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.

From Questions to Praise

Posted on December 18, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Habakkuk was a prophet who asked a lot of questions. Tough questions. The big questions we would all like to ask God, even if we wouldn’t have the boldness to ask them. “How long, O Lord?” “Why don’t you answer my prayers?” “Are you ignoring me, Lord?” “Could you please explain why you are doing this Lord? It doesn’t make sense.” These are the kinds of questions Habakkuk raises to God. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged complaint, fig tree does not bud, Habakkuk, lament, no grapes on the vine, olive crop fails, Questions to Praise, yet will I praise Him | Leave a comment

Never Alone

Posted on December 17, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Often in our desperate cries for help when we are just about to give up, hope mysteriously appears. Our eyes turn from our problems and ourselves to the one who is our hope. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Christmas season, God with us, Hope, I have no refuge, Jesus is emmanuel, listen to my cry, loneliness, lonely, refuge, self-pity, you are my refuge | Leave a comment

O Little Town of Bethlehem

Posted on December 16, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The gospel writers repeatedly stress that the story of Christmas—the birth of Jesus–was foretold in numerous passages by several Old Testament prophets. One of the most famous is the prophecy of Micah Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged bible, Christmas, faith, God, Jesus | Leave a comment

The Worthy Lamb

Posted on December 15, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Sin must be judged, and the worthy lamb that died that we might have life, was the perfect one to mete out the judgment and justice of God in the end times. God is incredibly patient and compassionate. He brings mercy to those who will humble themselves and receive it. But one day, sin and its horrific consequences must be dealt with. Every victim of sin looks to the worthy Lamb, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah to conquer and bring justice once for all. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Jesus is the Lamb, judgment, King of Kings, Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the owrld, Lord of Lords, Revelation, sin, Worship, worthy is the Lamb | Leave a comment

Running from God

Posted on December 14, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Jonah’s story reminds us that God uses imperfect people to accomplish his purposes. In the process, he is shaping and forming our character. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged belly of a big fish, boat to the belly and the burp to the beach, call of God, Compassion of God, Jonah, Nineveh, prophets, running from God, Tarshish | Leave a comment

Holy! Worthy!

Posted on December 13, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Imagine that you are standing before the throne of God in heaven! That is what John is describing here: his vision of heaven. The scripture often suggests that we set our mind on heavenly things. Perhaps we need to return to these verses again and again. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Glory, glory honor and power, He is Holy!, He is worthy!, Revelation 4, set your mind on things above, Throne of God, Worship, worship of heaven | Leave a comment

Lukewarm

Posted on December 12, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

As with any relationship, our relationship with the Lord can over time become “lukewarm.” In such times, we lack the passion, the desire, the zeal we once had. We get sloppy about our obedience. We often think we “have it together,” but it’s clear that something is just not right. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Behold I stand at the door and knock, Fire, intimacy with God, Lukewarm, open your heart to Jesus, opening our hearts in fellowship, prayer, relationship with Jesus | Leave a comment

Where Can I Go?

Posted on December 11, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Don’t run from his presence. You can’t hide. Don’t worry if you can’t feel his presence. Wherever you are, he is there. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged even the darkness will not be dark to you, He is there, hiding from God, presence of God, running from God's presence, When I can't feel God's presence, where can I go?, Wherever you are | Leave a comment

Your First Love

Posted on December 10, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Christianity is more than just going through the motions. It is an intimate relationship with one who loves you with an everlasting love. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged abide in his love, cherish your relationship with Christ, Church in Ephesus, Churches in Revelation, you have forsaken your first love, your first love | Leave a comment

The Revelation of Jesus Christ

Posted on December 9, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Try reading Revelation as a book of worship. Stand in awe of the revelation of Christ in his glory. Stand in awe of the wisdom of God as we get glimpses of Christ’s rule and reign. Long for more of a revelation of His presence here even as we wait for his coming in great glory as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Learn of Him. And worship and adore Him. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged book of revelation, interpreting the book of revelation, Jesus in the book of Revelation, Revelation, Revelation 1, Speculation, stand in awe, Worship | Leave a comment