Category Archives: Devotional Thoughts

The Good Shepherd

Posted on December 27, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Earthly leaders do often fail us. Yet God is with us to lead us and guide us (Psalm 23), and he has given us the good shepherd in Jesus to love and care for us. Follow his lead. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged bad shepherds, care, follow the lead of the good shepherd, good leadership, good shepherd, leaders, love, poor leadership, Psalm 23, Zechariah 10 | Leave a comment

Rejoice Greatly!

Posted on December 26, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

In Jesus, the prophecies find fulfillment. He is the Messiah, gentle and riding on a donkey. Years before it comes to pass, Zechariah envisioned the gentle King and rejoiced. Indeed, the celebration of Christ’s coming to earth is a reason for all of us to rejoice. So rejoice, O daughter of Zion! As another great Christmas hymn says so well: “Joy to the world the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room and heaven and nature sing!” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Christmas, daughter of Zion, Emmanuel, Handel's Messiah, Jesus, joy, Messianic Prophecies, prophecy, Rejoice Greatly, riding on a donkey | Leave a comment

Generous Hearts

Posted on December 24, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

This Christmas season is a powerful reminder of the generous heart of our God who gave his one and only son for us. Let your heart be a reflection of his. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged care for those less fortunate, fatherless, feasting or fasting?, Generous hearts, God calls us to generosity, God cares for the needy, God's hands and feet, the alien, the poor, widow | Leave a comment

Not by Might

Posted on December 23, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God often delights in choosing and anointing the weak and the foolish so that through his power they can accomplish unexpected things. Then all the glory goes to him. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged by my Spirit, depend on God's power, Joshua, Not by might, not by power, rely on the Holy Spirit, who despises the day of small things, Zechariah, Zerubabbel | Leave a comment

Sing His Praise

Posted on December 22, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Praise can transform your life. It takes our eyes off of ourselves and our problems and turns them to see the greatness and glory of our God. As we see his glory, our perspective changes. Praise shakes off the gloom and brings deep joy. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged forever and ever, Praise, praise as a daily practice, praise your name, sing, Worship | Leave a comment

The Accuser

Posted on December 21, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

He’s a liar, a thief, a deceiver. He’s the accuser of our brothers and sisters in Christ. An enemy to God and all his ways, Satan steals, kills and destroys and tries desperately to cause as much damage and havoc as he can. But his days are numbered: “He is filled with fury, because he knows his time is short” (12:12) and he has been “hurled down” (12:10). Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged blood of the Lamb, false guilt, goodness of God, guilt, Revelation, Satan, shame, temptation, The Accuser, word of testimony | Leave a comment

Missing Out on the Blessing

Posted on December 20, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The people procrastinated their obedience. They told the Lord, “Yes we will build the temple someday, but not yet.” They became more concerned with their own personal pleasure and building their own houses, while they neglected their call to rebuild the temple. Delaying their obedience, they lost out on the blessing of God. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged don't grow weary in well doing, Missing out on the Blessing, procrastinated obedience, sidetracked | Leave a comment

From Questions to Praise

Posted on December 18, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Habakkuk is resting in the amazing purposes of God. He may not understand all that is going on–all that God is doing–he may not understand his timing, but he knows that he can be trusted. He may not like the path ahead (I’m sure he didn’t) but he is still able to find joy, as he trusts the sovereign hand of the one who loves his children with an everlasting love. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged big questions of faith, doubt, faith, fig tree doesn't bud, lament, no grapes on the vine, olive crop fails, questions, sovereign God, Why? | Leave a comment

Never Alone

Posted on December 17, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Christmas can be a lonely time. Memories of family and friends who are no longer with us haunt us especially this time of the year. Separation from those you love when you’d rather be “home for Christmas” brings a sense of loneliness. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged abandoned and lonely, cry out to God, feeling left out and lonely, grief at Christmas, grieving, home for Christmas, lonely, lonely in a crowd, remembering those who are no longer with us, your are my refuge | Leave a comment

O Little Town of Bethlehem

Posted on December 16, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Yes, there will one day be peace on earth, good will toward men upon whom his favor rests. It will all be fulfilled just as it was told by the prophets. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Bethlehem, birth of Jesus, Christmas, o little town of bethlehem, prophecies foretold Jesus birth | 1 Comment