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.

Too Much Information

Posted on February 26, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God has chosen you to be one of his Holy people. He is working in you to accomplish his holy purposes. He has given you his Spirit to enable you to live freely in his strength and power. He still longs for a holy people that will show his glory to the nations. As we give ourselves to Him and allow him to work in us and through us, he proves himself to be “the Lord, who makes you holy.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged chosen, holy People, holy purposes of God, identity markers, regulations, the Old Testament Law, Too much information, ways of GOd | Leave a comment

Stored Up Goodness

Posted on February 25, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Sometimes following the LORD takes us down a difficult path. People might look at us and wonder why God seems not to have noticed our injustice and pain. One day he will vindicate you for your faithfulness. Those who stay true and trust, will one day experience the “stored up blessings” of God in such a way that all will see and know that God is with you, and has been all the way. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged cry for mercy, faithful waiting will one day be rewarded, has God forgotten me?, hope in the Lord, lament, Stored up goodness, vindication | Leave a comment

Heart Problems

Posted on February 24, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

To focus only on the externals will lead you to pretending to be something that you are not—that is only hypocrisy. Yet, allowing Jesus to deal with your heart, allows you to live in fullness and freedom, and authenticity. People will see the real thing and be amazed. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged hypocricial, legalistic, religious but not godly, spiritual games, transformation of discipleship, unchanged on the inside | Leave a comment

Last Minute Dinner Plans

Posted on February 23, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We too find ourselves in overwhelming circumstances sometimes. Our resources seem limited. But in the hands of Jesus, no task is too big; no problem too overwhelming. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged big problems, bread and fishes, difficulties, discipleship, feeding the 5000, limited resources, overwhelmed, take it to Jesus | Leave a comment

Sackcloth to Joy

Posted on February 22, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The Christian life is characterized by joy. Not that it is always easy—it is not. But joy flows from a relationship with Christ, not from our circumstances, so it is may be found in the most unusual places—especially the difficult ones. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged grief, guilt and condemnation, humble confession of sin, joy, let the dance begin, mourning, repentance, revival, revived heart, sackcloth, sorrow | Leave a comment

Lord of All

Posted on February 21, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Jesus is Lord of all. Whatever you are facing, know that he has authority over it. He is still able to calm the storm, push back the forces of darkness, heal a broken body and even to raise the dead. Nothing is too difficult for Him! Take your situation to him. Trust Him. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged calm the storm, Jesus, Jesus has authority over it, Jesus is Lord, Lord of all, Lord of nature, Lord over sickness and death, push back the forces of darkness, Whatever we are facing | Leave a comment

Priestly Duties

Posted on February 20, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

In the New Testament, God opens the priesthood to each of us. We are all part of his kingdom of priests. We are given the opportunity to bless others even as Aaron did. Don’t neglect your priestly duty of blessing. We all stand in need of the blessing. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Aaron, Aaronic blessing, Blessing, duties of priests, kingdom of priest, kingdom of priests, priestly blessing, The Lord bless you and keep you | Leave a comment

Rooted Firmly and Bearing Fruit

Posted on February 19, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Open your heart to Jesus and allow him to make your life fruitful. As you hear and obey his word, resisting the temptations, you will bear much fruit. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged bearing fruit, Daily Bible Reading Plan, Jesus, materialism, Rooted firmly, Satan, Spiritual growth, Steals the word, things of the world, Trouble or persecution | Leave a comment

Keep the Fire Burning

Posted on February 18, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Tend the fire of your spiritual passion–don’t let the fire grow dim. “The fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged altar of the heart, burnt offerings, keep the fire burning, Leviticus, prayer, revival, spiritual disciplines, spiritual passion | 1 Comment

Whom Shall I Fear?

Posted on February 17, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

In the midst of darkness and confusion, the Lord is his light. In the midst of the battle, the Lord is the one who rescues and saves Him. In the midst of uncertainty and fear, the Lord is the safe place where he can run. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged David, prayer, Psalms, The Lord is the strength of my heart, whom shall I fear?, Worship | Leave a comment