Author Archives: pastorjeffsneighborhood

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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.

The Praise of All Peoples

Posted on October 18, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

All the cultures of the world with their own languages, music, arts and craftsmanship have a unique beauty. Each in a unique way shows us a glimpse of what it means to be created in “His image.” All the races, languages and cultures reflect the wisdom and glory of their creator. He finds beauty in each one and looks to the day when people from all nations will gather around his throne in heaven and all that beauty will come together to create a glorious symphony of praise: Continue reading →

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Devoted to Closeness

Posted on October 17, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God continues to look for those who walk close to him. He continues to draw near to those who are men and women “after His own heart.” Those who are devoted to closeness are those who walk closely to Him, who hear his voice and feel his heartbeat. They are the ones who can dream God’s dreams and see God’s vision. They are the ones who walk in the authority that flows from intimacy. Continue reading →

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How Could We Ever Repay the Lord for His Goodness

Posted on October 16, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

“Thanks Lord for the answer, now I lift up my cup again and call out to you for another answer to my prayers.”  Isn’t he good? Continue reading →

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Prayer Priorities

Posted on October 15, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Pray for your co-workers, friends, neighbors and relatives to hear and honor the message of the Lord. Pray for those you know in ministry that their ministry efforts will be fruitful—that the message of the Lord will spread rapidly and be honored among those to whom they minister. Pray that God will open doors for you to share the love and message of Christ to those you know who need to hear it. Continue reading →

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Eternal Encouragement

Posted on October 14, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Perhaps you need a fresh touch of God’s love and encouragement. Maybe you need God to give you a clearer sense of the good hope that is yours in Christ. Maybe you need his strengthening power in every good deed and word today. I pray that Paul’s blessing for the Thessalonians may be yours today Continue reading →

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Beyond Good Intentions

Posted on October 13, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The “so that” of Paul’s prayer–the reason–is that he wants the name of Jesus to be glorified as we live in intimate fellowship with Him by his grace.  Following through and living lives in a way that glorifies Jesus, especially when it difficult to do so–when life is hard–that’s real Christianity. That’s the kind of Christianity that offers hope to the world. It’s what we all need. Continue reading →

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Always

Posted on October 12, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Pray continually. Always live “practicing the presence of God.” Our daily times set aside for prayer are necessary. They invite his presence into our lives and into the events of our days. But the “Amen” doesn’t have to be the end of the prayer. We can walk through the day with a sense of his presence wherever we go. Continue reading →

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Clay in the Hands of the Potter

Posted on October 11, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The process may seem painful at times, but the Potter knows what he is doing. Trust Him to bring shape and significance to you. Trust Him to make you into a beautiful vessel that he will delight in using to display His glory. Continue reading →

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What a Blessing!

Posted on October 10, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The love God pours out into the lives of believers cannot be contained, it needs to spill out into the world as well. Continue reading →

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Real Faith Means Hard Work

Posted on October 9, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Faith, hope and love are not theoretical virtues that we hold in our heart. They show themselves by working hard for the sake of the gospel—by our willingness to sacrifice all for the sake of our mission. We all have been gifted by God to be a part of the team. So let’s get to work. Continue reading →

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