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.

A Heart that Trusts

Posted on July 17, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When it was all said and done, he trusted God to do the impossible and a son was born (that doesn’t mean there weren’t a few struggles of faith along the way—and a few missteps). He trusted God to fulfill an impossible promise. He trusted God when the cost seemed unbearable. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Abraham, Abraham the man of faith, akedah, faith, faithfulness of God, He trusted God, Isaac, promises of God, Sarah, trials of faith, trust, when he didn't know where he was going | Leave a comment

Cleaning Up the Mess

Posted on July 16, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Until we see the mess we’re in, we don’t see our need for the remedy to our situation. We are blind to the ruin and misery caused by our sin. Not to mention the ruin and misery that follows us wherever we go. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged faith, Jesus, law, law written on our hearts, making a mess of things, no not one, no one righteous, poison of vipers, sin causes ruin and misery, the mess we're in, throats like open graves, tongues practice deceit | Leave a comment

God is the Strength of My Heart

Posted on July 15, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We pour out our hearts to God, and suddenly we become aware of his presence—his nearness. “Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel” (23-24). Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Asaph, God, in a fog, My flesh and my heart may fail, nothing on earth I desire besides you., strength of my heart, why do the wicked prosper? | Leave a comment

An Honest Heart

Posted on July 14, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Open your heart to Jesus and allow him to deal with your self-righteousness and pride. Experience a fresh touch of his love, his kindness, his tolerance and patience. Then you may actually have some good news to share with a world that desperately needs it. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged condemning attitude, good news, kindness, patience, self-righteous, the one who points fingers, tolerance | Leave a comment

The Heart that is Free

Posted on July 13, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

July 13 The Heart that is Free Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 150:1-6; I Chronicles 15:1 – 16:36; Romans 1:18-32; Proverbs 19:6-7 Today’s Scripture Focus: 1 Chronicles 15:1 – 16:36 (esp.15: 25-29) “As the ark of the covenant of the Lord was entering … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged all his might, ark of the covenant, celebration, Davide danced, freedom, Heart that is free, Michal, Praise, set my heart free to worship, Worship | Leave a comment

A Joyful Heart of Praise

Posted on July 12, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Think about it: “The Lord delights in you.” Isn’t that reason enough to let go of your inhibitions? Come on, let’s sing and dance and shout, “Hallelujah!” Let’s have church! Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged enthusiasm, Hallelujah!, praise, praise the Lord, shout for joy, sing a new song, Singing, Worship | Leave a comment

Courage to Do Exploits

Posted on July 11, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

In our day, God is still extending his Kingdom (though not through military force as “the weapons we fight with are not of this world”). He is looking for mighty men and women who are courageous, loyal and strong in his strength. People who will “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power . . . so that . . . you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything, to stand” (Ephesians 6). Continue reading →

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Courage to Face Life’s Storms

Posted on July 10, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Paul took comfort in the promise of God given to him. He trusted in the promise of God and it enabled him to have courage even in the face of what seemed a life-threatening storm. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged courage, do not be afraid, gave up hope of being saved, hopeless situation, keep up your courage, life's difficult, Paul, promises of God, tempted to give up hope, trials | Leave a comment

Opening Up Your Wounded Heart

Posted on July 9, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Jesus came to set you free from the bondage of your wounds. Will you allow him to heal your heart and bind up those wounds? Open up your heart to him and he will do it. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged bind up your wounds, broken, emotional healing, healing, healing wounded hearts, inner healing, Let Jesus heal your heart, wounded healer | Leave a comment

A Heart Set Free

Posted on July 8, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Festus told Paul that his belief in such a thing was crazy. “Your great learning is making you mad,” he says. But Paul appealed to Agrippa, who knew full well about the resurrection: “It was not done in a corner.” The resurrection seems to go against everything we know. It seems mad. But Jesus is raised and multitudes were there to see it with their own eyes. King Agrippa knew this and could not deny it. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Apostle Paul, bondage, brokenness, Heart set free, King Agrippa, Not done in a corner, resurrection of Jesus, transformation of Paul | Leave a comment