Unless the Lord Builds the House

Posted on June 5, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Unless the Lord Builds the House by Jeff Syverson "God has purposes and plans for each of our lives. His plans are always good. We do well to find out his 'blueprints' and build our lives accordingly."

June 5

Unless the Lord Builds the House

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 127:1-2; 2 Samuel 23:24- 24:25; Acts 3:1-26;  Proverbs 16:21-23

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Psalm 127

Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain (Psalm 127:1 ESV).  

Too much of our labor is in vain. Instead of getting God’s vision for a project, we press ahead with our own designs. Instead of getting God’s heart for the situation, we ask God to bless our desires. Instead of trusting God for his strength to accomplish the project, we rely on our own strength and find ourselves burned out and ineffective.

God has purposes and plans for each of our lives. His plans are always good. We do well to find out his “blueprints” and build our lives accordingly.

Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but the Lord’s purpose prevails (Prov. 19:21). It is imperative that we hear from God first before pressing ahead with our designs. The Lord’s work must be done according to his design and in his power. “Unless the Lord builds the house, we labor in vain.”  

The other side to that is this: In his strength, we can do all things. In him, all things are possible.  And in his power, he is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine. Let’s seek his heart and mind. Let’s get his blueprint. As he reveals it to us, let’s work diligently in his wisdom and in his strength.

Heavenly Father, fill me with your wisdom, understanding, and discernment Help me to follow your paths and discover your plans for my life. I am waiting on you, speak Lord. Amen.

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Fire!

Posted on June 4, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Fire!

June 4

Fire!

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 126:4-6; 2 Samuel 22:21-23:23;Acts 2:1-47; Proverbs 16:19-20

Today’s Scripture Focus: Acts 2

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. [2] Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. [3] They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. [4] All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them (Acts 2:1-4 NIV).

They took Jesus command seriously. They waited expectantly for the Holy Spirit to be poured out. They devoted themselves to praying together. And then it happened: Fire!

They were “all together in one place.” What were they doing? They were praying. They were waiting expectantly for the Spirit of God to be poured out on the church.

What was the result? A dynamic church was born:

A church that was fruitful in evangelism: “Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day” (41). “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (47).

A church where the gifts of the Spirit were in full operation (4: 17-19)

A church that continued to be devoted to prayer (along with teaching, fellowship and the breaking of bread).

A church that gave sacrificially (44,45).

A church that was filled with joyful praise and worship (47)

A church with a dynamic small group ministry (46 b)

A church that lived in awe, because God was present and active in their midst (43).

A church that was on fire!

May God do it again! May he do it in us as we “with one accord” devote ourselves to pray and wait expectantly.

Lord God, we wait upon you for the dynamic power and presence of your Spirit. We long for you to manifest your glory. Fill us afresh and anew with your Holy Spirit and fire. Amen.

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One Accord

Posted on June 3, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
One Accord

June 3

One Accord

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 126:1-3; 2 Samuel 20:14-22:20; Acts 1:1-26; Proverbs 16:18

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Acts 1

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8 ESV).   

All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers (Acts 1:14 ESV).

Armin Gesswein often said, “When Jesus built a church, he first built a prayer meeting.” Acts chapter 1 is the record of that truth. The New Testament church was birthed out of a prayer meeting where “with one accord,” they were “devoting themselves to prayer.”

The result of that prayer meeting was a Spirit-filled church, described in Acts 2 and the chapters that follow.  It was a dynamic church that was on fire with the good news. Jesus’ words were fulfilled: “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

There are too many churches that are just going through the motions; too many churches with no fire or passion; too many churches that are half-hearted about outreach. What’s the solution? Jesus started a prayer meeting. Maybe he was on to something.

Start a prayer meeting, devote yourselves to prayer with others in “one accord” and wait expectantly for the Spirit of God to be poured out. Then go, empowered by the Spirit and be his witnesses.

Spirit of the Living God, fill us, empower us, use us as your witnesses. Forgive us for trying to serve you in our own strength and power. Open doors before us and embolden us to share the good news. Amen.

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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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