Category Archives: Devotional Thoughts

Unless the Lord Builds the House

Posted on June 5, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God has purposes and plans for each of our lives. His plans are always good. We do well to find out his “blueprints” and build our lives accordingly. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged direction, God's purpose prevails, God's will, guidance, labor in vain, prayer, unless the Lord builds the house | 1 Comment

Fire!

Posted on June 4, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

They took Jesus command seriously. They waited expectantly for the Holy Spirit to be poured out. They devoted themselves to praying together. And then it happened: Fire! Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged all together in one place, book of acts, devote yourselves to prayer, do it again, Holy Spirit, pentecost, prayer, with one accord | Leave a comment

One Accord

Posted on June 3, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Armin Gesswein often said, “When Jesus built a church, he first built a prayer meeting.” Acts chapter 1 is the record of that truth. The New Testament church was birthed out of a prayer meeting where “with one accord,” they were “devoting themselves to prayer.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Armin Gesswein, book of acts, devote yourselves to prayer, Holy Spirit, pentecost, power, prayer meeting, praying, witnesses | Leave a comment

Feed My Sheep

Posted on June 2, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Our failings are not lost on God. From the broken place, we learn to rely on God’s strength rather than our own. With humility, we begin again, with a new understanding of the grace of God. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged begin again, do you love me, feed my sheep, grace, humility, Jesus and Peter, post-resurrection appearances of Jesus, resurrection, second chance, steadfast love | Leave a comment

I Have Seen the Lord!

Posted on June 1, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The Resurrection brought hope and joy to Jesus’ disciples. It continues to bring hope and joy to us today. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged doubting Thomas, Eternal Life, grief, he is risen, Hope, Jesus, joy, resurrection, risen Christ | Leave a comment

It is Finished!

Posted on May 31, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

It is finished! All signs point to death and defeat. Yet, this is all part of God’s plan. Death is being swallowed up in victory. What appeared to be a defeat was in fact a glorious victory. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged atonement, death of Christ, healing, It is finsihed, Jesus, reconciled, triumph of the cross, victor, victory over death and sin | Leave a comment

The Spirit is Willing But . . .

Posted on May 30, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Peter’s failure brought a teachable moment. He was humbled. He had to face up to his own weakness. That put him in the place for Jesus post resurrection appearance where Jesus would reinstate him in ministry with a whole new attitude. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged adventurous spirit, faith, flesh is weak, Jesus, John 18, lay down your life?, pentecost, Peter's bravado, Peter's denial, spirit is willing, well intentioned Peter | Leave a comment

Making Plans

Posted on May 29, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When we don’t know what else to do, we just “do the next thing.” Often the mundane steps of simple obedience, in living our everyday lives with integrity, open the doors of opportunity and blessing. God establishes our steps. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged do the next thing, don't get ahead of God, don't lag behind, God establishes our steps, God's plan, God's will, planning, wait, way opens | Leave a comment

Jesus’ Unanswered Prayer

Posted on May 28, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

What does he pray for? Along with protection from the enemy, along with sanctification, along with his concern for us to make a meaningful difference in the world, Jesus was concerned for the unity of the church: “that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity.” Why does his pray for this? “Then the world will know you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Jesus, jesus petitions, Jesus unanswered prayer, John 17, prayer, protection, sanctification, that we may be one, unity | Leave a comment

Whatever

Posted on May 27, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

May your joy be full as you walk in intimate obedience to the will of the Father, and as you ask and receive the answers to your “whatever” prayers. Your problem is not too big. Trust Him to show himself faithful and to give you the joy of answered prayer. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged abide in me, amazing promises, bear fruit, conditions to the promise, fruit that will last, whatever you ask, whatever you ask in my name | Leave a comment