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.

Standing Strong

Posted on November 25, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Daniel is an example of integrity in the midst of a culture of compromise. Continue reading →

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

Unjust Suffering

Posted on November 24, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Life isn’t always fair and it isn’t always easy. Continue reading →

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

The Good Scissors

Posted on November 23, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

I’m sure every mom has them. My mom did: the good scissors. Continue reading →

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

Living Hope, Unspeakable Joy

Posted on November 22, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

They had hope because they had an eternal perspective. Looking only to their circumstances might bring only hopelessness, but looking to God and his eternal purposes they found joy and the hope that enabled them to press forward in faith. Continue reading →

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

A Healing Community

Posted on November 21, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

James describes the church as a healing community: A place where the broken and wounded can come to find people filled with faith and love. It is a place where needs are met through prayer; It is a place where “it’s OK” to “not be O.K.”; where people are honest and transparent about their true condition–no masks needed. Continue reading →

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

Lord Willing’ and the Creek Don’t Rise

Posted on November 20, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God’s ways are not our ways, his plans are higher than ours. In all of our planning, we must have the attitude, “Lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise.” Our lives sometimes take unexpected twists and turns–all a part of his path. Continue reading →

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

Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires

Posted on November 19, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The tongue is a powerful force for evil or for good. James encourages us to be people who bless rather than curse with our tongues. He does so by illustrating the power of the tongue. Continue reading →

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

Mirror, Mirror

Posted on November 18, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Did you look in the mirror this morning? What did you see? Continue reading →

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

Wisdom

Posted on November 17, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God loves to give us his wisdom. He wants us to ask him for it. He never gets tired of our coming back again and again to ask for it. He never faults us for asking over and over again. Continue reading →

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

Through Us and In Us

Posted on November 16, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The blessing for God to work “through us” and the blessing for God to work “in us” are not isolated blessings. Most of that which will enable us to do his will and work through us, will be provided by the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit “in us”. As he changes us from the inside out, he prepares us for each and everything thing he intends to accomplish “through us.” Continue reading →

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