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.

A Life of Devotion

Posted on March 17, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

She turned the difficult situation into an opportunity to serve God. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Anna, difficulty to opportunity, Jesus, Life of devotion | Leave a comment

Waiting and Waiting and Waiting

Posted on March 16, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

I waited and waited and waited. Waiting for God’s answer seems overwhelming sometimes. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged new song, slimy pit of despair, waiting in prayer, waiting on God | Leave a comment

When Donkeys Talk

Posted on March 15, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God is very creative in communicating with his people. But when God starts to speak to you through a donkey, you know you are in trouble Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Balaam, God's guidance, God's word, When Donkeys Talk | Leave a comment

Truly Blessed

Posted on March 14, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Mary was willing to serve God in any capacity. She was willing to be a servant. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged humble servant, Mary, obedience, truly blessed | Leave a comment

Lessons of Faith

Posted on March 13, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

He was a godly man; faithful and diligent in the service of the Lord. Yet even Zechariah wavered in doubt when confronted by the impossible thing God intended to do. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged path of faith, the impossible, unable to believe, wavering in doubt, Zechariah | Leave a comment

He Has Risen!

Posted on March 12, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

There is hope! The resurrection is a reminder of the undying hope that is ours in Christ Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged easter, Jesus resurrection, no need to fear, resurrection, second chances, there is hope | Leave a comment

Scourged, Mocked, Crucified, Forsaken

Posted on March 11, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

He was despised, rejected, stricken, smitten, afflicted, wounded, crushed and chastised. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged crucifixion of Christ, forsaken, Isa 53, Jesus' Death, Mark 15, mocked, scouraged | Leave a comment

So You Want to Go Back to Egypt?

Posted on March 10, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The people were fed up with the journey; God was fed up with their contempt and unbelief. Moses found himself in a difficult spot. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged abounding in love, Egypt, forgiving sin and rebellion, Israelites, Leeks and Onions, Missing out on the Blessing, procrastinated obedience, Slow to anger | Leave a comment

Giants in the Land

Posted on March 9, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Twelve spies went into the land. Ten came back filled with doubt. Only two came back filled with faith and courage. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged giants in the land, good gifts, lack of faith, missing out, possibilities or obstacles, Promised Land | Leave a comment

Waiting in Delight

Posted on March 8, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Delight yourself in the Lord, trust in him, commit your way to him . . . and wait. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged delight, desire, God's best for us, prayer, Stillness, transformation, waiting | Leave a comment