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.

Sometimes God Waits

Posted on May 20, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Sometimes God waits. Sometimes this is because he wants to bring greater glory. Sometimes it is because he wants to stretch our faith and teach us to trust him more deeply. Sometimes it is because he loves us and has something he wants to accomplish in our lives that he requires us to wait. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged glory of God, healing, Jesus and Lazarus, Mary and Martha, prayer, purpose in waiting, raising of Lazarus, Sometimes God waits, waiting on God, Why did Jesus wait | 1 Comment

Mercy Triumphs

Posted on May 19, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

How often we would take things into our own hands instead of leaving them to the LORD. David exemplifies the biblical attitude: “mercy triumphs over judgment!” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged 1 Sam 24, David and Saul, judgment, judgment without mercy, leave it to God, mercy, mercy triumphs over judgment, taking things into our own hands | Leave a comment

The Good Shepherd

Posted on May 18, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The good shepherd, Jesus, knows your name. He knows you intimately and fully. He loves you completely—so much so that he laid down his life so that you can live. He calls you by name to follow him into life as it was meant to be: life in green pastures; life lived to the full. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Speculation or Expectation?

Posted on May 17, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The “Why?” question must turn into the “How?” question. Even the difficult place you are in right now is an opportunity for God to work on your behalf. This is an opportunity for you to trust Him. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged expectation, healing, How?, man born blind, opportunity for God to work, opportunity to trust, questions, Speculation, suffering, who sinned?, Why? | Leave a comment

Disciples Find Freedom

Posted on May 16, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

True freedom requires discipline. It requires hearing and obeying God’s word. It requires the muscles of faith to be built up in the gym of hearing and obeying God’s word daily. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged disciple becomes like their teacher, discipleship, discipline and freedom, freedom from sin, hearing and obeying, Jesus, Knowing God, relationship with Jesus, spiritual disciplines, truth will set you free | Leave a comment

Big Problems

Posted on May 15, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Saul tried to suit David in the best armor. It did not fit. David went back to his usual attire and found his ammunition in a water brook: 5 smooth stones. And with his sling shot in tow, he went to battle against his biggest problem yet: Goliath. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged big problems, David and Goliath, facing giants, rest in His Presence, Stand in His might, the battle is the Lords, victory | Leave a comment

Fear of God vs. Fear of Man

Posted on May 14, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Fear of God leads to obedience to his will. Fear of man leads to compromise and loss of leadership. A true leader will follow God’s will even when it is unpopular. He will speak God’s word to a situation even when it’s not what “itching ears” want to hear. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged 1 Sam 15, disobedience, fear of God, Fear of Man, give in to the whims of people, holding true to God's word, King Saul, leadership | 1 Comment

Come on Now, Let’s Go!

Posted on May 13, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Don’t be afraid to be a risk taker for God. Don’t be afraid to be a loyal, sacrificial armor bearer who follows the risk taker wholeheartedly. “It may be that the Lord will work for us.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged It may be the Lord will work for us, jonathan and david, Let's go, Philistines, risk taker, risk taking, saul's son Jonathan | 1 Comment

He Remains Faithful

Posted on May 12, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

His faithfulness is rooted in the glory of his name. He had by his own good pleasure chosen these people and made them his own. For the sake of his glorious name, he would not abandon them or forsake them. He would show them and all the world the greatness and glory of his name (and the character it reveals) as one who is loving, good and faithful even to those who prove unfaithful. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged children of Israel, earthly king, God remains faithful, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Israel, unfaithful | Leave a comment

He Bears our Burdens

Posted on May 11, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We do not carry our burdens alone. We have a God and Savior who is there to help us bear our burdens daily. We have someone to turn to each and every day. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged cast your cares, find peace, find rest, God who saves, he begs our burdens, he cares for you | Leave a comment