Choosing Leaders

Posted on March 24, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

March 24

Choosing Leaders

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 43:1-5; Deuteronomy 2:1 – 3:29; Luke 6:12-38; Proverbs 11:27

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Luke 6:12-38

One day soon afterward Jesus went to a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night. At daybreak he called together all of his disciples and chose twelve of them to be apostles (Luke 6:12-13 NLT).

Jesus lived a life of prayer. So it is not surprising that when he came to critical junctures in his life that he would spend extended time in prayer. It is not surprising that when a critical decision was to be made that he spent the whole night in prayer.

As Jesus looked at his disciples and chose twelve to become apostles, he was identifying the team he would spend the bulk of his time discipling. These were the ones who would help him carry out his earthly ministry; the ones that would be handed the leadership of the ministry when his work was completed.

Such a decision requires much prayer. Having the wrong team members can be disastrous.  Having a team of leaders that are able to work together is essential to accomplishing your purposes.

We may wonder why Jesus chose the twelve he did. By the world’s standards they were probably not the ones we would have chosen. We generally choose the popular, the powerful, the wealthy, and the successful. Jesus picked the humble, the average, the ones likely to be neglected. Yet through prayer he was able to see their potential. He saw persons pliable enough to become the team he needed. He saw individuals humble enough to depend on God.

As you make decisions, look to the Lord for his wisdom. Don’t rush into it. As you choose leaders, pray that God will enable you to make the right choices. And don’t be surprised if he points you to unlikely choices. He is a God who often uses the unlikely and the unlovely to accomplish great things for his glory.

Heavenly Father, I need your wisdom daily. Give me insight to make good choices. Remind me to humble myself and pray and not to rush ahead without your direction. As you give the wisdom and direction, give me the grace to follow through and be fruitful in all that you call me to do. Amen.

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Moving On, Moving In

Posted on March 23, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

March 23

Moving On, Moving In

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 42:6-11; Numbers 36:1 – Deuteronomy 1:46; Luke 5:29 – 6:11; Proverbs 11:24-26

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Numbers 36:1 – Deuteronomy 1:46

The Lord our God said to us at Horeb, “You have stayed long enough at this mountain. [7] Break camp and advance into the hill country . . . go to all the neighboring peoples . . . [8] See, I have given you this land. Go in and take possession of the land that the Lord swore he would give to your fathers–to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob–and to their descendants after them” (Deuteronomy 1:6-8 NIV).  

Sometimes we get stuck in a rut in our spiritual journey. We struggle again and again with the same things. We become content and complacent with the status quo. We go through the motions but make no progress. God is calling us, like his chosen people in this text, to move on from this place and move in to the Promised Land.

God has victories ahead. His plan for you is good. He is preparing the way for you to take possession of all that he has promised. You have wavered in doubt long enough. Now it is time to take the bold steps of faith that will enable you to enter into the land of promise.

What led to the time of wilderness wandering? For them it was doubt (lack of faith), grumbling (lack of contentment), and rebellion (lack of obedience). Those are common reasons for us to wander around aimlessly, without focus, without purpose, without victory.

Egypt was a place of bondage.The wilderness was a place of testing. All of it had a purpose, of course, but God’s desire for them was the land of promise–the same is true for you. A few steps of faith and obedience are all that separate you from the place of blessing. Move on, move in, and move up!

Lord God, help me to never get stuck in a rut in my relationship with you. Time in the wilderness is needed and is not lost on you—you use those times to bring growth and maturity. Now help me to step out in faith to the fullness of your blessing this day and in the days to come. With your help, I’m moving on, I’m moving up. Amen.

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Thirsty

Posted on March 22, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Thirsty Heavenly Father, I am thirsty. Fill me with living water--a water that satisfies deeply yet makes me thirsty for more. --Jeff Syverson

March 22

Thirsty

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 42:1-5; Numbers 33:40 – 35:34; Luke 5:12-28; Proverbs 11:23

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Psalm 42:1-5

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.   [2] My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? [5] Why are you downcast, O my soul?  Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and [6] my God (Psalm 42:1-6 NIV).

We are created with a need for water, a thirst that must be satisfied. This truth, obvious in the physical realm, is just as true in the spiritual realm. Like the Psalmist, we are created with a thirst for “living water.”

We often try to satisfy that thirst with other things–seeking to find satisfaction in money, entertainment, popularity, power, relationships, etc. But there is a thirst that can only be satisfied by drinking deep at the river of living water. Like the woman at the well (John 4), we all need to enter into this stream of living water that wells up to eternal life.

But we must do more than enter in; we must also drink often at this stream. Our souls are beat up and bruised. We become downcast and discouraged. We need the refreshment that comes from intimacy with God. Drink deeply, drink long, drink often.

God is your hope, your desire, your satisfaction. Pant after him, seek him out, and allow him to fill you to overflowing with his living water. He is refreshment and life to your soul.

Heavenly Father, I am thirsty. Fill me with living water–a water that satisfies deeply yet makes me thirsty for more. May I always pant after you God. May I always thirst for time spent in your presence. May my soul always find hope in you. Amen.

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Everything Changes

Posted on March 21, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Everything Changes

March 21

Everything Changes

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 41:10-13; Numbers 32:1 – 33:39; Luke 4:31- 5:11; Proverbs 11:22

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Luke 4:31-5:11

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” [5] Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets” (Luke 5:4-5 NIV).  

The disciples had been up fishing all night and hadn’t caught a thing. Tired, frustrated and at the end of their patience they heard Jesus words: “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”

But instead of second guessing him, they obeyed. These seasoned fishermen knew that the chance of finding fish after a night of failure was not great. But they also knew that everything changes when Jesus enters the picture.  

In response to their obedience, God provided an abundance of fish. The nets were filled to overflowing. In fact there were so many fish that the boat began to sink.

Don’t become weary in well doing. You may not see the results yet, but keep taking the steps of obedience–keep following the instructions of Jesus. Keep expecting the unexpected.

When Jesus steps into the boat everything changes.

Father, sometimes we grow weary and are tempted to quit. Remind us that when Jesus gets into the boat, everything changes. Lord, I invite you into my life today and I am filled with expectancy at what might develop. Amen.

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Tempted

Posted on March 20, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

March 20

Tempted

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 41:4-9; Numbers 30:31-54; Luke 4:1-30;  Proverbs 11:20-21

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Luke 4:1-30

“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry” (Luke 4:1-2 TNIV).

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin  Hebrews 4:15 (ESV). 

 Jesus knows the power of temptation—he has been tempted in every respect as we are—and demonstrates the power of the Spirit to overcome the temptation.

Satan too knows our weakness. He knows our vulnerable places. When Jesus was hungry, he used that opportunity to tempt him. He always seems to know where we are weakest and exploits that to defeat us.

Satan knows how to twist scripture. He is a deceiver and it is easy to fall prey to his confusion. He tried the same with Jesus–but to no effect.

Satan is a master of pointing us toward short cuts. He offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world. Of course, Jesus would one day become heir of all those kingdoms. But Satan offers the kingdoms now, without the pain of the cross. He works the same way in our lives. He promises the easy way, the short cut, the glory without the pain.  

Satan waits for just the right moment. “When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time” (13). He waits for the time we are most susceptible to temptation. He lies in wait to attack us when we are most vulnerable.

Jesus demonstrates the way to victory. He stands on the promises of scripture—combating deception with the truth of God’s word rightly interpreted. He resists in a context of solitude, silence, fasting and prayer. Spiritual disciplines build us up and provide spiritual formation that keeps us strong to resist the temptation of the evil one. He relies always on the power of the Spirit to lead him and give him the strength to resist (1).  

We are weak, but Christ is there to help us. Follow his example.  He knows the power of temptation—but he also demonstrates the power of God to resist and stand in victory.

For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Hebrews 2:18 (ESV)

Heavenly Father, strengthen me to resist temptation. Help me not to fall for the enemy’s shortcuts. Help me to abide in you and walk in your strength and power. Amen.

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Generous Hearts are Blessed

Posted on March 19, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

March 19

Generous Hearts are Blessed

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 41:1-3; Numbers 28:16-29:40; Luke 3:23-38; Proverbs 11:18-19

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Psalms 41:1-3

“Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the LORD delivers him; The LORD protects him and keeps him alive; He is called blessed in the land; You do not give him up to the will of his enemies” (Psalms 41:1-3 NIV).

God has compassion on all he has made and a special place in his heart for the poor and needy. So it is not surprising that God promises to bless those who bless the poor. 

The generous hearted person is promised deliverance in the day of trouble. They are promised protection from their enemies. God even promises to bring healing and life when they are sick: “The LORD sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health.”

On the other hand, the one who is stingy has no reason to expect the blessing of God. If you see a brother and sister in need and do nothing to help them, you are not being sensitive to the Father’s heart. Those who love the Father will love their neighbor in practical ways. They will look to meet the need in any way they can because His heart of love and compassion will flow into them and through them.

Bless those you know who are in need. The generous heart is sure to blessed by God. For he blesses those he knows will look for the opportunity to be a blessing.

God of grace and mercy, pour out your love into my heart. Remove selfishness, greed and stinginess and replace it with mercy and generosity. Make me a gracious, merciful, loving and generous person. Amen.

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Change Brings Fruit

Posted on March 18, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Change brings fruit

March 18

Change Brings Fruit

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 40:11-17; Numbers 26:52-28:15; Luke 3:1-22; Proverbs 11:16-17

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Luke 3:1-22

“He [John] went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism for the forgiveness of sins.” 

“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” (Luke 3:3,8 TNIV).  

Repentance is all about change. To repent is to change one’s mind about sin, which leads to a change of direction and behavior. Ultimately it brings a fruitful life: a Christ-like life. If you don’t change: you will never grow and you will miss out on the abundant life that could be yours.

Some resisted change. John’s message was harsh to those he called “a brood of vipers”: “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our Father,’ for I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire” (8-9). To resist the change God intends for your life is to miss out on the fruit he intends to produce in and through you.

We should not presume that we have gone far enough with God. We should not presume that he doesn’t want to bring further growth in our lives. We all have so far to go in our pursuit of living like Jesus.

Don’t resist God. Don’t resist the changes he wants to bring into your life to make you more like Jesus. Don’t be afraid of the change that comes from repentance. It is the way to a fruitful, abundant life.

Heavenly Father, search my heart and reveal those areas where I need to change. Give me the grace I need to make those changes. Help me never to fear the changes you would make in me. Lord, have your way, change me that I might bear more fruit. Amen.

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A Life of Devotion

Posted on March 17, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
A Life of Devotion

March 17

A Life of Devotion


Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 40:6-10; Numbers 26:1-51; Luke 2:36-52; Proverbs 11:15

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Luke 2:36-52

And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin,  [37] and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day (Luke 2:36-37 ESV). 

Anna turned a tragedy into an opportunity to serve God. She had been married only 7 years when her husband died, leaving her in a difficult situation. What would she do?

She turned the difficult situation into an opportunity to serve God.  She spent the rest of her life (84 years of it) developing her walk with the Lord.  She focused her life on fasting and prayer at the temple.  

Some might have grown bitter. Others would have felt hopeless. She chose to speak with God about her struggles. And that conversation led to a life of devotion.

That life of devotion led to the blessing of being one of the first to see and recognize young Jesus as the promised Messiah. This woman of discernment was given the opportunity to praise God and tell others what she had seen.

What are your struggles? Take them to the Lord in prayer. Develop your relationship with Him. After years of intimate conversation, you too may develop a life of intimacy like Anna. You too may gain the insight and discernment of one who has long walked with God.

Ancient of Days, help me to live a life of devotion—faithful all my days. As I bring my concerns to you, may I grow in intimacy and fellowship with you. Amen.

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Waiting and Waiting and Waiting

Posted on March 16, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Waiting and waiting and waiting

March 16

Waiting and Waiting and Waiting

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 40:1-5; Numbers 24:1-25:18; Luke 2:1-35; Proverbs 11:14

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 40:1-5

“I waited and waited and waited for God. At last he looked; finally he listened. He lifted me out of the ditch, pulled me from deep mud. He stood me up on a solid rock to make sure I wouldn’t slip. He taught me how to sing the latest God-song, a praise-song to our God” (Psalm 40:1-3a The Message).

I waited and waited and waited. Waiting for God’s answer seems overwhelming sometimes.

God’s timing and our timetable don’t ever seem to match. We find ourselves at the point of despair–the slimy pit filled with mud and mire (vs. 2). Just about to give up. Sure that we’ve been abandoned.  

Then God shows up. He does hear us. He does listen to our cries. He hears and finally answers our prayers.

He stands us up on a solid rock and steadies us to make sure we don’t slip back into the slimy pit of despair. He gives us a new song. We can sing again.

Hold on to hope. Continue to cry out to God. He is listening. When the time is right, he will hear and answer. Even now I hear the faint sound of a new song off in the distance. Do you hear it?

Heavenly Father, help me to hold on to hope even while I wait for the answer. Help me to realize that character is being developed during the waiting. I continue to wait, please don’t let me slip into the slimy pit of despair. I know that when the time is right you will answer. I wait in expectation, and look to you for a new song. Amen.

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When Donkeys Talk

Posted on March 15, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
When Donkeys Talk

March 15

When Donkeys Talk

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 39:7-13; Numbers 22:21-23:20; Luke 1:57-80; Proverbs 11:12-13

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Numbers 22-23

“Why have you beaten your poor donkey these three times? I have come to block your way because you’re getting way ahead of yourself. The donkey saw me and turned away from me these three times. If she hadn’t, I would have killed you by this time, but not the donkey. I would have let her off” (Numbers 22:32-33 The Message).

God is very creative in communicating with his people. But when God starts to speak to you through a donkey, you know you are in trouble. God’s servants, especially prophets or preachers, are wise to learn the lessons of Balaam. 

Don’t let people influence you—whether through money or power or position—to compromise your message. There are those who would like to influence your message—to make it more comfortable. Balaam knew that he would prove a false prophet if he didn’t say exactly what God wanted him to say. There is no place for changing or compromising the message.

Don’t get ahead of yourself. Do what God wants you to do when he wants you to do it. Don’t run ahead or behind God and his leading. You’ll only get yourself in trouble.

Don’t forget to take the time to develop your “spiritual ears and eyes” to hear his voice and see his working. Ministry requires sensitivity to God’s voice. It also requires us to see where he is at work that we can join in him in the work. It has to be embarrassing to have God speak to you through a donkey. Keep your spiritual eyes and ears open. Don’t miss out on all he has to say, or on all he is doing.

Dear Heavenly Father, May I never be be so bull-headed that you need to talk to me through a donkey. Give a sensitive heart and ears to hear you speak clearly. Give me the strength to never compromise the message, but always communicate the words you intend me to speak. Amen.

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