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.

Everything We Need

Posted on November 27, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Begin to seek out the promises of what God would do in and through you. Begin to “plead the promises”—praying for God to work in you and in other believers you know. As you pray and intercede, God will begin to work out those promises in your life. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Christ-like, everything we need, faith, goodness, grace, knowledge, life and godlliness, living a godly life, love, maturity, mutual affection, perseverance, promises, self-control, Spiritual growth | Leave a comment

Cast All Your Cares

Posted on November 26, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

from the place of humility look with expectation for God to lift you out of this pit when the time is right. Humbled by life’s experiences you may be tempted to despair. But the humbling is meant to get you looking up to the source of our hope. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged anxiety, cast all your cares, don't despair, fear, firm, God will make you strong, God will restore you, look up in hope, steadfast, strong, suffering, the place of humility, trials, worry | 1 Comment

Standing Strong

Posted on November 25, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The world in our day needs men and women like Daniel who will be people of integrity–who will stand up for their beliefs at any cost. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Daniel, Daniel in Babylon, favor with God, favor with the King, integrity, refuse to compromise | Leave a comment

Unjust Suffering

Posted on November 24, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

we all know the sting of injustice and suffering. But unjust suffering is no excuse for taking revenge, retaliation or cursing our persecutors. It is an opportunity to be a testimony to others of the life of Christ within us. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged injustice, life isn't always fair, life isn't easy, persecution, suffering, take it to God, trials | 1 Comment

The Good Scissors

Posted on November 23, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

You are his good scissors. You are set apart to declare his praises and serve him. Holy living keeps your edge sharp and effective for His service and praise. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged a holy nation belonging to God, called out of darkness into his wonderful light, don't use the good scissors, Good Scissors, Holiness, living sacrifice, sanctification, you are set apart | Leave a comment

Living Hope, Unspeakable Joy

Posted on November 22, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

They had hope because they had an eternal perspective. Looking only to their circumstances might bring only hopelessness, but looking to God and his eternal purposes they found joy and the hope that enabled them to press forward in faith. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged 1 Peter, Eternal Life, everlasting hope, faith refined by trials, hope of Christ's coming, hope of resurrection, inheritance, joy in the midst of trials, unspeakable joy | Leave a comment

A Healing Community

Posted on November 21, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

It is a place of healing. Church leaders anoint with oil as the community joins together to pray for the sick. Their prayers are not half-hearted or double-minded. They pray prayers of faith and expect God to bring healing.” And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged confession of sin, deepest needs, healing, Healing Community, honesty and transperancy, Jesus the healer, praise and worship, prayer of faith, Praying for healing, where the wounded can come | Leave a comment

Lord Willin’ and the Creek Don’t Rise

Posted on November 20, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Sometimes there are unplanned circumstances that keep us from our planned destination. God opens and closes doors. Sometimes unexpected circumstances become “risin’ creeks” that call for a humble readjustment of our plans. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged circumstances, closed doors, creek don't rise, God's will, guidance, humble readjustment to our plans, Lord willing, open doors, unexpected circumstances, wisdom | Leave a comment

Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires

Posted on November 19, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Anyone who has been the victim of gossip knows how a story spreads and gets more outrageous as the process goes on. Truly, gossip is a sin with “forest-fire” like qualities. It gets out of control and creates great devastation. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged bible, blessing and cursing, christianity, faith, forest fire set by the tongue, God, James 3, Jesus, power for good or evil, power of the tongue, sins of the tongue, tongue as a rudder on a boat, tongue as forest fire, tongue as poison, tongue causes us to sin | Leave a comment

Mirror, Mirror

Posted on November 18, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

In a similar way, I need to look into God’s mirror each day. As I look into his word, he shows me areas I need to change, places in need of ongoing transformation. This needed daily ritual gets me ready for the challenges of the day. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged blessed, mirror mirror, reflects where I need change, Scritpture, transformation, Word of God, Word of God as a mirror | Leave a comment