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.

Living Hope, Unspeakable Joy

Posted on November 22, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

They had hope because they had an eternal perspective. Looking only to their circumstances might bring only hopelessness, but looking to God and his eternal purposes they found joy and the hope that enabled them to press forward in faith. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged 1 Peter, Eternal Life, everlasting hope, faith refined by trials, hope of Christ's coming, hope of resurrection, inheritance, joy in the midst of trials, unspeakable joy | Leave a comment

A Healing Community

Posted on November 21, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

It is a place of healing. Church leaders anoint with oil as the community joins together to pray for the sick. Their prayers are not half-hearted or double-minded. They pray prayers of faith and expect God to bring healing.” And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged confession of sin, deepest needs, healing, Healing Community, honesty and transperancy, Jesus the healer, praise and worship, prayer of faith, Praying for healing, where the wounded can come | Leave a comment

Lord Willin’ and the Creek Don’t Rise

Posted on November 20, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Sometimes there are unplanned circumstances that keep us from our planned destination. God opens and closes doors. Sometimes unexpected circumstances become “risin’ creeks” that call for a humble readjustment of our plans. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged circumstances, closed doors, creek don't rise, God's will, guidance, humble readjustment to our plans, Lord willing, open doors, unexpected circumstances, wisdom | Leave a comment

Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires

Posted on November 19, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Anyone who has been the victim of gossip knows how a story spreads and gets more outrageous as the process goes on. Truly, gossip is a sin with “forest-fire” like qualities. It gets out of control and creates great devastation. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged bible, blessing and cursing, christianity, faith, forest fire set by the tongue, God, James 3, Jesus, power for good or evil, power of the tongue, sins of the tongue, tongue as a rudder on a boat, tongue as forest fire, tongue as poison, tongue causes us to sin | Leave a comment

Mirror, Mirror

Posted on November 18, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

In a similar way, I need to look into God’s mirror each day. As I look into his word, he shows me areas I need to change, places in need of ongoing transformation. This needed daily ritual gets me ready for the challenges of the day. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged blessed, mirror mirror, reflects where I need change, Scritpture, transformation, Word of God, Word of God as a mirror | Leave a comment

Wisdom

Posted on November 17, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God loves to give us his wisdom. He wants us to ask him for it. He never gets tired of our coming back again and again to ask for it. He never faults us for asking over and over again. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged all the wisdom you need, asking God, condition of faith, doing God's will, promise of wisdom, we do not have because we do not ask, wisdom, wisdom of God, wise person | Leave a comment

Through Us and In Us

Posted on November 16, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

What tasks has God given you to do today? Do you believe that God will give you everything you need to do his will in all that he calls you to do today? He is always there to provide everything we need if we rely on him for it: the strength, the initiative, the follow through, the gifting, the wisdom, the love, the joy, the resources. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged God's work in us, God's work through us, Spiritual growth, time spent with Jesus, transformation | Leave a comment

Practical Holiness

Posted on November 15, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The greatest test of our progress in holiness is this: how do I get along with other people? Do you see the connection in our text? “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and be holy.” In practical terms, our growth in holiness is tested and proved through relationships with others. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged becoming like Jesus, character of Jesus, getting along with people, holiness in practice, meditation on the word, practical holiness, prayer | Leave a comment

Keep Running

Posted on November 14, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Like it or not, God uses the difficulties of life to test our faith. In those times we “fix our eyes on Jesus” and refuse to give up. We rely on his strength to carry us through to the finish line. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged don't give up, finish line, fix your eyes on Jesus, God's presence, joy, keep running, perseverance, trials | Leave a comment

Faith That Passes the Test

Posted on November 13, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

In all the tests, God shows that he is faithful and that he can be trusted. Hang in there. Keep pressing on. You may not see the light at the end of the tunnel yet, but God will be with you each step of the way. Trust Him. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Abrahm, faith, Joshua, leadership, major test of faith, Red Sea, tests of faith, trust, walk by faith | Leave a comment