Author Archives: pastorjeffsneighborhood

Unknown's avatar

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.

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Posted on January 1, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

At the top of each devotional I list the scripture readings for the day. If you follow this reading plan, it will take you through the Bible in one year. We read a portion from the Psalms, the Proverbs, the Old Testament, and the New Testament. The devotional each day is based on one of those four sections of Scripture. The devotional is mostly there to encourage you to dig in the text for yourself to discover what God has to say to you each day as you spend time with Him in His Word. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Hallelujah!

Posted on December 31, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

December 31 Hallelujah!  Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 150:1-6; Malachi 3:1-4:6; Revelation 22:1-21; Proverbs 31:25-31 Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 150 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, [4] praise him with tambourine and … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

A Glimpse of Heaven

Posted on December 30, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

More glorious than the beauty of the place is the beauty of the one who is seated on the throne. No need for sunlight, because of the glorious splendor of the radiance of the Father and the Son. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

All Creatures

Posted on December 29, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

In Psalm 148 all creation joins in praise to God—what could be more fitting? From the angels of heaven to the sun, moon and stars—all creation joins in worship of the creator. Sea creatures of all kinds, wild animals, cattle, small animals, birds; they all join the song of praise! Lightning, thunder, hail and wind all make a joyful noise! Don’t forget the mountains and hills and trees—they were created to praise too! Kings of the earth join in praise along with princes and rulers from all nations. Young men and women, Old men and children—everyone joins in the song! Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

King of Kings

Posted on December 28, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Since the fall of man in the garden, all of creation has been waiting in anxious anticipation of this day. The suffering and pain brought on by sin is not forgotten by God. It will be vindicated as Jesus comes in his glory. Those who have endured persecution look to this day of victory. Indeed, all of creation waits for his coming: the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

The Good Shepherd

Posted on December 27, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The image of a shepherd leading his sheep is a familiar theme in Scripture. Good leadership requires many of the same qualities as good shepherding—leading and caring for sheep. Here the shepherds of God’s people are being chastised for not leading the people as they should. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Rejoice Greatly!

Posted on December 26, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

In Jesus, the prophecies find fulfillment. He is the Messiah, gentle and riding on a donkey. Years before it comes to pass, Zechariah envisioned the gentle King and rejoiced. Indeed, the celebration of Christ’s coming to earth is a reason for all of us to rejoice. So rejoice, O daughter of Zion! Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Emmanuel: God with Us

Posted on December 25, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

To the one who receives Him, he gives the greatest gift of all, Eternal life. Joy to the world! Merry Christmas! Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Generous Hearts

Posted on December 24, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Whether fasting or feasting, we dare not forget those less fortunate. We are the hands and feet that respond to God’s compassionate heart for the poor and needy. “Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another, do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other.” God cares for the needy and our hearts should be a reflection of his; an important reminder in this time of feasting. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Not by Might

Posted on December 23, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God had chosen Joshua and Zerubabbel to complete the task of building the temple. The key to their success in accomplishing their God-given task was not their human wisdom or strength. They key to their success was the empowering of the Holy Spirit. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment