Feed My Sheep

Posted on June 2, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Feed My Sheep

June 2

Feed My Sheep

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 125:1-5; 2 Samuel 19:11-13; John 21:1-25; Proverbs 16:16-17

Today’s Scripture Focus:  John 21

The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” Then he said to him, “Follow me!” (John 21:17, 19b NIV).

The Resurrection is a reminder that God is all about second chances. One of the most touching accounts concerning the resurrection is Peter’s encounter with Jesus. Jesus went out of his way to find Peter, knowing that Peter had denied him. He wanted to show grace to him. Underlying Jesus gentle rebuke, Jesus is reinstating Peter to ministry. In essence, Jesus is saying, “I’m giving you a second chance.”

Our failings are not lost on God. From the broken place, we learn to rely on God’s strength rather than our own. With humility, we begin again, with a new understanding of the grace of God. Don’t dwell on the failure. Don’t get stuck on the past. God is giving you another chance. And if the example of Peter is any indication, the future looks brighter and brighter every day.

Father, thank you for your steadfast love and grace. Thank you for fresh starts and forgiveness. Thank you for your patience with me. Help me now to walk in your grace and strength. Use me for your glory today. Amen.

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I Have Seen the Lord!

Posted on June 1, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
I Have Seen the Lord by Jeff Syverson Resurrection brings a fresh motivation to be bold the timid. It brings a second chance to the one who has filed. It gives the doubter a reason to trust you and we do. Amen.

June 1

I Have Seen the Lord!

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 124:6-8;  2 Samuel 18:1-19:10;  John 20:1-31;   Proverbs 16:14-15

Today’s Scripture Focus:  John 20

“I have seen the Lord!” (Mary Magdalene, 18) .”The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. (20). “My Lord and my God!” (Thomas, verse 28).

The Resurrection brought hope and joy to Jesus’ disciples. It continues to bring hope and joy to us today. To the grieving, like Mary Magdalene, it brings the hope of the Resurrection. This life is not all there is. There is life eternal. There is a resurrection. Mary came to the tomb grieving and left rejoicing in hope because she was confronted by the risen Christ. The resurrection too, brings hope to us as we grieve. We don’t grieve as those who have no hope—the Resurrection of Christ brings the hope of the resurrection to all followers of Christ.

To the disheartened disciples, Jesus’ resurrection brought peace and joy. It also brought a new focus and a new power (the Holy Spirit). They had pretty much given up hope, and had gotten sidetracked from their mission. The Resurrection gave them a message to take to the world. The Resurrection power of Jesus gave them everything they needed to take that message with boldness. The same is true for us.

To the doubting, like Thomas, Jesus resurrection brought new hope to believe. Thomas was not alone with his questions and doubts. We all confront them. But the resurrection appearance of Jesus enabled him to move beyond his doubts to worship as he exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” The evidence of the Resurrection enables us too to trust Christ, even with our questions and doubts, as we surrender them to the risen Christ.

Risen Christ, we celebrate your resurrection. It brings the hope to the hopeless. It brings peace and joy to the hurting and discouraged. It brings a fresh motivation to be bold to the timid. It brings a second chance to the one who has failed. It gives the doubter a reason to trust you, and we do. Amen.

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It is Finished!

Posted on May 31, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
It is Finished. By Jeff Syverson All signs point otherwise death and defeat. Yet, this is all part of God's plan. Death is being swallowed up in victory. What appeared to be a defeat was in fact a glorious victory.

May 31

It is Finished!

Today’s Scripture Readings:

Psalm 124:1-5 | 2 Samuel 17:1-29 | John 19:23-42 | Proverbs 16:12-13

Today’s Scripture Focus:  John 19:23-42

When Jesus therefore had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head, and gave up His spirit John 19:30 (NASB).

It is finished! The work that Jesus came to earth to do was completed. His death would bring life to all who would believe.

It is finished!  All signs point to death and defeat. Yet, this is all part of God’s plan. Death is being swallowed up in victory. What appeared to be a defeat was in fact a glorious victory.

It is finished! Because of Christ’s death on the cross, our sins are forgiven and new life is ours. By faith we enter into life eternal and abundant. Because he died we have life.

It is finished! Jesus took upon himself all our sin. He bore the burden so we can find freedom and forgiveness.  

It is finished! His wounds bring our healing: spiritual, emotional and physical. By his stripes we are healed.

It is finished! Satan is defeated. Deliverance is ours through the triumph of the cross.

It is finished! We are reconciled. We who were far away are brought near. Once estranged by sin, now we are beloved children. The wall of hostility has been destroyed, and we are ambassadors of reconciliation in a divided world.

It is finished! All the spiritual blessings we could ever desire–all we need–are found in the one who was obedient to death–even death on a cross.

It is finished! Look to Jesus. Press forward in faith. He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.

Victorious and Risen Christ, we celebrate the victory of the cross. Thank you for all the benefits of your grace. Thank you for the life abundant and eternal that we now enjoy. Thank you for being faithful to complete what you have started. Amen.

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The Spirit is Willing But . . .

Posted on May 30, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
The Spirit is Willing But . . . by Jeff Syverson The humbling would lead to a greater dependence on GOd's power rather than disown. It would lead him to seek the fullness of God's Spirit.

May 30

The Spirit is Willing But…

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 123:1-4;  2 Samuel 15:23-16:23;  John 18:15-19:22;  Proverbs 16:10-11

Today’s Scripture Focus:  John 18:15-19:22

Meanwhile, Simon Peter was still standing there warming himself. So they asked him, “You aren’t one of his disciples too, are you? He denied it, saying, “I am not.” One of the high priests’ servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him. “Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?” Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow (John 18:17-18 NIV).

Peter was a man who aspired to greatness. His adventurous spirit of faith was undeniable. But while the spirit is willing, the flesh is weak. Peter was about to learn that lesson in a humbling but life changing way.

He pledged to follow Jesus to the death: “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”  

Jesus responded, “Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!” (14:37-38 TNIV).

Peter couldn’t believe it. In his heart I am sure he meant the words; he seemed to have the best of intentions. But his inner fears were revealed when he was later confronted. He denied that he even knew Jesus.

Peter’s failure brought a teachable moment. He was humbled. He had to face up to his own weakness. That put him in the place for Jesus post resurrection appearance where Jesus would reinstate him in ministry with a whole new attitude.

The humbling would lead to a greater dependence on God’s power rather than his own. It would lead him to seek the fullness of God’s spirit. At Pentecost we see the result of one who had come to see the weakness of his own flesh, as he experienced the incredible power of the Spirit.

We often go through a time of humbling that teaches us to trust not in ourselves, but in our God. Apart from Christ we can do nothing (John 15) yet we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

Heavenly Father, help me to walk in humility. When I am tempted to trumpet my own successes, remind me that what has been accomplished has been done only through your grace and power. Help me to serve others in the humility of Jesus. Amen.

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Making Plans

Posted on May 29, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Making Plans by Jeff Syverson We fear the step of faith. We prefer the comfort of the boat and we are not really sure we want the adventure of walking on the water..

May 29

Making Plans

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 122:6-9; 2 Samuel 14:1-15:22; John 18:1-24; Proverbs 16:8-9

Today’s Scripture Focus: Proverbs 16:8-9

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps (Proverbs 16:9 NIV).

Planning is important. To fail to plan is no virtue. Yet, in every plan God has the last say. He is the one who directs and establishes our steps.

It’s easy to get ahead of God. Wait is a common word in the scripture when it comes to discerning God’s will. It does not come easily.

It is also easy to drag behind. We sense God’s direction but for some reason we procrastinate our obedience. We fear the step of faith. We prefer the comfort of the boat and we are not really sure we want the adventure of walking on the water.

It’s best to include God in our planning. As he provides wisdom and insight, we press forward in steps of obedience and faith. When we don’t know what else to do, we just “do the next thing.” Often the mundane steps of simple obedience, in living our everyday lives with integrity, open the doors of opportunity and blessing. God establishes our steps.

It is good to know that we are not alone. God is there to guide and protect. If our plans somehow lead to a misstep, he is there to establish our steps and to re-direct us.

Gentle Shepherd, guide me on your path. Establish my steps and open doors. Let me hear your voice behind me saying, “this is the way, walk in it.” Interrupt my plans as you see fit to arrange divine appointments. I look for you to lead the way. Amen.

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Jesus Unanswered Prayer

Posted on May 28, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Jesus' Unanswered Prayer

May 28

Jesus’ Unanswered Prayer

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 122:1-5;  2 Samuel 13:1-39;  John 17:1-26;  Proverbs16:6-7

Today’s Scripture Focus:  John 17:1-26

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me (John 17:20-23 NIV).

You learn a lot about a person when you hear them pray. You find out what is really in their heart—what their priorities and passions are. Perhaps that is why I find this text so intriguing. It gives us a picture of how Jesus prayed for his followers—including you and me.

What does he pray for? Along with protection from the enemy, along with sanctification, along with his concern for us to make a meaningful difference in the world, Jesus was concerned for the unity of the church: “that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity.” Why does his pray for this? “Then the world will know you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”

This, for the most part, seems to be an unanswered prayer. I struggle with unanswered prayers sometimes. I wonder if Jesus ever does.

There are so many good agendas that seem to get in the way of Jesus’ prayer being answered.

I don’t know about you, but I am joining Jesus in his prayer burden for the unity of his followers. I want to be a part of the answer rather than a part of the problem. It is time for Jesus’ prayer to be answered.

Father, I join your son in praying for the unity of your people—the church. May we brought to complete unity that the world may see that you sent Jesus and loved them even as you, Father, have loved Jesus. How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! Amen.

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Whatever

Posted on May 27, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Whatever

May 27

Whatever

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 121:1-8; 2 Samuel 12:1-31; John 16:1-33; Proverbs 16:4-5

Today’s Scripture Focus:  John 16:1-33

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask and you will receive that your joy may be full” (John 16:23-24 ESV).

Whatever you ask. These are among the most amazing words from the mouth of Jesus. Apparently, they are so amazing that he needed to repeat it several times to allow the profound truth to sink in.  

“If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (15:7)

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give to you” (15:16).

“Truly, truly I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, I will do it” (16:23).

Yes, there are conditions to the promises like abiding in the word, asking in his name, and being faithful to our mission to go and bear fruit. These all imply an intimacy with God that leads to obedience to his commands—a familiarity with God’s will, both his heart and his word. Yet the promises are amazing: “Whatever you ask.”

God’s design for you is to bear fruit as you live in intimacy and obedience (John 15). As you do so, as you abide in him, you will know the heart of the Father and will be able to pray with confidence, believing that whatever you ask the Father in Christ’s name will be done. Then you will realize the next promise: “Ask and you will receive, that your joy may be full” (16:24).

May your joy be full as you walk in intimate obedience to the will of the Father, and as you ask and receive the answers to your “whatever” prayers. Your problem is not too big. Trust Him to show himself faithful and to give you the joy of answered prayer.

Lord, I am abiding in your presence, in your love, in your word. I find my delight in you, I seek to know the mind of Christ. I pour out my needs and requests now with confidence that you will hear and answer. I wait in hope and rest in your “whatever” promises. Amen.

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Busy or Abiding?

Posted on May 26, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Busy or Abiding

May 26

Busy or Abiding?

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 120:1-7;  2 Samuel 9:1-11:27;  John 15:1-27;  Proverbs 16:1-3

Today’s Scripture Focus: John 15

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NIV

You were created to live a fruitful life. We all want that: to make a difference; to accomplish something important; to leave this life with a legacy of significance. But how do we get there? How do we live e fruitful life? How do we “bear much fruit”? How do we flourish?

One thing is certain; it won’t come just from being busy. We are a society that prides itself on busy-ness. We talk about being busy all the time. And many of us are really busy. We have come to believe that to be “busy” is to be significant.

Jesus tells us that if we want to live fruitful lives, we must start by “abiding.” At its heart to abide is to “spend time with.” Abiding requires slowing down and spending time in the presence of the Father. Abiding requires slowing down long enough to abide in his word—to get our marching orders for the day. Abiding requires spending time meditating on scripture and enjoying time in the presence of God—times of abiding in his love.

Prayer, time spent in the Word of God, meditating on scripture, taking the time to bask in the love of God, these are the “tools” that enable us to slow down for a while and abide. They are the tools that enable us to “sharpen the saw” to become more productive and fruitful. In abiding, we develop the ears to hear and to obey. Walking in obedience brings blessing, growth and fruitful living.

I love the story of the man who was sawing trees in the woods and was getting nowhere. Someone sees him working feverishly trying to cut through his first tree and encourages him to sharpen the saw. The first man’s reaction: “I’m too busy to sharpen the saw.”  Too often we are just the same, we are so busy trying to do important things, but we are not fruitful because we do not take time to sharpen the saw.

Slow down and abide in the presence of Jesus. There you will find joy. There you will find strength. There your priorities will be adjusted. There you will be sharpened to accomplish greater things so that you may bear much fruit.

Jesus, help me to slow down and find the time to abide. I am tempted to find significance in being busy. Remind me that without you—and without time spent with you—I cannot do a thing. But as I abide in you, I find strength to obey, I love, I see answers to prayer, I find joy, I bear fruit. Time spent with you changes me and enables me to become more like you. Thank you for the opportunity to abide in you today. Amen.

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Make Your Home In Me

Posted on May 25, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Make Your Home in Me by Jeff Syverosn Abide in his presence through prayer, abide in his word through obedience and you will find intimacy with God and the joy of his presence.

May 25

Make Your Home In Me

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 72:15-20;  2 Samuel 7:1-8:18;  John 14:15-31;  Proverbs 15:33

Today’s Scripture Focus: John 14:15-31

 Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them (John 14:23 NRSV).

Lord, make my heart your home. Is that the cry of your heart? Do you long for the kind of intimacy with God that Jesus describes in our text?

Jesus tells us that intimacy with God comes through expressing our love for God through obedience to his word and will. “Those who love me will keep my word and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” As we express our love for God through obedience, he pours out his love into our hearts. God comes and makes his home with us.

That might seem a little frightening—or more than a little—but we learn elsewhere that abiding in his presence brings fullness of joy. Intimacy with God means being deeply loved by God and experiencing the joy of his presence.

Abide in his presence through prayer, abide in his word through obedience and you will find intimacy with God and the joy of his presence.

Maybe you are feeling dry; maybe you feel distant. Press into his presence and abide in his word. Obey his commands. This is the pathway to intimacy and joy.

Jesus, draw me close. As I spend time with you—abide in you—fill me with the joy of your presence. Refresh and restore me as I abide in your love. Give me the strength to obey and walk in a way that pleases you. Amen.

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David Danced

Posted on May 24, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
David Danced by Jeff Syverson Reverence need not dampen our enthusiasm or our celebration --but it does sharpen our focus in the midst of the celebration. We are not celebrating to entertain ourselves. We are celebrating to declare the worth of our God.

May 24

David Danced

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 72:8-14; 2 Samuel 4:1-6:23; John 13:31-14:14; Proverbs 15:31-32

Today’s Scripture Focus:  2 Samuel 4:1-6:23

David and the whole house of Israel were celebrating with all their might before the Lord, with songs and with harps, lyres, tambourines, sistrums and cymbals. [14] David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the Lord with all his might (2 Samuel 6:5, 14 NIV). 

Worship is a time for celebration. In light of the greatness of our God, it is a time for us to break out the instruments and sing with all our might. It is not a time for half-hearted singing or mumbling words. It is a time for us to enter in with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength.

David sets a great example in leading the people of Israel to celebrate the greatness of their God: “David and the whole house of Israel were celebrating with all their might before the Lord, with songs and with harps, lyres, tambourines, sistrums and cymbals” (6:5). They worshiped with all their might–they didn’t hold anything back. That’s the kind of celebration God deserves each week as we gather together.

Yet worship is also a time for reverence as the story of Uzzah reminds us. He treated the “holy” as common and suffered the punishment. Reverence need not dampen our enthusiasm or our celebration—but it does sharpen our focus in the midst of the celebration. We are not celebrating to entertain ourselves. We are celebrating to declare the worth of our God. He is the focus, and we dare not lose sight of that. Worship calls for celebration, but always keeps us focused on him and should lead us to a sense of wonder and awe.

Worship is a time to focus on God, not to judge others for the way they express themselves. Michal learned that lesson the hard way. She saw David dancing and celebrating before the Lord with all his might, and she was embarrassed by it. There is often a temptation to judge others during worship—their attitudes, their behaviors. This is a dangerous distraction that keeps us from worshiping God as we ought. Don’t worry about other people. Focus on God and worship him with all your might.

God, give me a heart to worship you with an abandon. Keep my eyes off of myself, and help me not to be distracted by the opinions of others. Instead, let me focus intensely, intentionally on you. Amen.

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