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.

Learning to Pray from Paul

Posted on September 29, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We all need a daily overflowing dose of God’s love. We all need the wisdom and discernment to not only know what is good, but even what is best. We all need Christ’s fruit of righteousness manifest in our lives that we would bring him praise and glory. We all need God’s grace and the Holy Spirit’s empowering if we are going to be pure and blameless until the coming of Christ. It’s a great prayer. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged knowledge and depth of insight, learning to pray from paul, love abounding, New Testament prayers, Paul's prayers, Praise, righteousness | Leave a comment

Joy in the House of Prayer

Posted on September 28, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Expect joy in your personal times with God. Come expecting to be a part of a joyful experience when you gather to pray. It is God’s intent to bring joy to your prayer gathering. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged be biblical, be bold, breakthrough, build on each other's prayers, burden, intercession, is prayer boring?, joy in the house of prayer, joyful praying, prayer, prayer gathering, prayer meeting | Leave a comment

Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs

Posted on September 27, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

One good indicator of a life lived in the fullness of the Spirit is a joyful, singing heart. When the Holy Spirit is really in control, he fills you with joy and he fills your heart with singing. Life lived in the flesh doesn’t produce joyful songs, but life in the Spirit always does. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged be filled with the spirit and sing, faith, Holy Spirit, hymns, joy, joyful singing, making music in your heart, prayer, Psalms, Singing, spirit and truth, spirit-filled life, spiritual songs, Worship | Leave a comment

I Have Not Forgotten You

Posted on September 26, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God may seem to hide for a time, but he has not forsaken you. He has not forgotten you. You are his child and he cares for you with the same loving affection given by a mother to her young child. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged as a mother to her young child, compassion, feeling forsaken by God, Has God forgotten about you?, I will not forget you, presence of God, unanswered prayer | Leave a comment

Thank You for Your Support

Posted on September 25, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The healthy church is one where each member recognizes their role and where each part does its work. Imagine a body where only one arm was trying to do all the work. Little of value is accomplished. A healthy body requires a coordinated effort of all the parts. What is your part? Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged body built up, church as body of Christ, growing church, healthy church, knowledge of the Son of God, ministry, operating as it should, Spiritual gifts, supporting ligament | Leave a comment

He Is Doing a New Thing

Posted on September 24, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

He is the God who makes a way in the wilderness. In the wilderness you are tried and tested. You may feel alone and desperate. It may seem like you’ll be stuck in the wilderness forever. But God will not leave you there forever. When the time is right, he will make a way. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged a new thing, desert, God is doing a new thing, the rains will come, thirsty, wilderness | Leave a comment

He Holds Your Hand

Posted on September 23, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Whatever your trial, know that your heavenly Father is holding on to your hand. He is there and won’t let you go. Don’t be afraid. He is there to help you. When his hand is clasping yours, any place is a safe place. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged comfort and reassurance, encouragement, faith, Father's hand holding on to yours, God's protection, He holds your hand, Hope, peace, prayer, Your Heavenly Father's strong hand | Leave a comment

Soaring on Eagle’s Wings

Posted on September 22, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

As we wait in hope—seeking him expectantly—he renews our strength. God gives us the ability to walk when we grow tired—the ability to run when all our strength is gone. He even gives us the ability to soar against all the gusts of wind—the circumstances of life that seem to make it impossible to keep moving forward. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged faith, Let's soar, run and not grow weary, soar against the strong currents, soar like an eagle, Soaring on Eagle's wings, wait in hope, walk and not be faint | Leave a comment

Where to Turn

Posted on September 21, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

In prayer, he takes the situation to the LORD and rests in the character and promise of His God. He appeals to God’s glory and prays that God will work in such a way that all the kingdoms will know that “You alone are God.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged faith, Hezekiah, laid out his concern before the LORD, prayer, reveal your glory, sackcloth and ashes, trusting God, wisdom, words of the accuser, Worship, you alone are God | Leave a comment

True Freedom

Posted on September 20, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

But through the Spirit, we can put to death the misdeeds of the flesh. We don’t have to live gratifying the desires of the flesh. The life of Christ in you promises something better: Freedom to do what is good and right. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged freedom, grace, law of love, legalism, liberty, license, obedience, relationship with Jesus, serve one another in love, what is true and right | Leave a comment