Category Archives: Devotional Thoughts

Beyond Good Intentions (Oct 13)

Posted on October 13, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

n our own strength, we have many good purposes and many good intentions, but little follow through. Paul is praying for the strength to follow through and accomplish all the good things we intend to do for the Lord. Paul is praying for these Christians to not only be people of good intentions, but people who follow through to finish all that God has called them to do–and to finish well. Continue reading →

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Always (Oct 12)

Posted on October 12, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We all have times where we are joyful, times when we pray, and times when we are thankful. But are we always joyful? Do we pray continually (without ceasing)? Are we truly thankful in all circumstances? Words like all and always make these verses difficult. Yet, this is God’s will for you. Continue reading →

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Clay in the Hands of the Potter (Oct 11)

Posted on October 11, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

In the hands of the master potter, our heavenly Father, we are shaped and formed. We start out as marred vessels–marred by our own sin, beaten up by the sins of others. Then the potter goes to work. Continue reading →

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What a Blessing! (Oct 10)

Posted on October 10, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Paul’s prayers and blessings are always instructive to us as we learn to pray. This prayer is in the form of a blessing. He blesses them by asking God to fill them with love for each other. He has already commended them for their love, but here he prays for even more of it. “May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other.” There is always need to pray for God to give us increasing and overflowing love for each other Continue reading →

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Real Faith Means Hard Work (Oct 9)

Posted on October 9, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Paul thanks God continually for the Thessalonian church. They are a church that is evidencing the supreme Christian virtues of “faith, hope and love.” Interestingly, they evidence those virtues through their work, labor and endurance. Continue reading →

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Scarecrows in a Melon Patch (Oct 8)

Posted on October 8, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We, who would not think to bow down to an idol, create “idols of the heart.” We worship and serve many things. Paul shows us that even misplaced values like greed and materialism can become idols. So can entertainment, sports, music or a political cause. The list could include most anything that becomes our preoccupation. Only God can bring security and meaning. He is the only rightful object of worship. Continue reading →

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A New Wardrobe (Oct 7)

Posted on October 7, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Sometimes the old clothes just don’t fit anymore—but I don’t mean that the clothes are too small. Sometimes we need a new wardrobe because we change positions. The young lawyer fresh out of law school usually has a major wardrobe update, for example. He could get by with Jeans and T-shirts in school, but not in the courtroom. The old way of dressing just doesn’t suit him anymore in his new position. Continue reading →

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Fully Mature in Christ (Oct 5)

Posted on October 5, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Why is Paul struggling and working so hard to teach and preach and plant churches? This passage makes his motivation clear. He wants the believers to grow up in their faith and become fully mature in Christ. Continue reading →

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Humility (Sept 30)

Posted on September 30, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Paul encourages the Philippians to imitate Christ’s example of humility. What an example it is! Continue reading →

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Learning to Pray from Paul (Sept 29)

Posted on September 29, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We often focus on the immediate needs. Paul prays for the big things, the overarching things. Instead of a quick fix for the moment, Paul prays for that which will make the biggest impact in the big picture of things. Rather than focusing only on the present need, Paul’s prayers impact the here and now by focusing on the eternal. There is so much to learn from his prayers. Continue reading →

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