Author Archives: pastorjeffsneighborhood

Unknown's avatar

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.

The Right Response

Posted on September 4, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Worship doesn’t happen by just sitting in a pew; it doesn’t happen only through the singing. An important and often neglected part of the worship service takes place as we hear and respond to the Word of God as it is read and preached—such a response is a pleasing sacrifice of worship that is sure to bring God delight. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Good Friends

Posted on September 3, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We need to connect with each other on a deeper level. We need to laugh, cry, share and pray with one another. The journey is not always an easy one. But good friends are gifts from God that help us along when we get to the tough spots. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

I’m Bored

Posted on September 2, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The Teacher is bored. “Everything is meaningless” “All things are wearisome.” He has tried stimulating every one of his senses with the best life could offer. Where did it take him? Nowhere. He was bored. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

When God Asks the Questions

Posted on September 1, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The answer to God’s questions is not found in words, but in falling on our faces in humility, repentance and worship before the awesome creator of all things. The questions call for a response: surrendering all that we are to Him; becoming a living sacrifice. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Eternal Glory

Posted on August 31, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

How can he say that such things were light and momentary troubles? Because Paul focused the eyes of his heart on the hope that is to come—his focus was eternal glory. He knew that the rewards for his faithful service would so far outweigh the suffering and pain he had experienced here that they could only be considered light and momentary troubles. He looked forward to Christ’s return, to resurrection, to the consummation of the new creation, to all the blessings of the age to come. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Sing a New Song

Posted on August 30, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

If our relationship with God is growing—if there is a newness and freshness in our walk with him—there will be new songs to express that vitality. With every fresh move of the Spirit of God upon the church there are many new songs. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Glowing with Glory

Posted on August 29, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

I’m encouraged to know that as I spend time with Jesus daily, he begins to rub off on me. Time spent in the yoke of discipleship, and trained by grace have this effect: Little by little, day-by-day, I reflect more of the life of Christ within me in my daily attitudes, character and behavior. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What is that Fragrance You Are Wearing?

Posted on August 28, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

As we know and walk in the fullness of Christ, we begin to take on an aroma–-the sweet fragrance of the knowledge of Christ. Wherever we go, that pleasant aroma follows us. Just by being around us, people sense Christ’s joy, or his love, or his kindness, or one of his other winsome character qualities. As Christ lives out his life in us, we become more and more like him, and people begin to notice the difference. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Purer Than Gold

Posted on August 27, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We all have these “dark nights of the soul” where God is teaching us to trust him in the dark. They are difficult times because they stretch our faith, but they can be times of incredible growth. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Comfort Received, Comfort Given

Posted on August 26, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Our God of comfort beckons us to cry out to him in the midst of troubles that we might be aware of his comforting presence. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment