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.

Becoming Like Our Teacher

Posted on March 25, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The goal of a disciple is to become just like his or her teacher. For the disciple of Jesus, it means that when we are fully trained we will be like Him. Continue reading →

Choosing Leaders

Posted on March 24, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

As you make decisions, look to the Lord for his wisdom. Don’t rush into it. As you choose leaders, pray that God will enable you to make the right choices. And don’t be surprised if he points you to unlikely choices. He is a God who often uses the unlikely and the unlovely to accomplish great things for his glory. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged apostles, choosing leaders, decision making, disciples, Jesus leadership choices, prayer, prayer and decision making, unlikely leaders, wisdom, wrong team members | Leave a comment

Moving On, Moving In

Posted on March 23, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Sometimes we get stuck in a rut in our spiritual journey. We struggle again and again with the same things. We become content and complacent with the status quo. We go through the motions but make no progress. God is calling us, like his chosen people in this text, to move on from this place and move in to the Promised Land. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged bondage, complacency, getting stuck, land of promise, Moving In, Moving On, press on, promise, spiritual lethargy, struggle, stuck in a rut, testing, wilderness wandering | Leave a comment

Thirsty

Posted on March 22, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We need the refreshment that comes from intimacy with God. Drink deeply, drink long, drink often. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged as the deer, God is your desire, God is your hope, presence of God, refreshed, satisfied, spiritual thirst, thirsty for God, Worship | Leave a comment

Everything Changes

Posted on March 21, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When Jesus steps into the boat everything changes. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged everything changes, expectancy, faith, fishing all night, Jesus, Jesus steps into the boat, let down the nets for a catch, Luke 5, obedience | Leave a comment

Tempted

Posted on March 20, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Satan is a master of pointing us toward short cuts. He offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world. Of course, Jesus would one day become heir of all those kingdoms. But Satan offers the kingdoms now, without the pain of the cross. He works the same way in our lives. He promises the easy way, the short cut, the glory without the pain. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged blindness, Jesus Temptation, overcome temptation, resist temptation, Satan, scripture, temptation, tempted in every respect yet without sin, weakness | Leave a comment

Generous Hearts are Blessed

Posted on March 19, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

the one who is stingy has no reason to expect the blessing of God. If you see a brother and sister in need and do nothing to help them, you are not being sensitive to the Father’s heart. Those who love the Father will love their neighbor in practical ways. They will look to meet the need in any way they can because His heart of love and compassion will flow into them and through them. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged bless those in need, caring for the poor, generosity, giving, God's promises, stinginess | Leave a comment

Change Brings Fruit

Posted on March 18, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We should not presume that we have gone far enough with God. We should not presume that he doesn’t want to bring further growth in our lives. We all have so far to go in our pursuit of living like Jesus. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged abundant life, brood of vipers, change, Christ-like, fruit, invite change, produce fruit in keeping with repentance, repentance | Leave a comment

A Life of Devotion

Posted on March 17, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

What are your struggles? Take them to the Lord in prayer. Develop your relationship with Him. After years of intimate conversation, you too may develop a life of intimacy like Anna. You too may gain the insight and discernment of one who has long walked with God. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Anna the prophetess, intimacy with God, prophetic insight, rejecting bitterness, seeing Jesus, tragedy into opportunity | Leave a comment

Waiting and Waiting and Waiting

Posted on March 16, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

I waited and waited and waited. Waiting for God’s answer seems overwhelming sometimes. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged abandoned?, God's timing and timetable., prayer, silence, waiting for God's answer, waiting on God, when you don't get the answer | Leave a comment