Come, Follow Me

Posted on January 4, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Come, Follow Me

January 4

Come, Follow Me

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 3:1-8; Genesis 8:1-10:32; Matthew 4:12-25; Proverbs 1:20-23

Today’s Scripture Focus: Matthew 4:12-25

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people” (Matt. 4:19 NIV 2011).

When Jesus began to assemble his leadership team, he began in an unlikely place: he went to the seashore and found some fishermen. He chose average ordinary people through whom he would turn the world upside down.

Jesus sees the potential in people like Peter and Andrew, and like James and John, and he calls them to a new kind of fishing: fishing for people. He was looking for average ordinary people who could reach out to other average ordinary people with good news.

Their obedience is instant and wholehearted. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed Him. They turned from their old way of life and put their complete trust in Jesus as they followed him.

Jesus sees you too. He calls out to you: “Come follow me, together we’ll fish for other people” You might feel inadequate for the task. You might wonder if he should call someone else. But he is looking in your eyes and calling out to you: 

“I see potential in you for the kingdom. Come follow me. I will show you how to make a difference in your world. Join me in fishing for other ordinary people just like you.”

Jesus never makes mistakes. He knows your potential. He will be with you each step of the way as you reach out to others with the good news of the gospel. Don’t be afraid. Get out of your boat and follow him.

Eternal God who seeks and finds and calls, I hear your voice. Yes, I will join you. Teach me how to fish for people. I have a lot to learn, so teach me. When I feel afraid, be near me. I am putting my trust in you. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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He Walked with God

Posted on January 3, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
He walked with God. Enoch

January 3

He Walked With God

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 2:7-12; Genesis 5:1-7:24; Matthew 3:7- 4:11; Proverbs 1:10-19

Today’s Scripture Focus: Genesis 5-7

When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah. After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked faithfully with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Enoch lived a total of 365 years. Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away (Genesis 5:21 NIV).

We really do not know a lot about Enoch. Though there is much speculation about him in extra-biblical literature, there are no stories of his life in the biblical text itself. But there is this incredible testimony: “Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.” It makes me want to know more.

What we do know is that “he walked with God.” The phrase suggests that he lived with unusual intimacy with God. To walk with someone is to spend time with them, to converse with them over a long period of time, to enjoy the company of another on your journey. From what we gather, Enoch enjoyed spending time with God.

Apparently God enjoyed spending time with Enoch too. For the scripture indicates that because of his intimate relationship, he was taken to heaven without dying. After 365 years of walking and talking with God on the earth, He was given the privilege of being translated into the presence of God—to enjoy his presence without the limitations of earthly existence.

There were others who walked with God too (Noah for example, which we also read about in this text), but Enoch was one of a select few who were transported into the very presence of God without dying. He had found a way to press in close to the heart of the Father.

I hope that you will press in close to the heart of the Father this year, pursuing intimacy with Him.  He desires to walk with you too.

Loving Heavenly Father, I press in close to your heart. I want to know you better. I long to know you intimately. Teach me to walk with you as Enoch, enjoying your presence both here and in eternity. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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When the Best Doesn’t Seem Good Enough

Posted on January 2, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
When the Best Doesn't Seem Good Enough

January 2   

When the Best Doesn’t Seem Good Enough 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 2: 1-6; Genesis 3:1- 4: 26; Matthew 2:13 – 3:6; Proverbs 1: 7-9 

Today’s Scripture Focus: Genesis 3-4 

“You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3: 4-5 NIV).   

There is no better place to learn about sin and temptation than the first few chapters of Genesis. Adam and Eve were the first humans to deal with temptation and sin and there is much to learn from their example. We find ourselves vulnerable to temptation in many of the same ways that they did. One of Satan’s best tricks is to get us to question the goodness of God. Questioning his goodness often leads us to question his wisdom, his truthfulness, and his love.   

We begin to think that God is withholding something good from us. At that point, we are so vulnerable to temptation. We know God loves us with an everlasting love. We know that God is all-wise and that it is folly for us to question his wisdom. We know that God is perfect in truth and cannot tell a lie. Yet, when Satan creeps in with suggestions that God is withholding something good from us, our thinking is affected and our mind is taken captive by warped thought patterns. We often become blinded to the truth. This was the path of Adam and Eve and it is a path that we all know too well. 

When tempted to sin, it is helpful to remember that God is perfect in goodness, in love, in wisdom, and truth. His will is always best–and any suggestion that he is withholding something wonderful from us is deception. God’s will cannot contradict his character–and therefore it is always good, wise, and loving.  To doubt his goodness only leads us to miss out on his good and perfect will. The dangling fruit of temptation looks good, but it always has consequences. It is never wise to second guess the goodness of God.

Dear Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of your goodness, your wisdom, your truthfulness, and your love. Teach me to never second guess your goodness; teach me to never doubt your love. Teach me to follow your good paths all the days of my life. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Posted on January 1, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

January 1 

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 1:1-6; Genesis 1:1 -2:25; Matthew 1:1 – 2:12; Proverbs 1:1-6

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 1

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night (Psalm 1:1-2 NIV).

Remember the children’s story about the tortoise and the hare?  The “slow and steady” tortoise won the race. When it comes to reading the scripture the same principle is true. It is good to take it slow and meditate on the scripture. Notice that the blessing here is for the one who takes the time not only to read but also to meditate on the scripture all day long.

Each day I invite you to read the Bible with me and include scriptures that will take you through the Bible in one year. We read from Psalms, Proverbs, the Old Testament, and the New Testament. The devotional each day is based on one of those four sections of Scripture.

As we begin this year of reading the scripture together, let me encourage you not to just rush through the scriptures. Read them slowly and meditate on them. Open your heart as you read them to all that God has for you today. He always has a fresh word for each day if you take the time to listen.

As you read, meditate, and apply the Word of God to your life, as you delight in it, you will find the blessing described here. You will be like a well-watered tree: fruitful, growing and healthy. You will know that the Lord is watching over your way and directing your paths.

Don’t miss out on the blessing. Take it slow and steady. Meditate, listen, apply and obey. You will see the blessing of God in your life. You have His word on it.

Dear heavenly Father, teach me to read your word slowly, carefully and prayerfully. Teach me to meditate,  listen, apply, and obey. I open my heart to all that you would teach me today. Amen.

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Hallelujah!

Posted on December 31, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Hallelujah

December 31

Hallelujah! 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 150:1-6; Malachi 3:1-4:6; Revelation 22:1-21; Proverbs 31:25-31

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 150

Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, [4] praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute, [5] praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. [6] Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord (Hallelujah!) (Psalm 150:3-6 NIV)

The reason I began writing these devotionals was to encourage the congregation I pastored then (Faith Alliance in Middletown, OH) to join me in reading the Bible through in a year. Down through the years others have joined in reading through the scriptures. Now there are people around the world reading the Bible with me. I do hope the devotionals help to encourage you. More importantly, I hope that they encourage you to dig in the text, opening your mind and heart for God to speak to you through his word.

For many of you, you are finishing up reading through the Bible over the course of this past year. That is reason to shout “Hallelujah!” May I encourage you to read through the Bible with me again next year? I do hope that you will continue to open up your heart daily as we read through the scripture from cover to cover. Perhaps you’ve joined in from time to time, let me encourage you to jump in with both feet and read through the Bible this next year.

The texts today, too, demand a shout of Hallelujah! God has given us a beautiful picture of heaven, eternity, and Christ ruling and reigning as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. You may not have understood every detail in the book of Revelation, but I hope that it has caused you to stand in awe of our majestic God and to look with anticipation to all that he has planned. Malachi too, points us to the coming of the King in his glory. Hallelujah!

Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. All history will find fulfillment in his glorious plan. Evil and suffering will come to an end. Wrongs will be made right. God’s kingdom has come in its fullness and it will never end!

He really does have a good plan for each of our lives, and that is found in the life eternal and abundant that he freely offers to each of us. 

Rev. 22:17 (NIV) The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.

Are you thirsty? Do you hear his call? Then open your heart to Him, and experience the free gift of the water of life: Life that is eternal, Life lived to the full. Open your heart to the one who comes “with healing in his wings.” Hallelujah!

Father, thank you for how you have been at work in my life this year. May I continue to grow more and more into the likeness of Christ as I open my heart to you daily. Amen.

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A Glimpse of Heaven

Posted on December 30, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
A glimpse of heaven

December 30

A Glimpse of Heaven 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 149:1-9; Malachi 1:1-2:17; Revelation 21:1-27; Proverbs 31:10-24

Today’s Scripture Focus: Revelation 21

“Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:3-4 NIV).

Clearly, heaven is a place of indescribable beauty: Precious stones of every sort; streets of gold; gates made of a single pearl. The beauty of the scene described is just about impossible to imagine–and I sense in John’s words that the beauty he is seeing is much more than his words can begin to describe.

More glorious than the beauty of the place is the beauty of the one who is seated on the throne. No need for sunlight, because of the glorious splendor of the radiance of the Father and the Son.

But what makes heaven even more glorious is the nature of our relationship with God. He himself will be with us. He will wipe every tear from our eyes. We will be with God. He will be with us. We will be his people. The words suggest a greater intimacy than is possible in our lives here and now.

Try to grasp the beauty of heaven as you read through the text. Stand in awe of the beauty. Then try to grasp the beauty of the one seated on the throne and the Lamb. Worship them. This is your eternal occupation. But you don’t have to wait until you get to heaven to get started. We can begin now.

Come rule and reign, Lord Jesus! Make us worshippers here as we anticipate worship in eternity. Amen.

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All Creatures

Posted on December 29, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
All Creatures of our God and King will worship

December 29

All Creatures 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 148:7-14; Zechariah 14:1-21; Revelation 20:1-15;| Proverbs 31:8-9

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 148:7-14

Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; His splendor is above the earth and the heavens (Psalm 148:13 NIV).

It is interesting how all the readings today come together. Zechariah tells of a “day” when the Lord will rule and reign. Revelation 20 describes the culmination of that day when Jesus will rule and reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. It will be in that day, when the words of the Psalmist find their ultimate expression: when all creatures of our God and King will worship Him!

In Psalm 148 all creation joins in praise to God—what could be more fitting? From the angels of heaven to the sun, moon and stars—all creation joins in worship of the creator. Sea creatures of all kinds, wild animals, cattle, small animals, birds; they all join the song of praise! Lightning, thunder, hail and wind all make a joyful noise! Don’t forget the mountains and hills and trees—they were created to praise too! Kings of the earth join in praise along with princes and rulers from all nations. Young men and women, Old men and children—everyone joins in the song!

It is good and right for us to praise the name of the Lord. “His name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.” God reigns. Let the earth be glad. Let’s join the angels and worship God our King!

Come, Lord Jesus, rule and reign in me this day. Come, Lord Jesus rule and reign over kings and lords. Come, Lord Jesus, and bring the new creation—let all creation join in praise. Amen.

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King of Kings

Posted on December 28, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
King of Kings
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

December 28

King of Kings! 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 148:1-6; Zechariah 12:1-13:9; Revelation 19:1-21; Proverbs 31:1-7

Today’s Scripture Focus: Revelation 19

[6]“Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. [7] Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready . . . [16] On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords (Revelation 19:6-7, 16 NIV).

In his first coming, Christ came humbly as a babe in a manger. When he comes again, he will come boldly in all his glory as King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

In this, another of the great worship hymns of Revelation, all of creation worships as the King of Kings comes in his glory. Imagine what it will be like to hear all creation singing “Hallelujah” as John described it: “Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:

“Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.”

Since the fall of man in the garden, all of creation has been waiting in anxious anticipation of this day. The suffering and pain brought on by sin is not forgotten by God. It will be vindicated as Jesus comes in his glory. Those who have endured persecution look to this day of victory. Indeed, all of creation waits for his coming: the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

But they also celebrate the fact that the bride, the church of Jesus Christ (Christ-followers from all ages and all nations), has made herself ready. The Bride is ready. Cleansed and purified. Dressed in fine linen. Let the wedding celebration begin.

Rev. 19:7-8 (NIV) Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready, [8] Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.”

It will be quite a celebration. Are you ready?

Lord God Almighty, you reign, Hallelujah! We worship you King of Kings and Lord of Lords and we look forward to your coming! Amen.

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The Good Shepherd

Posted on December 27, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
The good shepherd
From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

December 27

The Good Shepherd 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 147:12-20 | Zechariah 10:1-11:17 | Revelation 18:1-24 | Proverbs 30:33

Today’s Scripture Focus: Zechariah 10:1-11:17

The idols speak deceitfully, diviners see visions that lie; they tell dreams that are false, they give comfort in vain. Therefore the people wander like sheep oppressed for lack of a shepherd.3 “My anger burns against the shepherds, and I will punish the leaders; for the LORD Almighty will care for his flock, the people of Judah (Zechariah 10:2-3 NIV).

The image of a shepherd leading his sheep is a familiar theme in Scripture. Good leadership requires many of the same qualities as good shepherding—leading and caring for sheep. Here the shepherds of God’s people are being chastised for not leading the people as they should.

It is an incredible responsibility to be a leader of people. The leader is not only responsible for his or her own actions—but is also to lead the people under their care in the right direction.

How had the leaders of Judah been doing? Not very well. The political “shepherds”—the Kings of Judah—were, on the whole, a miserable lot who more often than not led the people further and further into idolatry.

The spiritual leaders weren’t doing much better. The prophets are chided for bringing false comfort. Under the leadership of priests and prophets, the people of God regularly drifted away from the worship of the LORD to worship and serve idols made by human hands. Therefore God’s people “wander like sheep oppressed for lack of a shepherd.”

Still God is not done with his people. He tells them that he, himself, will come to lead them as their shepherd. He, himself, would come to lead and guide them onto the right path.

Jesus picks up this image as the “Good Shepherd” as recorded in John’s gospel. He is the good shepherd who even lays down his life for the sheep. He is the ultimate model of a caring shepherd. To follow his lead is to find life lived to the full.

Earthly leaders do often fail us. Yet God is with us to lead us and guide us (Psalm 23), and he has given us the good shepherd in Jesus to love and care for us. Follow his lead.

Good Shepherd, lead us each day in your truth. Guide us on the right path. Keep us from wandering from your path. Amen.

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Rejoice Greatly!

Posted on December 26, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
rejoice greatly

December 26

Rejoice Greatly! 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 147:1-11; Zechariah 9:1-17; Revelation 17:1-18; Proverbs 30:32

Today’s Scripture Focus: Zechariah 9

Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey (Zechariah 9:9 NIV).

One of my favorite parts of the Holiday season is listening to Handel’s Messiah. It is a beautiful work that weaves together so many of the prophetic texts that point to the coming of the Messiah. One such text is taken from this chapter; perhaps you have heard Handel’s musical setting to “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion.” As so much of the prophetic scripture, these verses point to the coming Messiah. They find their fulfillment as Jesus rides into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Zechariah knew that the coming Messiah was reason for his people to rejoice.

In Jesus, the prophecies find fulfillment. He is the Messiah, gentle and riding on a donkey. Years before it comes to pass, Zechariah envisioned the gentle King and rejoiced. Indeed, the celebration of Christ’s coming to earth is a reason for all of us to rejoice. So rejoice, O daughter of Zion! As another great Christmas hymn says so well: “Joy to the world the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room and heaven and nature sing!”

Jesus, we rejoice in your coming to the earth in the Incarnation. We find joy in your presence in our lives as Emmanuel. We look with hope to your coming again. Amen.

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