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.

Cast Your Cares (Apr 17)

Posted on April 17, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

David laments the wounds caused by the betrayal of a close friend. He is filled with anguish, fear and troubled thoughts. He wishes he could fly away like a bird–escaping the hurt. But realizes a better course is to takes his burden to God. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged cast your cares, God hears and answers, hurt, troubles, wounded | Leave a comment

We Should Not Give Up

Posted on April 16, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Persistent prayer and persevering faith are missing elements in much of our prayer. Jesus reminds us in this parable how important it is not to give up in our praying. He also shows us that it is not only being persistent in prayer that is important, but also persevering in our faith when we pray. Continue reading →

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Where are the Other Nine?

Posted on April 15, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Ten men, feared and ostracized because of their dreaded disease, came to Jesus to be healed. Jesus wasted no time in bringing healing to their leprous bodies. He told them to search out the priest so that they could be declared clean. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged giving thanks, gratitude, where are the other nine? | Leave a comment

How Many Times? (Apr 14)

Posted on April 14, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Learning to forgive may be one of the more difficult lessons in the life of following Christ. Forgiving too early, or too often, seems unfair. Forgiving so easily seems to diminish the importance of the hurt we feel. Yet Jesus tells us that if a person comes back to us in repentance, even seven times in one day, we still ought to forgive them Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged forgiveness, forgiveness brings healing, freedom of forgiveness, how many times? | 2 Comments

Guard Your Lips (Apr 13)

Posted on April 13, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

One of the common themes of Proverbs is the importance of choosing our words wisely. Wise words bring blessing and delight. Ill chosen words bring trouble and ruin. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged careless words, guard your lips, hurtful words, listen then speak | Leave a comment

The Walls Came Tumbling Down (Apr 12)

Posted on April 12, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Joshua was a young leader, taking over for the only leader the people had ever known—Moses. They had arrived at the promised destination—now they had to conquer and inhabit the land. The mighty, fortified walls of Jericho were the first stop on the journey ahead. Continue reading →

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Looking Forward, Looking Back (Apr 11)

Posted on April 11, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The Jordan River was the first big test of Joshua’s leadership. While God was guiding him and the people on a road they had not travelled before, this incident certainly brought to mind another significant crossing: the crossing of the Red Sea under Moses’ leadership. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Jordan River, Joshua, memorial stones, remembering | Leave a comment

Be Strong and Courageous (Apr 10)

Posted on April 10, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Joshua was faced with an amazing challenge. He was to follow in the footsteps of Moses and lead the people of Israel into the Promised Land. Not an easy task on either count: Moses was a great leader and the people of Israel were notorious for being difficult to lead. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged God is bigger, overwhelming, strong and courageous, too big, too difficult | Leave a comment

Resting Between His Shoulders (Apr 9)

Posted on April 9, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

April 9 Resting Between His Shoulders Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 50:7-23 | Deuteronomy 33:1-20 | Luke 13:1-21 | Proverbs 12:25 Today’s Scripture Focus: Deuteronomy 33:1-20 About Benjamin he said: “Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged abide, God's love, protection, rest, security, Shoulders of God | Leave a comment

Accountable (Apr 8)

Posted on April 8, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

April 8 Accountable Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 50:1-6 | Deuteronomy 32:28-52 | Luke 12:35-59 | Proverbs 12:24 Today’s Scripture Focus: Luke 12:35-59 The Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of … Continue reading →

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