Category Archives: Devotional Thoughts

A Heart that Trusts

Posted on July 17, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

This is the essence of faith—of a heart that trusts God: resting in the faithfulness of God. Continue reading →

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Cleaning Up the Mess

Posted on July 16, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Because we’re all “a mess,” spiritually speaking, we need someone to clean us up and make us new. The law shows us how messy we are and points us to Jesus, the one who is able to deal with the sin in our hearts. He made a way for the sin and its consequences to be dealt with: the cross. As we turn from the mess we make because of our sin and turn to Him, confessing our sin and opening our heart to a relationship with Jesus, he comes to dwell in our heart and make us new. Sin and guilt are dealt with. We enter into a relationship characterized by faith and trust which brings life—life lived to the full (life as it was meant to be lived) now and in eternity (where it only gets better). Continue reading →

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God is the Strength of My Heart

Posted on July 15, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

But there is a turning point in this lament Psalm: verse 17. “Till I entered the sanctuary of God.” The lament is an important part of our prayer life. We need to pour out our hearts, like Asaph, in complete openness and honesty. We need to open our hearts to God: even our questions, doubts, fears and wounds. But we do so in his presence, and when possible in the company of a loving group of fellow believers who are there with us to help us move from bitterness to strength. We need to enter the sanctuary of His presence. Continue reading →

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An Honest Heart

Posted on July 14, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Open your heart to Jesus and allow him to deal with your self-righteousness and pride.  Experience a fresh touch of his love, his kindness, his tolerance and patience.  Then you may actually have some good news to share with a world that desperately needs it. Continue reading →

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The Heart that is Free

Posted on July 13, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Open your heart to Jesus. Enjoy your time in his presence in the solitary place. Then join together with the saints to celebrate God with all your heart and soul and strength—with all the intensity you have. Find the freedom of David—the freedom of a heart set free. Don’t let anyone steal your joy! Continue reading →

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A Joyful Heart of Praise

Posted on July 12, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

It’s almost Sunday. It’s almost time to gather with the saints to celebrate the greatness of our God. It’s almost time to sing joyful songs. Get excited, shout, sing, and if they’ll let you, break out the tambourine and dance. Go ahead; take a chance. After all, “the Lord takes delight in his people.” Think about it: “The Lord delights in you.” Isn’t that reason enough to let go of your inhibitions? Come on, let’s sing and dance and shout, “Hallelujah!” Let’s have church! Continue reading →

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July 11

Posted on July 11, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

He is looking for “brave warriors, ready for battle and able to handle the shield and spear” (12:8). By putting on his armor and taking the sword of the Spirit praying and interceding, we too may do “great exploits.” Continue reading →

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Courage to Face Life’s Storms

Posted on July 10, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The storm was so devastating and went on for so long that they “finally gave up hope of being saved” (Acts 27:20). They were overwhelmed by the storm. Have you ever been there? Confronted by a seemingly hopeless situation? Tempted to give up all hope? Continue reading →

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Opening Up Your Wounded Heart

Posted on July 9, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

At the heart of his mission was healing brokenhearted people, bringing freedom and deliverance to people that are bruised and banged up life. We all have our wounds and when we really open up our heart to Jesus, they will be exposed so that they can find healing. Continue reading →

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A Heart Set Free

Posted on July 8, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Paul appealed to Agrippa, who knew full well about the resurrection: “It was not done in a corner.” The resurrection seems to go against everything we know. It seems mad. But Jesus is raised and multitudes were there to see it with their own eyes. King Agrippa knew this and could not deny it. Continue reading →

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