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.

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 circumstances we cannot understand, comfort, comfort that overflows, compassion, father of compassion, God gives comfort, God of all comfort, grace, peace, presence, suffering is not lost on God | Leave a comment

Refreshing

Posted on August 25, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

An encouraging word, a helping hand, a willingness to serve where needed: these things refresh the soul of one who is in ministry. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged a helping hand, Achaicus, encouragement, encouraging word, Fortunatus, Refreshment, soul drainer, soul refresher, Stephanas, willingness to serve | Leave a comment

Worthless Physicians

Posted on August 24, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When we see a friend in pain, we are often quick to spout cliches. Yet these are the very times we would usually do well to just be there and to be a good listener. James tells us to be slow to speak and quick to listen. That’s good advice. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged be a friend to someone in need, be fully present, be there, cliches never help, Cliches ring hollow, Listen, silence, worthless physicians | Leave a comment

No Easy Answers

Posted on August 22, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

As our faith is stretched, as our character is developed, as we search for deeper answers, and as we just stand in awe of the God whose mind and purposes are beyond our understanding we come to know Him in a deeper way. As we learn to trust him even when the answers don’t come and when we don’t sense his presence, we learn the fellowship of sharing in Christ’s sufferings. These are lessons of trust we could learn no other way. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged faith, God, God's wisdom, Hope, life's big questions, life's mysteries, no easy answers, prayer, problem of suffering, standard cliches, Sunday School answers, trusting God in the dark, why me | Leave a comment

Under His Wings

Posted on August 22, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

It is when life becomes dangerous and hard when protection is needed. It is then that the mother hen gathers her chicks and covers them with her wings. So in our lives, it is in the midst of the trials that God gathers us close and protects us in the refuge of “his wings”. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Book of Job, he is our refuge, pressure, protection, protection and faithfulness, Psalm 91, pull close, times of feeling abandoned, Under His Wings | Leave a comment

Hard Times

Posted on August 21, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

How do we handle unimaginable tragedy? What do we do when our worst nightmares come true? This is the stuff that Job had to deal with. This is the stuff that this book deals with. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged blessed be the name of the Lord, Book of Job, lament, open up your heart to God, suffering, The Lord Gave, The Lord takes away, tragedy, trials, unimaginable tragedy | Leave a comment

If. . .

Posted on August 20, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Love enables us to work together and learn from each other. Some in the body bring discernment to extremes; others help bring openness to the true working of God. As we love each other, we learn from each other. Gifts are given to build up the body, not to tear it apart. As we serve in love, that is exactly what happens. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged 1 Cor 13, love, motivated by love, Spiritual gifts, the love chapter | Leave a comment

Finding Your Place

Posted on August 19, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God has a place of service for you. A place where your passion, experience, and giftedness comes together to meet a need. You are a unique but important piece of the puzzle that will not be complete until you find your place. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged discover your gifts, empowered, experience, finding your place of service, meet a need, passion to serve, Spiritual gifts | Leave a comment

Behind the Scenes

Posted on August 18, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God is at work behind the scenes using people like you and me to accomplish his purposes. He has placed us where we are “for such a time as this.” We may live in a land of compromise, but we do not have to compromise. God will use us “in such a time as this” as we stand strong with a willingness to risk it all for the sake of the Gospel. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged behind the scenes, Book of Esther, Esther, for such a time as this, God is at worj, Mordecai | Leave a comment

Time to Celebrate

Posted on August 17, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God made a way for the impossible to be done. He had shown himself faithful again and again. As they remembered his goodness, they were filled with joy. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged faithful God, God had been working, joy, love endures forever.reason to celebrate, project completed, rejoice in the LORD | Leave a comment