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.

Is Your Soul at Rest? (Jan 16)

Posted on January 16, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Jesus isn’t looking for relentless religious activity. He is looking first and foremost for a relationship with you. Religious activity burns us out. It makes us tired and weary. Trying hard to perform rather than resting in his grace, leads to a treadmill of activity. But it is activity in one’s own strength and for the wrong motives. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged is your soul at rest, refreshed and renewed in his presence, unforced rhythms of grace, yoke of discipleship | Leave a comment

Counting Hairs (Jan 15)

Posted on January 15, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Jesus call to his disciples is not an easy one. He asks them to leave everything behind–even their families (35-37)–to take the good news from town to town. He is clearly calling for sacrifice–for wholehearted commitment whatever the cost. “Anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” To follow him wholeheartedly will likely bring persecution and hardship; for some, it will mean losing their very lives. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged do not fear, God cares, God knows, hairs of your head are numbered, trust God | 1 Comment

Praying and Going (Jan 14)

Posted on January 14, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Confronted by the immense need, Jesus called the disciples to pray. He told them, “the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (9:37). Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged harvest field is ripe, lord of the harvest, pray then go, praying, you can be the answer to your prayers | Leave a comment

A Risk of Faith (Jan 13)

Posted on January 13, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Scripture tells us that “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). Note how pleased Jesus was to find faith in each of these people. Also note the incredible things accomplished through that faith. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged according to your faith, believe, doubt, faith, risk of faith | Leave a comment

Bring Them to Jesus (Jan 12)

Posted on January 12, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

All around us are friends in desperate need of an encounter with Jesus. Two stories in Matthew 9 remind us that we can be used by God to bring people to Jesus. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged bring them to Jesus, God uses our faith, lives are restored, miracles happen, people are changed | Leave a comment

Calming the Storm (Jan 11)

Posted on January 11, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The disciples were afraid as they were tossed by the wind and the wave. Jesus saw their need and brought peace to the storm. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged calming the storm, God meets our need, Jesus authority, Peace in the storms of life | Leave a comment

Straight Paths (January 10)

Posted on January 10, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Life is a journey with many twists and turns. To us, the path ahead is uncharted and often unpredictable. Yet to God, the path is seen clearly. He sees the implications of every fork in the road. He knows what is ahead and how the path ahead fits in with his purposes and plans. Like a good shepherd, he desires to lead and guide us. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged God straightens our paths, good shepherd, guidance, Straight Paths | Leave a comment

God Will Provide (Jan 9)

Posted on January 9, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

How do you respond when God’s command to you is absolutely unthinkable? That is the dilemma Abraham faces. God had promised him a son. Later, God provided the son, Isaac, in his old age in the most miraculous way. He was the son of the promise. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged difficult choices, facing the unthinkable, God will provide a lamb, Trial of faith | Leave a comment

Worry or Trust? (Jan 8)

Posted on January 8, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We all have needs, the most basic of which are described in this passage: “what shall we eat?” “what shall we drink?” “What shall we wear?” and “where will I live?” So, what do we do when we find ourselves in need? Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Uncategorized | Tagged anxiety, do not worry about tomorrow, seek ye first, trust, worry | Leave a comment

Too Good to be True (Jan 7)

Posted on January 7, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

How could she help but laugh? It seemed too good to be true. “So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, ‘after I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?'” She had longed for a child for many years. Now, well after her childbearing years were over, God promised that she would bear a son. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Abraham, improbably and impossible miracles, possibilities, Sara, Too good to be true | Leave a comment