Tag Archives: Worship

Shout for Joy

Posted on September 5, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Worship is not a time to mumble. It’s a time for joyful shouting—a time for joyful singing. We serve a great and awesome God and he is so worthy of our praise. Let us come with thanksgiving and praise in our hearts and let’s celebrate the greatness of our God! Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged excitement, joy, joyful singing, make a joyful noise, Praise, shout of joy, thanksgiving, Worship, worship experience | 1 Comment

The Right Response

Posted on September 4, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Worship doesn’t happen by just sitting in a pew; it doesn’t happen only through the singing. An important and often neglected part of the worship service takes place as we hear and respond to the Word of God as it is read and preached—such a response is a pleasing sacrifice of worship that is sure to bring God delight. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged 2 Cor 7, applying and responding to the word, godly sorrow, hear and respond, preaching, preaching as an important part of worship, sitting in a pew, Worship | 1 Comment

When God Asks the Questions

Posted on September 1, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

He may not answer our questions. Even if he does, the answers (or questions) might not be to our liking. But he will be with us, and he is faithful to reward those who hold on tight to him through the trials—to those who persevere. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged blessed, God's questions, I will be with you, Job, Job's questions, more difficult questions, perseverance, the book of Job, trials, unanswered questions, Worship | Leave a comment

Sing a New Song

Posted on August 30, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Why new songs? God is always doing something new and fresh. We must proclaim “his salvation day after day.” If our relationship with God is growing—if there is a newness and freshness in our walk with him—there will be new songs to express that vitality. With every fresh move of the Spirit of God upon the church there are many new songs. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged fresh meaning to old songs, fresh move of God, get out of the rut, hymns psalms and spiritual songs, new songs, sing with passion, vibrant, Worship, worship wars | Leave a comment

Strengthened by Joy

Posted on August 14, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Each day is an opportunity for celebration as we hear and understand God’s word. Understanding it brings joy, and that “joy of the Lord is our strength” (8:12). God teaches us principles that enable us to live “life to the full.” His promises give us hope that strengthens us through the most difficult of times. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged conviction of sin, difficult times, Ezra, great rejoicing, joy, Joy of the Lord is my strength, Worship | Leave a comment

I Stand in Awe

Posted on July 28, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Knowing God leads us to worship. But often it is the mysteries—the things we don’t know and can’t comprehend—that take us to a higher place in our worship. They makes us stand in awe of God and his wisdom that is “just plain” beyond our ability to comprehend. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged awe, Glory, God, mystery, paths beyond tracing out, sovereign plan, unsearchable judgments, wisdom and knowledge of God, wonder, Worship | 1 Comment

The Heart that is Free

Posted on July 13, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Open your heart to Jesus. Enjoy your time in his presence in the solitary place. Then join together with the saints to celebrate God with all your heart and soul and strength—with all the intensity you have. Find the freedom of David—the freedom of a heart set free. Don’t let anyone steal your joy! Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged bible, boldness, David and Michal, david danced, faith, form of godliness but denying its power, freedom, God, Jesus, joy, Praise, Worship | Leave a comment

A Joyful Heart of Praise

Posted on July 12, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

It’s almost Sunday. It’s almost time to gather with the saints to celebrate the greatness of our God. It’s almost time to sing joyful songs. Get excited, shout, sing, and if they’ll let you, break out the tambourine and dance. Go ahead; take a chance. After all, “the Lord takes delight in his people.” Think about it: “The Lord delights in you.” Isn’t that reason enough to let go of your inhibitions? Come on, let’s sing and dance and shout, “Hallelujah!” Let’s have church! Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged delight, God, hymns, new songs, Praise, Singing, spiritual songs, Worship | Leave a comment

New Songs

Posted on July 4, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Old songs should be cherished and sung and passed on to the next generation; I grew up with hymns and continue to find great spiritual nourishment through them. I find them essential. Yet, like the psalmist, we should also look for the ongoing work of God in our lives that will produce new songs. As we grow in faith, may new songs also spring up in our heart. So take up your instrument and sing. Old songs; new songs; sing them both with passion and joy. We serve a great God and he is worthy of our praise! Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged celebrate the new things God is doing, faith, favorite songs, good memories, heart filled with praise, importance of hymns, Jesus, new experiences, new songs, old songs, prayer, singing hymns, Worship | 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