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.

Emmanuel: God with Us (Dec 25)

Posted on December 25, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The Prophets can be a challenge to read and understand. But underlying the whole of the prophetic scripture is something we dare not miss: God has not forgotten his people and intends to bless them with his very presence: Jesus, the savior is to be born; God with us, Emmanuel. Continue reading →

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Generous Hearts (Dec 24)

Posted on December 24, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

While fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline when used rightly, it is no substitute to obedience or the right heart attitudes. What God especially wanted to see in his people was a heart filled with justice, mercy and generosity; a heart that looked to the poor and the less fortunate with a willingness to help. Continue reading →

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Not by Might (Dec 23)

Posted on December 23, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God often delights in choosing and anointing the weak and the foolish so that through his power they can accomplish unexpected things–and then all the glory goes to him. Continue reading →

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Sing His Praise (Dec 22)

Posted on December 22, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

For the psalmist, praise was a daily practice that he intended to continue for a lifetime. “Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever.” Praise can transform your life. It takes our eyes off of ourselves and our problems and turns them to see the greatness and glory of our God. As we see his glory, our perspective changes. Praise shakes off the gloom and brings deep joy. Continue reading →

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The Accuser (Dec 21)

Posted on December 21, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

He’s a liar, a thief, a deceiver. He’s the accuser of our brothers and sisters in Christ. An enemy to God and all his ways, Satan tries desperately to cause as much damage and havoc as he can. But his days are numbered: “He is filled with fury, because he knows his time is short” (12:12) and he has been “hurled down” (12:10). Continue reading →

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Missing Out on the Blessing (Dec 20)

Posted on December 20, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God had been faithful to remember the Jewish exiles. They began to return to Jerusalem from their exile in Babylon and began the task of rebuilding the temple. Opposition arose and the job turned out to be much more difficult and more costly than they had imagined. They became discouraged and gave up on their God-given vision and mission. Continue reading →

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Making God Sing (Dec 19)

Posted on December 19, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Children know how to enjoy the moment. Imagine a beautiful sunny day. You stretch out your arms and spin around and around, laughing and singing–utter delight. Do you remember the delight of just spinning around and finding delight in the moment? Continue reading →

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From Questions to Praise (Dec 18)

Posted on December 18, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Habakkuk was a prophet who asked a lot of questions. Tough questions. The big questions we would all like to ask God, even if we wouldn’t have the boldness to ask them. Continue reading →

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Never Alone (Dec 17)

Posted on December 17, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Christmas can be a lonely time. Memories of family and friends who are no longer with us haunt us especially this time of the year. Separation from those you love when you’d rather be “home for Christmas” brings a sense of loneliness. Singles sometimes feel left out and lonely this time of year. Even in the midst of the crowds, it is common to feel lonely this time of year. Continue reading →

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O Little Town of Bethlehem (Dec 16)

Posted on December 16, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The gospel writers repeatedly stress that the story of Christmas—the birth of Jesus–was foretold in numerous passages by several Old Testament prophets. One of the most famous is the prophecy of Micah: Continue reading →

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