Monthly Archives: September 2026

Passing the Test

Posted on September 13, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

It’s good to check our progress. It’s encouraging to see more of Christ’s love, more of his joy and peace, more of his patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. It’s also humbling to realize how far we have to go to become like him. But that humility only causes us to place our trust not in our self-effort, but in Christ who lives within us. He is the one who began the good work in us and he will complete it (Phil 1:6). Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged 2 Cor 13, character of Christ, fruit of the Spirit, growth is a process, he who began a good work, Jesus, pass the test, perfectionism, Spiritual growth, spiritual progress, test yourselves | Leave a comment

The Big Picture

Posted on September 12, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When what we see with our eyes doesn’t seem to make sense, it is time to look at the big picture—to get an eternal perspective. For Isaiah, that meant pointing to the hope of the coming Messiah. In earlier chapters he warned of judgment, but even in all that he points to the hope that one day the Messiah will come. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged eternal purpose, eternal reward, God's eternal plan, Jesus, King of Kings, leopard will lie down with the goat, lion and yearling together, little child will lead them, Messiah, second coming of Christ, The big picture, wolf will live with the lamb | Leave a comment

He Will Reign

Posted on September 11, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When our world seems to spin out of control, we must run back to this truth, that the Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. In the midst of tragedy, we must look forward to the day when Christ will return to right all the wrongs and to reign with the government on his shoulders. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged 9-11, anniversary of 9-11, battle zone, God is on the throne, He Will Reign, the cross still stands, when everything around us falls, world spins out of control, World Trade Center | Leave a comment

Holy Love

Posted on September 10, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Just like Isaiah, when we see and worship God in his holiness our whole life orientation and purpose changes. We are no longer living for ourselves, but for Him. We must give ourselves to him and to his call on our lives. We cry out with Isaiah, “Here am I, send me”. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged angels worship, awestruck, here am I send me, Holy, holy holy holy, Isaiah, Isaiah 6, the whole earth is full of his glory | Leave a comment

Boasting in Weakness

Posted on September 9, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

In our weakness, God’s strength shines through clearly and brightly. We are jars of clay in which God chooses to dwell. As he does, the clay is reworked and molded into a piece of beautiful craftsmanship, designed to do the good works he has called us to do (Ephesians 2:10). Yet often he seems to leave visible scars, reminders of our weakness–these are left only to show how weak we are in ourselves, and how strong He is. Continue reading →

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Demolishing Strongholds

Posted on September 8, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The castle that promises pleasure becomes a prison from which we can’t seem to escape. We feel hopeless and defeated and wonder if we will ever find freedom and victory. Underneath the addictive behaviors are twisted patterns of thinking that need to be brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged addictions, armor of God, foothold, spiritual warfare, strongholds, take thoughts captive, temptation, twisted patterns of thinking, weapons not of this world | Leave a comment

Tired of Waiting

Posted on September 7, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Can you relate to the Psalmist? Have you ever had a time when you grew tired of waiting for the answer to your prayer? Maybe you are like me and you feel that way most every day. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged answers to prayer, delayed answers to prayer, lament, prayer, still on the throne, unanswered prayer, waiting, waiting for an answer | Leave a comment

Oh Be Careful Little Eyes

Posted on September 6, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

What images are filling your mind and heart? How are they affecting your values, beliefs and lifestyle? We do well to consider these things as we replace the worthless images with truth and beauty. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged addicted, captivated by images, commendable, empty images, excellent, honorable, just, pornography, praise worthy, pure lovely, we become like the images we watch, what is true, worthless idols | Leave a comment

Shout for Joy

Posted on September 5, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Worship is not a time to mumble. It’s a time for joyful shouting—a time for joyful singing. We serve a great and awesome God and he is so worthy of our praise. Let us come with thanksgiving and praise in our hearts and let’s celebrate the greatness of our God! Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged excitement, joy, joyful singing, make a joyful noise, Praise, shout of joy, thanksgiving, Worship, worship experience | 1 Comment

The Right Response

Posted on September 4, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Worship doesn’t happen by just sitting in a pew; it doesn’t happen only through the singing. An important and often neglected part of the worship service takes place as we hear and respond to the Word of God as it is read and preached—such a response is a pleasing sacrifice of worship that is sure to bring God delight. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged 2 Cor 7, applying and responding to the word, godly sorrow, hear and respond, preaching, preaching as an important part of worship, sitting in a pew, Worship | 1 Comment