Monthly Archives: July 2026

A Joyful Heart of Praise

Posted on July 12, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

It’s almost Sunday. It’s almost time to gather with the saints to celebrate the greatness of our God. It’s almost time to sing joyful songs. Get excited, shout, sing, and if they’ll let you, break out the tambourine and dance. Go ahead; take a chance. After all, “the Lord takes delight in his people.” Think about it: “The Lord delights in you.” Isn’t that reason enough to let go of your inhibitions? Come on, let’s sing and dance and shout, “Hallelujah!” Let’s have church! Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged delight, God, hymns, new songs, Praise, Singing, spiritual songs, Worship | Leave a comment

July 11

Posted on July 11, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

He is looking for “brave warriors, ready for battle and able to handle the shield and spear” (12:8). By putting on his armor and taking the sword of the Spirit praying and interceding, we too may do “great exploits.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged David and his mighty men, loyal leaders, spiritual warfare, supporting leadership | Leave a comment

Courage to Face Life’s Storms

Posted on July 10, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The storm was so devastating and went on for so long that they “finally gave up hope of being saved” (Acts 27:20). They were overwhelmed by the storm. Have you ever been there? Confronted by a seemingly hopeless situation? Tempted to give up all hope? Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Acts 27, devastated by a storm, do not be afraid, gave up hope, God of hope, Hope, I will be with you, promise of God, Rom 15:13 | Leave a comment

Opening Up Your Wounded Heart

Posted on July 9, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

At the heart of his mission was healing brokenhearted people, bringing freedom and deliverance to people that are bruised and banged up life. We all have our wounds and when we really open up our heart to Jesus, they will be exposed so that they can find healing. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged bind up the wounds, broken, healing, healing for our wounded hearts, healing love, honesty, inner healing, presence of Jesus, wounded, wounded heart | Leave a comment

A Heart Set Free

Posted on July 8, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Paul appealed to Agrippa, who knew full well about the resurrection: “It was not done in a corner.” The resurrection seems to go against everything we know. It seems mad. But Jesus is raised and multitudes were there to see it with their own eyes. King Agrippa knew this and could not deny it. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged A heart set free, Festus, King Agrippa, Open your heart, Paul, power of the resurrection, resurrection | Leave a comment

Open Up Your Heart

Posted on July 7, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Open your heart to Him today. Tell him what is on your heart. Do not hold anything back. He wants to hear your cries and satisfy your deepest desires. Your pain, your sorrows, your fears, your questions; he wants to hear them all. He wants to draw near to you, but he waits until we call on him—until we call on him in truth. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Jeremiahs 29:13, O Hallesby, Open your heart, prayer, Psalm 145:18, Revelation 3 | Leave a comment

Psalms, Worship and Prayer

Posted on July 6, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The Psalms prime the pump of worship. They help us to focus on the goodness and greatness of God. As we are awestruck by his glory, we are ready to praise and worship. With wide-eyed wonder we are then ready to pray. Worship and praise affects my praying in every way—it provides right perspective, it prompts faith, it helps us focus and refocus our requests. As we worship, we realize the joy of his presence and we are changed. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged abounding in lovingkindness, be open and honest when you pray, gracious and compassionate, lament, Praise, prayerbook, prayerbook of the church, Slow to anger, thanksgiving, the Psalms | Leave a comment

Meditating on Your Works

Posted on July 5, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When we slow down our reading and praying and take time to meditate and listen, we become more aware of His presence and more sensitive to His voice. Our whole perspective on the day changes as we remember the greatness of the God who loves us and cares for us. As we walk through the day aware of his goodness, we recognize his good works all around us. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged changing perspectives, glorious splendor of your majesty, great is the Lord, in his presence is fullness of Joy, meditation on scripture, psalm 145, the fame of your abundant goodness and righteousness | Leave a comment

New Songs

Posted on July 4, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Old songs should be cherished and sung and passed on to the next generation; I grew up with hymns and continue to find great spiritual nourishment through them. I find them essential. Yet, like the psalmist, we should also look for the ongoing work of God in our lives that will produce new songs. As we grow in faith, may new songs also spring up in our heart. So take up your instrument and sing. Old songs; new songs; sing them both with passion and joy. We serve a great God and he is worthy of our praise! Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged celebrate the new things God is doing, faith, favorite songs, good memories, heart filled with praise, importance of hymns, Jesus, new experiences, new songs, old songs, prayer, singing hymns, Worship | Leave a comment

With All His Heart, Soul and Strength

Posted on July 3, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God is looking for leaders like Josiah, those who will turn to him—who will worship and serve him with all the heart and soul and all the strength they have. Will he find such a person in you? Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged bible, bible study, faith, God, Jesus | Leave a comment