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.

God’s Abundant Supply

Posted on June 22, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Elisha’s word to the woman demanded two things: obedience to God and expectant faith. As she obeyed the word of the Lord (gathering jars) and as she acted in expectant faith (pouring the oil in the jars), God provided. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Able to provide, Elisha, elisha and the widow, expectant faith, God sees your need, God the provider, obedience | Leave a comment

Bumps in the Road

Posted on June 21, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The narrow road of life in Christ can be a bumpy road sometimes. But even then, we can find joy in Christ. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged brimming with joy and the Holy Spirit, bumps in the road, Holy Spirit, Jew and Gentile, joy, mixed reactions, narrow road, Paul and Barnabas, persecution | Leave a comment

Inquire of the Lord

Posted on June 20, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Seek the LORD and his counsel. When he speaks, listen, even if it is not what you want to hear. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged decision making, direction, God's will, guidance, hear from the LORD, Inquire of the LORD, Jehoshaphat, Remote GIlead, seek the Lord, wisdom | Leave a comment

Becoming Like the One You Worship

Posted on June 19, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Few in the western world worship such idols. We are more sophisticated (or so we think).Calvin that called our hearts an “idol making factory” The gods we dream up—greed, materialism, hedonism and the like—have neither eyes nor ears. They are just as lifeless—and bring us no more life than the more traditional idols. As we trust in them, we become more like them. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged greed, hedonism, idol making factory, idolatry, materialism, the heart, true worship, where have you placed your trust | Leave a comment

Surprise!

Posted on June 18, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God answers prayer. Pray fervently and expectantly. And don’t be too surprised when the answer you are seeking comes knocking at the door. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged bible, christianity, faith, Jesus, prayer | 1 Comment

The God Who Answers

Posted on June 17, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

How good it is to know that there is a God we can always turn to, one who always listens. He is able to save us no matter where we find ourselves. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged boldness, Elijah, faith, Fire on the mountain, God heard and answered, no response, prayer, prophets of Baal, turning their hearts back again, Waver between two opinions? | Leave a comment

Always Enough

Posted on June 16, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God is our provider. Follow his instructions carefully. Walk in obedience and faith. Trust him to provide. He is the God who makes sure there is always enough! Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged always enough, Elijah, God is our provider, God's unusual provision, no good thing, the ordinary and the extraordinary, trust, Zaraphath | Leave a comment

Unity Brings Blessing

Posted on June 15, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

There is a blessing in unity, when we lay aside our differences and come together around the one we worship—the source of all true unity. God pours out the anointing oil. The power and presence of his precious Holy Spirit dwells in a fresh way. The refreshing dew of his presence brings blessing and life forevermore. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged acceptance, Blessing, body of Christ, lay aside differences, love, unity, unity in worship and prayer | Leave a comment

The Encourager

Posted on June 14, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Look for an opportunity to be a Barnabas—an encourager. There are undoubtedly many people in your path today that need some encouragement. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

There’s Always Hope!

Posted on June 13, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Don’t give up believing that God can use you, in spite your past, in spite of your failures. In fact, those struggles and failures might be the very experiences he uses most for his glory. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged ananias, don't give up, God can use you too, Paul, saul, unending hope | Leave a comment