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.

What Does it Cost?

Posted on June 9, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The one with the eternal perspective knows that the troubles of this life are not worth being compared to the glory that is to be revealed in the next. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged boldness, book of acts, for there sake of the gospel, gospel, He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose, martyrdom, risk it all, stephen the martyr, unfairly accused, witness | Leave a comment

What Would You Ask For?

Posted on June 8, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We all need God’s wisdom–everyday. How good to know that God is delighted to give the gift of wisdom to all who ask for it. You do not have to be a king or a religious leader, he gives it freely to all of us when we ask. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged ask me for anything, choosing wisely, God's wisdom, Solomon, wisdom | Leave a comment

For the Sake of the Name

Posted on June 7, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Others looked at the disciples and were amazed that God took ordinary, unschooled men and used them to boldly proclaim the truth. They recognized that the secret to their transformation was that “they had been with Jesus.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged disciples prayed, ordinary, persecution, they grew even bolder, they had been with Jesus, unschoolmen, Why do we find it so hard to share the good news?, Why so easily intimidated?, why so timid?, witness | Leave a comment

In Trouble

Posted on June 6, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

And what did they pray? Protection? Safety? No! They prayed for more boldness to stand strong in the face of the persecution. They also prayed for God’s spirit to be poured out on the church in power. They prayed for signs and wonders that would proclaim the power of Jesus to an unbelieving world. Note that they prayed for a fuller demonstration of what had already gotten them into trouble in the first place. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged book of acts, faith, Fire, Holy Spirit poured out, Peter and John, power of Jesus, prayer, Prayer in the book of Acts, prayer meeting, signs and wonders | Leave a comment

Unless the Lord Builds the House

Posted on June 5, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God has purposes and plans for each of our lives. His plans are always good. We do well to find out his “blueprints” and build our lives accordingly. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged direction, God's purpose prevails, God's will, guidance, labor in vain, prayer, unless the Lord builds the house | 1 Comment

Fire!

Posted on June 4, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

They took Jesus command seriously. They waited expectantly for the Holy Spirit to be poured out. They devoted themselves to praying together. And then it happened: Fire! Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged all together in one place, book of acts, devote yourselves to prayer, do it again, Holy Spirit, pentecost, prayer, with one accord | Leave a comment

One Accord

Posted on June 3, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Armin Gesswein often said, “When Jesus built a church, he first built a prayer meeting.” Acts chapter 1 is the record of that truth. The New Testament church was birthed out of a prayer meeting where “with one accord,” they were “devoting themselves to prayer.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Armin Gesswein, book of acts, devote yourselves to prayer, Holy Spirit, pentecost, power, prayer meeting, praying, witnesses | Leave a comment

Feed My Sheep

Posted on June 2, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Our failings are not lost on God. From the broken place, we learn to rely on God’s strength rather than our own. With humility, we begin again, with a new understanding of the grace of God. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged begin again, do you love me, feed my sheep, grace, humility, Jesus and Peter, post-resurrection appearances of Jesus, resurrection, second chance, steadfast love | Leave a comment

I Have Seen the Lord!

Posted on June 1, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The Resurrection brought hope and joy to Jesus’ disciples. It continues to bring hope and joy to us today. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged doubting Thomas, Eternal Life, grief, he is risen, Hope, Jesus, joy, resurrection, risen Christ | Leave a comment

It is Finished!

Posted on May 31, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

It is finished! All signs point to death and defeat. Yet, this is all part of God’s plan. Death is being swallowed up in victory. What appeared to be a defeat was in fact a glorious victory. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged atonement, death of Christ, healing, It is finsihed, Jesus, reconciled, triumph of the cross, victor, victory over death and sin | Leave a comment