Devoted to Good Works

Posted on October 28, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Devoted to Good Works by Jeff Syverson "While good works are never the way to salvation, good works are the natural result of it."

October 28

Devoted to Good Works

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 119:49-56; Jeremiah 51:54-52:34; Titus 3:1-15; Proverbs 26:18-19

Today’s Scripture Focus: Titus 3

“The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works” (Titus 3:8 NIV).

Believers should be “devoted to good works.” Paul makes that point repeatedly in these verses (2:7, 14; 3:1, 8, 14).  In particular he points out that they should devote themselves to good works that would help out those in urgent need (3:14). 

It is impossible to gain salvation by good works (though many people have been led to believe that is the way to salvation). Paul’s clear statement of Ephesians 2:8-10 is reaffirmed here: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Salvation is the gift of God. It is appropriated by grace through faith—not by good works. But the one who trusts in Christ for salvation is created to do good works. The good works are the result of salvation–not the means of it.

Paul makes a similar point here in chapter 1 where he speaks of those “who profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work” (1:16 ESV). There must first be the regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit (3:5) that remakes us into God’s craftsmanship to do good works (2:14).

While good works are never the way to salvation, good works are the natural result of it. In fact, we are saved to do good works. Therefore Paul says, “those who have believed in God” should “be careful to devote themselves to good works.” They should “learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need and not be unfruitful.”

We are urged to live lives that show good works so that “in every way (we) will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive (2:10 NIV). In essence, we preach the gospel through our lifestyle and good works. This is particularly true when we care for those in urgent need–showing the love and compassion of Christ.

Are you “careful to devote” yourself to good works? (8) Are you learning to do so? (14). Let me encourage you to be devoted to making the good news attractive by your devotion to helping those in need.

Lord, thank you for saving me by your grace, help me now to be careful to devote myself to doing good works. Open my eyes to those in urgent need, and enable me to demonstrate the love of Christ. Amen.

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It’s Not Just for Breakfast Anymore

Posted on October 27, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
It's Not Just for Breakfast Anymore by Jeff Syverson "Truly his grace is amazing. Everything we need for salvation, to say no to sin and to live upright and godly lives. It's not just for getting started in the Christian life, but for all of life."

October 27

It’s Not Just for Breakfast Anymore

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 119:41-48; Jeremiah 51:1-53; Titus 2:1-15; Proverbs 26:17 

Today’s Scripture Focus: Titus 2

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope–the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good” (Titus 2:11-14 NIV).  

The orange juice growers had a series of commercials that ended with this line: “It’s not just for breakfast anymore.” It was their way of telling us that orange juice, usually a drink to begin the day, was also a good choice for the rest of the day. There’s a sense in which I’d like to use that slogan to describe grace.

We usually think of grace in terms of salvation–the beginning of our journey of faith. Of course, we are saved by grace–an important truth. It is the undeserved benefit of God on our behalf that brings God’s blessing of salvation. But that is just the beginning of grace. We need grace for all of our life– it’s not just for salvation.  If you will, “it’s not just for breakfast anymore.”

Grace not only saves us, it teaches us to say “no” to sin. It equips us to have the resources to say “no.” Each day we are confronted by choices–tempted by sin. Living by grace enables us to say no to sin.

It also trains us to do what is right. “Grace teaches us . . . to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age” (12). Grace mentors and strengthens our steps as we make right choices. It enables us to obey as we rely on God’s resources—his grace.

Finally, it even works in our desires, making us zealous for good deeds, or as the NIV puts it, “eager to do what is good” (14). Isn’t that amazing? God, by his grace, works to make us eager to do his will. Of course this involves a choice, and there are other choices out there. But God’s grace is there to encourage choices that are wise and good.

Truly his grace is amazing. Everything we need for salvation, to say no to sin, to live upright and godly lives, and even the desire to do what is right and good.  It’s not just for breakfast anymore . . . not just for getting started in the Christian life, but for all of life.

Father, thank you for the never-ending benefits of your amazing grace. May it train me in the virtues of Christ-like living that I might be able to say “No” to sin and to live a godly, self-controlled and upright life in this present age while I wait for the blessed hope. Give me the grace to be eager to do what is good. Amen.

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Looking For Leaders

Posted on October 26, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

October 26

Looking for Leaders

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 119:33-40; Jeremiah 49:23-50:46; Titus 1:1-16; Proverbs 26:13-16

Today’s Scripture Focus: Titus 1

“The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you”(Titus 1:5 NIV).

Good leadership is crucial to any organization. Good, spiritual leadership is essential to a healthy church. Paul’s instruction to Titus is a reminder of this. He reminds him of the kinds of qualities to look for in choosing leaders. So what qualities are important in choosing leaders in the church?

Paul tells Titus to look to the home life. Are they faithful to their spouse? If they have children, how did or are they doing in raising them? One’s management of their home life can be an indicator of readiness for leadership.

Paul also recommends character qualities that won’t cause shame or embarrassment to the church: “not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.” The leader should be blameless; they should have a good testimony in the community.

On the positive side, he suggests looking for qualities like these: “must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.” The spiritual leader should be someone who demonstrates a spirit-filled life through the fruit of the spirit.

Another important quality is their knowledge of God’s word and their ability to teach it and defend it against false teaching. This is a safeguard to the church that keeps it from error and from getting sidetracked from the truth.

What is your reaction to reading the list? Do you say, “I could never be a leader” or “I don’t want to be a leader”? I hope not. I’m not sure that Paul intended for this to be a checklist for disqualification—and it is sometimes viewed that way. I’m sure each of us could find a point or two (or more) that would disqualify us if we looked at the list so rigidly. A grace-filled way to look at the list is to realize that these are qualities God wants to build into your life so that you can be used in greater measure for him. They are a measure of the life we should pursue.

Father, help me to become the leader you would have me to be. May grace train me to live a life of virtue that says no to sin but is zealous to do good. May the life of Christ in me bring transformation so that I become more and more like Jesus. Train me, fill me, use me for your glory, I pray. Amen.

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Itchy Ears

Posted on October 25, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Itchy Ears

October 25

Itchy Ears

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 119:25-32; Jeremiah 48:1-49:22; 2 Timothy 4:1-22; Proverbs 26:9-12

Today’s Scripture Focus: 2 Timothy 4

For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths (2 Timothy 4:3-4 NIV).  

There is an epidemic of itchy ears today. This should be no surprise, as Paul warned us that this would be the case. Those with itchy ears listen to only what they want to hear. If the preacher steps on their toes, they move on to another place that won’t be so uncomfortable. More than that, they look for and accumulate false teachers that tell them what they want to hear. They turn away from the truth and turn aside to myths–they are easily deceived, especially when it “suits their own desires.”

I an age of misinformation and disinformation it is easy to be misled. Fueled by social media algorithms it is easy to live in a bubble which give us talking points that reinforce our biases. Bombarded by partisan voices which fuel outrage and fear, we lose our perspective and our hope.    Over and against all this, we must prioritize the meat of the scriptures and time spent in the presence of the one who holds our future.

All this confusion makes the job of a pastor ever more difficult and ever more necessary. Pastors must preach the word in season and out of season (when people want to hear it and especially when they don’t). In times of compromise it is especially important for pastors to remain true to the word.

What about you?  Do you have “itchy ears”? Through Radio and TV and the Internet and church hopping and books, it is quite possible to accumulate teachers who tell you just what you want to hear and to waste inordinate amounts of time on social media chasing endless reels and hot takes. But this is not a time for selective hearing; this is a time for the church to hear clearly and obey. It is time for believers to have open ears and open hearts. It is a time for “Bereans” to search the word to find out if these things “be true.” The determining factor is not “is this what I want to hear?” but rather “What is the Spirit saying to the churches?” When God speaks clearly through his word, it is time for us to obey whether it is what we want to hear or not.

Be watchful and sober-minded, and be careful of those itchy ears.

Father, give me ears that hear you clearly. Take away the “itch” to hear only what I want to hear. Keep me from turning from the truth and make me a seeker of truth. Help me to apply the truth to my life daily. Amen.

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Don’t Forget the “So That”

Posted on October 24, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Don't Forget the "So That" --Jeff Syverson "The reason for the teaching and application and living out the truth, is so that we are fully equipped to do ministry. If we are not being equipped for service and using what we know in ministry, then we have missed the point of Bible study. We have forgotten the "so that."

October 24

Don’t Forget the “So That” 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 119:17-24; Jeremiah 44:24-47:7; 2 Timothy 2:22-3:17; Proverbs 26:6-8

Today’s Scripture Focus: 2 Timothy 2:22-3:17

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV).

Why did God give us the Bible? Why should we be diligent students of it? The phrase “so that” points us to the reason: “So that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

God gave us his word so that we could be prepared and equipped to do ministry–to minister to one another in the body, as well as reaching out to share the good news with others. Head knowledge is good—but it is not the ultimate reason God has revealed his truth to us in Scripture.

So how do we move from the text to putting it into practice? We must be taught, and that requires us to do good research. As students of the word, we make good observations, we read, we dig, we ask questions, and we seek to understand. Observation lays the foundation for interpretation.

As we interpret, we begin the process of application. Through our study of the word, God rebukes us showing us areas where we need to change. He corrects us and helps us to see areas where we need to change our way of thinking and living.

Then we begin to live out the truths and are trained in righteousness. We take the truth as the Holy Spirit has applied it to our hearts, and we begin to obey that truth. As we obey we are being trained in righteousness.

The reason for the teaching and application and living out the truth, is so that we are fully equipped to do ministry — both ministering to one another and also reaching out to the world around us with his good news.

Each of us is a part of a mission to take the good news to the ends of the world. Each of us has a part in that. God has given us his inspired word so that we can be trained in righteousness and equipped for service. This is true for all of us–not just pastors and missionaries (Ephesians 4:11-16). If we are not being equipped for service and using what we know in ministry, then we have missed the point of Bible Study. We have forgotten the “so that” of this passage.

Allow God to transform your life through his word, to teach you, rebuke you, correct you, train you in righteousness and equip you for his service. That is what he desires to do in you and through you as you diligently study his word.

Father, thank you for your word. May it teach, rebuke, correct, train and equip me for service. Help me to understand it, apply it and put it into practice in obedient service. Help me put it into practice in such a way that it touches not only my life, but others as well. Amen.

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Purity

Posted on October 23, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Purity "As we repeat the Word verbally and meditate on it, we are helped greatly in our efforts to live pure lives. We not only are clear about the will of the Lord, but we also have the ammunition we need to fight temptation (the Word) hidden in our hearts." --Jeff Syverson

October 23

Purity 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 119:9-16; Jeremiah 42:1-44:23; 2 Timothy 2:1-21; Proverbs 26:3-5

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalms 119:9-16

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word” (Psalm 119:9 NIV).

It’s not easy to live in purity, especially in the impure world we live in. But God has given us his word to guide us along the path. As we live according to its principles our way is kept pure.

But it is not a casual reading of the word that will enable us to live blamelessly and in purity. This passage calls for more than that. We must first “seek the Lord with all our hearts” (10). There must be a wholehearted desire to follow the Lord–to seek Him and do what is right. Unless the longing for God and his will is there, our efforts will not be successful. But as we seek Him diligently, our hearts and wills are changed; we become “eager to do what is good” (Titus 2:14).

The Psalmist also speaks of the value of meditating on the word. “I have hidden your word in my heart.” (11). He verbally recounts the word with his lips (13). “He meditates on the Lord’s precepts and considers his ways” (15). As we repeat the word verbally, meditating on it, and memorizing it, we are helped greatly in our efforts to live pure lives. We not only are clear about the will of the Lord, but we also have the ammunition we need to fight temptation hidden in our hearts.We are formed by its truth.

The Psalmist “rejoices” in following the statutes and principles of the word (14). He delights in the decrees of the Lord (16). When we realize that the principles of the Word have been given to us by a loving and gracious God who only desires the best for us, we will delight in the Word and rejoice in our obedience to it. Our motivation for obedience moves from “have to” to “want to,” and that is a much more powerful motivation that can indeed enable us to walk in purity.

We must be people of the Word if we are going to live in purity. We must come with a “seeking heart,” verbally recounting the precepts and meditating on them, to hide them in our hearts. As we realize that God has given them for our good–and so that we won’t miss out on all the blessings he has for us–we rejoice in the Word and delight in our obedience.

Father, thank you for your word, Help me to read it, meditate on it and memorize it that I might not sin. Help me to delight in your word that I might walk in purity. Amen.

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Replacing Fear with Boldness

Posted on October 22, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Boldness

October 22

Replacing Fear with Boldness

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 119:1-8; Jeremiah 39:1- 41:18; 2 Timothy 1:1-18; Proverbs 26:1-2

Today’s Scripture Focus: 2 Timothy 1:1-18

“Fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord” (2 Timothy 1:6 NIV).

Fear keeps many of us from accomplishing the great things God has for us. We feel intimidated by others–sometimes even pushed around and controlled. We back off from doing what we know we should do. It especially affects our attempts to share the good news with others. Paul calls it a “spirit of fear,” and it is. It is one of Satan’s best tools in keeping us from being fruitful and effective in the kingdom.

Standing in the victory of Christ, we can resist the spirit of fear. Empowered by the Spirit we can find boldness in our walk with Christ, and in our witness.

Paul urged Timothy, not be intimidated, but to rely on the Holy Spirit who had given him the spiritual gifts to do the ministry he was called to. He is encouraged to “stir up the gifts given by the laying on of hands.” The key to boldness is the power of the Spirit. “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly” (Acts 4:31). As he empowers, anoints and gifts us he enables us to overcome our fears and accomplish the ministry he has given us to do.

God chose to use “timid Timothy” to be a bold witness and leader in the church. He often choses the “foolish things to confound the wise.” Perhaps you think God could never use you and you give in to your fears, remember Paul’s advice to Timothy and find the victory that is yours in Christ to overcome the spirit of fear and to walk in the power of the Spirit.

Remember: “He has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, of love and of self-discipline.”

Father,  let me walk in the power of your Spirit and not in a spirit of fear. Fill me with power, love and self-discipline and enable me to be bold in testifying about Jesus. Amen.

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Money Matters

Posted on October 21, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Money Matters

October 21

Money Matters

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 118:22-29; Jeremiah 37:1-38:28; 1 Timothy 6:1-21; Proverbs 25:28

Today’s Scripture Focus: 1 Timothy 6

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that” (1 Timothy 6:6-8 NIV).

Money can be a major stumbling block or a major blessing. The scripture has much to say about how we handle it.

On the one hand, Paul tells us, “People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (9-10). Clearly, loving money too much gets us into all kinds of trouble.

Instead of covetousness and greed (being consumed with making more and more), Paul suggests contentment. “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” Whatever our situation, we should be thankful and content. We look to God for our daily bread and to meet our needs and we learn to trust him.

But Paul also recognizes that money can be a source of blessing and an opportunity for us to bless others. He has advice for those “who are rich in this present world” encouraging them “not to be arrogant or put their hope in wealth which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us everything for our enjoyment.” He goes on to encourage them to be generous and willing to share knowing that as they do they lay up treasures for themselves in heaven.

Thanksgiving, contentment, generosity and willingness to share: these are attitudes that keep money a blessing rather than a stumbling block. Understanding that God is the source of every blessing puts all things in perspective. Our hope is not to be placed in money, possessions or things. Our hope is in God and God alone.

Father, thank you for your provision and blessing. Enable me to be a wise steward in the handling of possessions, laying up treasures in heaven rather than being consumed by the treasures of earth. Root out greed, and the idolatry of money and things. Plant generosity and gratitude firmly in my heart instead. Amen.

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My Strength and My Song

Posted on October 20, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
My Strength and My Song

October 20

My Strength and My Song 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 118:5-21; Jeremiah 35:1-36:32; 1 Timothy 5:1-25; Proverbs 25:25-27

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalms 118:5-21

“The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation” (Psalms 118:14 NIV).

The Psalmist describes his situation: he feels overwhelmed, surrounded, pushed back and about to fall. He Writes: “Out of my distress I called on the LORD.” Have you ever been there?

In his anguish he cries out to God. He calls Him “my helper” (6), “my strength and my song” (14).

He is “my helper.” Where there is no other place to turn, he is there and he promises to help. When I am aware of His presence, I have no reason to fear. “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (5) With God as my helper, I can anticipate a triumphant victory (7).

He is “my strength.” It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man, or to trust in Princes (8). He is the one who can “set us free” (5), “save us” (14) and help us through those times when everything seems against us. “His right hand is lifted high; His right hand has done mighty things” (16).

He is “my song.” For the Psalmist, the Lord’s intervention brought songs of joy and victory (15). God’s answer to his prayer—his intervention—caused Him to overflow with shouting and singing. He rejoices in the Lord, and the Lord is his reason for singing—the Lord has become “his song.”

What is your situation today? Remember that the LORD with you. He is your helper. He is your strength. He is your song. He has become your salvation!

Lord, when life feels overwhelming remind me that you are there as my helper, my strength, and my song. Deliver me from my troubles and put a song in my heart. Amen.

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Set an Example

Posted on October 19, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Set an Example

October 19

Set an Example

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 118:1-4; Jeremiah 33:1-34:22; 1 Timothy 4:1-16; Proverbs 25:23-24

Today’s Scripture Focus: 1 Timothy 4:1-16

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12 NIV).

Paul had mentored young Timothy and sent him out on a mission to Ephesus to stand up to some false teachers. There is some indication that he was timid by nature, so this may not have been an easy job for him. Nonetheless, he was Paul’s choice for the job. He tells him not to be intimidated by others, but instead to set an example for them.

First, he was to be an example in speech—the tongue betrays the true condition of our hearts. His whole lifestyle, too, was to set an example and was to show the reality of the truth within. He was to be an example in love—especially showing love to those who were opposing him and causing controversy. His example also was to extend to issues of faith and to purity.

Paul also urges him not to neglect his spiritual gifts. He should preach and teach and read the scriptures publicly. He cannot do this in his own power; he needs to rely on the Lord for his strength and empowering.

Perhaps you are a young person, like Timothy. Don’t be intimidated. Set an example in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. You will be a shining light to your generation—and an encouragement to us all.

Yet whatever your age, the principle rings true (Indeed, it would have been a given to Paul that we should look to the example of those older than us). We live in a day looking for people of integrity—examples we can follow. Take Paul’s advice to heart:

“Set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”

Father God, help me to set an example to others believers in my speech, in my life, in my love, in my faith and in purity. Amen.

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