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.

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 →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged endurance in trials, endurance inspired by hope, faith, hard work, Hope, labor prompted by love, love, willing to sacrifice, work produced by faith | Leave a comment

Scarecrows in a Melon Patch

Posted on October 8, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

But what tears me up even more is the realization that we, who would not think to bow down to an idol, create “idols of the heart.” We worship and serve many things. Paul shows us that even misplaced values like greed and materialism can become idols. So can entertainment, sports, music or a political cause. The list could include most anything that becomes our preoccupation. Only God can bring security and meaning. He is the only rightful object of worship. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged idolatry, idols, idols of the heart, materialism, no ears, no eyes, no-one is like you Lord, scarecrows in a melon patch | Leave a comment

A New Wardrobe

Posted on October 7, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Jesus lives in us, and as we let the Word of Christ dwell richly in us, we should expect a new wardrobe—behaviors and attitudes that reflect the life of Christ within us. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged clothe yourself with Christ, let the word of God dwell richly, new wardrobe, Spiritual growth, spiritual maturity, who we are in Christ | Leave a comment

Let Them See Your Hand

Posted on October 6, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God, answer this prayer in such a marvelous way that everyone will know that you have done it. Let there be no doubt that your hand has accomplished this. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged answered prayer, expectancy, Hand of the Lord, Hope, intercession, let them see your hand, praying with faith | Leave a comment

Fully Mature in Christ

Posted on October 5, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Why is Paul struggling and working so hard to teach and preach and plant churches? This passage makes his motivation clear. He wants the believers to grow up in their faith and become fully mature in Christ. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged fruit of the Spirit, grace and faith, humility, maturity, overflowing with thankfulness, peace, rooted and built up in CHrist, Spiritual growth, spiritual maturity | Leave a comment

Spiritual Wisdom and Understanding

Posted on October 4, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Life is filled with difficulties and decisions that require God’s wisdom and strength. This prayer leads us to trust in the one who can give us all that we need to get us through each and every day. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Colossians 1:9, endurance, knowledge of God's will, patience, Paul, power of the Spirit, Pray for Colossae, prayer, Prayers of Paul, spiritual fruit, Spiritual Wisdom, understanding | Leave a comment

Unexpected Peace

Posted on October 3, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We all have times when we are tempted to worry. Yet, worry is counterproductive. It consumes our attention; it saps our energy and creativity; it takes away our peace, our hope, our joy. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged anxiety, peace, peace that guards our hearts and minds, peace that transcends understanding, Philippians 4:6-7, pour out your concerns to God, prayer, prayer and petition, thanksgiving, worry | Leave a comment

Knowing Christ

Posted on October 2, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Eternal life is found in a relationship with Christ that is entered into by faith in what Christ did for us on the Cross. The issue is not what we bring to the table, but what Jesus brings through the cross. Even Paul, who had considered himself faultless, saw his need for the righteousness that is by faith. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged abundant life, Apostle Paul, Eternal Life, fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, I want to know Christ, Jesus the savior, Knowing Christ, power of his resurrection | Leave a comment

Watchman

Posted on October 1, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Perhaps God is calling and shaping you to be one who “watches and prays.” Be faithful with the prayer burdens he gives and be encouraged as he uses you in praying for his will to be done “on earth as it is in heaven.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged intercession, on earth as it is in heaven, prayer, praying vision into reality, protection, vision and promises, watch, watch and pray, watchmen | Leave a comment

Humility

Posted on September 30, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We see his humility throughout his life and ministry. He lives his life loving and serving others, “taking the very nature of a servant.” He takes the time to listen, to care, to bless, to help others. He lived his life, not looking to his own interests, but looking to the interests of others. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged be like minded, humble birth, humble death, humble example, humble life, humility, Jesus Christ | Leave a comment