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.

Growing Up or Growing Old?

Posted on November 3, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

There is a big difference between “growing up” and “just growing old” in the Lord. Growth and maturity require more than years of “pew time,” they require years of diligent learning, application and obedience. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged discipleship, God, Jesus, slow to learn, spiritual babes, Spiritual growth, spiritual maturity | Leave a comment

Where are the Watchmen?

Posted on November 2, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Time spent in the presence and with the word, brings unusual insight into our present situation. The watchman keenly sees the dangers of the days we live in and boldly alerts us to the things that others may miss. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Ezekiel, God, insight, intercession, Jesus, obedience, prayer, spiritual eyes, Time spent in God's presence, warning, Word of God | 1 Comment

Encouragement

Posted on November 1, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Do you know someone going through a tough time right now? Don’t neglect the ministry of encouragement. A card, a phone call, an email or a friendly conversation can have a major effect on a heart that is in a vulnerable place. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Blessing, deceitfulness of sin, doubt, drifting, Encourage one another daily, encouragement, fellow traveller, God, Hope, Jesus, not showing up, obedience, trials | Leave a comment

Drifting

Posted on October 31, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Drifting comes easily and is deadly. Be on your guard. Watch and pray. Don’t allow small compromises to eat away at and eventually steal your spiritual fervor and vitality. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged compromise, pay more careful attention, spiritual drifting, spiritual fervor, watch and pray | 1 Comment

Great is Thy Faithfulness

Posted on October 30, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Often life doesn’t make sense. It can be hard. In those times we can always come to God with our laments. But don’t get stuck in the pit of self-pity and despair: look up with eyes of faith to the one whose love never ceases, whose mercies are new every morning, and sing, “Great is Thy Faithfulness!” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged bible, depression, encouragement, faith, God, Great is Thy Faithfulness, his mercies never come to an end, Jeremiah's lament, Jesus, lament, lamentations, life doesn't make sense, prayer, self-pity, steadfast love, Worship | Leave a comment

Tears

Posted on October 29, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Laments and tears are a means of healing for our wounded hearts. They are also a powerful means of intercession as we look to God to bring beauty from the ashes. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged God, intercession, Jeremiah, Jesus, joy, lament, lamentations, prayer, songs of joy, tears, weeping, weeping prophet | Leave a comment

Devoted to Good Works

Posted on October 28, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

While good works are never the way to salvation, good works are the natural result of it. In fact, we are saved to do good works. Therefore Paul says, “those who have believed in God” should “be careful to devote themselves to good works.” They should “learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need and not be unfruitful.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged created to do good works, devoted to good works, God, Good works, his workmanship, Jesus, obedience, salvation by grace | Leave a comment

It’s Not Just for Breakfast Anymore

Posted on October 27, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Truly his grace is amazing. Everything we need for salvation, to say no to sin, to live upright and godly lives, and even the desire to do what is right and good. It’s not just for breakfast anymore . . . not just for getting started in the Christian life, but for all of life. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged breakfast, eager to do what is good, grace, orange juice, power to say no to sin, salvation, self-controlled, undeserved benefits, upright and godly lives | 1 Comment

Looking for Leaders

Posted on October 26, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Good leadership is crucial to any organization. Good, spiritual leadership is essential to a healthy church. Paul’s instruction to Titus is a reminder of this. He reminds him of the kinds of qualities to look for in choosing leaders. So what qualities are important in choosing leaders in the church? Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged blameless, God, grace, Holy Spirit, Jesus, knowledge of scripture, leadership, looking for leaders, maturity | Leave a comment

Itchy Ears

Posted on October 25, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

In an age of misinformation and disinformation it is easy to be misled. Fueled by social media algorithms it is easy to live in a bubble which give us talking points that only reinforce our biases. Bombarded by partisan voices which fuel outrage and fear, we lose our perspective and our hope. Over and against all this, we must prioritize the meat of the scriptures and time spent in the presence of the one who holds our future. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged disinformation, faith, fake news, God, gullible, itchy ears, Jesus, misinformation, naive, propaganda, social media, sound doctrine, truth | 1 Comment