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.

The Agony and the Ecstasy

Posted on July 26, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Intercession is both agony and ecstasy—both deep struggle and “joy unspeakable and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8). Open your heart to Jesus, feel the burdens of his heart and allow him to teach you to pray. He has much to teach you. The ecstasy makes all the agony worthwhile. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged agony of prayer, ecstasy of answered prayer, ecstasy of God's presence, God, intercession, Jesus, prayer, prayer assignments, prayer warrior, prevailing prayer, stand in the gap | Leave a comment

Time After Time

Posted on July 25, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We are forgetful people and our forgetfulness keeps us from trusting God fully. Is he not faithful, even when we are faithless? Is he not powerful, even when we are powerless? Is he not loving and gracious? Is he not good? He has demonstrated these qualities in our lives over and over again. Yet we so quickly forget. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged answers to prayer, drifting, forgetful, God's provision, idolatry, Israelites grumble, judgment, miracles, Time After Time, trusting God | Leave a comment

Nothing Can Separate Us From His Love!

Posted on July 24, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Because God loves us, we are “more than conquerors” through Him who loves us (37). Whatever you may be facing today, remember that God loves you. Jesus and the Holy Spirit are both interceding for you and the Father is working things out for good even through this situation. Patiently wait in hope and see how he brings you through by “graciously giving you all things” and enabling you to become “more than a conqueror through Him who loves you.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged all things work together for good, God, graciously give us all things, If God is for us, Jesus, love of Christ, more than conquerors, nothing can separate us from God' love, what a promise | Leave a comment

Revival: Do We Really Want It? (Is the Price Too High?)

Posted on July 23, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

It will cost you something: humility, repentance and much prayer and seeking his face. But the joy of revival will be worth it. Let’s pay the price for admission to see the glory of God fill “the temple” again. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged cost of revival, humility, prayer, repentance, revival, seek my face, turn from their wicked ways | Leave a comment

No Condemnation

Posted on July 22, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Our heavenly Father loves us deeply and does not condemn us. But we do not always live as if that is true. Many times others treat us as if that is not true. Their words shame us and condemn us. How unlike Jesus who said, “Neither do I condemn you, Go and sin no more.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged christ died for us, condemnation, encouragement, future, grace, guilty, in christ Jesus, Jesus, no condemnation, past, present, shame | Leave a comment

Hide and Seek

Posted on July 21, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Does it seem like God is playing “hide and seek” with you? Then perhaps this is a time to become child-like again; a time to enjoy the seeking again–to rediscover the joy of hide and seek. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged disappointment with God, God seems distant, God's absence, hide and seek, Psalms, the joy of finding | Leave a comment

A Heart of Wisdom

Posted on July 20, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God is always pleased when we ask for wisdom. His word makes it clear that it is ours for the asking. He delights in giving it to us, whenever we need it. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged ask for wisdom, ask God, God gives wisdom, God gives wisdom generously, Solomon | Leave a comment

Be Strong and Courageous

Posted on July 19, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Those called to a great task are those most likely to be targeted by discouragement arrows. So take heart, you must be causing some threat to the enemy or he wouldn’t bother to waste his arrows on you. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged be strong and courageous, discouragement, do not fear, don't lose heart, encouragment, leaders get discouraged, Solomon, you have things to accomplish | 1 Comment

A Hope That Will Not Disappoint

Posted on July 18, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Hope that doesn’t disappoint comes from an intimate walk with our God who is faithful to his promises. It remembers the promises of God and finds the grace to stand and persevere even through the trials of faith. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged abraham and sara, Abraham believed, Abram, against all hope, faith, faithful, he did not waver through unbelief, persevering faith, promises of God, Romans 4, Sara | 1 Comment

A Heart that Trusts

Posted on July 17, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

This is the essence of faith—of a heart that trusts God: resting in the faithfulness of God. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Abraham man of faith, Christ, faith, God, heart that trusts God, resting in the faithfulness of God, When the way is unclear | Leave a comment