Category Archives: Devotional Thoughts

Unjust Suffering

Posted on November 24, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

As he was treated unfairly, so we can expect to be treated unfairly. How do we handle it? By drawing from the life we have in Christ and following his example. The key to getting through these times with our faith and testimony intact is his indwelling power and presence. Leaving the matter in God’s hands to judge justly is another key. He will take care of the injustice–that is his job, not mine. I may be tempted to take the way of revenge, reviling, and retribution, but this is not the way of Christ. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged example of Christ, follow in his steps on the road to suffering, leave Justice in God's hands, retaliation, revenge, reviling, suffering, way of Christ | Leave a comment

The Good Scissors

Posted on November 23, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

One life’s most important early lessons was, “don’t use the good scissors.” One of the most awkward moments came when you were asked the question, “Did you just use my good scissors?” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged did you use my good scissors?, effective service, Good Scissors, Holiness, sanctification, sin dulls our edges spiritually, You are God's good scissors | Leave a comment

Living Hope, Unspeakable Joy

Posted on November 22, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

They knew that Christ had been raised from the dead. Hopelessness had turned to hope in the most impossible way. They knew they had an eternal hope and had every reason to find hope even in their present circumstances knowing that God had not deserted them. He was at work bringing good even of their tough times. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Christ's retiurn, eternal perspective, faithfulness, Hope, living hope, the present difficulties | Leave a comment

A Healing Community

Posted on November 21, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

James describes the church as a healing community: A place where the broken and wounded can come to find people filled with faith and love. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged a place for the broken and wounded to come, church, Healing Community, honesty and authenticity, pray for each other, songs of prayer | Leave a comment

Lord Willin’ and the Creek Don’t Rise

Posted on November 20, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God’s ways are not our ways, his plans are higher than ours. In all of our planning, we must have the attitude, “Lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise.” Our lives sometimes take unexpected twists and turns–all a part of his path. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged best laid plans, change of plans, creek don't rise, guidance, guide my steps, intentions, Lord willing, open doors, submission to God's will, will of God | Leave a comment

Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires

Posted on November 19, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Anyone who has been the victim of gossip knows how a story spreads and gets more outrageous as the process goes on. Truly, gossip is a sin with “forest-fire” like qualities. It gets out of control and creates great devastation. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Blessing, curse, devastation of gossip, encourage, forest fires, gossip, hypocrisy, power of the tongue, the tongue, words | Leave a comment

Mirror, Mirror

Posted on November 18, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

November 18 Mirror, Mirror Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 124:6-8; Ezekiel 37:1-38:23; James 1:19-2:17; Proverbs 28:1 Today’s Scripture Focus: James 1:19-2:17 “But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged application of truth, james, mirror of God's word, scripture | Leave a comment

Wisdom

Posted on November 17, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Set your mind fully on knowing and doing the will of God and ask him for it. He promises to give such a person all the wisdom that they need, anytime they need it. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Uncategorized | Tagged ask, doubt, wisdom | Leave a comment

Through Us and In Us

Posted on November 16, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

What tasks has God given you to do today? Do you believe that God will give you everything you need to do his will in all that he calls you to do today? He is always there to provide everything we need if we rely on him for it: Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Blessing, faith, God works in us, obedience, prayer | Leave a comment

Practical Holiness

Posted on November 15, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The greatest test of our progress in holiness is this: how do I get along with other people? Do you see the connection in our text? “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and be holy.” In practical terms, our growth in holiness is tested and proved through relationships with others. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged character, fruit of the Spirit, Jesus, live in peace, practical holiness, relationships with others, true holiness | Leave a comment