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.

Where are the Other Nine?

Posted on April 15, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

April 15 Where Are the Other Nine? Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 55:1-8; Josh 11:1-12:24; Luke 17:11-37; Proverbs 13:5-6 Today’s Scripture Focus: Luke 17:11-37 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

How Many Times?

Posted on April 14, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Forgiveness is powerful, and as we learn to release forgiveness to those who have sinned against us, we release ourselves from negative attitudes and patterns of behavior that keep us trapped. Forgive and find freedom. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged forgiveness, Jesus, unforgiveness, seventy-seven, trapped, find freedom, negative attitudes, release forgiveness, is a brother sins against you, forgive them, seven times | 1 Comment

Guard Your Lips

Posted on April 13, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

In a heated moment, we say so many things we regret. In a careless moment, we say things that hurt and offend. Without even realizing it, a word that was on our tongues before we had carefully considered it in our minds brings unintended consequences. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

The Walls Came Tumbling Down

Posted on April 12, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

a wall is not an obstacle to God. They fall freely at his command. For us, they are opportunities to press ahead in faith and obedience and in patient expectation for the intervention of God. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged a wall, God intervenes, guidance, Joshua, marching around walls, Moses, obedience, obstacles, road blocks, walls come tumbling down, walls of Jericho | Leave a comment

Looking Forward; Looking Back

Posted on April 11, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Don’t forget to remember the ways God has been at work in your life. Don’t forget to pass those stories on to the next generation. Allow those stories to be an encouragement to you on your journey as God asks you to take other steps of faith along the way. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged a leader like Moses, God affirms Joshua as leader, Jordan River, Joshua, leadership affirmed, leadership challenges, remembering, stone piles | Leave a comment

Be Strong and Courageous

Posted on April 10, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When God calls us to do something, he will be with us. In the final analysis, that is the only thing that really matters. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged bible, faith, God, Jesus, Joshua | Leave a comment

Resting Between His Shoulders

Posted on April 9, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Resting between his shoulders, we are safe, secure and deeply loved. What a beautiful picture of the kind of love our Heavenly Father has for each of us. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Beloved, Benjamin's blessing, between his shoulders, God's love, let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, loved, rest, security, shielded | Leave a comment

Accountable

Posted on April 8, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Make the most of this life. Make the most of the gifts God gives. Be a wise and faithful steward of what God gives you. There are blessings that await those who prove themselves to be wise and faithful in this life. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged accountable, finances, gifts, God, good steward, Holy Spirit, Jesus, parable of the talents, stewardship, talents, wealth | Leave a comment

Where is Your Treasure?

Posted on April 7, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Worry and anxiety are common to us all. Some wonder where the next meal will come from. Others fear that they won’t have enough money to pay the rent. Worry seems the natural reaction. Yet, Jesus tells us not to be anxious but to trust God—doesn’t he care for the birds and the flowers? Doesn’t he care about you? Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged anxiety, mammon, money, possessions, prepare for the life to come, security, storehouse of riches, stuff, trust, wealth, worry | Leave a comment

Religious Games

Posted on April 6, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Open your heart to Jesus. No holding back. No religious games. Authenticity is the road to life lived to the full. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged authenticity, bible, christianity, external performance, faith, God, hypocrisy, Jesus, legalism, matters of the heart, Pharisees, play acting, religious games | Leave a comment