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.

The Good Shepherd

Posted on May 18, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The good shepherd, Jesus, knows your name. He knows you intimately and fully. He loves you completely—so much so that he laid down his life so that you can live. He calls you by name to follow him into life as it was meant to be: life in green pastures; life lived to the full. Continue reading →

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Speculation or Expectation?

Posted on May 17, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When things go wrong in our lives, don’t we do the same thing? We wonder, “What did I do to deserve this?” But Jesus reminds us that the bigger question is, “God, how will you work in this situation so that the works of God will be displayed in this?” Continue reading →

Disciples Find Freedom

Posted on May 16, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

But how does he find freedom? Such freedom is found in relationship. Jesus spoke of his own relationship with God the Father this way: “I do know him and obey his word” (55). Knowing God—entering into a relationship with him—is that which brings us from the domain of the “Father of Lies” to the kingdom of God. It is that which sets us free from our slavery to sin. We are no longer slaves, but children of God. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged disciples become like their teacher, discipleship, faith, freedom, freedom from discipline, hearing and obeying, Jesus, prayer, relationship with Jesus, true freedom requires discipline | Leave a comment

Big Problems

Posted on May 15, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Before Goliath could finish laughing, David had landed a stone in just the right location. Goliath fell to the ground. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged big problems, courage, David, faith, goliath, strength, the deliverance God brings, trust in God | Leave a comment

Fear of God vs. Fear of Man

Posted on May 14, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Fear of God leads to obedience to his will. Fear of man leads to compromise and loss of leadership. A true leader will follow God’s will even when it is unpopular. He will speak God’s word to a situation even when it’s not what “itching ears” want to hear. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged abdication of his role as a leader, Agag the King, compromise, fear of God, Fear of Man, King Saul, loss of leadership, obedience to God, revere God, rightful fear of GOd, saul, wrongful fear of man | Leave a comment

Come On Now, Let’s Go!

Posted on May 13, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Are you a risk taker? God often calls his people to move beyond their comfort zones to a place of risky faith. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged courage, faith, heart and soul, It may be the Lord will work for us, Jonathan and Saul, loyal follower, Risk, risk-taking, trust | Leave a comment

He Remains Faithful

Posted on May 12, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

His faithfulness is rooted in the glory of his name. He had by his own good pleasure chosen these people and made them his own. For the sake of his glorious name, he would not abandon them or forsake them. He would show them and all the world the greatness and glory of his name (and the character it reveals) as one who is loving, good and faithful even to those who prove unfaithful. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged faithful, faithfulness, God is faithful, God's delverance, God's protection, He will remain faithful, they cried out to the Lord | Leave a comment

He Bears Our Burdens

Posted on May 11, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We do not carry our burdens alone. We have a God and Savior who is there to help us bear our burdens daily. We have someone to turn to each and every day. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged burdens, Don't worry, faith, God cares for you, God helps us bear our burdens, He daily bears our burdens, Hope, Jesus, prayer, What a Friend we Have in Jesus, what burdens are you trying to carry on your own?, Worship | Leave a comment

Are You Hungry?

Posted on May 10, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Within each of us is a deep hunger. A hunger to know God and find our spiritual hunger filled; a spiritual thirst for something eternal. Jesus comes as God in human flesh to bring the life abundant and eternal we truly seek. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Blessing, daily bread, find satisfaction for spiritual hunger, hungry, Jesus, Jesus is the bread of life, Jesus is the staple we all need, living water, never be thirsty, never go hungry, spiritual hunger | Leave a comment

Let Him in the Boat

Posted on May 9, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When we find ourselves in difficult places, even frightening places, we need to let Jesus in the boat. In his presence we find joy and strength. When he is there, fears are turned to hope. In his strength we reach our destination despite the wind and waves. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged circumstances of life, difficult places, fear turned to hope, frightening places, in God's presence, It is I don't be afraid, joy and strength, Let Jesus in the boat | Leave a comment