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.

The Blessing (Jan 24)

Posted on January 24, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

In a world where we hear and experience more curses than blessings, these words of blessing are needed and encouraging. Continue reading →

Faith that Refuses to Give Up

Posted on January 23, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

She continues to make her case. Her persistent cries for help—her persistent faith—have not gone unnoticed. Jesus is amazed to see such faith in a Canaanite woman, and is pleased to grant her prayer. “‘Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.’ And her daughter was healed that very hour.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged faith, refuse to give up, the answers are slow to come, when the time is right God will answer | 1 Comment

The Forgiving Heart (Jan 22)

Posted on January 22, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When people hurt us, we are sometimes tempted to withhold forgiveness, thinking we retain some power over those who have hurt us by refusing to forgive. But the truth is, we cannot hold on to these things—they eat us up inside. The need to forgive deeply from the heart is a daily need (Jesus taught us that in the Lord’s Prayer). As we take the hurt to Jesus, he helps us to forgive and move beyond the pain, the anger, and the bitterness. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged forgiveness, healing, hurts, Jesus the healer, wounds | Leave a comment

How Long, O Lord? (Jan 21)

Posted on January 21, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We’ve all had times when we can relate to the psalmist’s questions. There are times when we wonder if the Lord is really listening—times when the answer is slow in coming. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged answers to prayer yet unseen, cry of the heart, God are you listening?, how long O Lord?, lament, promises not yet fulfilled, trusting God when we don't feel his presence | Leave a comment

Can We Find Anyone Like This? (Jan 20)

Posted on January 20, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Joseph proved faithful through incredibly difficult and unjust circumstances. He continued to trust when things seemed hopeless. He refused the temptation to allow bitterness to poison his spirit (despite the injustice, rejection and betrayal he suffered). When God exalted and used him, he proved humble and trustworthy–and he exalted and magnified the Lord. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged blessing of God, faithful, integrity, Joseph, leadership | Leave a comment

Resist (Jan 19)

Posted on January 19, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Instead of giving in to the passion of the moment, he looked at the situation rationally and righteously. His split second decision made the difference between falling into sin and standing strong as a righteous man. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged choosing to obey, Joseph, Potiphar's wife, temptation | 1 Comment

Careless Words (Jan 18)

Posted on January 18, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Our words say a lot about who we really are on the inside. They are one of the fruits of our inner life. Jesus reminds us: “out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” Our words often say a lot more about us than we realize. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged careless words, judgement, out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks | 1 Comment

The Blessing of Wisdom (Jan 17)

Posted on January 17, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Knowing that he can be trusted, that he is “our confidence,” brings peace in any circumstance. Knowing that he is there to keep us safe helps us deal with our fears. Resting in His everlasting arms, we are able to sleep at night (24). Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Blessing, we are able to sleep at night, wisdom | Leave a comment

Is Your Soul at Rest? (Jan 16)

Posted on January 16, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Jesus isn’t looking for relentless religious activity. He is looking first and foremost for a relationship with you. Religious activity burns us out. It makes us tired and weary. Trying hard to perform rather than resting in his grace, leads to a treadmill of activity. But it is activity in one’s own strength and for the wrong motives. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged is your soul at rest, refreshed and renewed in his presence, unforced rhythms of grace, yoke of discipleship | Leave a comment

Counting Hairs (Jan 15)

Posted on January 15, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Jesus call to his disciples is not an easy one. He asks them to leave everything behind–even their families (35-37)–to take the good news from town to town. He is clearly calling for sacrifice–for wholehearted commitment whatever the cost. “Anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” To follow him wholeheartedly will likely bring persecution and hardship; for some, it will mean losing their very lives. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged do not fear, God cares, God knows, hairs of your head are numbered, trust God | 1 Comment