Author Archives: pastorjeffsneighborhood

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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.

Plastic Prayers

Posted on August 4, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Painfully honest, the psalmist pours out his heart to God. He doesn’t hold anything back.  He doesn’t put on any masks; he doesn’t pretend. He just tells God what is on his heart and hopes that God will help him sort through his questions, his pain and his problems. Continue reading →

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Amazing Grace!

Posted on August 3, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

August 3 Amazing Grace! Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 82:1-8 | 2 Chronicles 33:14 – 34:33 | Romans 16:8-27 | Proverbs 20:19 Today’s Scripture Focus: 2 Chronicles 33:1 – 34:33 “In his distress he sought the favor of the Lord his … Continue reading →

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The Mountaintop

Posted on August 2, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

But it’s tough to stay on a mountaintop. When others see your success, they criticize, they attack, they envy. Continue reading →

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Blessing Instead of Bleeping

Posted on August 1, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

There’s a lot of cursing going on in the church too, but we don’t bleep ours.  Our cursing is more sophisticated and less crass.  But it is just as hurtful (maybe even more so).  Instead of blessing one another, we curse when our lips wound and hurt one another—It may be more subtle, but it is still a curse.  Continue reading →

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Thank God for Broccoli

Posted on July 31, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Our freedom in Christ may lead to differing convictions on some issues. These should not be a source of disunity in the body of Christ. Continue reading →

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Starting and Finishing Well

Posted on July 30, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Lofty thoughts of God led to his success. Lofty thoughts about himself led to his downfall. Continue reading →

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Medium Rare or Well Done?

Posted on July 29, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

What does it mean to be a living sacrifice? Continue reading →

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I Stand in Awe

Posted on July 28, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Knowing God leads us to worship. But often it is the mysteries—the things we don’t know and can’t comprehend—that take us to a higher place in our worship. They makes us stand in awe of God and his wisdom that is “just plain” beyond our ability to comprehend. Continue reading →

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What To Do When You Don’t Know What To Do

Posted on July 27, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Jehoshaphat’s words could often be our own: “We don’t know what to do, we’re looking to you” (The Message, 20:12). Facing a battle that seemed too big to overcome, he was tempted to discouragement and fear. Instead he admitted his confusion—his weakness—and looked to the Lord for help. Continue reading →

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The Agony and the Ecstasy

Posted on July 26, 2023 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 →

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