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, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The goal of the disciple is to become 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, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God often uses the unlikely and the unlovely to accomplish great things for his glory. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Moving On, Moving In

Posted on March 23, 2025 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 doubt, grumbling, missing out on God's best, Moving In, Moving On, place of blessing, Promised Land, rebellion, steps of faith | Leave a comment

Thirsty

Posted on March 22, 2025 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 adoration, drink deeply, drink long, drink often, encouragement, in need of refreshment, intimacy with God, living water, meeting with God, my soul thirsts for God, prayer | Leave a comment

Everything Changes

Posted on March 21, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

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

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged abundance of fish, disciples of Jesus, everything changes, everything changes when Jesus enters the boat, I will let down the nets, learning to trust Jesus, overflowing nets, put out into the deep water, Simon Peter | Leave a comment

Tempted

Posted on March 20, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We are weak, but Christ is there to help us. Follow his example. He knows the power of temptation—but he also demonstrates the power of God to resist and stand in victory. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged devil, Holy Spirit's fullness, Jesus knows the power of temptation, promises of scripture, Satan, satan knows our vulnerable places, satan waits for the right moment, temptation, tempted in every respect as we are | Leave a comment

Generous Hearts are Blessed

Posted on March 19, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God has compassion on all he has made and a special place in his heart for the poor and needy. So it is not surprising that God promises to bless those who bless the poor. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged blessed, blessed by GOd, Blessing, discipleshiup, expressing love in practical ways, generosity, Generous hearts, no blessing to the stingy, poor and needy | Leave a comment

Change Brings Fruit

Posted on March 18, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Repentance is all about change. To repent is to change one’s mind about sin, which leads to a change of direction and behavior. Ultimately it brings a fruitful life: a Christ-like life. If you don’t change: you will never grow and you will miss out on the abundant life that could be yours. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Uncategorized | Tagged become more like Jesus, bible, change, christlike, discipleship, don't resist needed changes, faith, fruit of the Spirit, God, growth, Jesus, maturity, repentance, Spiritual growth | Leave a comment

A Life of Devotion

Posted on March 17, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Some might have grown bitter. Others would have felt hopeless. She chose to speak with God about her struggles. And that conversation led to a life of devotion. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Anna the prophetess, devotion, faithfulness, intimacy with God, Life of devotion, she took her problem to God, that conversation led to a life of devotion, tragedy into an opportunity to serve God | Leave a comment

Waiting and Waiting and Waiting

Posted on March 16, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God’s timing and our timetable don’t ever seem to match. We find ourselves at the point of despair–the slimy pit filled with mud and mire (vs. 2). Just about to give up. Sure that we’ve been abandoned.

Then God shows up. He does hear us. He does listen to our cries. He hears and finally answers our prayers. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged answers to prayer, continue to cry out to God, growing weary of waiting, Hold on to hope, waiting for an answer, waiting on God, when the answer finally comes, when the time is right he will hear | Leave a comment