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.

He Has Risen

Posted on March 12, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

There is hope! The resurrection is a reminder of the undying hope that is ours in Christ. Even death couldn’t conquer the Lord Jesus. When things are darkest, he brings light. When things seem impossible, he brings hope. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged do not be afraid, he brings hope, Hope, new life, new start, resurrection, second chances, there is light, when things seem impossible, where there is darkness | Leave a comment

Scourged, Mocked, Crucified, Forsaken

Posted on March 11, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

He was despised, rejected, stricken, smitten, afflicted, wounded, crushed and chastised. He experienced sorrow, grief, extreme pain and the sense of abandonment and being forsaken by the Father as he bore our sins on the cross. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged amazing grace, crucified, demands my soul, forsaken, he loved us while we were sinners, love so amazing so divine, may all, mocked, my life, our sin made the cross necessary, scouraged | Leave a comment

So You Want to Go Back to Egypt

Posted on March 10, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The people gave in to their unbelief and fears. They had heard the “bad report” of the 10 spies and gave in to their fears. Even though God had been with them so powerfully and had led them right to the doorstep of the Promised Land, they were ready to give up and go back to Egypt. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Uncategorized | Tagged 10 spies, don't give ij to fear, don't give in to unbelief, Egypt, missing out, Moses as intercessor, procrastinating obedience, spies into the promised land | Leave a comment

Giants in the Land

Posted on March 9, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Twelve spies went into the land. Ten came back filled with doubt. Only two came back filled with faith and courage. Though they saw the same things and agreed that the land was indeed everything that God had promised, many saw the difficulties ahead and felt overwhelmed. Caleb and Joshua, however, believed that God would enable them to take the land. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Caleb, faith, giants in the land, Joshua, lack of faith, missing out, promised lands, some believed, some doubted, some see only obstacles, some see the possibilities, some see the promise, take the Land | 1 Comment

Waiting in Delight

Posted on March 8, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

In the process of waiting and praying, we are transformed, and so are our desires. Selfish, foolish, worldly and sinful desires are stripped away by time spent in the presence of the LORD. Motives are tested; faith is refined. The desire that remains is in keeping with God’s best for us. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Be still before the Lord, commit your way to the Lord, Desires of your heart, Trust in the Lord, wait on the Lord, wait patiently | Leave a comment

Contrast

Posted on March 7, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Meditating on the greatness of God refreshes the psalmist. His concerns about the wicked begin to melt away in the beauty of God’s righteous character. He has found a place of refuge from the hand of the wicked. Surely God will bring protection. Surely God in his justice will do what is right with the wicked. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged contrast, faithfulness, Glory, lovingkindness, meditating on scripture, Psalms, righteousness, take refuge in God | Leave a comment

The Voice of the LORD

Posted on March 6, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Moses had an unusual intimacy with God: “The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend” (Ex 33:11). Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged face to face, intimacy with God, prayer, tent of meeting, The Lord's voice, the voice of the Lord | Leave a comment

Amazed, Delighted or Afraid

Posted on March 5, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

March 5 Amazed, Delighted or Afraid? Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 35:11-18; Numbers 4:1-5:31; Mark 12:18-37; Proverbs 10:26 Today’s Scripture Focus: Mark 12:18-37 “And they were amazed at him.” (Matthew 12:17) ”And from then on no one dared ask him any … Continue reading →

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God Helps Those Who Cannot Help Themselves

Posted on March 4, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The vulnerable may be neglected or even oppressed by the world, but they are deeply loved by God. Christians are to stand in sharp contrast to the world by doing all we can to see that needs are met. We are called to express God’s heart to them—to show His love and compassion in practical ways. Not to do so is a sign that our faith is compromised and our love for Christ is lacking. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged do we really love Christ?, faith, God cares, God is concerned, helpless, hopeless, love, marginalized, not lost on God, obedience, poor, poverty, We are the hands and feet of Christ | Leave a comment

Turn the Tables

Posted on March 3, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Is your house of prayer a place for all people? What about those that are from different nations and cultures? The Temple had lost its missional focus: the court of the gentiles had become a place of convenience for the Jewish worshipers—a place where they could buy the things they needed for the sacrifices. Are we reaching out to the nations? The nations are coming to us in America, what are we doing to reach out to them? Does your church see the potential of being involved in missions here—as well as there? Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged den of robbers, house of prayer for all people, joyful house of prayer, my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations | Leave a comment