Author Archives: pastorjeffsneighborhood

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.

Change Brings Fruit

Posted on March 18, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We should not presume that we have gone far enough with God. We should not presume that he doesn’t want to bring further growth in our lives. We all have so far to go in our pursuit of living like Jesus. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged abundant life, brood of vipers, change, Christ-like, fruit, invite change, produce fruit in keeping with repentance, repentance | Leave a comment

A Life of Devotion

Posted on March 17, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

What are your struggles? Take them to the Lord in prayer. Develop your relationship with Him. After years of intimate conversation, you too may develop a life of intimacy like Anna. You too may gain the insight and discernment of one who has long walked with God. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Anna the prophetess, intimacy with God, prophetic insight, rejecting bitterness, seeing Jesus, tragedy into opportunity | Leave a comment

Waiting and Waiting and Waiting

Posted on March 16, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

I waited and waited and waited. Waiting for God’s answer seems overwhelming sometimes. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged abandoned?, God's timing and timetable., prayer, silence, waiting for God's answer, waiting on God, when you don't get the answer | Leave a comment

When Donkeys Talk

Posted on March 15, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God is very creative in communicating with his people. But when God starts to speak to you through a donkey, you know you are in trouble. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Balaam, bull headed, compromise, direction, don't compromise the message, guidance, spiritual eyes and ears, When Donkeys Talk | Leave a comment

Truly Blessed

Posted on March 14, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Why Mary? The text hints at some of the reason God chose her. She was humble. She was obedient. She trusted God to fulfill the promise. She was a woman who knew how to pray and how to praise. She was willing. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged blessed, humble, Luke 1, magnificat, Mary, mother of Jesus, Why was Mary Chosen?, willing, willing servant | Leave a comment

Lessons of Faith

Posted on March 13, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Truly nothing is impossible with God. Yet it is difficult for us, even those who have walked long on the path of faith, to believe when the circumstances all seem to point us in the other direction. Zechariah struggled with this test of faith, and we must admit that we have times where lesser things cause us to struggle. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged challenges to faith, fulfilled promises, learning and growing, lessons of faith, school of faith, tests of faith, Zechariah | Leave a comment

He Has Risen!

Posted on March 12, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

There is no reason for fear! “Don’t be alarmed” (6). The unexpected, the unknown and the unseen can be causes for fear. The resurrection is the reminder that he is with us through it all. He has not forgotten about us. He is there. There is no reason for fear. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged easter, God of hope, Hope, no reason for fear, resurrection, when things are darkest | Leave a comment

Scourged, Mocked, Crucified, Forsaken

Posted on March 11, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

He loved us even while we were sinners. It was our sin that made the cross necessary: “He was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged amazing grace, amazing love, by his stripes we are healed, demands my soul, denied, Isaiah 53, man of sorrows, mocked, my all, my life, scourged, wounded | Leave a comment

So You Want to Go Back to Egypt?

Posted on March 10, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

March 10 So You Want to Go Back to Egypt? Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 37:21-29; Numbers 14:1 – 15:16; Mark 14:53-72; Proverbs 11:4 Today’s Scripture Focus: Numbers 14:1 – 15:16 “All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged children of Israel, complaining, dining out in style, grumbling, intercession, land of the promise, leeks and onions by the NIle, manna again?, Moses, procrastinated obedience | Leave a comment

Giants in the Land

Posted on March 9, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

They were standing at the doorway to the Promised Land. On the other side was a land flowing with milk and honey; a land of abundant produce. Would they step into the promise by faith, or would they doubt and lose out on the promise? Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged doubt, faith, giants in the land, missing out, opportunities, overwhelemed, unbelief | Leave a comment