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.

Listen

Posted on April 28, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Open up your heart to God–pour it all out. He listens and he cares. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged are my prayers getting through to God, don't lose hope, hear my cry, hear my prayer, never alone, shelter us in the shadow of his wings | Leave a comment

Too Big an Army

Posted on April 27, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God sized projects require leaning on God for wisdom—not relying on our own. God sized projects require trusting in his strength rather than our own. God sized projects require being prayerful and obedient even when the direction God gives goes against all conventional wisdom. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Following God's instructions, Gideon's army, stretching your faith, too big an army, trusting God | Leave a comment

Mighty Warrior

Posted on April 26, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

In complete contrast to Gideon’s confession of his weakness, God calls him “Mighty Warrior!” He reminds Gideon that he has no reason to doubt or fear. He is being called by God to lead the people of Israel. What matters is not his inability, but God’s ability. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged affirming leaders, book of Judges, Gideon, God is with us, mighty warrior, the call of God | Leave a comment

The Strength to Go On

Posted on April 25, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Facing denial, betrayal, mocking, scourging and a cruel painful death on a cross, Jesus went to his usual place to pray. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged facing the cross, Holy Week, Jesus prayer life, mount of olives, temptation | Leave a comment

Never Ending Cycle

Posted on April 24, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

What happens when God’s people turn away from God’s commands and do whatever is right in their own eyes? Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged compromise, disobedience, Judges, never ending cycle, right in their own eyes | Leave a comment

Time Well Spent

Posted on April 23, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Likely weary from a day of teaching and ministry, Jesus finds a solitary place—and as was his practice—he spends extended time in prayer. Clearly this is a pattern rooted in delight rather than duty—this is a time and place set apart to enjoy fellowship with his Father in prayer. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged following Christ, Jesus, Jesus prayer life, mount of olives, prayer | Leave a comment

As For Me and My House

Posted on April 22, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

After reminding them how God had fulfilled his promises and had been faithful to the covenant, Joshua calls them to commitment. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged answered prayers, as for me and my house, blessings of God, Joshua, remembering God's goodness, the covenant, we will serve the Lord | Leave a comment

Every Promise

Posted on April 21, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Through his promises, God has given us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Pet 1:3-4)–everything. But we often forget that God’s promises have conditions–and those must be met. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged deliberate disobedience, God is faithful, God's promises are true, plead the promises, procrastinated obedience, promises fulfilled | Leave a comment

Rest

Posted on April 20, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Finding our home in his grace, we can stop striving in your own strength and power. Finding our security in being his dearly loved child, we are free to take up his yoke and learn from him. Giving up on our futile self-effort, we find rest; rest for our souls. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged come to me all you that are weary, I will give you rest, Jesus, Joshua, peace, rest | Leave a comment

Robbing of It’s Purpose

Posted on April 19, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The temple was designed by God to be a place of worship and prayer for all of God’s people. It was to be a house of prayer for all nations. But somehow it lost its focus; it was robbed of its purpose. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged clearing the temple, den of robbers, house of prayer for all nations, Jesus | Leave a comment