Tag Archives: trials

Medium Rare or Well Done

Posted on July 29, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Being a living sacrifice is demonstrated by our reaction to trials, suffering, persecution, and curses (12, 14-21).  Here is advice for a living sacrifice dealing with difficult times: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Trials demonstrate how “well done” you are as a living sacrifice.  Do they make you better or bitter? A living sacrifice is patient, joyful, hopeful, and prayerful as he perseveres through trials. Continue reading →

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Courage to Face Life’s Storms

Posted on July 10, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Paul took comfort in the promise of God given to him. He trusted in the promise of God and it enabled him to have courage even in the face of what seemed a life-threatening storm. Continue reading →

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The Place of Abundance

Posted on May 6, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Trials also prepare us for the place of blessing—the place of abundance. Often in the nation of Israel, the times of testing were a means by which God brought his people back to himself. The times of testing led to times of repentance and revival that led to “the place of abundance.” Continue reading →

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The Forgiving Heart

Posted on January 22, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Joseph knew that God was using that event for a greater purpose. Joseph could see the hand of God in it all, and he grew through the experience. The tough times in Joseph’s life were the very things that caused growth and maturity of character. They were the things that caused him to trust God and become the leader God was preparing him to become. Continue reading →

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Cast All Your Cares

Posted on November 26, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Recognizing that God loves and cares for you, what could be more natural than to cry out to God—to bring him all your cares and anxieties?  Continue reading →

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Comfort Received, Comfort Given

Posted on August 26, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The comfort God gives is meant to overflow. He comforts us not only that our need is met, but also so that we have comfort to give away to someone else in need. As he fills you with his comfort, you become one he can use to comfort others. Continue reading →

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No Easy Answers

Posted on August 23, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We grow up learning the “Sunday school answers” to all of life’s questions. But life’s questions sometimes require more than just a simple answer. They require more than the standard cliches. Especially when we are dealing with the mystery of suffering. Even more so when we are dealing with trying to figure out God’s purpose in our suffering. Continue reading →

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A Hope that Will Not Disappoint

Posted on July 18, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

His situation was absolutely hopeless.  How could Abram and Sara—well past child bearing years—become the father of many nations? The facts: “his body was as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old and Sara’s womb was also dead.” Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed. Continue reading →

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Scattered on Purpose

Posted on June 11, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

There is a purpose in the tough time. There is a purpose in pushing you out of the comfortable nest and into a new place in your walk with Him. Continue reading →

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The Forgiving Heart

Posted on January 22, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Forgive those who’ve hurt you and move on. Expect that God will use even this to prepare you for the good things he has ahead for you. Continue reading →

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