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.

Hold on to Hope

Posted on May 7, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Hannah had many battles to fight as she held on to hope. She had to battle the circumstances. She had been unable to conceive for many years. The situation appeared hopeless. Yet she held on to hope in the one who was her Rock and Deliverer. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged 1 Samuel 1, barren, Hannah, Hannah trusted God, Hold on to hope, hope became reality, misunderstanding, persecuted, prayer, Worship | Leave a comment

The Place of Abundance

Posted on May 6, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Perhaps the crushing burden you are under will be just the thing to prepare you for the place of abundance. Don’t get discouraged. Don’t lose hope. Pour out your heart to God and look for Him to rescue from the midst of the fire and water and to bring you into the place of abundance. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged abundance, crushing burden, don't lose hope, fire and water, God, place of abundance, testing, trials | 1 Comment

Where You Go I Will Go

Posted on May 5, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Loyalty is a rare quality in a day of no commitment. It is also a praiseworthy and attractive quality. May its beauty be seen and noticed in our lives. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Boaz, Book of Ruth, character, Loyalty, Naomi, Ruth, woman of noble character, women in the Bible | Leave a comment

Second Fiddle

Posted on May 4, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We too are called to decrease that Christ may increase. As we humble ourselves, listen to the voice of the bridegroom and attend to his wishes, we find our joy complete. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged humble heart, humility, Jesus, John the Baptist, joy, pride, second fiddle, servant, serving | 1 Comment

Born Again

Posted on May 3, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Life abundant—lived to the full—and everlasting. It results from being born again by the Spirit. It begins with a simple prayer of faith where we confess our need to be forgiven and invite Christ into our lives to become our Savior and Lord. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged abundant life, born again, born anew, Born from above, butterfly, Eternal Life, God so loved, Jesus only, John 3, life lived to the full, transformation | Leave a comment

When Jesus Got Angry

Posted on May 2, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Perhaps it is time to clear the temple of our lives of things that hinder and distract. Indeed it is time to return to God’s purposes for us. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged distractions, hindrances, Jesus cleared the temple, Jesus got angry, John 2, money changers, purpose | Leave a comment

Behold the Lamb of God

Posted on May 1, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Jesus, the exalted Messiah and King; the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world; He is worthy of our praise. Worship him from the depths of your heart! Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged exalatation, Exalted Messiah, Holy Spirit, honor, Jesus, King of Kings, Lamb of God, takes away the wins of the world, Worship | Leave a comment

Message of Life

Posted on April 30, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God loves you and sent his son to die for you. Jesus’ life and death shine forth the truth that we can be forgiven, that we can live life in vital relationship with him–a life lived to the full for eternity. Open your heart to Jesus, invite him in. Open the door by faith and enter into fellowship with Jesus. He stands at the door and knocks. Let him in. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged children of God, Eternal Life, gospel, Jesus death, Jesus resurrection, john 1, light, love, the message of life, the Word | Leave a comment

Waiting and Witnessing

Posted on April 29, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

April 29 Waiting and Witnessing Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 61:5-8; Judges 9:22-10:18; Luke 24:13-53; Proverbs 14:11-12 Today’s Scripture Focus: Luke 24 (NIV) [48] You are witnesses of these things. [49] I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Listen

Posted on April 28, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Like the Psalmist, we often wonder if our prayers are getting through. We want to make sure we have God’s full attention. We cry out, “Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged alone but never alone, hear my cry O God, heart grows faint, Listen, listen to my prayer, place of refuge, Psalm 61, Psalms, shadow of his wings | Leave a comment