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.

Servant of All

Posted on March 2, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The way to greatness is found in becoming a servant. The one who would be first must first become a slave of all. These are the principles of Christ’s kingdom. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged first shall be last, Glory, humility, servant of all | Leave a comment

Growing Young

Posted on March 1, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

What were the “kingdom qualities” that Jesus saw in children? Why must we become like children to enter into this kingdom? Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged childlike trust, difficulties of life, disappointment with God, doubts, Growing young, hurts, wounds | Leave a comment

Help Me Overcome My Unbelief

Posted on February 27, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Everything is possible for the one who believes. It seems simple enough. But it was a difficult lesson for the disciples of Jesus to learn. It is hard for us too. The lessons of faith are never easily learned. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged belief, doubt, faith, faith mixed with unbelief, Jesus heals, trust, unbelief | Leave a comment

Too Much Information

Posted on February 26, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Sometimes it is easy to get bogged down or give up when you are reading through Leviticus. Regulations concerning mildew, bodily discharges and oozing sores may be a little “too much information” for most of us. But it is good to see the reason behind all these guidelines. God has chosen the people of Israel to display his glory to the nations. They are his chosen, dearly loved, holy people. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged bodily discharge, Holiness, infectious skin disease, law, mildew, set apart | Leave a comment

Stored Up Goodness

Posted on February 25, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God is storing up blessings for you. He is a good, benevolent and generous God who loves you and looks to bless you. There are times when life seems unjust and unfair—times when we wonder if God is ever going to answer our prayers. But be strong and wait in hope. When the time is right he has goodness stored up for those who fear him. And he intends to bestow those blessings in the sight of all when the time is right. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged blessings, faithfulness, goodness, Stored up goodness, vindication | Leave a comment

Heart Problems

Posted on February 24, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Pharisees knew how to look spiritual. They knew how to play their spiritual games. They focused on the external and lived by the rules.
Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged heart problems, hypocrisy, matters of the heart, playing religious games | Leave a comment

Last Minute Dinner Plans

Posted on February 23, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Had they been paying attention? Were they ready for a big test? It was time to find out. Jesus saw an overwhelming situation and decided to test the faith of his young disciples. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged faith, impossible situations, limited resources, miracles, no task too big, overwhelming circumstances | Leave a comment

Sackcloth to Joy

Posted on February 22, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The Christian life is characterized by joy. Not that it is always easy—it is not. But joy flows from a relationship with Christ, not from our circumstances, so it is may be found in the most unusual places—especially the difficult ones. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged faith, joy, repentance, revival, sackcloth and ashes, sackcloth to Joy | Leave a comment

The Most Important Lesson Jesus Taught Us

Posted on February 21, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

My new sermon series on the Lord’s Prayer on YouTube.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment