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.

Spurs of Encouragement

We all need encouraging words. Often those words of encouragement are ones that we want to hear such as a word of hope when we are going through a tough time; a word of affirmation when we are discouraged. Yet, encouragement doesn’t always mean flowery words of praise for another. Sometimes encouragement requires a spur–a painful poke in our backside that spurs us on to action. Continue reading →

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Standing in the Gap

What a haunting verse. I was looking for an intercessor, a prayer warrior, someone to stand in the gap, but I found none. Continue reading →

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Once for All

Jesus came with a better sacrifice: himself. He had lived a perfect, sinless life. He was the perfect Lamb of God who had come to take away the sins of the world. In his one time, once for all act of dying on the cross, Jesus made atonement for all our sins for all time. Continue reading →

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Unlimited Access

Jesus provides a way for all believers to enter into the Most Holy Place. Furthermore, we are able to come to this place of intimacy with God without fear. We may come with confidence. Continue reading →

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Panting

The psalmist describes an intense longing for God’s word and his commands. He describes it like this: “I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands.” Continue reading →

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Your Most Important Prayer Partner

As we come to God in Jesus name, we join him in his work of intercession. What an incredible truth. You may feel alone in your prayers and intercession for those you love, but you are not alone. Jesus is there praying with you. You may feel alone as you pray, frustrated by the trials and temptations, wondering if you will overcome, but you are not alone. Jesus is there praying for you. Continue reading →

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Words of Hope

May you find the LORD to be your hiding place and your shield. May his word bring you hope daily. Continue reading →

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Sanctuary

Even in our “prodigal times,” our times where we try to distance ourselves from the Lord, he is there. He remains our sanctuary. He continues to offer the hope of a new heart and a fresh start. Continue reading →

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Growing Up or Growing Old?

I’ve heard it said that “Some people grow up in the Lord, others just grow old in the Lord. ”Unfortunately sometimes this is the case. Continue reading →

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Watch and Pray

Israel needed a watchman in Ezekiel’s day. We need them today—men and women called to watch and pray—and boldly speak when God give us the words to say. Continue reading →

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