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.

Hold on to Hope (May 7)

Posted on May 7, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When others would be tempted to give up, Hannah held on to hope. She continued to trust God for a child even though she had been barren for many years. She refused to give in to the disappointment of things seen and continued to look in hope to that which was yet unseen. Continue reading →

The Place of Abundance (May 6)

Posted on May 6, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Sometimes the road to the place of abundance is a very difficult one. Often it calls for a time of testing and refinement. The psalmist looks at the difficult road they have been on and calls the people to “bless the Lord.” Why? Because God has taken them through the time of testing without allowing their feet to slip and he has brought them out to a place of abundance. Continue reading →

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Where You Go I Will Go (May 5)

Posted on May 5, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Loyalty does not get the credit it deserves. It is a virtue both beautiful and rare in our culture. The story of Ruth calls us back to rediscover this virtue. Continue reading →

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Second Fiddle (May 4)

Posted on May 4, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

John the Baptist knew that he was called to play second fiddle. “He must increase, but I must decrease.” John’s disciples struggled with fact that the crowds were now going to Jesus. John assured them that this was just as God had ordained it. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged harmony, he must increase, humility, John the Baptist, second fiddle | Leave a comment

Born Again (May 3)

Posted on May 3, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Jesus clearly teaches that we must be born again. There must be a spiritual rebirth to enter into God’s kingdom. It is a transformation that takes place when we place our trust in Christ and accept him as Savior and Lord. Continue reading →

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When Jesus Got Angry

Posted on May 2, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The temple was to be a place of worship and prayer. It had become a smelly, noisy marketplace. The true purpose of the temple was being lost in the confusion created by sheep and cattle and doves and money exchange. Continue reading →

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Behold the Lamb of God (May 1)

Posted on May 1, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

From the beginning to end, the Gospel of John paints a spectacular and exalted picture of Jesus. The testimony of John the Baptist is a case in point. What do we learn about Jesus’ identity through his testimony as recounted in the gospel of John? Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged baptizes with the Holy Spirit, behold the Lamb of God, Jesus, takes away the sins of the world | Leave a comment

Message of Life (Apr 30)

Posted on April 30, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

To a world in darkness, he brings light. To all who receive him, he brings life. God could have communicated his most important message–the message of salvation, the message of life–only through words. He certainly did spell it out clearly in his scripture. Yet, God’s love for us was so great, that he decided to communicate the message not only through words, but also by a living demonstration as Jesus humbles himself and takes on human flesh. God incarnate–the Word with us. Continue reading →

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Waiting and Witnessing (Apr 29)

Posted on April 29, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

April 29 Waiting and Witnessing Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 61:5-8| Judges 9:22-10:18| Luke 24:13-53| Proverbs 14:11-12 Today’s Scripture Focus: Luke 24 (NIV) [48] You are witnesses of these things. [49] I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but … Continue reading →

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Listen (Apr 28)

Posted on April 28, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Like the Psalmist, we often wonder if our prayers are getting through. We want to make sure we have God’s full attention. We cry out, “Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Listen, protection, shadow of his wings | Leave a comment