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.

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

Speak, Lord, Your Servant is Listening

Posted on May 8, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Are we listening? Are we really listening? Are we taking the time to know the heart of the Father so that we know—really know—his voice? Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged faith, hearing from God, heart of the father, listening, Listening Prayer, prayer, prayer as dialogue, Samuel, Samuel and Eli, speak lord your servant is listening | Leave a comment

Hold on to Hope

Posted on May 7, 2025 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 →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Blessing, don't give up hope, faith, Hannah, hannah prays, Hold on to hope, Hope, no one holy like the LORD, no Rock like our God, persevering faith, prayer, rejoice in the LORD, woman of prayer, Worship | Leave a comment

The Place of Abundance

Posted on May 6, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Trials also prepare us for the place of blessing—the place of abundance. Often in the nation of Israel, the times of testing were a means by which God brought his people back to himself. The times of testing led to times of repentance and revival that led to “the place of abundance.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged children of Israel, crushing circumstances, fire and water, place of abundance, place of blessing, testing, times of testing, trapped in a net, trials | Leave a comment

Where You Go I Will Go

Posted on May 5, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Loyalty is a rare quality in a day of no commitment. It is also a praiseworthy and attractive quality. May its beauty be seen and noticed in our lives. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged beauty of loyalty, Book of Ruth, encouragement, Loyalty, person of noble character, quotes on loyalty, Ruth and Boaz, virtuous woman, where you go I will go, woman of noble character | Leave a comment

Second Fiddle

Posted on May 4, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Harmony in the body of Christ requires that we learn to “play second fiddle.” The lessons of humility are not easy ones, but they are essential to bringing harmony to lives and relationships. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged bible, Blessing, bridegroom and bride, christianity, encouragement, faith, God, harmony, he must increase, humility, I must decrease, Jesus, John the Baptist, most difficult instrument, obedience, second chair, second fiddle, unity | Leave a comment

Born Again

Posted on May 3, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We emerge as a beautiful butterfly. So, when we come in repentance and faith and invite Christ into our lives, he transforms us and we are made new. We emerge from the experience a new creature. In the words of Jesus, we are “born again.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged bible, born again, Born from above, butterfly, christianity, faith, God, Jesus, Jesus teaching, kingdom of God, life abundant, life lived to the full, Nicodemus | Leave a comment

When Jesus Got Angry

Posted on May 2, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Perhaps it is time to clear the temple of our lives of things that hinder and distract. Indeed it is time to return to God’s purposes for us Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged for all nations, house of prayer, lost sense of mission, moneychangers, over the tables, zeal for the Father's house | Leave a comment

Behold the Lamb of God

Posted on May 1, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Jesus is the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” John paints a picture of Jesus mission through the familiar imagery of sacrifice in the Hebrew Scriptures. Surprisingly, Jesus is the lamb for the sacrifice. In so doing he foreshadows Jesus as the one who will die for our sins. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged baptize with the Holy Spirit, behold, Hope, hope of the world, Jesus, Jesus is exalted, Lamb of God, Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, Messiah and King, sins of the world, Worship, Worship Jesus, worthy of praise | Leave a comment

Message of Life

Posted on April 30, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

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 →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged children of God, Eternal Life, God's love demonstrated, Jesus, life abundant and eternal, love, the right to become children of God, the Word became flesh, those who believed in his name, those who receive him, word of life | Leave a comment