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.

Time Well Spent

Posted on April 23, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Surely Jesus commitment to pray is also a testimony to the delight Jesus found in prayer. Such commitment reveals a heart that is motivated by delight more than duty. Prayer is intimate fellowship with the Father: an opportunity to pour out his heart; an opportunity to listen; a time to be refreshed and refocused in preparation for the ministry of the coming day. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged commitment to prayer, delight, duty, intimacy with the Father, Jesus, Jesus prayer life, joy and delight, prayer, presence of the Father, quiet place, solitary place | Leave a comment

As For Me and My House

Posted on April 22, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Choose this day whom you will serve. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD! Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged as for me and my house, covenant, faithfulness, fear the Lord, God, Joshua, me and my house, remember God's work | Leave a comment

Every Promise

Posted on April 21, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God never fails and his promises can be trusted. But we do often fail. Our procrastinated obedience or deliberate disobedience can make it seem that the promises are not being fulfilled. How quickly we forget the conditions of the promise. How often we “turn to the right or the left” (6). Delays may also be the result of other people who have yet to meet the conditions of obedience. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged conditions must be fulfilled, conditions must be met, do not turn to the right or left, every promise, God's promises, obedience, promises, we often fail | Leave a comment

Rest

Posted on April 20, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Jesus too, calls us to give up our striving and find rest in our relationship with him. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged bible, christianity, discipleship, faith, God, Jesus, Joshua, rest for my soul, rest in the promised land, rest on every side, the Lord gave them rest | 1 Comment

Robbed of Its Purpose

Posted on April 19, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Like the people of Israel, people in churches today, sometimes place personal convenience ahead of God’s purpose. They begin to think that the church is only for “people like us.” When churches cease to care about reaching out to new people–when they forget about God’s heart for all nations–the church loses focus and purpose. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged den of robbers, for all nations, house of prayer, Jesus cleared the temple, personal agendas, personal convenience, pride and prejudice | Leave a comment

Who Do You Eat With?

Posted on April 18, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Jesus prioritized people—especially those that good society rejected—those that weren’t really welcome in the place of worship; those that might bring dishonor to table-fellowship. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged dishonor, evangelism, friend of sinners, Jesus, scandal, table fellowship, tax collectors and sinners, who do you eat with?, witness, Zacchaeus | Leave a comment

Cast Your Cares

Posted on April 17, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

He places his burden in God’s strong hands. He pours out his wounded heart to the God who hears: “Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress and he hears my voice. . . . God who is enthroned forever will hear” (16-19). Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged bible, faith, God, Jesus, Psalms | Leave a comment

We Should Not Give Up

Posted on April 16, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Your persistent prayers will one day be rewarded. As your faith is refined through the testing, you will grow and mature. That is often a big part of the answer (and the reason for the wait). But know that the answer is coming. Don’t give up on your praying. Never stop expecting. Your heavenly father is just and loving—and he is listening. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged amen doesn't have to be the end of our prayer, do not give up, Jesus on prayer, Jesus return, lessons in prayer, parable, perseverance in faith, perseverance in prayer, persistence, rewarded | Leave a comment

Where are the Other Nine?

Posted on April 15, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

April 15 Where Are the Other Nine? Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 55:1-8; Josh 11:1-12:24; Luke 17:11-37; Proverbs 13:5-6 Today’s Scripture Focus: Luke 17:11-37 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. … Continue reading →

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How Many Times?

Posted on April 14, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Forgiveness is powerful, and as we learn to release forgiveness to those who have sinned against us, we release ourselves from negative attitudes and patterns of behavior that keep us trapped. Forgive and find freedom. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged find freedom, forgive them, forgiveness, is a brother sins against you, Jesus, negative attitudes, release forgiveness, seven times, seventy-seven, trapped, unforgiveness | 1 Comment