Author Archives: pastorjeffsneighborhood

Unknown's avatar

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.

Psalms, Worship and Prayer

Posted on July 6, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The Psalms prime the pump of worship. They help us to focus on the goodness and greatness of God. As we are awestruck by his glory, we are ready to praise and worship. With wide-eyed wonder we are then ready to pray. Worship and praise affects my praying in every way—it provides right perspective, it prompts faith, it helps us focus and refocus our requests. As we worship, we realize the joy of his presence and we are changed. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Meditating on Your Works

Posted on July 5, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When we slow down our reading and praying and take time to meditate and listen, we become more aware of His presence and more sensitive to His voice. Our whole perspective on the day changes as we remember the greatness of the God who loves us and cares for us. As we walk through the day aware of his goodness, we recognize his good works all around us. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , | 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 , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

With All His Heart, Soul and Strength

Posted on July 3, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God is looking for leaders like Josiah, those who will turn to him—who will worship and serve him with all the heart and soul and all the strength they have. Will he find such a person in you? Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

A Strong Tower

Posted on July 2, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Search the Scriptures and run to the name of the LORD! Remembering who he is brings comfort–His name is a strong tower; a place of refuge.  Run to His Name and find safety! Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Open Your Eyes, Lord

Posted on July 1, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

How do you handle a trial of your faith? How do you handle the taunts of the enemy? Hezekiah sets a great example. Lay out the problem before the LORD and cry out to him in prayer. He hears and he will answer. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Reckless Abandon

Posted on June 30, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Still haunted by his confrontation by the risen Christ on the road to Damascus, Paul wants to finish the task he has given: to preach the gospel to those who haven’t heard. His life-changing encounter forever altered the course of his life and ministry. He refused to give up on the task now. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Hear Me When I Call

Posted on June 29, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When we are confronted by opposition, we do well to follow the Psalmist in pouring out our hearts to God. We do well to pray for our response to that opposition—that God will strengthen our mouths, hearts, eyes and feet to follow his ways and not fall into the snares laid for us. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Second Chance Squandered

Posted on June 28, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Learn the lesson of Jehoahaz: make the best of the opportunities God gives. When you fail, cry out to the God of second chances. Then don’t squander the opportunity that he gives—don’t miss out on the fullness of his blessing! Continue reading →

Posted in A. W. Tozer Quotes, Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Under Attack

Posted on June 27, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Often times the deadliest weapons aimed against us are the words of others—words aimed to wound and destroy. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments