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.

Second Fiddle

Posted on May 4, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We too are called to decrease that Christ may increase. As we humble ourselves, listen to the voice of the bridegroom and attend to his wishes, we find our joy complete. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged humble heart, humility, Jesus, John the Baptist, joy, pride, second fiddle, servant, serving | 1 Comment

Born Again

Posted on May 3, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Life abundant—lived to the full—and everlasting. It results from being born again by the Spirit. It begins with a simple prayer of faith where we confess our need to be forgiven and invite Christ into our lives to become our Savior and Lord. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged abundant life, born again, born anew, Born from above, butterfly, Eternal Life, God so loved, Jesus only, John 3, life lived to the full, transformation | Leave a comment

When Jesus Got Angry

Posted on May 2, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Perhaps it is time to clear the temple of our lives of things that hinder and distract. Indeed it is time to return to God’s purposes for us. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged distractions, hindrances, Jesus cleared the temple, Jesus got angry, John 2, money changers, purpose | Leave a comment

Behold the Lamb of God

Posted on May 1, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Jesus, the exalted Messiah and King; the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world; He is worthy of our praise. Worship him from the depths of your heart! Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged exalatation, Exalted Messiah, Holy Spirit, honor, Jesus, King of Kings, Lamb of God, takes away the wins of the world, Worship | Leave a comment

Message of Life

Posted on April 30, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God loves you and sent his son to die for you. Jesus’ life and death shine forth the truth that we can be forgiven, that we can live life in vital relationship with him–a life lived to the full for eternity. Open your heart to Jesus, invite him in. Open the door by faith and enter into fellowship with Jesus. He stands at the door and knocks. Let him in. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged children of God, Eternal Life, gospel, Jesus death, Jesus resurrection, john 1, light, love, the message of life, the Word | Leave a comment

Waiting and Witnessing

Posted on April 29, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

April 29 Waiting and Witnessing Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 61:5-8; Judges 9:22-10:18; Luke 24:13-53; Proverbs 14:11-12 Today’s Scripture Focus: Luke 24 (NIV) [48] You are witnesses of these things. [49] I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but … Continue reading →

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Listen

Posted on April 28, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Like the Psalmist, we often wonder if our prayers are getting through. We want to make sure we have God’s full attention. We cry out, “Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged alone but never alone, hear my cry O God, heart grows faint, Listen, listen to my prayer, place of refuge, Psalm 61, Psalms, shadow of his wings | Leave a comment

Too Big an Army

Posted on April 27, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When you find yourself in a difficult place, look for God’s wisdom and strength. Sometimes he stretches our faith by giving us unconventional wisdom. Don’t be afraid. Trust him and obey and look with expectation to the victory he will bring. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged deliverance, faith, Gideon, Gideon's army, relying on own's own strength, too big an army, too many men, too many soldiers, unconventional wisdom | Leave a comment

Mighty Warrior

Posted on April 26, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

What matters is not his inability, but God’s ability. The one God chooses can depend on him to provide all they need to accomplish the task they are given. When God calls us to a task, we need only know that He is with us. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged potential, Judges, mighty warrior, Gideon, focus, God's ability not our inability, God's call, Lord is with us | Leave a comment

The Strength to Go On

Posted on April 25, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The Mount of Olives. This solitary place was a regular place of refuge for Jesus where he would pour out his heart to the Father. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged facing temptation, Jesus, Jesus prayer life, mount of olives, prayer, strength for the day, strength to go on, temptation | Leave a comment