Faith That Passes the Test

Posted on November 13, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

November 13

Faith That Passes the Test

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 120:1-7; Ezekiel 27:1-28:26; Hebrews 11:17-31; Proverbs 27:15-16

Today’s Scripture Focus: Hebrews 11:17-31

“By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days” (Hebrews 11:30 NIV).

Your faith will be tested. For Abraham it was a test of “willingness.” Would he be willing to sacrifice his only son even though it made no earthly sense and seemed to contradict everything he knew about God and his promise?

Joseph’s faith was tested in numerous ways. Abandoned by his brothers, imprisoned, forgotten and betrayed. He saw the promise, but it seemed to always be delayed by the circumstances he was in. Finally though, his faith was rewarded.

Moses faced innumerable tests of faith in leading the reluctant, often rebellious, children of Israel out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. Leadership can bring on a whole new realm of tests to one’s faith.

Imagine the test of faith of crossing the Red Sea. Imagine the joy of seeing that faith rewarded.

What of Joshua’s test of faith at Jericho? Could seven days of marching around a city really result in its fall? Facing our doubts and unbelief is a major test of our faith.

And those are only a few examples of faith being tested. You could add many stories as well, couldn’t you?

In all the tests, God shows that he is faithful and that he can be trusted. Hang in there. Keep pressing on. You may not see the light at the end of the tunnel yet, but God will be with you each step of the way. Trust Him.

Father, thank you for the reminder of your faithfulness. Help me to press on and persevere even in the midst of the trials I am facing. I don’t always understand your ways, but I do trust you. I march forward now, waiting for walls to fall. Amen.

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Even When We Don’t Know Where We Are Going

Posted on November 12, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

November 12

Even When We Don’t Know Where We Are Going 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 119:169-176; Ezekiel 24:1-26:21; Hebrews 11:1-16; Proverbs 27:14

Today’s Scripture Focus: Hebrews 11:1-16

By faith, Abraham . . . obeyed and went, even though he didn’t know where he was going (Hebrews 11:8, NIV).

Faith is “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (1). “And without faith it is impossible to please God” (6). It is the foundation for all of our life as Christians. But it isn’t always easy.

Often we find ourselves in the same place as Abraham who obeyed and went even though he didn’t know where he was going. Often faith requires us to “walk in the dark.” God gives us just enough to light to know the next step and then we must take it.

Steps of obedience when we aren’t quite sure where they may lead us: this is the path of Abraham. It is the path of faith. It is a path that we all find familiar.

We wish that God would give a detailed map of the journey ahead before we set out. He seems to prefer to give us just a clue to the next step of the journey. And when he does, he expects and delights in our obedience.

When you aren’t exactly sure where you are headed, or how you are going to get there, remember Abraham. He obeyed and went even when he didn’t know where he was going. We obey our way out of places of confusion and indecision. By doing the next thing we know we should do, God opens another door calling for another step of obedience. Often with just enough light to take the next step, we obey.

Sometimes you stub your toe, you might even fall. But know that he is with you when you walk in the dark. He will pick you up when you fall. Walking in the dark isn’t easy, but it helps our faith to grow. It also brings the smile of your heavenly Father. He is pleased by your faith. Hang in there. Take another step. Know that He is there and that He is pleased with your steps of obedience and faith.

Father, once again today I choose to take steps of obedience even though I don’t know where those steps will take me—or what opportunities they will provide. Teach me to trust you when the next step is hard to see and when the path ahead looks difficult. Be with me and pick me up if I stumble. Amen.

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Spurs of Encouragement

Posted on November 11, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Spurs of Encouragement

November 11

Spurs of Encouragement

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 119:161-168; Ezekiel 23:1-49; Hebrews 10:18-39; Proverbs 27:13

Today’s Scripture Focus: Hebrews 10:18-39

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. [24] And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. [25] Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:23-25 NIV).

We all need encouraging words. Often those words of encouragement are ones that we want to hear such as a word of hope when we are going through a tough time; a word of affirmation when we are discouraged. Yet, encouragement doesn’t always mean flowery words of praise for another. Sometimes encouragement requires a spur–a painful poke in our backside that spurs us on to action.

Anyone who has ever seen a John Wayne movie remembers the cowboy with spurs on the back of his boots. When it’s time to get the horse moving, he gives a jab of the spurs and the horse is off and running full speed in no time.

Sometimes we all need to be spurred on. We need the encouraging words that move us beyond apathy and complacency to a full gallop toward the goal.

It’s reckless to get too busy for church–to give up on meeting together. You need the words of encouragement. You need the fellowship. Sometimes you need the spurs.

Do you know someone who is drifting? Complacent? Growing tired in the race and tempted to give up? God has given you the responsibility of spurring them on toward love and good deeds.

Now don’t go overboard. The spur is meant to prod, not to cause permanent hurt. In the hands of the wrong person, a spur can have a detrimental effect. So our attempts to spur on others to love and good deeds can have a detrimental effect when we aren’t loving and tactful.

Encourage one another daily. When necessary, use spurs.

Heavenly Father, let me hold unswervingly to the hope I profess, knowing that you are faithful to your promises. Help me to spur others on toward love and good deeds. Fill my heart with longing to gather with other believers to worship, and encourage each other through fellowship. Amen.

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Standing in the Gap

Posted on November 10, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
standing in the gap The role of the intercessor --the one who stands in the gap--is not to be underestimated in the accomplishment of God's plan

November 10

Standing in the Gap 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 119:153-160; Ezekiel 21:1-22:31; Hebrews 10:1-17; Proverbs 27:12

Today’s Scripture Focus: Ezekiel 21:1-22:31

I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none (Ezekiel 22:30 NIV).

What a haunting verse. I was looking for an intercessor, a prayer warrior, someone to stand in the gap, but I found none.

God accomplishes his kingdom purposes through the prayers of his people. The role of the intercessor–the one who stands in the gap–is not to be underestimated in the accomplishment of God’s plan.

Moses stood in the gap on behalf of Israel earlier–and God spared them. But in Ezekiel’s day there was no one who like Moses could intercede on their behalf. How incredibly sad.

What about for your church? Your nation? The peoples of this world? Is there someone to stand in the gap?

God is raising up an army of intercessors for these days. The work of proclaiming the gospel to each people group is ongoing, but there is much work to be done. Some are enlisted to go and preach. Others will do the equally hard and important work of intercession. Some will labor on the fields, others will stand in the gap on their behalf doing battle on their knees.

Don’t underestimate the importance and need of intercession. God is looking for those who will stand in the gap in this day. May he never be able to say, “I looked for someone to stand in the gap and I found none.”

Lord, here I am. Help me to be sensitive to the prayer burdens you give. Help me to persevere in prayer to see your will accomplished. Help me to watch and pray. For your glory. Amen.

Lord, we wait in hope for your coming and look forward to receiving the fullness of our inheritance. Amen.

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Once For All

Posted on November 9, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Once for All

November 9

Once For All 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 119:145-152; Ezekiel 20:1-49; Hebrews 9:11-28; Proverbs 27:11

Today’s Scripture Focus: Hebrews 9:11-28

So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him (Hebrews 9:28 NIV).

In the Old Testament sacrificial system, the High Priest entered the Most Holy Place once a year to make atonement for his sins and the sins of the people. It was a most holy event and not taken lightly. Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins (9:22).

Jesus came with a better sacrifice: himself. He had lived a perfect, sinless life. He was the perfect Lamb of God who had come to take away the sins of the world. In his one time, once for all act of dying on the cross, Jesus made atonement for all our sins for all time.

Our writer puts it this way: For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself (Hebrews 9:24-26, NIV).

Jesus will come again one day. This time his focus will not be to bear sin. This time he will come once for all to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. Yes, we’ve tasted it, life eternal and abundant. But in that day, we will experience the fullness of his salvation. Glorified at last—entering the glorious freedom of the children of God. Entering into the fullness of our inheritance as adopted children of God; bodies redeemed and glorified (Rom 8:20-25). This is our blessed hope.

Lord, we wait in hope for your coming and look forward to receiving the fullness of our inheritance. Amen.

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Unlimited Access

Posted on November 8, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

November 8

Unlimited Access

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 119:137-144; Ezekiel 18:12-19:14; Hebrews 9:1-10; Proverbs 27:10

Today’s Scripture Focus: Hebrews 9:1-10

Such preparations having been made, the priests go continually into the first tent to carry out their ritual duties; but only the high priest goes into the second, and he but once a year, and not without taking the blood that he offers for himself and for the sins committed unintentionally by the people (Hebrews 9:6-17 NRSV).

As one entered into the tabernacle, access became more and more limited. The outer tent, the holy place, contained the lamp stand, the table, and the bread of the presence. Only priests who were serving in the temple, carrying out their rituals, were able to enter here.

Inside of that tent, was another, the “holy of holies” or the “most holy place.”  This inner sanctum contained the ark of the covenant covered in gold, the urn of manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant. Only one was allowed access here: the high priest. And even he was only allowed access once a year, “and not without taking the blood that he offers for himself and for the sins committed unintentionally by the people.” The presence of God in this place was so feared that he went in with precautions—a rope so that he could be pulled out should he not live through the experience.

The writer of Hebrews reminds us of these details so that he can point to the amazing new covenant where Jesus provides a way for all believers to enter into the Most Holy Place. Furthermore, we are able to come to this place of intimacy with God without fear. We may come with confidence.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (10:19-23, NIV)

Meditate on the truths of this passage and open your heart to a fresh experience of entering confidently into his presence. Enjoy time in his presence—Jesus has given you unlimited access!

Father, thank you for unlimited access into your very presence. Give me grace and mercy to meet my need for this day. Help me to hold unswervingly to the hope I profess, knowing that you are faithful to your promises. Amen.

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Panting for His Commands

Posted on November 7, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

November 7

Panting for His Commands 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 119:129-136; Ezekiel 16:43-17:24; Hebrews 8:1-13; Proverbs 27:7-9

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 119:129-136

I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands (Psalm 119:131 NIV).

The psalmist describes an intense longing for God’s word and his commands. He describes it like this: “I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands.”

Imagine a pet dog on a hot day running toward you, his tongue hanging out, his whole torso heaving with each breath. He runs to you filled with intense longing–seeking affection, but also hungry and thirsty for sustaining water and food. The intensity you sense in the moment, the panting after affection and sustenance is like the intensity of the Psalmist’s desire to know God through his word and to obey his commands. He couldn’t use a more intense image of longing and desire.

Do you long for God’s word? Do you go after it with panting? Is your desire to understand and do God’s will so intense that you pant after his commands? May he fill you with such an intense desire to know Him and follow his commands.

Lord, I long for time in your presence. I pant for your word. Speak to me by your word and through your Spirit. Give me an ever increasing hunger and thirst to know you more. Amen.

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Your Most Important Prayer Partner

Posted on November 6, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Your most important prayer partner

November 6

Your Most Important Prayer Partner

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 119:121-128; Ezekiel 14:12-16:42; Hebrews 7:18-28; Proverbs 27:4-6

Today’s Scripture Focus: Hebrews 7:18-28

Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them (Hebrews 7:25 NIV).

Along with the duties at the temple, handling the worship and sacrifices, priests in the Old Testament were to bless the people. Intercession was an important element in their job description. Jesus is the ultimate example of this as he is described in Hebrews as the Great High Priest. In speaking of his priesthood, the author of Hebrews tells us that Jesus “always lives to intercede” for us.

How can we be sure that our faith will endure? How can we be sure that we will persevere? We find great assurance in this: Jesus is “able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” Jesus is interceding for you!

As we come to God in Jesus name, we join him in his work of intercession. What an incredible truth. You may feel alone in your prayers and intercession for those you love, but you are not alone. Jesus is there praying with you. You may feel alone as you pray, frustrated by the trials and temptations, wondering if you will overcome, but you are not alone. Jesus is there praying for you. 

You may feel overwhelmed by the news of the day. But be encouraged, Jesus invites you to intercede and together take the matter to the Father. This is not a time for anxiety, it is a time to trust and press on in God’s unshakable kingdom; a time to rest in the hopeful promises of God.

Take heart, be encouraged and continue on in your prayers. Know that you are not alone. Jesus is with you. He is your most important prayer partner.

Jesus, thank you for your ministry of intercession. Thank you for inviting me to join you in intercession. Teach me to pray. Place prayer burdens on my heart and help me to persevere in prayer. Amen.

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Words of Hope

Posted on November 5, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Words of Hope

November 5

Words of Hope 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 119:113-120; Ezekiel 12:1-14:11; Hebrews 7:1-17; Proverbs 27:3

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 119:113-120

“You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word” (Psalm 119:114 NIV).

We serve a God of Hope (Rom 15:13). His word is a message of hope. Whatever our circumstance, we can always run to God’s word and find shelter, comfort and encouragement.

Some years ago, I heard David Bryant at the College of Prayer encourage us to be messengers of hope. He repeatedly reminded us to “preach the pink passages.” He explained that he had Bible, in which he had marked all the verses that should cause us to hope with a pink highlighter. He paged through his Bible for us and it was obvious that nearly every page of his Bible had verses highlighted in pink. Many pages were almost completely pink. Indeed the Bible is a book of hope.

We live in a world in need of hope. We find ourselves daily in need of hope. That very fact is a reminder that we need daily time in God’s word. We need time for our hope to be renewed and our hearts to be refreshed. Then we are able to become messengers of hope that impact the world.

May you find the LORD to be your hiding place and your shield. May his word bring you hope daily.

God of Hope, fill me with joy and peace today as I trust in you that I might overflow with hope by the power of your Holy Spirit. Be my hiding place and my shield. Help me to find hope in your word and enable me to become a messenger of hope today. Amen.

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Sanctuary

Posted on November 4, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Sanctuary by jeff Syverson "The Temple (the place where his glory rests) may be destroyed, but he would still be present with his people."

November 4

Sanctuary 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 119:105-112; Ezekiel 10:1-11:25; Hebrews 6:1-20; Proverbs 27:1-2

Today’s Scripture Focus: Ezekiel 10:1-11:25

“Therefore say: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Although I sent them far away among the nations and scattered them among the countries, yet for a little while I have been a sanctuary for them in the countries where they have gone’” (Ezekiel 11:16 NIV).

The people of Israel had strayed far from God and broken the covenant again and again. God had been incredibly patient with them, but after years and years of their rebellion and disobedience his patience had found it’s rightful end. It was time for judgment.

In apocalyptic words and images, Ezekiel describes the judgment of God. But in all of the creative imagery, he does not leave the people without a word of hope.

Yes, he would send them far away and scatter them among the nations (all of this a righteous response to their rebellion and disobedience). Yet, even then, he would not leave them alone: he would be their sanctuary. The Temple (the place where his glory rests) may be destroyed, but he would still be present with his people.

Moreover, he would bring revival and restoration when they began to seek Him again with all their hearts:

I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. [20] Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God (Ezekiel 11:19-20 NIV).

These Old Testament promises are not far removed from us; Hebrews teaches us that these and similar promises find their fulfillment in Christ and his new covenant (Hebrews 8-10).

Even in our “prodigal times,” our times where we try to distance ourselves from the Lord, he is there. He remains our sanctuary. He continues to offer the hope of a new heart and a fresh start.

Father, I seek you with all my heart. Help me to find rest in your sanctuary—in your presence. Help me to follow you today with an undivided heart. Amen.

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