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.

Listen (Apr 28)

Posted on April 28, 2021 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 →

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Mighty Warrior (Apr 26)

Posted on April 26, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The Bible often shows us that God sees the potential in us long before we do. Such was the case for Gideon. Based on what we read about Gideon, we might be tempted to see only his fears, his questions and his doubts. Gideon himself was surprised by God’s call: “Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house” (Judges 6:15 -ESV). Continue reading →

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The Strength to Go On (Apr 25)

Posted on April 25, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Facing denial, betrayal, mocking, scourging and a cruel painful death on a cross, Jesus went to his usual place to pray: The Mount of Olives. This solitary place was a regular place of refuge for Jesus where he would pour out his heart to the Father. Continue reading →

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Never Ending Cycle

Posted on April 24, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

April 24 Never Ending Cycle Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 59:6-13 | Judges 2:10-3:31 | Luke 22:14-34 | Proverbs 14:22 Today’s Scripture Focus: Judges 2 Then the LORD raised up judges, who saved them out of the hands of these raiders. 17 … Continue reading →

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Time Well Spent (Apr 23)

Posted on April 23, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Likely weary from a day of teaching and ministry, Jesus finds a solitary place—and as was his practice—he spends extended time in prayer. Clearly this is a pattern rooted in delight rather than duty—this is a time and place set apart to enjoy fellowship with his Father in prayer. Continue reading →

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As For Me and My House (Apr 22)

Posted on April 22, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

It is good to remember the blessings of God—to retrace our paths to see the footprints of God. It is good to seriously consider the cost of commitment. It is good to set up memorial markers (some record of our commitment). Most importantly, we must choose wisely and follow through on that commitment with God’s grace in the power of the Holy Spirit. Choose this day whom you will serve. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD! Continue reading →

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Every Promise (Apr 21)

Posted on April 21, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

“Not one word of his promise has failed–they have all been fulfilled.” With these words, Joshua reminds the people of Israel of the faithfulness of God. God has been with them. He has fought for them. He has given them the land he promised. Continue reading →

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Rest (Apr 20)

Posted on April 20, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God promised that if they would obey him, he would give the children of Israel the Land. While their obedience was far from perfect, God fully fulfilled his end of the bargain. Not one of all his good promises had failed; they all came to pass. Continue reading →

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Robbing the Purpose (Apr 19)

Posted on April 19, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The temple was designed by God to be a place of worship and prayer for all of God’s people. It was to be a house of prayer for all nations. But somehow it lost its focus; it was robbed of its purpose. Jesus cleared the temple and declared that the house of prayer had become a den of robbers. So, how does a “house of prayer” become a “den of robbers?” Continue reading →

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Who Do You Eat With? (Apr 18)

Posted on April 18, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Who do you eat with? Jesus ate with tax collectors and sinners. This was a major problem for the Pharisees and other religious leaders of Jesus’ day. Jesus seemed more than willing to fuel the fire of their accusations that he was a “friend of sinners,” and someone who “eats with tax collectors and sinners.”  Continue reading →

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