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.

Sackcloth to Joy

Posted on February 22, 2025 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 ashes, clothed me with joy, grief, joy, joy of the Lord, repentance, sackcloth, sorrow, wailing into dancing | Leave a comment

Lord of All

Posted on February 21, 2025 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 amazed by Jesus, bible, faith, Jesus, Jesus amazing miracles, Lord of all, lord over life and death, Lord over sickness, lord over storms and weather, nothing is too difficult for Jesus, Trust Jesus | Leave a comment

Priestly Duties

Posted on February 20, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We need to be blessed. This is why this ministry of blessing the people is such an important part of the priestly duties. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Uncategorized | Tagged blessing and cursing, blessing the people, give you peace, kingdom of priests, Lord bless you and keep you, make his face shine, priesthood of believers, priestly duties | 2 Comments

Rooted Firmly and Bearing Fruit

Posted on February 19, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

As we go through the tough times of life, some who had started well lose ground. Anger, bitterness, discouragement and a whole host of other emotions cause our faith to wither. The word without faith only withers and dies. Yet the very same trials are intended to bring maturity and growth. Keep your eyes on Jesus in these trying times so that you do not lose hope. Persevere to the end. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged bear much fruit, blessings, good soil, materialism, on the path, Parable of the farmer, rocky soil, Satan, scattering seed, temptation, thorns, thorny soil, trial | Leave a comment

Keep the Fire Burning

Posted on February 18, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Fellowship with others who share your passion also keeps the fire burning. You don’t build a fire with one log. You build the fire by having several logs in close proximity. To keep the fire burning brightly you keep adding logs to the fire. So it is with our spiritual passion, it is difficult to remain strong apart from a group of others who will keep you burning bright. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged bible study, fellowship, fuel the spiritual passion, keep the fire burning, meditation, prayer, sacrifices, spiritual disciplines, spiritual passion | Leave a comment

Whom Shall I Fear?

Posted on February 17, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

David here reveals his secret to facing his fears: God himself is his place of safety, his stronghold, his fortress. The circumstances around him change constantly, but his relationship with God is rock solid. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged fortress, his relationship with God is rock solid, lord is my light, lord is my salvation, presence of the Lord, safe place, whom shall I fear, worship and prayer | Leave a comment

A Solitary Place

Posted on February 16, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We dare not neglect the solitary place—the place where we can get alone and meet with our Heavenly Father—to have intimate conversation with the one who loves us most. Find a quiet place and pour out your heart to him. Make it a daily practice and don’t let anything crowd out those special times in your schedule. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged busy day, early morning prayer, Jesus prayer life, Jesus prayer practice, Jesus prayer priority, lack of sleep, prayer, quiet place, snooze alarm, solitary place | Leave a comment

Dwelling Place

Posted on February 15, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

He calls us to consecrate our bodies and become the vessels he can fill with His glory. He longs for you to give yourself wholly to Him; to become a holy vessel he will use for his glory. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged dwelling of the Spirit, dwelling place, filling of the Spirit, Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit fills, Temple of the Holy Spirit, The spirit lives in you, Your body is a temple | Leave a comment

Fearing God without Being Afraid

Posted on February 14, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Being afraid of God will not lead to worship or obedience. But to rightly revere God, to stand in awe of Him, is to fear Him. This “astonished reverence” is foundational to a life lived in the fullness of his blessing, a life of intimate fellowship that brings the Father pleasure and brings our hearts deep satisfaction. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged awesome, awesome God, Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, fearing God, not afraid of God, obedience to God, revere God, reverence, stand in awe, Worship | Leave a comment

Wounded

Posted on February 13, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Those wounds that were the source of his pain are now the source of our healing: the forgiveness of sin, the freedom from bondages and shame, the healing of broken bodies and wounded hearts. When you experience the wounds brought on by denial, betrayal, mocking, injustice or abandonment, remember that Jesus understands. He has experienced those things too. Bring your wounds to Jesus and allow him to bring the healing you need. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged abandonment, betrayl, cruel and shameful manner of death, denial, Eternal Life, forgiveness, healing, injustice, Jesus crucifixion, Jesus pain and suffering, mocking, rejection, the cross, wounds that heal | Leave a comment