A Joyful Heart of Praise

Posted on July 12, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
A Joyful Heart of Praise

July 12

A Joyful Heart of Praise

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 149:1-9;1 Chronicles 12:19- 14:17;Romans 1:1-17; Proverbs 19:4-5

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 149:1-9 

“Praise the Lord. Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of his faithful people.” (Psalm 149:1, NIV).

Hallelujah!  It’s one of those words you can’t help but shout or sing out really loud! You just can’t mumble Hallelujah. 

Psalm 149 is one of those glorious Hallelujah psalms.  While your translation may say “praise the Lord” at the beginning and end of this Psalm (which is what it means) I always bring it back to the original: “Hallelujah!” It’s a word that you really don’t need to translate.  It works in most every language. Hallelujah!  

Most of my growing up years, I was in a church where everybody understood the word, Hallelujah!  Every Sunday was a celebration of joyful praise and worship. People sang from their hearts and with enthusiasm (even those who could only make a joyful noise—but they weren’t a distraction). 

They loved to sing new songs (and even the old ones sounded fresh and new) in the assembly of the saints. Sunday was a celebration and we looked forward to gathering together to praise the Lord. We rejoiced in our Maker; we were glad to worship of our King. Our only instrument was a clunky old piano, but on Sunday it knew how to play “Hallelujah!” I never could understand why we seemed to leave off the first part of verse 3, but we were dancing in our hearts. Why were they singing loudly and with joyful enthusiasm? They understood verses 4-5: “For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation. Let the saints rejoice in this honor.”

But not all share this enthusiasm. I have been in many churches and have noticed that some have lost their joy. I’ll never forget the shock I felt as a teenager when I was asked to sing a solo at another church. It was a big church with lots of people. As the worship service began, the organ played and I sang out at the top of my lungs: “A mighty fortress….”  All eyes turned toward me. I broke the rules, I actually sang. They only mumbled. They couldn’t help but look at me. Unfortunately, I’ve experienced that same thing many times since.

In recent years I have heard that in many churches people have given up singing, they just watch the band. Worship is about participation—all of us—it is not a spectator sport. Sing! You really don’t want to miss out on the joy of singing in worship.

It’s almost Sunday.  It’s almost time to gather with the saints to celebrate the greatness of our God.  It’s almost time to sing joyful songs. Get excited, shout, sing, and if they’ll let you, break out the tambourine and dance. Go ahead; take a chance. After all, “the Lord takes delight in his people.” Think about it: “The Lord delights in you.” Isn’t that reason enough to let go of your inhibitions? Come on, let’s sing and dance and shout, “Hallelujah!”  Let’s have church!

To You, O King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever.  Hallelujah! Fill my heart with praise today, for you are worthy. I long to celebrate your goodness with my brothers and sisters in the sanctuary this weekend. Help us to worship you with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Amen.

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Courage to Do Exploits

Posted on July 11, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Courage to do exploits

July 11

Courage To Do Exploits

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 148:1-14;1 Chronicles 11:1 – 12:18;Acts 28:1-31; Proverbs 19:1-3

Today’s Scripture Focus: 1 Chronicles 11:1-12:18

“Such were the exploits of the three mighty warriors” (1 Chronicles 11:19b, NIV).

David’s mighty men were described as courageous, loyal, and strong. They followed David’s leadership and did “great exploits.” Any leader longs to have men and women like these on their team. 

Courageous – They had faces like the faces of Lions (12:8). What a powerful image of courage.

Loyal – listen to their words of support. “We are yours, O David! We are with you, O son of Jesse! Success, success to you, and success to those who help you, for your God will help you.”  Some of the most valiant were willing to risk their lives to retrieve water from behind enemy lines, because they knew David was thirsty (11:15-19). That is loyalty. 

Strong— several times we see the words: “such were the exploits” (19, 24). The stories told of these brave-hearted warriors show their strength again and again. They were strong and victorious. ”But they took their stand in the middle of the field. They defended it and struck the Philistines down, and the LORD brought about a great victory” (11:14). God sent these mighty warriors to David to extend his kingdom. “They together with all Israel, gave his kingship strong support to extend it over the whole land, as the Lord had promised.”

In our day, God is still extending his Kingdom (though not through military force as “the weapons we fight with are not of this world”). He is looking for mighty men and women who are courageous, loyal and strong in his strength. People who will “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power . . . so that . . . you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything, to stand” (Ephesians 6).

He is looking for “brave warriors, ready for battle and able to handle the shield and spear” (12:8). By putting on his armor and taking the sword of the Spirit praying and interceding, we too may do “great exploits.”

Spend time in his presence today and get to know the one who leads you victoriously in battle.  Take the time to put on the armor and be equipped by his word for the exploits he has planned for you today. Gain courage and strength as you open your heart to Jesus (let him deal with those fears). Get to know your God and you too will do exploits, O mighty warrior. 

 “But the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. “Daniel 11:32b (KJV)

Almighty God, enable me by your spirit to do exploits. May I be courageous, loyal, and strong. Extend your kingdom through my prayers and faithful obedience. Lead me, guide me, and use me today for your glory. In Jesus name, Amen.

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Courage to Face Life’s Storms

Posted on July 10, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Courage to Face Life's Storms

July 10

Courage to Face Life’s Storms

Today’s Scripture Readings:  Psalm 147:12-20; 1 Chronicles 9:1-10:14; Acts 27:21-44;  Proverbs 18:23-24 

Today’s Scripture Focus: Acts 27:21-44 

The storm was so devastating and went on for so long that they “finally gave up hope of being saved” (Acts 27:20 NIV).  

The storm was so devastating and went on for so long that they “finally gave up hope of being saved” (Acts 27:20). They were overwhelmed by the storm. Have you ever been there? Confronted by a seemingly hopeless situation? Tempted to give up all hope? Sure, we all have.

What was Paul’s advice to his fellow shipmates? “Keep up your courage” (22) “Do not be afraid” (words passed on to him by an angel—did you ever notice how often angels use those words, it must be advice we need again and again) (24). “So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.”

Paul took comfort in the promise of God given to him. He trusted in the promise of God and it enabled him to have courage even in the face of what seemed a life-threatening storm. Because he trusted in God, he was able to find hope in an apparently hopeless situation. Because he feared God, he didn’t have to fear the storm. I am often struck by how often the Bible’s heroes need to hear the same words that you and I do: “Be strong and courageous,” “Do not be afraid,” “I will be with you.”

May the blessing of Paul to the Romans be yours as you face the storms of life: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him that you will overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 15:13).

We serve a God of hope who will give us hope and courage (even joy and peace) when we trust Him. Rest in that promise and find peace for your soul even in the midst of the storm.

God of Hope, fill me me with all joy and peace today as I trust in you so that I will overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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Opening Up Your Wounded Heart

Posted on July 9, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Opening Up Your Wounded Heart Healing the broken heart is exactly the way God will enable you to leave the past behind you. Until you deal with openly in his presence, it will always haunt you. --Jeff Syverson

July 9

Opening Up Your Wounded Heart

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 147:1-11;1 Chronicles 7:1- 8:40; Acts 27:1-20;Proverbs 18:22

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 147: 1-11

“He binds up the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3 NIV).

The same God, who created the universe, cares about your broken, wounded heart. He is almighty and all powerful and all wise. But he is also compassionate and cares about the details of your life. He knows the wounds of your heart and it is his desire to bring healing: Jesus revealed the heart of the Father for us as he stood up in the temple and declared his mission by quoting Isaiah 61: 

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears” (Luke 4:18-19; 21).

At the heart of his mission was healing brokenhearted people, bringing freedom and deliverance to people that are bruised and banged up life. We all have our wounds and when we really open up our heart to Jesus, they will be exposed so that they can find healing.

Sometimes we pretend they are not there, but they do not go away through denial or through pious sounding words like “past is past.” They don’t even go away by quoting scriptures about leaving the past behind you (always out of context, by the way). Healing the broken heart is exactly the way God will enable you to leave the past behind you. Until you deal with it openly in his presence, it will always haunt you.

God is infinitely creative in how he heals those wounds, but often there are steps he takes us through like these:

1) We open our hearts to Jesus and in his loving presence we ask him to search our hearts and identify the wounds. 

2) We tell him all about the wound and how we feel. Like David in the Psalms, we lament it in his presence. The sin that caused that wound really is a big deal and Jesus knows that. He wants to listen and comfort you. 

3) We forgive those who have wounded us. We allow Jesus to help us to forgive them deeply from the heart. Sometimes we find the need to ask forgiveness or to receive it in such a way that we know we’ve been forgiven. 

4) We listen and receive his affirming words, his encouragement and we open our hearts fully to “abide in his love.” Take time in his presence to listen and experience his “healing love.” Seek the words of blessing from the Father. Sometimes he gives us a picture. He is so creative, but take the time to listen. 

5) We become wounded healers who can comfort others with the comfort we ourselves have received. The wound is healed but a scar often remains and becomes a source of comfort to others. Your story of healing and freedom will be used by God to help set others free.

Sometimes God takes us through the process of healing our broken hearts in our private times with him, but it is often helpful to have praying friends who can be a part of the healing process.  In the process you all get blessed.

Jesus came to set you free from the bondage of your wounds. Will you allow him to heal your heart and bind up those wounds? Open up your heart to him and he will do it.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for bringing healing to my wounded heart and binding up my wounds. Help me to honest and open and take my hurts to you. Help me to lament them and then to leave them at your cross. Help me to forgive deeply from the heart. Speak words of affirmation and healing as I wait in your presence. Thank you for the freedom and joy that comes from forgiveness and healing. In Jesus name, Amen.

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A Heart Set Free

Posted on July 8, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
A Heart Set Free Paul had been set free from the chains that bound his heart and now he was free to be a witness to the life transforming power of the resurrection. --Jeff Syverson

July 8

A Heart Set Free

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 146:1-10; 1 Chronicles 5:18-6:81; Acts 26:1-32 | Proverbs 18:20-21 

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Acts 26

“Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me. I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me” (Acts 26:16-18, NIV).

Paul has been through quite an ordeal already. Falsely accused by the religious leaders, he had been imprisoned for some time. They were looking for an opportunity to kill him whether through legal channels or through an ambush.While Festus found no reason to charge him with a crime he continued to hold him in prison, hoping that Paul would bribe him. Paul’s attempts to witness to him were postponed to a more convenient time (Acts 24:25-26). Festus decided to call in King Agrippa to get another opinion.

Paul took the opportunity to share the testimony of a heart that had been set free by the Risen Christ. He shared about his Damascus road experience in words plain and bold. Then he talked about Jesus and especially his resurrection. Festus told Paul that his belief in such a thing was crazy. “Your great learning is making you mad,” he says. But Paul appealed to Agrippa, who knew full well about the resurrection: “It was not done in a corner.” The resurrection seems to go against everything we know. It seems mad. But Jesus is raised and multitudes were there to see it with their own eyes. King Agrippa knew this and could not deny it.

The resurrection brings the hope of a heart set free from sin and its effects. For Paul it set him free from being a zealous, religious Pharisee who persecuted the church. The chains he had been under were “religious” chains. But he counted them rubbish to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing his sufferings (Philippians 3:1-11). 

There are many kinds of chains. There are many kinds of bondage to sin. The testimony of Paul and multitudes of  others throughout the ages is that Jesus came to set people free “to open their eyes, so that they will turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God” (vs. 18 CEV).

The songwriter said it well, “You ask me how I know he lives, he lives within my heart.” Paul was bound in physical chains, but his heart had been set free by the risen Christ. They could not keep him from serving the Lord. They could not keep him quiet. He had been set free from the chains that bound his heart and now he was free to be a witness to the life transforming power of the resurrection.

How about you? Open your heart to him. If there is any place of bondage or brokenness, remember that Jesus came to set you free from all that through the power of his resurrection. Enjoy your time in his presence!

Lord Jesus, you are the risen Christ. By your Spirit, set me free today. May the power of the resurrection set me free from all that yet clings to me from my past. Set me free to worship, to serve, to obey you—to walk in newness of life. Amen.

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Open Up Your Heart

Posted on July 7, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Open Up Your Heart "As air enters in quietly when we breathe, and does it s normal work in our lungs, so Jesus enters quietly into our hearts and does His blessed work there." O Hallesby

July 7

Open Up Your Heart

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 145:14-21;1 Chronicles 4:5-5:17;Acts 25:1-27; Proverbs 18:19

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Psalm 145:14-21

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth” (Psalm 145:18 NIV)

What is prayer? O. Hallesby in his classic book, Prayer, looked to Rev. 3:20 and said: “To pray is to let Jesus come into our hearts . . . All he needs is access. He enters in of His own accord because He desires to come in. And He enters in wherever He is not denied admittance. As air enters in quietly when we breathe, and does its normal work in our lungs, so Jesus enters quietly into our hearts and does His blessed work there.”

“He calls it to ‘sup with us.’ In Biblical language the common meal is symbolical of intimate and joyous fellowship. This affords a new glimpse into the nature of prayer, showing us that God has designed prayer as a means of intimate and joyous fellowship between God and man.” (O. Hallesby, Prayer, p. 11-12). In a similar way, Today’s Psalm (145) reminds us that our heavenly Father delights in drawing near to us, when we call out to Him.

Meditate on these truths:  He is righteous in all his ways (17), loving toward all he has made, near to all who call on him in truth (18), the fulfiller of desires of those who fear him (19), the one who hears our cries and saves us, and the one who watches over all who love him (20). He loves you and longs to be near you—to be close to you. As you delight in him, he enjoys fulfilling the desires of your heart. When you fall down, he lifts you up and comes along side you to help you on the way (14). When we come in our humility, he opens his hand and satisfies our deepest desires (16).  

Open your heart to Him today. Tell him what is on your heart. Do not hold anything back. He wants to hear your cries and satisfy your deepest desires. Your pain, your sorrows, your fears, your questions; he wants to hear them all. He wants to draw near to you, but he waits until we call on him—until we call on him in truth.  You do not have to pretend in his presence—you do not have to put on any masks. He can see your heart just as it is. But he wants you to open it up “in truth.”

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” Jeremiah 29:13.

Jesus is waiting at your heart’s door.  He is knocking today. He wants to enjoy fellowship with you. Open up your heart to him and enjoy his presence. He wants to be your friend. Open up your heart. Open it wide. Don’t hold anything back. Enjoy your time with him today.

Lord Jesus, thank you for knocking on my heart’s door seeking fellowship with me today. I open my heart. Come in. Let’s enjoy our time together. Thank you for loving me and allowing me the opportunity to pour out my heart to you today. I always find joy and peace–my faith is strengthened, my hope is restored, I am refreshed by your love. . .

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Psalms, Worship and Prayer

Posted on July 6, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Psalms Worship and Prayer "Worship and praise affects my praying in every way--it provides right perspective, it prompts faith, it helps us focus and refocus our requests." --Jeff Syverson

July 6

Psalms, Worship and Prayer

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 145:8-13; 1 Chronicles 2:18-4:4; Acts 24:1-27;  Proverbs 18:16-18

The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. All your works praise you, LORD; your faithful people extol you (Psalm 145:8-10 NIV).

One of the reasons I love to read the Psalms before I pray, is that they prime the pump of worship. They help us to focus on the goodness and greatness of God. As we are awestruck by his glory, we are ready to praise and worship. With wide-eyed wonder we are then ready to pray. Worship and praise affects my praying in every way—it provides right perspective, it prompts faith, it helps us focus and refocus our requests. As we worship, we realize the joy of his presence and we are changed.

Other Psalms prompt us to lament—to pour out our hearts to God with brutal honesty. To bring our questions, our concerns, our fears, our doubts—we just lay it all out on the table. The Psalms teach us to be honest and open in our praying. This too is important to our praying.

What do we learn about our God in this short passage? He is gracious and compassionate. He is slow to anger and rich in love. He is good to all—having compassion on all he has made. Later, we read of the glorious splendor of his kingdom. We are reminded that he is faithful and trustworthy. Each of these truths should give us reason to pause and meditate.

The Psalms have long served the people of God as a prayer book. I encourage you to read them slowly, meditate on the truths you find. Now your heart and mind is engaged and you are ready to pray.

Lord, we praise you because you are gracious and compassionate. We exalt you because you are slow to anger and rich in love. We thank you for you goodness to all and for having compassion on all you have made. We continue to place our trust in you for you are faithful and trustworthy. Amen.

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Meditating on Your Works

Posted on July 5, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Meditating on your works

July 5

Meditating on Your Works

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 145:1-7;1 Chronicles 1:1-2:17;Acts 23:11-35;Proverbs 18:14-15

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

“On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works I will meditate” (Psalm 145:5 ESV).

It is easy in the busyness of our lives to neglect meditation. It is easy to rush through our devotional times with the Lord; to rush through our prayers. When we do, we neglect the discipline that is most likely to bring a sense of the presence of God to our daily lives: meditation.

When we slow down our reading and praying and take time to meditate and listen, we become more aware of His presence and more sensitive to His voice. Our whole perspective on the day changes as we remember the greatness of the God who loves us and cares for us. As we walk through the day aware of his goodness, we recognize his good works all around us.

Our negative attitudes and thought patterns begin to melt away with the sense of his glorious presence. The trials of life seem more bearable knowing he is with me. Even the most difficult circumstances and people cannot steal our joy when his presence is near, for “in his presence is fullness of joy.”

OK. Now go back and read Psalm 145 again. This time take it slow, chew on each phrase, and allow enough time to sense his presence and hear his voice. Take the time to meditate on these truths:

“Great is the Lord–his greatness is unsearchable”

“The glorious splendor of Your Majesty”

“I will meditate on your wondrous works, your mighty acts, your awesome deeds”

“The fame of Your abundant goodness and righteousness.”

Great are you Lord—your greatness is unsearchable. I worship you in the glorious splendor of Your Majesty. I will mediate on your wondrous works, your mighty acts, and your awesome deeds. I long to magnify the fame of Your abundant goodness and righteousness today and in the days to come. Amen.

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New Songs

Posted on July 4, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

July 4

New Songs

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 144:9-15; 2 Kings 23:31-25:30; Acts 22:17-23:10; Proverbs 18:13

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 144:9-15

I will sing a new song to you, my God; on the ten-stringed lyre I will make music to you (Psalm 144:9 NIV).

What is your favorite hymn or worship song? Is it a new song or an old song? Why is it special to you?

I have often asked questions like this to people. It is good to hear the stories behind the songs that have taken on special meaning to people. One of the things I have found is that every favorite song is attached to a memory or experience. Sometimes it is the memory of an experience that was instrumental in your spiritual journey. Sometimes it reminds you of people who have been influential in your life of faith. Sometimes it triggers thoughts about ways that you’ve experienced God in worship or prayer.

It is good to cherish those memories and experiences and the songs that go with them. There is value in our favorite songs in reminding us of God’s faithfulness in our past experiences.Yet it also points us to the reason why we also need “new songs.” We can’t rely only on past experiences. We need dynamic, fresh experiences with God in our walk of faith; new experiences that will be tied to new songs. If our faith is to grow, there must be new experiences; there must be new songs.

Old songs should be cherished and sung and passed on to the next generation; I grew up with hymns and continue to find great spiritual nourishment through them. Yet, like the psalmist, we should also look for the ongoing work of God in our lives that will produce new songs. As we grow in faith, may new songs also spring up in our heart. So take up your instrument and sing. Old songs; new songs; sing them both with passion and joy. We serve a great God and he is worthy of our praise!

Heavenly Father, thank you for music, creativity, and variety. Thank you for old songs that bring back good memories and new songs that celebrate the fresh things you are doing in my life. May my heart be filled with praise at all times. Amen.

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With All His Heart, Soul and Strength

Posted on July 3, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

July 3

With All His Heart, Soul and Strength

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 144:1-8; 2 Kings 22:3-23:30; Acts 21:37-22:16; Proverbs 18:11-12

Today’s Scripture Focus: 2 Kings 23

“Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the LORD as he did—with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses”  (2 Kings 23:25 NIV).

Reading through the book of Second Kings can get tiring. Again and again we see Kings who fail to live up to the calling of their position. Again and again we see people more than willing to follow the compromising example of their leaders. Some of the kings were worse than others, but all told it was a sorry lot. But there are a few bright spots, and Josiah is one of the brightest.

Josiah called for a return to Torah—a return to the covenant God had made with his people. He had the unique distinction of being a ruler who turned to the LORD “with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength.”

After years of evil Kings who refused to lead the people away from the idolatry and compromise back to the covenant God had made with his people, finally Josiah arose and called the people back to himself. While his reforms would not prove sufficient to hold back the judgment of God that has already been declared—Josiah stands tall as a light in the darkness: A man who loved God with all his heart and soul and with all his strength.

God is looking for leaders like Josiah, those who will turn to him—who will worship and serve him with all the heart and soul and all the strength they have. Will he find such a person in you?

Dear Heavenly Father, help me to follow you with all my heart and with all my soul and with all my strength. Give me a heart to love and worship you with such commitment. Amen.

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