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.

For the Sake of the Name

Posted on June 7, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

As persecution came, the disciples prayed and became even bolder. When opposition came, they became even more determined to teach and preach the good news Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged boldness, early church, face our fears, for the sake of the name, intimidated, persectuion, suffer disgrace, suffering, transformation | Leave a comment

In Trouble

Posted on June 6, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

What did they pray for? No! They prayed for more boldness to stand strong in the face of persecution. They prayed for a fuller demonstration of what had already gotten them into trouble in the first place. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged boldness, church on fire, early church, Filled with Faith, pentecost, persecution, prayer, Prayer in the book of Acts, prayer in the early church | Leave a comment

Unless the Lord Builds the House

Posted on June 5, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Too much of our labor is in vain. Instead of getting God’s vision for a project, we press ahead with our own designs. Instead of getting God’s heart for the situation, we ask God to bless our desires. Instead of trusting God for his strength to accomplish the project, we rely on our own strength and find ourselves burned out and ineffective Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged God has purposes for us, God is good, God's blueprints, God's plans, hear from God, labor is in vain, many are the plans, the Lord's purpose prevails, unless the Lord builds the house | 1 Comment

Fire!

Posted on June 4, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

They were “all together in one place.” What were they doing? They were praying. They were waiting expectantly for the Spirit of God to be poured out on the church. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Acts, church on fire, devoted to prayer, evangelism, gifts of the spirit, pentecost, prayer, revival, with one accord | Leave a comment

One Accord

Posted on June 3, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

There are too many churches that are just going through the motions; too many churches with no fire or passion; too many churches that are half-hearted about outreach. What’s the solution? Jesus started a prayer meeting. Maybe he was on to something. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Uncategorized | Tagged Armin Gesswein, devote yourselves to prayer, empowered, Fire, Holy Spirit, one accord, pentecost, Prayer meetiong | Leave a comment

Feed My Sheep

Posted on June 2, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Our failings are not lost on God. From the broken place, we learn to rely on God’s strength rather than our own. With humility, we begin again, with a new understanding of the grace of God. Don’t dwell on the failure. Don’t get stuck on the past. God is giving you another chance. And if the example of Peter is any indication, the future looks brighter and brighter every day. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged broken, feed my sheep, forgiveness, fresh start, grace of God, Hope, Jesus, love, Peter and Jesus, resurrection appearances, second chances | Leave a comment

I Have Seen the Lord!

Posted on June 1, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The Resurrection brought hope and joy to Jesus’ disciples. It continues to bring hope and joy to us today. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged believe, celebration, discouragement, doubt, grief, Hope, hopelessness, Jesus, reason for hope, reason to trust, resurrection of Jesus | Leave a comment

It is Finished!

Posted on May 31, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

It is finished! All the spiritual blessings we could ever desire–all we need–are found in the one who was obedient to death–even death on a cross. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged atonement, Blessing, Christus Victor, deliverance, Eternal Life, forgiveness, grace, healing, It is Finished, Jesus, substitution, the cross | Leave a comment

The Spirit is Willing But . . .

Posted on May 30, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We often go through a time of humbling that teaches us to trust not in ourselves, but in our God. Apart from Christ we can do nothing (John 15) yet we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged cock began to crow, failure brings a teachable moment, God's Spirit, greater dependence on GOd's power, humility, Peter and Jesus, Peter's denial | Leave a comment

Making Plans

Posted on May 29, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When we don’t know what else to do, we just “do the next thing.” Often the mundane steps of simple obedience, in living our everyday lives with integrity, open the doors of opportunity and blessing. God establishes our steps. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged do the next thing, Gentle Shepherd, guide, guide me on your path, humans plan their course, planning, protect, steps of simple obedience, the LORD establishes their steps, wait | Leave a comment