Category Archives: Devotional Thoughts

Messy Growth

Posted on June 24, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

It is wonderful to see the growth in faith and growth in numbers. Yet with all the excitement of growth there inevitably comes struggle, conflict and problems. All these require creativity and flexibility. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Acts 16, church growth, Conflict, creativity, flexibility, growth, growth is messy, Paul, problems are a path to growth, wisdom | Leave a comment

I’ve Got a Better Idea

Posted on June 23, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When he stopped negotiating and started obeying, God answered and brought the miracle he desired. Often the answer to our prayers requires an act of obedience. The miracle we seek depends on following through on the revealed will of God. We suggest alternate scenarios. We try to set the conditions for obedience. We want the miracle—the answer—but we want to dictate the steps it takes to get there. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged 2 Kings 5, Elisha, leprosy, Naaman the leper, negotiating with God, steps of obedience, stop complaining, stop resisting, the answer, the miracle | 1 Comment

God’s Abundant Supply

Posted on June 22, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God sees your need. He is more than able to meet it. His ability to provide is unlimited. Walk in obedience to God’s leading step by step, expecting his provision. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Elisha, empty jars, God is our provider, God sees your need, God's abundant supply, watching and waiting | Leave a comment

Bumps in the Road

Posted on June 21, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

But the mixed reaction, the opposition, and even the persecution could not steal their joy. The gladness found in a relationship with Christ and bubbling up from within by the Holy Spirit can not be taken away by mere circumstances. They went on their way “brimming with joy and the Holy Spirit.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged ends of the earth, Gentiles, Jews, joy in the LORD, Paul's ministry, persecution | Leave a comment

Inquire of the LORD

Posted on June 20, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Seek the LORD and his counsel. When he speaks, listen, even if it is not what you want to hear. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged 1 Kings 22, Ahab, counsel of the Lord, Inquire of the LORD, Jehoshaphat, Micaiah the prophet, seek the Lord, The LORD's wisdom, when the truth hurts | Leave a comment

Becoming Like the One You Worship

Posted on June 19, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Few in the western world worship such idols. We are more sophisticated (or so we think). I believe it was Calvin that called our hearts an “idol making factory”—on that point I would firmly agree. The gods we dream up—greed, materialism, hedonism and the like—have neither eyes nor ears. They are just as lifeless—and bring us no more life than the more traditional idols. As we trust in them, we become more like them. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged greed, hedonism, idol making factory, idolatry, lifeless, materialism, sophistication, the heart, Worship, you become like the one you worship | Leave a comment

Surprise!

Posted on June 18, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God answers prayer. Pray fervently and expectantly. And don’t be too surprised when the answer you are seeking comes knocking at the door. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged amazing answers to prayer, answer comes knocking at the door, books of Acts, desperation, earnest praying, expectations, Peter knocking at the door, prayer, Rhoda the servant girl, surprised by the answer to our prayers, they were amazed | Leave a comment

The God Who Answers

Posted on June 17, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

How good it is to know that there is a God we can always turn to, one who always listens. He is able to save us no matter where we find ourselves. It is time to stop wavering between false gods and the living God. It is time to devote ourselves wholeheartedly to the one who loves us and hears and answers our prayers Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Elijah, Elijah takes on the prophets of Baal, faith, God answered by fire, idols, no answer, no one paid attention, no response, prayer of Elijah, The God Who Answers, the living God | Leave a comment

Unity Brings Blessing

Posted on June 15, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Do you long for more of the blessing of God? Do you long for more of his presence and power? It flows when his people come together in unity, laying aside their personal prejudices and agendas to love each other deeply from the heart. That expression of love then overflows to a world that stands in need of the Father’s heart. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged accept each other, anointing oil, blessing of God, church unity, diversity of the body of Christ, learn from one another, love one another, Psalm 133, unity | Leave a comment

The Encourager

Posted on June 14, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We all need encouragers: people who will believe in us, people who will stand by us, people who will stand up for us, people who will plead our case. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Barnabas, Encourage one another daily, encouragement, gift of encouragement, Paul and Barnabas | Leave a comment