The Good Scissors

Posted on November 23, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
The Good Scissors

November 23

The Good Scissors 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 128:1-6; Ezekiel 45:13-46:24; 1 Pet 1:13-2:10; Proverbs 28:11

Today’s Scripture Focus: 1 Peter 1:13-2:10

But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written; “Be holy, because I am Holy” (1 Peter 1:15 NIV).

I’m sure every mom has them. My mom did: the good scissors.

One life’s most important early lessons was, “don’t use the good scissors.” One of the most awkward moments came when you were asked the question, “Did you just use my good scissors?”

The good scissors were not for common use–they were set apart for a special use. As important as craft projects were to us as children, they did not rank at the level of “good scissor use.” The good scissors were for cutting cloth and sewing projects only.

In a similar way, God has called us from common use–the life of sin–and set us apart for his special purposes–a life of holiness.

Sin dulls our edges spiritually and keeps us from effective service for God.

Holiness is “being set apart.”  We have been called “out of darkness into his wonderful light” (2:9). As such we are God’s chosen people, his royal priesthood, a holy nation belonging to God so that we may declare His praises (2:9). We certainly can dull our edges by going back to darkness–but we are created for something greater.

You are his good scissors. You are set apart to declare his praises and serve him. Holy living keeps your edge sharp and effective for His service and praise.

Heavenly Father, I give myself to you as a living sacrifice. Fill me with your Spirit, and help me to walk in a way that pleases you. By your grace, teach me to grow in obedience—becoming more and more like Jesus. Amen.

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Living Hope, Unspeakable Joy

Posted on November 22, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Living Hope, Unspeakable Joy

November 22

Living Hope, Unspeakable Joy

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 127:1-5; Ezekiel 44:1-45:12; 1 Pet 1:1-12; Proverbs 28:8-10

Today’s Scripture Focus: 1 Peter 1:1-12

“He has given us new birth into a living hope through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3 NIV).

Peter’s readers were going through difficult times. In the midst of all that they were going through they held on to a living hope. 

They knew that Christ had been raised from the dead. Hopelessness had turned to hope in the most impossible way. They knew they had an eternal hope and had every reason to find hope even in their present circumstances knowing that God had not deserted them. He was at work bringing good even of their tough times.

They also knew they had an inheritance “that can never perish, spoil or fade–kept in heaven for you.” This life is only the beginning of the life that is eternal. They will be rewarded for their faithfulness. It will be worth it all.

They also had the hope that God was using their present difficulties to refine their faith and prove it genuine. “These have come so that your faith of greater worth that gold, which perishes even though refined by fire–may be proved genuine and may result in praise glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

They had the hope of Christ’s return– a day they longed for–the anticipation of which brought inexpressible and glorious joy.

They had hope because they had an eternal perspective. Looking only to their circumstances might bring only hopelessness, but looking to God and his eternal purposes they found joy and the hope that enabled them to press forward in faith.

Keep your eyes on the goal and press forward in hope. Look to Jesus. He will be with you each step of the way.

Lord, help me to focus on the living hope I have in you. I am tempted to get bogged down in the tough stuff of this life, but so need to keep it all in eternal perspective. Remind me that these light and momentary afflictions are not worth being compared to the glory that will one day be revealed. Amen.

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A Healing Community

Posted on November 21, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
A Healing Community

November 21

A Healing Community

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 126:4-6 | Ezekiel 42:1-43:27 | James 5:1-20 | Proverbs 28:6-7

Today’s Scripture Focus: James 5:1-20

“Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. [14] Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.” (James 5:13-14 NIV).

James describes the church as a healing community: A place where the broken and wounded can come to find people filled with faith and love. It is a place where needs are met through prayer; It is a place where “it’s OK” to “not be O.K.”; where people are honest and transparent about their true condition–no masks needed.

It is a place of prayer. “Is any of you in trouble? He should pray” (13); “Pray for each other”(16); “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (16). Whatever the need, whatever the trouble, the praying community takes the need in faith to God.

It is a place of praise and worship. “Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise” (13). God manifests his presence in times of praise and worship. In his presence, needs are met, broken hearts find healing, and lives are changed.

It is a place of healing. Church leaders anoint with oil as the community joins together to pray for the sick. Their prayers are not half-hearted or double-minded. They pray prayers of faith and expect God to bring healing.” And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well.”

It is a place of honesty and authenticity. People do not cover over their sins or pretend they don’t have problems. The healing community is a place of confession. Often the healing we seek can’t be released until sin is confessed and dealt with. “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”

A true healing community, as described by James, is a dynamic church that will impact their world. It all begins with people coming in their brokenness and finding Christ to be all they need. Open your heart to Jesus today in a healing community of faith–allow him to meet your deepest needs.

Lord, make us a church that provides a place for the broken and hurting to bring their need. Make us a church that prays, and hopes, and expects God to do amazing things. Make us a church that is a place of grace where we feel safe to share our brokenness and sin without fear of shame and condemnation. Make us a place of joyful praise and thanksgiving. Make us a healing community. Amen.

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Lord Willin’ and the Creek Don’t Rise

Posted on November 20, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Lord Willin' and the Creek Don't Rise

November 20

Lord Willin’ and the Creek Don’t Rise 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 126:1-3; Ezekiel 40:28-41:26; James 4:1-17; Proverbs 28:3-5

Today’s Scripture Focus: James 4:1-17

“Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that’” (James 4:14 ESV).

I worked for many years with a pastor that had many colorful expressions from his Kentucky upbringing. As I was leaving the church each day, I’d say something like, “See ya.” He’d always reply the same way, “Lord Willin’ and the Creek Don’t Rise.” I just wrote it off as another one of those expressions that I don’t really get, and thought it was probably not worth the energy to pursue.

I remember not longer after that running into this passage in James, and realizing it probably was one key to understanding the: “Lord willin’” part of the expression.

But my first summer preaching at a camp in Eastern Kentucky brought light to the rest of that expression. I had to drive up a creek bed about 1/4 of a mile in order to get to the campground (a creek bed with water that could rise quickly in a rain storm). Then I understood the “creek risin’” part. Sometimes there are unplanned circumstances that keep us from our planned destination. God opens and closes doors. Sometimes unexpected circumstances become “risin’ creeks” that call for a humble readjustment of our plans.

God’s ways are not our ways, his plans are higher than ours. In all of our planning, we must have the attitude, “Lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise.” Our lives sometimes take unexpected twists and turns–all a part of his path.

When we pray and when we seek his will, “Lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise” is a good attitude for us to have. We humbly bow our knees to Him and his plans for us. After all, his plans for us are good ones–even when he surprises us with an occasional “creek risin’” that signals a change of plans.

Keep looking to him. In humility seek him and his plans. Recognize that even our best laid plans are always subject to God’s readjustments.

Lord, in all I plan to do today, I recognize that you may have other plans. Guide my steps, open doors, and help me to make the most of every opportunity. May even the interruptions prove to be fruitful encounters. Amen.

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Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires

Posted on November 19, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

November 19

Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 125:1-5; Ezekiel 39:1-40:27; James 2:18-3:18; Proverbs 28:2

Today’s Scripture Focus: James 2:18-3:18

“From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers these things ought not to be so” (James 3:10 ESV).

The tongue is a powerful force for evil or for good. James encourages us to be people who bless rather than curse with our tongues. He does so by illustrating the power of the tongue.

He describes the tongue like a small bit that can turn and guide a large horse. He says it is like the small rudder of a ship that can turn the whole ship and set its course. It is like a spark that sets a whole forest ablaze.

I think we all know the truth of those word pictures. Anyone who has been the victim of gossip knows how a story spreads and gets more outrageous as the process goes on. Truly, gossip is a sin with “forest-fire” like qualities. It gets out of control and creates great devastation.

He also describes the tongue as a poison. Many words hurt, some are deadly to the spirit of an individual. This is especially true of the curses we hold on to (words that have wounded us and we can’t seem to ever leave them behind–at least subconsciously). These have a long-lasting negative effect on our lives.

He points out the inconsistency of a Christian who blesses one moment and then curses the next. It’s like a fig tree bearing olives, or a grapevine producing figs, or a spring pouring out both fresh and salt water.

Yet for all the devastation the tongue can bring, the tongue can be a powerful force for good. Use your tongue to encourage, to bless, to pray, to witness and to praise. Allow your tongue to “put out fires” instead of igniting them.

Lord, I present the members of my body to you today, including my tongue, I dedicate them to your use. May my tongue bless, encourage, witness and praise—building up others rather than tearing them down. Enable me to guard my tongue. Let no careless word spark unintended wildfires. Amen.

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Mirror, Mirror

Posted on November 18, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Mirror, Mirror by Jeff Syverson "As I look into his word, he shows me placed in need of ongoing transformation. This needed daily ritual gets me ready for the challenges of the day."

November 18

Mirror, Mirror

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 124:6-8; Ezekiel 37:1-38:23; James 1:19-2:17; Proverbs 28:1

Today’s Scripture Focus: James 1:19-2:17

“But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it–he will be blessed in what he does” (James 1:25 NIV).

Did you look in the mirror this morning? What did you see?

Each morning I roll out of bed, and begin my morning ritual. One of the first things that I do is look in a mirror. Usually that is enough to scare me into showering, shaving and getting ready for the day. It’s a daily reminder that I’m not ready to go out into the world yet –-and they certainly aren’t ready for me looking like this.

In a similar way, I need to look into God’s mirror each day. As I look into his word, he shows me areas I need to change, places in need of ongoing transformation. This needed daily ritual gets me ready for the challenges of the day.

Furthermore, James reminds us that we had better apply the Word of God. Imagine looking in a mirror and not changing a thing about your appearance. You see that your hair looks like it has been combed with an eggbeater, but you just don’t quite get around to combing it. To most of us that is unthinkable. Yet we do it all the time regarding scripture. God shows us things in his word and we fail to apply them in our daily lives. James points out to us in this passage how silly that really is.

We need the mirror of the word to rebuke, correct, train and equip us. We need it daily. And we need to remember daily to apply the text to our lives–then we will be blessed in what we do (1:25).

Lord, I open my heart to your word today. Speak to me. Show me the changes I need to make to get ready for this day. Let your word encourage, teach, rebuke, correct and bring transformation. Amen.

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Wisdom

Posted on November 17, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Wisdom

November 17

Wisdom 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 124:1-5; Ezekiel 35:1-36:38; James 1:1-18; Proverbs 27:23-27

Today’s Scripture Focus: James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him (James 1:5 NIV).

God loves to give us his wisdom. He wants us to ask him for it. He never gets tired of our coming back again and again to ask for it. He never faults us for asking over and over again.

He lays down two conditions. We must ask for it. James tells us in chapter 4: “you do not have because you do not ask.” We often trust our own wisdom and neglect to ask God for his wisdom.

The other condition is faith. “But let him ask in faith, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

God is not going to waste his wisdom on someone who doesn’t have the faith to put it into action. The double-minded person wavers between what he knows in his head he should do, and what he wants to do in his heart. He wavers between the wisdom of God and his own desires. Where there is no willingness to follow God’s wisdom–when there is only instability and wavering–we have not met the condition of faith. We should not expect wisdom from God–or anything else for that matter.

Set your mind fully on knowing and doing the will of God and ask him for it. He promises to give such a person all the wisdom that they need, anytime they need it.

Lord, again I stand in need of your wisdom. Thank you for your willingness to hear my repeated requests and answer with the wisdom I need. Amen.

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Through Us and In Us

Posted on November 16, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Through Us and In Us

November 16

Through Us and In Us

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 123:1-4; Ezekiel 33:1-34:31; Hebrews 13:1-25; Proverbs 27:21-22

Today’s Scripture Focus: Hebrews 13:1-25

Hebrews 13:20-21 (NIV) May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, [21] equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

As the letter comes to an end, the writer of Hebrews gives a blessing. He first blesses them by asking that God would provide everything they need to do the work he has called them to do– everything they need for doing his will.

What tasks has God given you to do today? Do you believe that God will give you everything you need to do his will in all that he calls you to do today? He is always there to provide everything we need if we rely on him for it: the strength, the initiative, the follow through, the gifting, the wisdom, the love, the joy, the resources.

But the blessing goes further, it is not just a blessing for God to give us everything we need to work “through us,” it is also a blessing for him to work “in us.” “And may he work in us what is pleasing to him.” There are areas in each of our lives that require God’s ongoing work of transformation.

The blessing for God to work “through us” and the blessing for God to work “in us” are not isolated blessings. Most of that which will enable us to do his will and work through us, will be provided by the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit “in us.” As he changes us from the inside out, he prepares us for each and everything thing he intends to accomplish “through us.”

May God work “in you” today to equip you for everything he intends to accomplish “through you” today. Amen.

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Practical Holiness

Posted on November 15, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Practical Holiness

November 15

Practical Holiness 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 122:1-9; Ezekiel 31:1 – 32:32; Hebrews 12:14-29; Proverbs 27:18-20

Today’s Scripture Focus: Hebrews 12:14-29

“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many” (Hebrews 12:14-15 NIV).

As Christians, we are called to a life of holiness. But what does that mean? To some it might bring images of life in a monastery rejecting all worldly things to spend the rest of my life in prayer and solitude. To others, it means a rigid life of keeping rules and trying hard. Many of our images of holiness suggest a joyless existence–rigid and austere. But that is not the picture of holiness that the Bible gives.

Holiness is becoming more and more like Jesus: More loving, more joyful, more of a peacemaker, more kind and gentle with others, more patient. Far from a joyless existence, holiness is “life lived to the full,” a life of wholeness and balance. It means becoming a person that lives with a clear sense of purpose. Living a holy life should be a passionate, full adventurous life lived to the glory of God.

The greatest test of our progress in holiness is this: how do I get along with other people? Do you see the connection in our text? “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and be holy.” In practical terms, our growth in holiness is tested and proved through relationships with others.

So how are you doing? Take the time to open your heart to Jesus everyday through prayer and meditating on His word. Spending time with Christ has a way of bringing transformation from the inside out that begins to be seen more and more in your daily life and especially in dealing with people. As you take the time to read and pray, His character and priorities begin to rub off a little more each day.

Heavenly Father, help me to walk in holiness and live in peace with others. May the character of Jesus be reflected in all I do and say today. So Lord, fill me with your Spirit and produce the fruit of your Spirit in my life. Amen.

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Keep Running

Posted on November 14, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

November 14

Keep Running 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 121:1-8; Ezekiel 29:1 – 30:26; Hebrews 11:32-12:13; Proverbs 27:17

Today’s Scripture Focus: Hebrews 11:32-12:13

“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1b-2 NIV).

The life of faith is a marathon requiring great determination and endurance. The race is filled with difficulties. The heroes of faith at the end of chapter 11 sacrificed much for their faith–sometimes everything.

I suppose we all have times when we feel tired and weary and are tempted to quit. In those times we are, in essence, told by the writer, “Don’t give up, keep running, persevere to the end; keep your eye on the finish line.”

Like it or not, God uses the difficulties of life to test our faith. In those times we “fix our eyes on Jesus” and refuse to give up. We rely on his strength to carry us through to the finish line.

Even Jesus went through such times, and he focused on the “joy set before him.” He looked to the ultimate purpose, the reward that awaited him as he faithfully and patiently endured the pain and shame of the cross.

Joy is found in pushing into God’s presence when things are tough and the way ahead is dark. Draw close to the Lord and know that he is near. He is with you even now. You may not initially feel his presence, but acknowledge his presence and look with faith for the joy to begin to bubble up from the Holy Spirit who indwells you.

Don’t give up. Keep running. Your faith is being tested, but that is not a reason to stop or give up. It is a reason for you to look to Jesus for that added measure of faith that will carry you through.

Father God, I run to you today. Strengthen my faith and keep me focused on the joy that is set before me as I persevere through this time of trial. Empower me by your Spirit and enable me to run with endurance until I reach this journey’s end. Amen.

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