the aroma of my obedience to Christ be pleasing to you. May the aroma of Jesus in me also be pleasant to others and may they be drawn to know Jesus. Amen.

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Purer Than Gold

Posted on August 27, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Purer Than Gold by Jeff Syv person "We all have these dark nights of the soul where God is teaching us to trust hi in the dark. They stretch our faith, but they can be times of incredible growth."

August 27

Purer Than Gold 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 94:1-11;  Job 23:1-27:23;  2 Corinthians 1:12-2:11;  Proverbs 22:5-6

Today’s Scripture Focus: Job 23-27

“But he knows the way I take; When he has tested me, I will come forth as gold” (Job 23:10 NIV).

Job was wrestling with feelings of abandonment from God. He wanted to state his case before the Almighty, but he seemed unable to find him. Often the trials of life bring on such feelings of abandonment. “But if I go to the east, he is not there, if I go to the west I do not find him. When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him.” 

We all have these “dark nights of the soul” where God is teaching us to trust him in the dark. They are difficult times because they stretch our faith, but they can be times of incredible growth.

Job was also wrestling with feelings of injustice. He didn’t understand why he was enduring all these trials: had he not been faithful to the Lord? He thought that if he could only argue his case with God, he could show his integrity and blamelessness and that the trial would be over. Of course, Job didn’t understand the underlying theme which we saw in the early chapters. He was going through these trials not because of disobedience, but because Satan was testing the character of this righteous man, hoping to prove that difficult times could shake him from his trust in God. 

God saw the integrity of his character and allowed the test to take place. What Satan meant for evil, God planned to use for good. He always does.

Tough times are a test of our faith, and an opportunity for growth. The conventional wisdom, illustrated by Bildad and Eliphaz, assumes that the tests come because of our disobedience. Job reminds us that this is not always the case. Sometimes the tough times are tests of our faith given to us so we can grow and mature in the faith.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:2-4, NIV). 

These have come so that your faith–of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire–may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. [8] Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy (1 Peter 1:7-8, NIV).

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; [4] perseverance, character; and character, hope. [5] And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us (Romans 5:3-5, NIV).

Despite the feelings of abandonment and injustice, Job continued to trust God and persevere in his faith. His statement is an amazing one, filled with wisdom: “But he knows the way that I take; When he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.”

God knows all your ways, he sees you in your trial. He hasn’t abandoned or forgotten you. He is using this tough time to test and refine your faith. When he has tested you, you too, will come forth as gold.

Father God, I sometimes struggle to understand your ways, when you seem distant and silent to my cries, when life seems unfair. Teach me to trust you in the dark. Help me to press on when there is no light in sight. I struggle sometimes, but I do wait upon you. Amen.

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Comfort Received, Comfort Given

Posted on August 26, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Comfort Received, Comfort Given by Jeff Syverson The Comfort God gives is meant to overflow. he comforts us not only that our need is met, but also so that we have comfort to give away.

August 26

Comfort Received, Comfort Given 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 93:1-5;  Job 20:1 – 22:23;  2 Corinthians 1:1-11;  Proverbs 22:2-4

Today’s Scripture Focus: 2 Corinthians 1:1-11

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, [4] who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. [5] For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows (2 Corinthians 1:3-5 NIV).

God reveals himself through his names. It is good to meditate on them to find a fresh revelation of the truths they contain. Think on these: “God is the Father of compassion,” He is “the God of all comfort.” It is good to allow those truths to sink deeply into our hearts. While life can be difficult and there is more than enough suffering for all of us, he is the Father of compassion and the God of all Comfort who comforts us in all our troubles. That is good news.

In our readings in Job, we see a man struggling to understand the sufferings he is going through. The answers seem hard to come by, especially with the “many words” of his “miserable comforters” who do not understand a thing about his situation. But in the text here in 2 Corinthians 1, we learn something about the mysteries of the ways of our God of compassion and comfort.

Even our suffering is not lost on God. As we draw to him through the trial, he gives comfort and grace and peace. He even gives us joy to strengthen us as we walk through the circumstances we cannot understand.

The comfort God gives is meant to overflow. He comforts us not only that our need is met, but also so that we have comfort to give away to someone else in need. As he fills you with his comfort, you become one he can use to comfort others.

Our God of comfort beckons us to cry out to him in the midst of troubles that we might be aware of his comforting presence. Our Father of Compassion holds out his arms ready to embrace us and uphold us without regard to where we have been or how we have failed. It is good to have a friend in Jesus who joins us in our times of suffering. The Holy Spirit, the comforter, is also there pouring out his love into our hearts (Rom. 5:5). Yet even with all of that comfort, God also knows that we sometimes need the physical presence of a shoulder to cry on, someone to encourage. That’s where you and I come in. The wounded healers who have found comfort and healing in the arms of our loving Father, allow the comfort of Christ to overflow through them to bring healing to others.

Receive His comfort today; allow it to overflow and bring comfort to others. It’s one of the ways he “works all things together for good.”

God of Comfort and Compassion, thank you for being with me through times of trial. Help me to pass on the comfort and compassion I received to others who are struggling to find hope in the midst of their problems. Give me eyes to see those who are struggling and the compassion to be of help. Amen.

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Refreshing

Posted on August 25, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

August 25

Refreshing 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 92:9-15;  Job 16:1 – 19:29;  1 Corinthians 16:1-24;  Proverbs 22:1

Today’s Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 16

I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence,  [18] for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such men (1 Corinthians 16:17-18 ESV).

Some people refresh the soul. Others drain it of all energy. Paul here admonishes the Corinthians to give recognition to three who were “soul refreshers.” Why? Because “they refreshed my spirit as well as yours.”

In contrast we have been reading about Job’s “miserable comforters” who are probably trying their best, but still end up draining Job of any remaining energy his soul might have.

It’s good to have people like Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus. We all need the encouragement that such people bring. An encouraging word, a helping hand, a willingness to serve where needed: these things refresh the soul of one who is in ministry.

Life has a way of sapping our energy. There are more than enough “Soul drainers”. Be a soul refresher. An encouraging word goes a long way toward refreshing a tired soul.

Lord, refresh my soul today that I might refresh others. Encourage me that I might be an encourager. Amen.

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Worthless Physicians

Posted on August 24, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Worthless Physicians

August 24

Worthless Physicians

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 92:1-8;  Job 12:1 – 15:35;  1 Corinthians 15:29-58;  Proverbs 21:30-31

Today’s Scripture Focus: Job 12-15

“You are worthless physicians, all of you! If only you would be altogether silent! For you, that would be wisdom” (Job 13:55 NIV).

Too many words spoken too soon. Too many cliches. Not enough answers. Job needed some friends to be there for him. But the counsel he got from his friends didn’t seem to bring any relief from the pain he was feeling. The words seemed empty and false.

When we see a friend in pain, we are often quick to spout cliches. Yet these are the very times we would usually do well to just be there and to be a good listener. James tells us to be slow to speak and quick to listen. That’s good advice.

When we rush in with words, we usually fail to appreciate the true situation and often our words ring hollow. Even when the words are true, the one who needs comfort may not be in a place to listen just yet. We do well to listen and understand. We do well to allow the suffering person to vent their feelings and frustrations. We do well to just be there.

Job’s friends rushed in with words before really understanding the situation. Their words didn’t bring the needed healing and only seemed to bring additional frustration.

There will come a day for encouraging words. There will come a time for advice. There will come a day when words will be welcome. Until then, be there–fully there. Listen. Pray. Be the friend we all need in these difficult times.

Father, help me to encourage others. Help me to discern when a word would help. In all cases, let me be there, fully present. Amen.

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No Easy Answers

Posted on August 22, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
No easy Answers There will come a day for encouraging words. There will come a time for advice. Until then, be there--fully there. Listen. -Jeff Syverson

August 23

No Easy Answers 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 91:9-16;  Job 8:1-11:20;  I Corinthians 15:1-28;  Proverbs 21:28-29

Today’s Scripture Focus: Job 8-11

“So what’s new? I know all this” (Job 9:1 The Message).

“God’s wisdom is so deep, God’s power so immense, who could take him on and come out in one piece?” (Job 9:3 The Message).

Job’s friends came with all the easy answers. In many cases, what they were saying would be true. But there are seldom “one size fits all” answers to life’s big questions. Job is a book about struggling with life’s mysteries when all the right answers don’t seem to fit.

We grow up learning the “Sunday school answers” to all of life’s questions. But life’s questions sometimes require more than just a simple answer. They require more than the standard cliches. Especially when we are dealing with the mystery of suffering. Even more so when we are dealing with trying to figure out God’s purpose in our suffering.

“God’s wisdom is so deep.” Job had it right there. Trying to understand the mystery of suffering would require us to understand the mystery of God and his wisdom. Our brains would short-circuit for sure if we got close to perfect understanding of God and his wisdom.

We all have times when the easy answers just don’t seem to fit our questions. They ring hollow. What do we do? Like Job, I believe we take our questions to God. He doesn’t always give us the answers. But we do a lot of learning in the process. As our faith is stretched, as our character is developed, as we search for deeper answers, and as we just stand in awe of the God whose mind and purposes are beyond our understanding we come to know Him in a deeper way. As we learn to trust him even when the answers don’t come and when we don’t sense his presence, we learn the fellowship of sharing in Christ’s sufferings. These are lessons of trust we could learn no other way.

Father, I don’t know why you have taken me on this path. I don’t know why I sometimes feel so alone—abandoned. The cliches ring hollow. So I pour out my questions, my objections, my fears, my doubts, my worries. I wrestle, I struggle, I wait. Even if the answers must wait, meet me here. Amen.

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Under His Wings

Posted on August 22, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Under His Wings It is when life becomes dangerous and hard when protection is needed. It is then that the mother hen gathers her chicks and covers them with her wings. So in our lives, it is in the midst of the trials that God gathers us close and protects us in the refuge of "his wings". -Jeff Syverson

August 22

Under His Wings 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 91:1-8;  Job 4:1-7:21; 1 Corinthians 14:18-40;  Proverbs 21:27

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 91

“Under his wings you will find refuge” (Psalm 91:4 ESV).

I was struck by the contrast between Psalm 91, which looks with hopeful expectation for God’s protection and blessing and the readings in Job where he is trying to make sense of a situation where he feels abandoned and beat up by the circumstances of life.

Psalm 91 is filled with wonderful promises of God’s protection and blessing for the one who loves him and holds fast to him. He describes his protection like a bird gathering up her young in her wings to protect them from danger. “He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.”

It’s a beautiful picture of God’s protection and faithfulness. And we’ve all walked with the Lord long enough to know that what the Psalmist says is absolutely true. God does watch over us. He does protect us. He is faithful.

Job reminds us that while all that is true, life is difficult. It is sometimes hard to understand.  We may love God deeply and be holding fast to him, only to find the trials of life intensify rather than diminish. Job wrestles with the questions brought on by his devastating circumstances but he refuses to lose hope; he continues to trust God even when he doesn’t understand. It didn’t come easy, and his friends weren’t much help in the process. But we all know that Job ultimately perseveres in his faith. And in the end, God’s blessings were poured out into his life.

Somehow I wonder if it isn’t in the circumstances like Job’s where the truth of Psalm 91 becomes most obvious. It is when life becomes dangerous and hard when protection is needed. It is then that the mother hen gathers her chicks and covers them with her wings. So in our lives, it is in the midst of the trials that God gathers us close and protects us in the refuge of “his wings”.

“It doesn’t matter, really, how great the pressure is; it only matters where the pressure lies. See that it never comes between you and the Lord–then the greater the pressure, the more it presses you to His breast.” –Hudson Taylor–

He is our refuge.  Let him pull you close today.

Jesus, draw me near today, pull me close. Protect me. Pour out your love into my heart. Prepare me for the day. Thank you for the place of refuge I find in you. Amen.

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Hard Times

Posted on August 21, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Hard Times "How do we handle unimaginable tragedy? Instead of following conventional wisdom, Job fell down to the ground and worshiped God." Jeff Syverson

Aug 21

Hard Times

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 90:11-17;  Job 1:1 – 3:26; 1 Corinthians 14:1-17;  Proverbs 21:25-26

Today’s Scripture Focus:
Job 1-3

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised” (Job 1:21, NIV).

Bad things do happen to good people. Job is a perfect case in point. He was a blameless and upright man who feared God and shunned evil. Scrupulous about sin, he tried hard to follow God. God had blessed him with a great family. He lived comfortably and well. Then one day he lost it all.

Similar things happen everyday. People who seem to be living well, feeling secure, find themselves dealing with unimaginable tragedy. It all seems so unfair; a point that this book seems quite willing to concede.

How do we handle unimaginable tragedy? What do we do when our worst nightmares come true? This is the stuff that Job had to deal with. This is the stuff that this book deals with.

Some would like to follow Job’s wife’s advice: “Curse God and die.” When things get this bad, it may not seem like a crazy option at all. But Job would have nothing to do with her advice. He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” (2:10).

Instead of following conventional wisdom, Job fell down to the ground and worshiped God: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised” (1:21).

That doesn’t mean he didn’t struggle. That didn’t mean he didn’t have questions. That didn’t mean he didn’t cry and lament the loss. He certainly did. He struggled, a lot. His friends try to comfort him with weak advice and empty clichés. They didn’t help. 

If the book didn’t already raise enough questions, God shows up and asks Job a bunch of his own. In the end, the book gives no easy answers. Are there any? But it does demonstrate the struggles, the questions and the ultimate perseverance of a man of faith. A man who demonstrates how to open one’s heart to God in the midst of the worst this life has to offer.

Father, when life seems unfair help me to fall to the ground and worship you, May I reject the voices of those who say to curse you. May I not be too disturbed by the empty cliches of friends. Help me not to lose hope in spite of the questions, the doubts, the fears. Help me to press forward in persevering faith. Amen.

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