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.

Tired of Waiting

Posted on September 7, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Can you relate to the Psalmist? Have you ever had a time when you grew tired of waiting for the answer to your prayer? Maybe you are like me and you feel that way most every day. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged answers to prayer, delayed answers to prayer, lament, prayer, still on the throne, unanswered prayer, waiting, waiting for an answer | Leave a comment

Oh Be Careful Little Eyes

Posted on September 6, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

What images are filling your mind and heart? How are they affecting your values, beliefs and lifestyle? We do well to consider these things as we replace the worthless images with truth and beauty. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged addicted, captivated by images, commendable, empty images, excellent, honorable, just, pornography, praise worthy, pure lovely, we become like the images we watch, what is true, worthless idols | Leave a comment

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 | Leave a 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

Good Friends

Posted on September 3, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We need to connect with each other on a deeper level. We need to laugh, cry, share and pray with one another. The journey is not always an easy one. But good friends are gifts from God that help us along when we get to the tough spots. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged agape love, christian life, connection, cry, fellowship, friendship is a gift from God, good friends, isolation, laught, one another, pray with one another, share, sitting in a pew | Leave a comment

I’m Bored

Posted on September 2, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Somehow, he knew that there must be more to life than hedonism and materialism. Ecclesiastes is about that pursuit for life’s meaning and purpose. It speaks about the dead end of trying to live life “under the sun”—in the pursuit of money, pleasure and things. If it seems a little hopeless at times, perhaps that is because life lived that way is hopeless, meaningless and indeed, boring. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Bored, ecclesiastes, happiness, hedonism, I'm Bored, knowledge, life under the sun, materialism, meaning in life, meaningless, pleasing God, purpose in life, pursuit of pleasure and things, wearisome, wisdom | Leave a 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

Eternal Glory

Posted on August 31, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Paul focused the eyes of his heart on the hope that is to come—his focus was eternal glory. He knew that the rewards for his faithful service would so far outweigh the suffering and pain he had experienced here that they could only be considered light and momentary troubles. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged eternal perspective, fix our eyes on the unseen, Glory, glory revealed, Jesus, life of Jesus revealed, light and momentary troubles, press on, suffering, trials, troubles, weight of glory | 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

Glowing with Glory

Posted on August 29, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

It’s God’s intention for each of us to experience a little more of that glory today than we experienced yesterday. Of course, it doesn’t just happen with time. It requires seeking the Lord. It requires time in his presence. It requires times of intimate fellowship with the one who loves us most. Maybe that’s why some of us don’t seem to be glowing much. Maybe that’s why some of us aren’t growing much. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Glory, glory of Christ, glory reflected, intimacy with God, Moses, Moses covered his face, Moses glowed, seek the Lord, shine the light of glory, transformation | Leave a comment