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.

Sing a New Song

Posted on August 30, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Do you like to sing new songs? The Psalmist did. I do too. It’s not that there aren’t great old familiar songs to sing—and there is a place for that too. But, we dare not get stuck in a rut. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged heart language of the people, move of the Spirit, new songs, old songs, singing new songs, Spiritual growth | Leave a comment

Glowing with Glory

Posted on August 29, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Moses walked intimately with the Lord and the effect was sometimes seen on his face–it would glow with reflected glory. But over time, the glory would fade, so Moses began to put a veil over his face. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Glory, glory revealed in us, growth, show us your glory, surpassing glory, transformation | Leave a comment

What is that Fragrance You Are Wearing?

Posted on August 28, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

“What is that fragrance you are wearing?”

“It’s called ‘fragrance of the knowledge of Christ.’ Do you like it? Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged character of Christ, fragrance of Christ, fruit of the Spirit, maturity, winsome character qualities, witness | Leave a comment

Purer than Gold

Posted on August 27, 2022 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 difficulties, discipline, Job, purer than gold, tough times, trials of life, trials turned to gold, What i God doing?, Where is God in my suffering?, Where is God when I hurt? | Leave a comment

Comfort Received, Comfort Given

Posted on August 26, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

August 26 Comfort Received, Comfort Given Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 93:1-5 | Job 20:1 – 22:23 | 2 Corinthians 1:1-11 | Proverbs 22:2-4 Today’s Scripture Focus: 2 Corinthians 1:1-11 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged comfort given, comfort received, God of comfort, suffering is not lost on God, the comfort God gives, wounded healers | Leave a comment

Refreshing

Posted on August 25, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Some people refresh the soul. Others drain it of all energy. Paul here admonishes the Corinthians to give recognition to three who were “soul refreshers.” Why? Because “they refreshed my spirit as well as yours.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged encouraging word, encoutagement, refreshing, soul drainer | Leave a comment

Worthless Physicians

Posted on August 24, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

August 24 Worthless Physicians Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 92:1-8 | Job 12:1 – 15:35 | 1 Corinthians 15:29-58 | Proverbs 21:30-31 Today’s Scripture Focus: Job 12-15 “You are worthless physicians, all of you! If only you would be altogether silent! … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged advice, being a friend, cliches, comfort, difficult times, encouragement | Leave a comment

No Easy Answers

Posted on August 23, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

August 23 No Easy Answers Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 91:9-16 | Job 8:1-11:20 | I Corinthians 15:1-28 | Proverbs 21:28-29 Today’s Scripture Focus: Job 8-11 “So what’s new? I know all this” (Job 9:1 The Message). “God’s wisdom is so … Continue reading →

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Under His Wings

Posted on August 22, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

August 22 Under His Wings Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 91:1-8 | Job 4:1-7:21 | 1 Cor. 14:18-40 | Proverbs 21:27 Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 91 “Under his wings you will find refuge” (Psalm 91:4 ESV). I was struck by the … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged God is our refuge, Life if difficult, Under His Wings, when life is dangerous and hard | Leave a comment

Hard Times

Posted on August 21, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Bad things do happen to good people. Job is a perfect case in point. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Hard Times, Job, questions, tragedy, Worship, worst nightmares | Leave a comment