Category Archives: Devotional Thoughts

Can We Find Anyone Like This? (Jan 20)

Posted on January 20, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Joseph proved faithful through incredibly difficult and unjust circumstances. He continued to trust when things seemed hopeless. He refused the temptation to allow bitterness to poison his spirit (despite the injustice, rejection and betrayal he suffered). When God exalted and used him, he proved humble and trustworthy–and he exalted and magnified the Lord. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged blessing of God, faithful, integrity, Joseph, leadership | Leave a comment

Resist (Jan 19)

Posted on January 19, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Instead of giving in to the passion of the moment, he looked at the situation rationally and righteously. His split second decision made the difference between falling into sin and standing strong as a righteous man. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged choosing to obey, Joseph, Potiphar's wife, temptation | 1 Comment

Careless Words (Jan 18)

Posted on January 18, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Our words say a lot about who we really are on the inside. They are one of the fruits of our inner life. Jesus reminds us: “out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” Our words often say a lot more about us than we realize. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged careless words, judgement, out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks | 1 Comment

The Blessing of Wisdom (Jan 17)

Posted on January 17, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Knowing that he can be trusted, that he is “our confidence,” brings peace in any circumstance. Knowing that he is there to keep us safe helps us deal with our fears. Resting in His everlasting arms, we are able to sleep at night (24). Continue reading →

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Is Your Soul at Rest? (Jan 16)

Posted on January 16, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Jesus isn’t looking for relentless religious activity. He is looking first and foremost for a relationship with you. Religious activity burns us out. It makes us tired and weary. Trying hard to perform rather than resting in his grace, leads to a treadmill of activity. But it is activity in one’s own strength and for the wrong motives. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged is your soul at rest, refreshed and renewed in his presence, unforced rhythms of grace, yoke of discipleship | Leave a comment

Counting Hairs (Jan 15)

Posted on January 15, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Jesus call to his disciples is not an easy one. He asks them to leave everything behind–even their families (35-37)–to take the good news from town to town. He is clearly calling for sacrifice–for wholehearted commitment whatever the cost. “Anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” To follow him wholeheartedly will likely bring persecution and hardship; for some, it will mean losing their very lives. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged do not fear, God cares, God knows, hairs of your head are numbered, trust God | 1 Comment

Praying and Going (Jan 14)

Posted on January 14, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Confronted by the immense need, Jesus called the disciples to pray. He told them, “the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (9:37). Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged harvest field is ripe, lord of the harvest, pray then go, praying, you can be the answer to your prayers | Leave a comment

A Risk of Faith (Jan 13)

Posted on January 13, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Scripture tells us that “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). Note how pleased Jesus was to find faith in each of these people. Also note the incredible things accomplished through that faith. Continue reading →

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Bring Them to Jesus (Jan 12)

Posted on January 12, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

All around us are friends in desperate need of an encounter with Jesus. Two stories in Matthew 9 remind us that we can be used by God to bring people to Jesus. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged bring them to Jesus, God uses our faith, lives are restored, miracles happen, people are changed | Leave a comment

Calming the Storm (Jan 11)

Posted on January 11, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The disciples were afraid as they were tossed by the wind and the wave. Jesus saw their need and brought peace to the storm. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged calming the storm, God meets our need, Jesus authority, Peace in the storms of life | Leave a comment