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.

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

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.

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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.

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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.

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Lukewarm

Posted on December 12, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Lukewarm by Jeff Syverson "The tendency of fire is to go out, unless it is tended. Similarly, the tendency is for love to diminish unless it is given time and attention."

December 12

Lukewarm 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 139:13-18; Amos 7:1-9:15; Rev. 3:7-22; Proverbs 29:23

Today’s Scripture Focus: Revelation 3

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm–neither hot nor cold–I am about to spit you out of my mouth (Revelation 3:15-16 NIV).

God’s desire for us as his children is that we would live in an intimate relationship with him. We sometimes use the expression, “being on fire for the Lord.” The tendency for fire is to go out, unless it is tended. Similarly, the tendency in relationships is for love to diminish unless it is given time and attention.

As with any relationship, our relationship with the Lord can over time become “lukewarm.” In such times, we lack the passion, the desire, the zeal we once had. We get sloppy about our obedience. We often think we “have it together,” but it’s clear that something is just not right.

In such times, Jesus knocks on our heart’s door and reminds us that what he really desires is for us to open our hearts to him. He wants to have fellowship with us–deep, intimate fellowship.

Prayer is opening your heart to Jesus and enjoying fellowship with Him. It is the solution to a lukewarm relationship with God. He desires something more–an intimate relationship. You do too, don’t you? Open your heart to Him today. Enjoy your time in his presence.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”

Lord Jesus, I open my heart to you today. Come in and fellowship with me today. I always enjoy this time with you, though I sometimes am distracted, though I sometimes drift. Thank you for the joy of opening my heart to you — the joy of real fellowship. Amen.

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Where Can I Go?

Posted on December 11, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Where Can I Go? by Jeff Syverson Don't run from his presence. Don't worry if you can't feel his presence. Wherever you are, he is there.

December 11

Where Can I Go? 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 139:7-12; Amos 4:1-6:14; Revelation 2:18-3:6; Proverbs 29:21-22

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 139:7-12

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, 10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. 11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” 12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you (Psalm 139:7-12 NIV).

“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” Sometimes we try to hide from God’s presence. Adam tried that. It didn’t work then, it still doesn’t work. Jonah tried it too. Waking up in the mouth of a big fish is a pretty good reminder that running from God is a hard thing to do. “If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.”

Sometimes we think God is hiding from us. Depending on our feelings to guide our perception, we forget the objective reality spoken of by the psalmist. Wherever we go, he is there. There is no place where God is not present. There is no circumstance we encounter where he is not near. “If I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me.”

Even in the deepest darkest circumstances of life, where we might feel abandoned by God, know that God is there and even the darkness is not dark to him. You may have trouble seeing clearly under the stresses of your circumstances. He sees and understands. He is with you whether you are able to sense it or not. “Even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.”

Don’t run from his presence. You can’t hide. Don’t worry if you can’t feel his presence. Wherever you are, he is there.

Father, where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? Even when I am not aware of it, you are present with me. Thank you for your presence. Help me to walk with you today fully aware of your presence. Amen.

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Your First Love

Posted on December 10, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Your First Love by Jeff Syverson "We do the right things, but it becomes more of a ritual rather than a relationship."

December 10

Your First Love

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 139:1-6; Amos 1:1-3:15; Revelation 2:1-17; Proverbs 29:19-20

Today’s Scripture Focus: Revelation 2

You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. [4] Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love (Revelation 2:3-4 NIV).

The Ephesian church was doing many things right. For the most part, they receive words of praise as Christ evaluates their progress. They were working hard, and persevering in the faith. They dealt with false teachers in the proper manner. They showed their perseverance by remaining true to the faith while enduring hardships because they were Christians.

Yet there was one glaring fault in the Ephesian church. They had lost their first love.

It’s easy to do. We do the right things, but it becomes more of a ritual rather than a relationship. We go through the motions, but have lost the intensity of feeling and devotion we had at first.

Christianity is more than just going through the motions. It is an intimate relationship with one who loves you with an everlasting love.

Take the time to cherish your relationship with Christ. Spend time abiding in his love— meditating on scriptures that show how much he loves you. Believe it. Receive it. Soak in it. Spend time praising and adoring Christ. Tell him how much you love Him. Demonstrate it through your actions by loving obedience and by loving others. As he pours out his love in your heart and as you express it back in heartfelt praise, the love is rekindled and grows.

Father, pour out your love into my heart. Let me experience again the height, the breadth, the depth and the length of this love, this love that surpasses knowledge. As I abide in your love, enable me to express that love back to you and to others. Restore to me that first love. Amen.

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Revelation of Jesus Christ

Posted on December 9, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
The Revelation of Jesus Christ

December 9

The Revelation of Jesus Christ 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 138:1-8; Joel 1:1-3:21; Revelation 1:1-20; Proverbs 29:18

Today’s Scripture Focus: Rev. 1

“Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades” (Revelation 1:18 NIV).

How does one approach a book like Revelation? Some treat it as an exercise in speculation. They are fascinated about interpreting all the details and symbols in light of today’s news and trying to set dates for Christ’s return. Other people get confused by it all, and just try to avoid it.

Let me suggest another approach, one that I have found helpful. Try reading Revelation as a book of worship. Stand in awe of the revelation of Christ in his glory. Stand in awe of the wisdom of God as we get glimpses of Christ’s rule and reign. Long for more of a revelation of His presence here even as we wait for his coming in great glory as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Learn of Him. And worship and adore Him.

Let’s try it. Meditate on the truths that are revealed about Jesus, just in the first chapter. As you ponder his names and attributes, allow them to lead you to praise him for who he is.

In Revelation 1, Jesus is revealed as “the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the Kings of the earth” (5). He is the “one who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and has made us to be a king and priests to serve his God and Father–to him be glory and power forever and ever! Amen” (6).

We look with anticipation for, “Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”(7).

He is the “Alpha and the Omega who is, and who was and who is to come, the Almighty” (8).

He is revealed as one “like a son of man” in glorious brilliance and beauty (13-16).

He is the one who speaks saying, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”

Don’t be afraid to read and meditate on this glorious revelation of Jesus Christ. May you grow in your knowledge of Him. Where the details are clear, rejoice. Where they seem a little fuzzy: stand in awe and worship (later you can come back to gain a fuller understanding of the details). When you see elders and angels and creatures worshipping, allow them to lead you to stand in awe and worship the Lord Jesus. He is the focus of this revelation and of our worship.

Father, open my eyes to the glory of Jesus. May your word open my heart to a fuller revelation of his glory. Let those things that I understand lead me to worship. Let the things that I don’t cause me to stand in awe. Amen.

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Grumblers and Faultfinders

Posted on December 8, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

December 8

Grumblers and Faultfinders 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 137:1-9; Hosea 10:1-14:9; Jude 1-25; Proverbs 29:15-17

Today’s Scripture Focus: Jude 1-25

“These men are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires, they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage” (Jude 1:16 NIV).

Jude, in his one chapter, gives us one of the starkest warnings in the New Testament. He reminds us of the judgment of God in places like Sodom and Gomorrah. He uses strong word pictures: “they are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind, autumn trees without fruit and uprooted–twice dead. They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame, wandering stars, for who the blackest darkness has been reserved forever.” He warns the faithful to stay away from these “godless men” who should expect to be judged in like manner.

What had these men done to deserve such strong words? Why did the people need to be so careful about their influence?

Of course, there was immorality, rejecting authority and slandering celestial beings. But that is not all. They were also “grumblers and faultfinders,” boasting about themselves and “flattering others for their own advantage.”

Do “grumbling” and “faultfinding” really demand such stark warnings? Boasting and flattery? We often tolerate the “sins of the tongue” and treat them as “not as big of a deal” as other sins. But they have devastating effects on people and in the life of the church. Perhaps that is why Jude includes them on his list of serious offenses.

Use your tongue to bless and not to curse. Allow it to encourage and lift up instead of grumbling and faultfinding. Don’t allow others to draw you into grumbling and faultfinding. It is a contagious disease with devastating effects.

Father, help me to speak from a heart of gratitude that I might bless others through my words. May my tongue always bless and never curse. May it bring words of healing, not words that wound and hurt. Let my words always bring you honor and glory. Amen.

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment