Category Archives: Devotional Thoughts

Looking Forward, Looking Back (Apr 11)

Posted on April 11, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The Jordan River was the first big test of Joshua’s leadership. While God was guiding him and the people on a road they had not travelled before, this incident certainly brought to mind another significant crossing: the crossing of the Red Sea under Moses’ leadership. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Jordan River, Joshua, memorial stones, remembering | Leave a comment

Be Strong and Courageous (Apr 10)

Posted on April 10, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Joshua was faced with an amazing challenge. He was to follow in the footsteps of Moses and lead the people of Israel into the Promised Land. Not an easy task on either count: Moses was a great leader and the people of Israel were notorious for being difficult to lead. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged God is bigger, overwhelming, strong and courageous, too big, too difficult | Leave a comment

Resting Between His Shoulders (Apr 9)

Posted on April 9, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

April 9 Resting Between His Shoulders Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 50:7-23 | Deuteronomy 33:1-20 | Luke 13:1-21 | Proverbs 12:25 Today’s Scripture Focus: Deuteronomy 33:1-20 About Benjamin he said: “Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged abide, God's love, protection, rest, security, Shoulders of God | Leave a comment

Where is Your Treasure? (Apr 7)

Posted on April 7, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Nothing reveals the state of our heart like our attitude toward possessions. As Jesus put it: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” This is true for the one who has little and for the one who has much—and everyone in between. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Uncategorized | Tagged abundant life, living with the end in mind, possessions, security in wealth, treasure in heaven, where is your treasure | Leave a comment

Religious Games (Apr 6)

Posted on April 6, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When it comes to religion, there are some who play the game better than others. They come dressed in their Sunday best. They never miss a service. They are there every time the church door is open. They work hard making sure that everything looks good on the outside. They never admit failure. They try to do all their “religious acts” out in the open so everyone can see. Scrupulous about the details of their performance; every “t” is crossed—every “i” is dotted. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Uncategorized | Tagged going through the motions, hypocrisy, Pharisees, play-acting, religious games | Leave a comment

Reckless Words, Healing Words (Apr 5)

Posted on April 5, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Reckless words come easily: When we’re tired; when we’re stressed; when we are caught off guard by the comments of another. As easy as they are to say, they are very difficult to take back. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged blessings and curses, healing words, words that wound | Leave a comment

One Thing Is Necessary (Apr 4)

Posted on April 4, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

It is good to follow through with the details of our life—to be responsible in the details of life. Yet often we crowd our lives with unnecessary things—our lives become too complicated. We miss out on the joy of what is most important. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged fellowship with Jesus, Mary and Martha, One thing is necessary, priorities | Leave a comment

Who is My Neighbor? (Apr 3)

Posted on April 3, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

But what does it mean to “love your neighbor?” Or as Luke’s gospel asks: “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus tells a story that gives an example of true love for neighbor, and includes a bit of “plot twist” that cuts to the heart of the problem in answering the question. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged love, neighbor, prejudice, who is my neighbor | 1 Comment

Become the Answer to Your Prayers (Apr 2)

Posted on April 2, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Jesus calls us to follow him and to join him in his mission to go and proclaim the kingdom of God. What is your response? Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged answer to prayer, evangelism, prayer, witness | Leave a comment

Stillness in the Middle of Chaos (Apr 1)

Posted on April 1, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

I’m always struck by how noisy this psalm is: Mountains quaking and falling into the middle of the sea, water roaring, nations in uproar, kingdoms falling, the earth melting, desolations, wars. Yet, it is in the midst of all this noise and chaos that God says to us: “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged be still and know that I am God, quietness, silence, solitude, Stillness | Leave a comment