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.

Panting for His Commands

Posted on November 7, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Do you long for God’s word? Do you go after it with panting? Is your desire to understand and do God’s will so intense that you pant after his commands? May he fill you with such an intense desire to know Him and follow his commands. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged commands, God's word, obedience to God, panting, panting afte God, presence of God | Leave a comment

Your Most Important Prayer Partner

Posted on November 6, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

November 6 Your Most Important Prayer Partner Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 119:121-128; Ezekiel 14:12-16:42; Hebrews 7:18-28; Proverbs 27:4-6 Today’s Scripture Focus: Hebrews 7:18-28 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged great high priest, intercession, Jesus, Jesus intercedes, Jesus is praying for you, Jesus is praying with you, prayer, Prayer partner | Leave a comment

Words of Hope

Posted on November 5, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We serve a God of Hope (Rom 15:13). His word is a message of hope. Whatever our circumstance, we can always run to God’s word and find shelter, comfort and encouragement. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged bible, book of hope, College of Prayer, daily need for hope, David Bryant, faith, hiding place, message of hope, prayer, scripture, your shield | Leave a comment

Sanctuary

Posted on November 4, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Even in our “prodigal times,” our times where we try to distance ourselves from the Lord, he is there. He remains our sanctuary. He continues to offer the hope of a new heart and a fresh start. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged God's presence, heart of flesh, I will be their God, new spirit, restoration, revival, sanctuary, They will be my people, undivided heart | Leave a comment

Growing Up or Growing Old?

Posted on November 2, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

“Growth and maturity require more than years of ‘pew time,” they require years of diligent learning, application and obedience.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged application and obedience, bible, christianity, faith, God, growing old, growing up, growth and maturity require more than pew time, Jesus, learning, maturity, obedience, Spiritual growth | Leave a comment

Where are the Watchmen?

Posted on November 2, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Israel needed a watchman in Ezekiel’s day. We need them today—men and women called to watch and pray—and boldly speak when God give us the words to say. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged intercession, proclamation, prophetic, protection, watch and pray, watchman, watchmen | Leave a comment

Encouragement

Posted on November 1, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The ministry of encouragement is powerful, and it is one that we are all called to. Some may be especially gifted by God at it–someone like Barnabas in the New Testament–but we are all invited to join the ministry of encouragement: “Encourage one another daily.” Let me encourage you to be an encourager today. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged compromise, drifting, encouragement, going through a difficult time, ministry of encouragement | Leave a comment

Drifting

Posted on October 31, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Drifting comes easily and is deadly. Be on your guard. Watch and pray. Don’t allow small compromises to eat away at and eventually steal your spiritual fervor and vitality. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged compromises, do not drift away, drifting, drifting from our initial enthusiasm, drifting is dangerous, spiritual drifiting, watch and pray | Leave a comment

Great is Thy Faithfulness

Posted on October 30, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Often life doesn’t make sense. It can be hard. In those times we can always come to God with our laments. But don’t get stuck in the pit of self-pity and despair: look up with eyes of faith to the one whose love never ceases, whose mercies are new every morning, and sing, “Great is Thy Faithfulness!” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged depression, despair, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Jeremiah, lamentations, laments, mercies never come to an end, new every morning, self-pity, steadfast love | Leave a comment

Tears

Posted on October 29, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When confronted by things we can’t understand we must do the same. Laments and tears are a means of healing for our wounded hearts. They are also a powerful means of intercession as we look to God to bring beauty from the ashes. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Blessing, encouragement, faith, healing, Hope, Jeremiah, joy, judgement, lament, lamentations, love, obedience, prayer, salvation, Songs of joy will return in time, weeping prophet | Leave a comment