Category Archives: Devotional Thoughts

Sanctuary

Posted on November 4, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Even in our “prodigal times,” our times where we try to distance ourselves from the Lord, he is there. He remains our sanctuary. He continues to offer the hope of a new heart and a fresh start. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged bible, disobedience, Ezekiel, God, God's faithfulness, heart of flesh, heart of stone, I will be their God., Jesus, new spirit, presence of God, prodigal times, prophecy, rebellion, sanctuary, undivided heart | Leave a comment

Growing Up or Growing Old

Posted on November 3, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God is looking for more than pew warmers. He is looking for those who are diligent students of his word, people who are eager to hear and understand. He desires us to be people who are being molded and shaped by God as we apply and live out the truths of the word. He is looking for disciples who are being trained to become like their master teacher, Jesus. He is looking for people who are using their gifts and abilities to edify and build up the body and to reach others with the good news. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged diligent students of God's word, discipleship, don't just grow old in the Lord, Fully formed disciples, grow up!, growing up in the Lord, pew warming, Spiritual growth, spiritual maturity | Leave a comment

Where are the Watchmen?

Posted on November 2, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Spiritual watchmen are also called to proclaim God’s word: “Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me.” Time spent in the presence and with the word, brings unusual insight into our present situation. The watchman keenly sees the dangers of the days we live in and boldly alerts us to the things that others may miss. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged bible, boldness, dangers of the days in which we live, Ezekiel, hearing from the Lord, intercession, Jesus, prayer, unusual inisght, watchman, watchmen, We need watchmen, word for the moment | Leave a comment

Encouragement

Posted on November 1, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

It is a dangerous thing to drift, to compromise, to rebel and to find one’s heart grow hard because of the deceitfulness of sin. It all starts so subtly–so easily. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged be an encourager, compromise, daily encouragement, drifting, Encourage one another daily, encouragement, hardened by sin's deceitfulness, word of encouragement | Leave a comment

Drifting

Posted on October 31, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Drifting is subtle and it is dangerous. Spiritual drifting takes place through a series of small compromises. One small compromise leads to another, which leads to another, which leads to another. Usually the compromises seem innocent at first–we barely notice that they are making an impact on our spiritual life. But over time, the small compromises add up and we find ourselves in trouble. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged compromise, neglecting prayer, neglecting scripture, one small compromise, spiritual drifting, spiritual fervor, subtle compromises, vitality, we find ourselves in trouble | 1 Comment

October 30

Posted on October 30, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Often life doesn’t make sense. It can be hard. In those times we can always come to God with our laments. But don’t get stuck in the pit of self-pity and despair: look up with eyes of faith to the one whose love never ceases, whose mercies are new every morning, and sing, “Great is Thy Faithfulness!” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Great is Thy Faithfulness, hope is restored, lament to praise, laments, meditate on God's goodness, self-pity and despair, when life doesn't 't make sense, worship and adoration | 1 Comment

Tears

Posted on October 29, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Know that God sees your tears, he hears your cries of lament. He hasn’t forgotten you; hasn’t forsaken you. The songs of joy will return in time. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged cries of lament, He hasn't forgotten you, He hasn't forsaken you, He hears you, Jeremiah, lamentations, laments, songs of Joy will return one day, weeping | Leave a comment

Devoted to Good Works

Posted on October 28, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

While good works are never the way to salvation, good works are the natural result of it. In fact, we are saved to do good works. Therefore Paul says, “those who have believed in God” should “be careful to devote themselves to good works.” They should “learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need and not be unfruitful.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged careful to devote yourself to good works, created to do good works, devoted, Good works, make the teaching attractive, salvation, saved by grace | Leave a comment

It’s Not Just for Breakfast Anymore

Posted on October 27, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Grace not only saves us, it teaches us to say “no” to sin. Each day we are confronted by choices–tempted by sin. Living by grace enables us to say no to sin.It also trains us to do what is right. “Grace teaches us . . . to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age” (12). Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged amazing grace, eager to do what is good, grace, grace teaches us to say no, not just for breakfast anymore, salvation, sanctification, self-controlled upright and godly lives, zealous for good deeds | Leave a comment

Looking for Leaders

Posted on October 26, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Good leadership is crucial to any organization. Good, spiritual leadership is essential to a healthy church. Paul’s instruction to Titus is a reminder of this. He reminds him of the kinds of qualities to look for in choosing leaders. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged character qualities, choosing leaders, elders, good leadership, grace, leaders, quality leaders, virtue list | Leave a comment