The Blessing of Wisdom

Posted on January 17, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

January 17 

The Blessing of Wisdom

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 10:11-15; Genesis 35:1 – 36:43; Matthew 12:1-21; Proverbs 3:21-26

Today’s Scripture Focus: Proverbs 3:21-26

“My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way with safety, and your foot will not stumble; when you lie down you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet . . . . The Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared” (Proverbs 3:21-26, NIV).

The Proverbs present practical wisdom for everyday living. To apply these principles to life brings great blessing (3:13). The writer mentions some of those blessings: “long life are in her right hand, in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways and all her paths are peace” (16-17).

Perhaps the greatest blessing is the peace and assurance of knowing that you are walking in right relationship with God–of knowing that he is “your confidence” (26) and the one who will keep your foot from being snared.

Knowing that he can be trusted, that he is “our confidence,” brings peace in any circumstance. Knowing that he is there to keep us safe helps us deal with our fears. Resting in His everlasting arms, we are able to sleep at night (24).

To fail to heed God’s wisdom is to invite trouble and turmoil. Failing to live by his Word brings anxiety and fear. The fool who deviates from God’s path of wisdom has trouble sleeping at night.

God intends for us to live in the blessing that comes from walking in his wisdom. Knowing and applying these practical principles leads on the right path and keeps us from stumbling. The principles bring the potential for long, full lives lived with honor and under the blessing of God. As we walk in his truth, he becomes our peace and confidence and we are able to sleep sweetly without fear. This is the blessing of walking in God’s wisdom.

God of Wisdom, direct me toward the pleasant paths of peace. May I find the rest that comes from trusting your ways and leaning on your wisdom. Amen.

Digging Deeper

January 17 

The God Who Reveals

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 10:11-15; Genesis 35:1 – 36:43; Matthew 12:1-21; Proverbs 3:21-26

Today’s Scripture Focus: Genesis 35

“Come, let us go to Bethel, and I will build an altar there to the God who answered me when I was in distress and who has been with me wherever I have gone.” (Genesis 35:3, Tanakh).

Bethel was a special place for Jacob. It was here that God had revealed himself. He had been in distress, and here he cried out in his need; God answered with his very presence.

At God’s prompting, Jacob returns to Bethel. But he and his family must be prepared. He encourages them to purify themselves, to rid themselves of idols, and to change their clothes.

They returned to Bethel. “And there he build an altar and named the site El-bethel, for it was there that God had revealed Himself to him when he was fleeing from his brother” (7).

God appears again at Bethel. This time with a name change and a blessing. He would now be known as “Israel” and would be blessed with the promises given to Abraham.

Israel sets up a monument. This is a place to be remembered. This is where he met God personally and powerfully. This is a place where his life and destiny were unalterably changed.

Perhaps you too have “Bethels”—places where God met you in your despair and need; places where he revealed himself and you were changed. It is good to remember those times, those places, those encounters with God.

Perhaps it is time for a return to Bethel— a time to remember how God met me in the past. Perhaps in preparing to return, there will a fresh encounter with God. These holy times must be remembered. These holy places memorialized. These holy moments experienced again and again.

God of Bethel, I celebrate the times you have met me in the past, and look forward to holy moments of your presence today and in days to come. Amen.

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Is Your Soul at Rest?

Posted on January 16, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

January 16 

Is Your Soul at Rest?

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 10:1-10; Genesis 32:13 – 34:31; Matthew 11:7-30; Proverbs 3:19-20

Today’s Scripture Focus: Matthew 11:7-30

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me–watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly” (Matt 11:28-30 The Message).

Jesus isn’t looking for relentless religious activity. He is looking first and foremost for a relationship with you. Religious activity burns us out. It makes us tired and weary. Trying hard to perform rather than resting in his grace, leads to a treadmill of activity. But it is activity in one’s own strength and for the wrong motives.

Instead of that, Jesus calls you to come rest–to spend time with Him–to get to know him and his ways. To enter into his path of discipleship. Then you walk together in his strength–he comes alongside you and enables you to live and work from his strength, and not just your own.

He is not calling you to laziness, but rather to grace-filled living. Resting in Jesus and his grace, rather than our own strength, our lives find balance and fruitfulness.

I still find it easy to take up the yoke on my own, to try to trudge ahead in my strength.Yet, every time I do, I find myself exhausted and burned out. How about you?

Jesus calls us first to a relationship with himself. Come, find rest for your soul. In his presence, the broken, wounded soul finds forgiveness, healing, and renewed strength. Walking with Him as he bears the yoke, enables us to accomplish much more than we could ever accomplish on our own.

Stop rushing around, and let your soul rest in the presence of the one who loves you with an everlasting love. Refreshed and renewed in his presence, we are prepared for the tasks of the day in the “unforced rhythms of grace.”

Lord of the Sabbath, I am tired and need your rest. I take up your yoke so that we can walk and work together. Teach me the unforced rhythms of your grace. Amen.

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Praying and Going

Posted on January 14, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Praying and Going

January 14

Praying and Going

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 9:7-12; Genesis 30:1 – 31:16; Matthew 10:1-25;  Proverbs 3:13-15

Today’s Scripture Focus: Matthew 10:1-25

“As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:7-8, NIV).

Confronted by the immense need, Jesus called the disciples to pray.  He told them, “the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (9:37).

The situation is no different today than it was in Jesus day. The needs are enormous. The number of people needing ministry is overwhelming. What can we do? Jesus calls us to pray.

Pray for open doors for the gospel. Pray for workers for the harvest field. Pray for a great harvest. Pray! Pray! Pray!

But Jesus is doing something subtle but profound in asking his disciples to pray. He is providing an opportunity for their eyes to be opened to the need. He is prompting them to open their hearts so that they will hear and respond to the call to go.

Isn’t it interesting that the same people he called to pray in chapter 9, Jesus called to go in chapter 10? The disciples were the first fruits of the answer to their own prayers. They prayed for laborers, and in so doing they were called to be workers.

Jesus calls us to pray and then he calls us to be part of the answer to our own prayers. He asks us to take the need to the Father, and then to go and become part of the solution. 

When we pray the prayer for laborers, God may raise up someone else–he often does, we can’t be everywhere. Yet most of the time, he also calls us to do something about meeting the need. Bringing it to him in prayer ensures that we get his heart for those we minister to, and that we go in his strength.

See a need? Pray about it. And as you do, don’t be surprised if you are called by God to be a part of the solution. As you pray, the burden to meet the need is allowed to grow. As you spend time in God’s presence, you should expect to be strengthened and emboldened. Ask and look for doors to open and opportunities to share.

Lord of the Harvest, give me eyes to see the harvest field as you do. Give me a willing heart to be a part of the answer to my prayers for workers. Lord, bring a fruitful harvest for the sake of your glory. Amen.

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A Risk of Faith

Posted on January 13, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
A Risk of Faith

January 13

A Risk of Faith

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 9:1-6; Genesis 28:1 – 29:35; Matthew 9:18-38; Proverbs 3:11-12

Today’s Scripture Focus: Matthew 9:18-38

“If I can just put a finger on his robe, I’ll get well.”

“Courage, daughter, You took a risk of faith, and now you’re well” (Matthew 9:21-22, The Message). 

Scripture tells us that “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). Note how pleased Jesus was to find faith in each of these people. Also note the incredible things accomplished through that faith.

There are always doubters. The Pharisees play that role in our text. As Eugene Peterson in The Message paraphrases it: “Hocus pocus. It’s nothing but hocus pocus. He’s probably made a pact with the devil.” The Pharisees continually miss out on the blessings of God because they refused to believe.

The woman, who had hemorrhaged for 12 years, took a creative risk of faith. She thought that if she could just touch the hem of his garment, she would be made well. Jesus saw her faith and rewarded her with an instant healing that changed her life forever.

Two blind men cried out in faith, asking for mercy. When asked if they believed he could heal them, they responded, “yes Lord.” Touching their eyes with healing power, he said, “according to your faith it will be done to you.”

Then there is the girl who is raised from the dead, and a demon possessed mute man who was freed to speak. Indeed, “nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.”

Yet the Pharisees doubted, they refused to believe. And they missed out on the blessing. 

What is your need? Come, like the woman, take a risk of faith. Cry out, like the blind men, for the grace and mercy of Jesus. It is amazing to see what blessings are brought about as we believe. May it be done according to your faith!

Faithful God, give me the strength to reach out and touch the hem of your garment. Give me the faith to see your healing power. Help me never miss out on the blessing because of unbelief. Amen.

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Bring Them To Jesus

Posted on January 12, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

January 12

Bring Them to Jesus

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 8:1-9; Genesis 26:17-27:46; Matthew 9:1-17; Proverbs 3:9-10

Today’s Scripture Focus: Matthew 9:1-17

“They were hardly out of the boat when some men carried a paraplegic on a stretcher and set him down in front of them. Jesus impressed by their bold belief, said to the paraplegic, “Cheer up son. I forgive your sins” (Matthew 9:2, The Message). 

All around us are friends in desperate need of an encounter with Jesus. Two stories in Matthew 9 remind us that we can be used by God to bring people to Jesus.

First notice the friends of the paraplegic.  Did you notice the word, “their” in verse 2?  Jesus was impressed by “their” faith.  Whose faith? The Paraplegic? No, the text implies that Jesus was impressed by the faith of the men who brought the paraplegic to Jesus.  

We don’t know about the paraplegic’s faith, we only know that Jesus commends his friends for having faith enough to bring the man to Jesus for healing.  

It seems to me that this says something very important to us. We, through our prayers and faith, can bring people to Jesus. Our prayers do matter. Our faith does make a difference.

Nothing is too difficult for God; no need too big. We all know friends who need the miraculous intervention of God. Will we bring them to Jesus? Will we take their needs to Him in bold belief through intercession?

Notice also the story of Matthew. After he becomes a follower of Christ, Matthew has a party for all his old friends. Jesus and the disciples show up too. What is Matthew doing? He’s bringing his friends to Jesus so that they might have opportunity to experience the new life he himself has just received.

Whether through prayer or witness, we can play an important part in the lives of our friends as we bring them to Jesus. As we bring people into his presence, miracles happen and lives are transformed.

Loving Heavenly Father, Give me the faith to pray for my friends who need an encounter with Jesus. Help me to step out in faith and invite my friends to meet Jesus. Amen.

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Calming the Storm

Posted on January 11, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

January 11

Calming the Storm

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 7:10-17; Genesis 24:52 – 26:16; Matthew 8:18-34; Proverbs 3:7-8

Today’s Scripture Focus: Matthew 8:18-34

He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” (Matt 8:26-27 NIV).

Throughout the gospels, Jesus shows again and again his authority to heal, to cast out demons, and to do all sorts of miracles. In this text, he demonstrates authority over the wind and sea.

I’m always struck with the fact that Jesus’ miracles were nearly always focused on meeting someone’s need: Bread for hungry people, healing for the sick, freedom for the demon possessed. Jesus knows our need and in his compassion he reaches out to us to meet that need.

The disciples were afraid as they were tossed by the wind and the wave. Jesus saw their need and brought peace to the storm.

What is your storm? Not all storms are weather related. Some of the strongest are those that rage in the human heart: turmoil because of relationships; frustration at work; difficult circumstances you are facing. Whatever the source of the storm, Jesus knows about it. He sees it. He is able to calm your storm too. Just as he brings peace to the storm, he is able to bring peace to your troubled soul.

Of course it also true that this storm is a test of your faith. As your faith is stretched, there is an opportunity for growth. Even when Jesus does not put an immediate end to the storm, he is in the midst of the storm with you speaking words of encouragement; reminding you that there is no need for you to be afraid.

Cast your cares on him. He really does care about you.

Almighty God, I feel the wind and see the waves all around me. Calm the wind and the wave. Calm my anxious heart. Amen.

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Straight Paths

Posted on January 10, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Straight Paths

January 10

Straight Paths

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 7:1-9; Genesis 23:1 – 24:51; Matthew 8:1-17;  Proverbs 3:1-6

Today’s Scripture Focus: Proverbs 3:1-6

“Trust God from the bottom of your heart; Don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who’ll keep you on track.” Prov. 3:5-6 (The Message).

Life is a journey with many twists and turns. To us, the path ahead is uncharted and often unpredictable. Yet to God, the path is seen clearly. He sees the implications of every fork in the road. He knows what is ahead and how the path ahead fits in with his purposes and plans. Like a good shepherd, he desires to lead and guide us on good paths.

Therefore we are asked to trust him with all of our hearts. The wisdom for living life to the full is not found in our limited human understanding, therefore we must ask Him for wisdom and discernment as we journey ahead step by step.

But as we seek God, trusting him and acknowledging him in all we do; as we allow him to guide us by his word and the gentle whisper of his Spirit, he goes before us and prepares the path. Indeed, he makes it straight.

Yes, he directs our paths. But more literally, he straightens our paths. This suggests that God is actively engaged in preparing the paths ahead of us. Not only telling us which fork in the road to take, but also preparing the path for our journey.

The story of Isaac and Rebekah in Genesis 24 is a prime example. God will not always follow the exact blueprint in bringing two people together, but notice how God has prepared the path of Abraham’s servant to find a wife for Isaac. Angels are sent ahead to prepare the path. Each detail is worked out to precision to accomplish the Lord’s will. God’s hand not only guides, but also prepares the way. The paths are straightened and God’s will is done in a most wonderful way.

Confused about where God might be leading? “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Or as Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase says it, “He’s the one who’ll keep you on track.”

All-wise God, straighten the path before me. Direct me as I trust your wisdom rather than my own. I am trusting you now to keep me on track. Amen.

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God Will Provide

Posted on January 9, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

January 9

God Will Provide

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 6:4-10; Genesis 20:1 – 22:24; Matthew 7:15-29; Proverbs 2:16-22

Today’s Scripture Focus: Genesis 20:1 – 22:24

“So Abraham called the place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided” (Gen. 22:14, NIV).

How do you respond when God’s command to you is absolutely unthinkable? That is the dilemma Abraham faces. God had promised him a son. Later, after years of waiting, God provided the son, Isaac, in the most miraculous way. He was the son of the promise.

Now God seems to be telling him something that flies in the face of everything he had previously said and done. God tells Abraham to take his son to the mountain to sacrifice him. It made no sense at all.

Abraham’s walk with God was intimate enough that he knew this was the voice of God. We don’t know what questions might have gone through his head, but the text tells us that he obeyed and went. Would we have had that much trust? Do we know him well enough to know his voice, when the voice calls us to do something unthinkable?

When confronted by the obvious question of his son, “Father, where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Abraham voiced the hopeful trust of a man who walked in obedience and faith, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.”  

When it was obvious that Abraham was willing to go through with the unthinkable act, the Angel of the Lord stopped Him. He was then told the purpose of this trial of faith. Isn’t it interesting how often God withholds the purpose of a thing until after we have gone through it?

And indeed, Abraham’s words of faith, turned out to be true. God did provide a ram and a blessing.

Abraham’s test of faith was extreme, yet we are all called to trials of faith. Abraham points the necessity of persevering faith even when the command doesn’t make sense; the necessity of instant obedience even when the way ahead is unclear.

God Whose Ways Are Sometimes Mysterious, help me to hear your voice and obey even when the way ahead is unclear. Give me the ability to discern your will and obey, even when the path ahead is difficult. Teach me to trust you when your path takes me places that seem to make no sense to me. Give me the faith to trust you to provide. Amen.

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Worry or Trust?

Posted on January 8, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Worry or Trust?

January 8

Worry or Trust?

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 6:1-3; Genesis 18:20-19:38; Matthew 6:25-7:14; Proverbs 2:6-15

Today’s Scripture Focus: Matthew 6:25-7:14

So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:31-34, NIV). 

We all have needs, the most basic of which are described in this passage: “what shall we eat?” “what shall we drink?” “What shall we wear?” and “where will I live?” So, what do we do when we find ourselves in need?  

Recognize that God knows that you need these things (32). There is no need to get worried or anxious about it. God knows that you need these things. Most of our worry and anxiety is over things that will never happen, or over things that have already happened and which cannot be changed. Don’t worry about tomorrow, “each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Seek first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you as well. He doesn’t mean we should be irresponsible. Bills need to be paid, matters need to be dealt with. Yet, we can get so busy worrying about things that we lose all energy for the things that really matter: kingdom things—God’s priorities. We can get so busy worrying that we neglect the steps of obedience that are before us.

Worry saps our energy and keeps us from accomplishing much anything. It is counterproductive. Instead of worry, there is one more thing we must do: we should pray. Jesus tells us to “ask, seek and knock.” Powerful promises are given to us if we will seek the Lord in prayer. Instead of becoming depressed and worried, take it to the Lord in prayer. Trust him to give you peace and joy despite your circumstances. Walk in obedience to his commands and look expectantly for his provision.

You can worry or you can trust God. You must choose. He is asking you to trust Him. That means putting behind your worries and calling to him in prayer; continuing to press on with his work and will whatever circumstances you may find yourselves in at the moment. He knows your needs, but he wants you to come in faith, expectantly and persistently (asking, seeking knocking) for His provision.

Open your heart: ask, seek, knock. Wait expectantly for his provision: he does care for you!

Loving, Caring, Heavenly Father, help me to hand over my concerns to you. Enable me to turn my anxious thoughts into hope-filled prayers. Help me trust you even when the circumstances seem overwhelming. I look to you to provide, as you have promised. Amen.

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