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.

A Risk of Faith

Posted on January 13, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

What is your need? Come, like the woman, take a risk of faith. Cry out, like the blind men, for the grace and mercy of Jesus. It is amazing to see what blessings are brought about as we believe. May it be done according to your faith! Continue reading →

Bring Them To Jesus

Posted on January 12, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We, through our prayers and faith, can bring people to Jesus. Our prayers do matter. Our faith does make a difference. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged bring people to Jesus, encounter with Jesus, evangelism, Matthew, Matthew Party, Parapalegic, prayer, their faith | Leave a comment

Calming the Storm

Posted on January 11, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Whatever the source of the storm, Jesus knows about it. He sees it. He is able to calm your storm too. Just as he brings peace to the storm, he is able to bring peace to your troubled soul. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged calming the storm, difficult circumstances, finding peace, Jesus, Jesus calms the storm, not all storms are weather related, storms of life, test of faith | Leave a comment

Straight Paths

Posted on January 10, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Life is a journey with many twists and turns. To us, the path ahead is uncharted and often unpredictable. Yet to God, the path is seen clearly. He sees the implications of every fork in the road. He knows what is ahead and how the path ahead fits in with his purposes and plans. Like a good shepherd, he desires to lead and guide us on good paths. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged acknowledge the Lord, direction, God's will, guidance, providence, seek the Lord, Straight Paths, trust in God | Leave a comment

God Will Provide

Posted on January 9, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Abraham’s test of faith was extreme, yet we are all called to trials of faith. Abraham points the necessity of persevering faith even when the command doesn’t make sense; the necessity of instant obedience even when the way ahead is unclear. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Abraham, Abraham and Isaac, akedah, faith, God will provide a lamb, obedience, sacrifice, test of faith | Leave a comment

Worry or Trust?

Posted on January 8, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

You can worry or you can trust God. You must choose. He is asking you to trust Him. That means putting behind your worries and calling to him in prayer; continuing to press on with his work and will whatever circumstances you may find yourselves in at the moment. He knows your needs, but he wants you to come in faith, expectantly and persistently (asking, seeking knocking) for His provision. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged all these things will be added, anxiety, Jesus teaching, Matthew, seek first the kingdom, Sermon on the Mount, trust, worry | Leave a comment

Too Good to be True

Posted on January 7, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Open your heart to the amazing possibilities that God has in mind for you. Find joy in your relationship with the God who promises you the improbable and does the impossible. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Abraham and Sarah, bargaining with God, impossible news, impossible possibilities, Isaac, laughter, surprise, unlikely mother | 1 Comment

Waiting Expectantly

Posted on January 6, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Waiting with expectation is the difficult but necessary condition of the heart that would get the ear of God. It demonstrates our faith in the unseen promises despite the circumstances we see. It reveals the kind of faith God delights in and rewards: persevering faith. “Without faith it is impossible to please God. Because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged better plans, dark night of the soul, disappointment with God, expectation, goodness of God, Hope, prayer, unanswered prayer, waiting | Leave a comment

Good News in Unlikely Places

Posted on January 5, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Good news shows up in the most unlikely places and among the most unlikely people. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged beatitudes, blessed, hunger and thirst for righteousness, Jesus, kingdom of God, meek, merciful, peacemakers, persecuted, poor in spirit, pure in heart, Teaching of Jesus | Leave a comment

Come Follow Me

Posted on January 4, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Jesus never makes mistakes. He knows your potential. He will be with you each step of the way as you reach out to others with the good news of the gospel. Don’t be afraid. Get out of your boat and follow him. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Andrew, calling of the disciples, come follow me, disciples, discipleship, don't be afraid, fishing for people, James and John, Jesus, Peter | Leave a comment