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.

Better Than Fair

Posted on January 30, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

we all need the grace of God—we all need the undeserved benefits that flow from the generosity of God. We never deserve grace. It is always a gift from a generous God. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Uncategorized | Tagged benefits of grace, better than fair, better than we deserve, bible, faith, forgiveness, God, grace, gracious God, Jesus, undeserved generosity | Leave a comment

Where is Your Treasure?

Posted on January 29, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Do we really live our lives in pursuit of the kingdom? Do we really live with an eternal perspective? The way we handle our money and possessions is a key answer to that question. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged all these things will be added, bible, christianity, eternal perspective, faith, God, God the provider, Jesus, money, possessions, riches, security, seek first the kingdom, treasures, Trust Jesus | Leave a comment

Forgiven to Forgive

Posted on January 28, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Forgiveness is the way of Christ. It doesn’t matter how great the offense. It doesn’t matter how many times we were sinned against. We must take these things to the cross to find the grace to forgive even as we have been forgiven. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged burden of unforgiveness, conseuquences of not forgiving, find freedom, find healing, forgiveness, mercy, release forgiveness | Leave a comment

Two or Three

Posted on January 27, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

There is power in agreeing together in prayer. Praying in a group is different than individual prayer. In a group, you are encouraged by each other’s faith. Often there is boldness and faith that comes as you press in to the heart of the father together. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged bold prayer, God loves prayer meetings, Jesus is in the midst, knocking on the doors of heaven, prayer meetings, praying together, Spiritual gifts, two or three | Leave a comment

Who Am I?

Posted on January 26, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When confronted by a huge task, the real question is not “Who am I?”, the real question is “God are you with me?” It’s not a matter of who I am, but of who my God is. I may not be able to do it by myself, but if God is with me, I can do whatever he calls me to do. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Uncategorized | Tagged called, competent, empowered, gifted, God are you with me?, humility, Moses, stretched, who am I? | Leave a comment

God’s Purposes

Posted on January 25, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

In all things, even the hardest to understand, God is at work shaping actions brought about by man’s evil intentions into opportunities for his own good intentions and our growth. His ways are beyond our understanding—truly amazing. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged all Gods ways are good, all things work together, Gods purposes, good intentions of God, hidden purpose, Joseph, providence | Leave a comment

The Blessing

Posted on January 24, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

In a world where we hear and experience more curses than blessings, these words of blessing are needed and encouraging. Blessings bring healing to wounded emotions and encouragement to the discouraged and disheartened. They bring joy, peace and hope–and we all need that. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Faith That Refuses to Give Up

Posted on January 23, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Don’t give up. Persist in your faith. Press on with your prayers. Wait expectantly. Jesus sees and, when the time is right, will answer. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged great faith, Jesus sees, persist, persistent faith, press on, wait expectantly, when the time is right he will answer | Leave a comment

The Forgiving Heart

Posted on January 22, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The Forgiving Heart
by Jeff Syverson
“When you are hurt, take the wound to Jesus. Place it in his scars and allow him to take it from you. Then you will find freedom–a heart that is free.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged don't hold on, forgive, forgivness, freedom of forgiveness, hurt, inner healing, Jesus heals, release forgiveness | Leave a comment

How Long, O Lord?

Posted on January 21, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We’ve all had times when we can relate to the psalmist’s questions. There are times when we wonder if the Lord is really listening—times when the answer is slow in coming. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged dark night of the soul, doubts, honest cries to God, how long O Lord?, joy, lament, questions, silence, waiting on the LORD | Leave a comment