Author Archives: pastorjeffsneighborhood

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About pastorjeffsneighborhood

Born and raised in Minnesota, I have served in churches in Minnesota, Ohio, Oregon and California. I am a graduate of Crown College (MN) and George Fox Evangelical Seminary (OR). I have also done additional graduate studies in New Testament Studies at the Center for Advanced Theological Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary (CA). I am also a graduate of the College of Prayer. Having served as the Academic Dean and Program Director at Horizon Institute of Los Angeles for several years, I have returned to the pastorate and serve as Pastor of Big Trees Community Bible Church in Arnold, CA.

Straight Paths

Posted on January 10, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Life is a journey with many twists and turns. To us, the path ahead is uncharted and often unpredictable. Yet to God, the path is seen clearly. He sees the implications of every fork in the road. He knows what is ahead and how the path ahead fits in with his purposes and plans. Like a good shepherd, he desires to lead and guide us on good paths. Continue reading →

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God Will Provide

Posted on January 9, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Abraham’s test of faith was extreme, yet we are all called to trials of faith. Abraham points the necessity of persevering faith even when the command doesn’t make sense; the necessity of instant obedience even when the way ahead is unclear. Continue reading →

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Worry or Trust?

Posted on January 8, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

You can worry or you can trust God. You must choose. He is asking you to trust Him. That means putting behind your worries and calling to him in prayer; continuing to press on with his work and will whatever circumstances you may find yourselves in at the moment. He knows your needs, but he wants you to come in faith, expectantly and persistently (asking, seeking knocking) for His provision. Continue reading →

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Too Good to be True

Posted on January 7, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Open your heart to the amazing possibilities that God has in mind for you. Find joy in your relationship with the God who promises you the improbable and does the impossible. Continue reading →

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Waiting Expectantly

Posted on January 6, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Waiting with expectation is the difficult but necessary condition of the heart that would get the ear of God. It demonstrates our faith in the unseen promises despite the circumstances we see. It reveals the kind of faith God delights in and rewards: persevering faith. “Without faith it is impossible to please God. Because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). Continue reading →

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Good News in Unlikely Places

Posted on January 5, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Good news shows up in the most unlikely places and among the most unlikely people. Continue reading →

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Come Follow Me

Posted on January 4, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Jesus never makes mistakes. He knows your potential. He will be with you each step of the way as you reach out to others with the good news of the gospel. Don’t be afraid. Get out of your boat and follow him. Continue reading →

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He Walked with God

Posted on January 3, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

I hope that you will press in close to the heart of the Father this year, pursuing intimacy with Him.  He desires to walk with you too. Continue reading →

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When the Best Doesn’t Seem Good Enough

Posted on January 2, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God’s will cannot contradict his character–and therefore it is always good, wise, and loving.  To doubt his goodness only leads us to miss out on his good and perfect will. The dangling fruit of temptation looks good, but it always has consequences. It is never wise to second guess the goodness of God. Continue reading →

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Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Posted on January 1, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

At the top of each devotional I list the scripture readings for the day. If you follow this reading plan, it will take you through the Bible in one year. We read a portion from the Psalms, the Proverbs, the Old Testament, and the New Testament. The devotional each day is based on one of those four sections of Scripture. The devotional is mostly there to encourage you to dig in the text for yourself to discover what God has to say to you each day as you spend time with Him in His Word. Continue reading →

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