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.

Beyond Good Intentions

Posted on October 13, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Paul’s prayer is that they would remain faithful and persevere even through the difficult times, the trials of life are where our faith is tested and proved. It is especially in those times we need this prayer, “God enable me to walk in a way that is worthy of my calling. It’s not easy right now, I need your help.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged beyond good intentions, faith, God, Jesus, Jesus may be glorified, Paul's prayers, perseverance, prayer, worthy of his calling | Leave a comment

Always

Posted on October 12, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

October 12 Always Today’s Scripture Readings Psalms 115:1-8; Jeremiah 19:1-21:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:4-28; Proverbs 25:8-10 Today’s Scripture Focus: 1 Thessalonians 5 Be joyful always; [17] pray continually; [18] give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Amen doesn't have to be the end of the prayer, choose joy, encouragement, God, Holy Spirit, Jesus, joy, joy in trials, practice the presence, pray continually, thankful in all circumstances | Leave a comment

Clay in the Hands of the Potter

Posted on October 11, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The process may seem painful at times, but the Potter knows what he is doing. Trust Him to bring shape and significance to you. Trust Him to make you into a beautiful vessel that he will delight in using to display His glory. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged encouragement, faith is stretched and tested, God, God's glory, in the potter's hand, Jeremiah 18, Jesus, obedience, potter's clay, resisting God's will, shaped and formed, transformation, trials, workmanship | 1 Comment

What a Blessing!

Posted on October 10, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

This prayer is in the form of a blessing. He blesses them by asking God to fill them with love for each other. He has already commended them for their love, but here he prays for even more of it. “May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other.” There is always need to pray for God to give us increasing and overflowing love for each other. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged agape love, Blessing, encouragement, God, Holiness, holy and blameless, Jesus, love everyone else, love for one another, love increase and overflow, prayer, return of Christ, strengthened | Leave a comment

Real Faith Means Hard Work

Posted on October 9, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Faith, real faith, shows itself by its actions. Faith, true faith, is willing to sacrifice and work hard for the sake of the kingdom. There’s a lot of work to be done in the church. I challenge you to be like these Christians who evidenced their faith through hard work. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged endurance, faith, faith in action, faith shown by actions, God, hard work, Jesus, loving God, sacrifice, thanksgiving | Leave a comment

Scarecrows in a Melon Patch

Posted on October 8, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

we, who would not think to bow down to an idol, create “idols of the heart.” We worship and serve many things. Paul shows us that even misplaced values like greed and materialism can become idols. So can entertainment, sports, music or a political cause. The list could include most anything that becomes our preoccupation. Only God can bring security and meaning. He is the only rightful object of worship. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged becoming like the one we worship, God, idolatry,, idols made by hands, idols of the heart, king of the nations, maker of all things, scarecrow in a melon patch | Leave a comment

A New Wardrobe

Posted on October 7, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We are hidden with Christ in God, We are dead to sin and have been raised to new life. We are to put on qualities that are in keeping with “who we are” in our new position as God’s “holy, chosen, dearly loved people.” Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged bible, christianity, faith, God, Jesus | Leave a comment

Let Them See Your Hand

Posted on October 6, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The psalmist finds himself in a difficult place. He describes his situation: “I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me.” Beaten up by circumstances and, especially by people—accusers, he calls them— he fasts and prays and desperately seeks the Lord (23-25). But he hasn’t given up hope. He looks to the God of hope. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged answered prayer, faith, glorified, God, prayer | Leave a comment

Fully Mature in Christ

Posted on October 5, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Another sign of their maturity is that they are united in love. Dissension and conflict among believers is a sign of lack of maturity. Truly mature believers bring Christ-like attitudes (humility) and behavior (the fruit of the Spirit), which leads to peace. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Christian maturity, Conflict, encouraged In heart, fruit of the Spirit, grace, humility, mature believers, rooted and built up in CHrist | Leave a comment

Spiritual Wisdom and Understanding

Posted on October 4, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

October 4 Spiritual Wisdom and Understanding Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 108:6-13; Jeremiah 2:31-4:18; Colossians 1:1-20; Proverbs 24:21-22 Today’s Scripture Focus: Colossians 1 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged glorious might, God, Holy Spirit, knowledge of God's will, live a life worthy of the Lord, patient endurance, prayer, Spiritual wisdom and understanding, thanksgiving, wisdom | Leave a comment