Author Archives: pastorjeffsneighborhood

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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.

Seeking the Blessing of God (Aug 9)

Posted on August 9, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

uilding the temple—it brought him to his knees. They needed “some reviving to set up the house of God, to repair its ruins…” (9:10 ESV). God had been faithful to bless, but the continued hand of the Lord was needed. Continue reading →

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The Hand of the Lord (Aug 8)

Posted on August 8, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

This passage repeatedly mentions the “hand of the Lord.” God blessed Ezra in extraordinary ways because “the hand of the Lord” was “on him.” The hand of the Lord being upon you is his blessing. Just as in the Old Testament, where we see fathers placing their hands on their children to bless them, and just as Jesus placed his hands on children to bless them, so the Heavenly Father himself places his hand upon Ezra and extraordinary blessings followed. Continue reading →

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The Eyes of the Lord (Aug 7)

Posted on August 8, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God has been watching his people. As they have begun to turn to him, he has turned toward them; he is watching out for them. Continue reading →

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Nursery Duty (Aug 6)

Posted on August 6, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

It’s not terribly surprising that a consumer culture produces so many spoiled spiritual babes, but it is sad. Growing up requires taking up the cross and dying to our selfish immaturity, moving beyond our comfort zone and our need to always have it our way. Continue reading →

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The Foolishness of Brilliance (Aug 5)

Posted on August 5, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Many of the greatest minds of history have found their revolutionary ideas to be rejected initially because they seemed to be foolishness. People just couldn’t understand. Continue reading →

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Plastic Prayers Make Plastic Churchgoers (Aug 4)

Posted on August 4, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Much of what passes for Christianity today does seem “plastic and fake.” But the Bible is not. The pages are filled with very real, human characters. It’s painfully honest about their struggles and failures (and the successes, of course). Continue reading →

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Amazing Grace! (Aug 3)

Posted on August 3, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

August 3 Amazing Grace! Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 82:1-8| 2 Chronicles 33:14 – 34:33| Romans 16:8-27| Proverbs 20:19 Today’s Scripture Focus: 2 Chronicles 33:1 – 34:33 “In his distress he sought the favor of the Lord his God and humbled … Continue reading →

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The Mountaintop (Aug 2)

Posted on August 2, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The crisp, cool air blows through your hair as you as gaze upon the majestic beauty of other mountain peaks. You are above them all. You are on the mountaintop. It’s an exhilarating place to be, a dangerous place. It was quite an adventure to get there and even more difficult to stay there. Continue reading →

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Blessing Instead of Bleeping (Aug 1)

Posted on August 1, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Every malicious word, every tasty snippet of gossip, every venomous, sarcastic comment (humor is great, but even some humor wounds), every word that is judgmental, every hasty, angry word: each one, a curse. Continue reading →

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Thank God for Broccoli (July 31)

Posted on July 31, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

July 31 Thank God For Broccoli Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 80:8-19 | 2 Chronicles 29:1-36 | Romans 14:1-23 | Proverbs 20:12 Today’s Scripture Focus: Romans 14:1-23 “If you eat meat, eat it to the glory of God and thank God … Continue reading →

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