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.

Jesus Unanswered Prayer

Posted on May 28, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

What does he pray for? Along with protection from the enemy, along with sanctification, along with his concern for us to make a meaningful difference in the world, Jesus was concerned for the unity of the church: “that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity.” Why does his pray for this? “Then the world will know you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Jesus prayer request, Jesus unanswered prayer, John 17, unanswered prayer, unity of believers, unity of the church, unity so that the world may see Jesus, witness of the church | Leave a comment

Whatever

Posted on May 27, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Whatever you ask. These are among the most amazing words from the mouth of Jesus. Apparently, they are so amazing that he needed to repeat it several times to allow the profound truth to sink in. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged abide, answered prayer, I will do it., it will be done for you, joy of answered prayer, prayer promises, whatever, whatever you ask | Leave a comment

Busy or Abiding?

Posted on May 26, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Slow down and abide in the presence of Jesus. There you will find joy. There you will find strength. There your priorities will be adjusted. There you will be sharpened to accomplish greater things so that you may bear much fruit. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged abide, abide in me, abide in my love, abide in the word, abiding, busy, remain, remain in me, sharpen the saw, spend time with Jesus | Leave a comment

Make Your Home In Me

Posted on May 25, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Lord, make my heart your home. Is that the cry of your heart? Do you long for the kind of intimacy with God that Jesus describes in our text? Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged abide, abide in my love, abide in the word, deeply loved by God, Feeling distant?, feeling dry?, intimacy with God, Jesus, joy of God's Presence, obedience, practicing the presence, prayer, press into God's presence, remain in me | Leave a comment

David Danced

Posted on May 24, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

There is often a temptation to judge others during worship—their attitudes, their behaviors. This is a dangerous distraction that keeps us from worshiping God as we ought. Don’t worry about other people. Focus on God and worship him with all your might. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged celebrating God's greatness, celebration, celebration and reverence, david danced, Michal despised David, real worship, reverence in worship, Worship, worship celebratin | Leave a comment

The Humble King

Posted on May 23, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The way of greatness in the kingdom is found in the towel. It is the way of the King who humbles himself to meet the needs of the servant. It is an example he intended for us to follow. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged foot washing, humility, Jesus Christ, Jesus washes his disciples feet, taking the form of a servant, the humility of the towel, the way of greatness in the kingdom, washing feet | Leave a comment

Out of the Shadows

Posted on May 22, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Jesus came as the Light of the world to bring us out of the darkness and into the light. His signs showed forth the glorious light that we might believe. Yet people reacted in different ways to the light. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged children of darkness, children of the light, darkness, doubt, faith, Half-hearted, hardhearted, Jesus, light, out of the shadows, unbelief, whole-hearted belief | Leave a comment

Extravagant Worship

Posted on May 21, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Don’t miss the opportunity to worship Jesus: practically, joyfully and extravagantly. Focus on Jesus, not yourself, and find joy in his presence. He is worthy of our worship in its many forms and expressions. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged an aroma that went up into the heavens, beautiful aroma, costly worship, enjoying the presence of Jesus, expensive perfume, extravagant worship, service as worship, Worship | Leave a comment

Sometimes God Waits

Posted on May 20, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Sometimes God waits. Sometimes this is because he wants to bring greater glory. Sometimes it is because he wants to stretch our faith and teach us to trust him more deeply. Sometimes it is because he loves us and has something he wants to accomplish in our lives that he requires us to wait. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Glory, God waits, greater glory, greater opportunity to believe, healing, Jesus, Jesus stretched their faith, Lazarus, love, Martha and Mary, miracles, resurrection | Leave a comment

Mercy Triumphs

Posted on May 19, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Instead of taking things into his own hands, David leaves judgment to the Lord. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged David and Saul, judgment, leave judgment to God, merciful God, mercy, mercy triumphs, reward, the merciful find mercy, we all stand in need of grace and mercy | Leave a comment