Author Archives: pastorjeffsneighborhood

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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 Holds Your Hand

Posted on September 23, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Whatever your trial, know that your heavenly Father is holding on to your hand. He is there and won’t let you go. Don’t be afraid. He is there to help you. When his hand is clasping yours, any place is a safe place. As we walk together, he brings comfort and hope to any situation we may face. Continue reading →

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Soaring on Eagle’s Wings

Posted on September 22, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

As we wait in hope—seeking him expectantly—he renews our strength. God gives us the ability to walk when we grow tired—the ability to run when all our strength is gone. He even gives us the ability to soar against all the gusts of wind—the circumstances of life that seem to make it impossible to keep moving forward. Continue reading →

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Where to Turn

Posted on September 21, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

September 21 Where to Turn Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 105:37-45; Isaiah 37:1-38:22; Galatians 6:1-18; Proverbs 23:24 Today’s Scripture Focus: Isaiah 37-38 “O Lord Almighty, God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of … Continue reading →

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True Freedom

Posted on September 20, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The secret: a dynamic Spirit-filled life where we are led by the Spirit, controlled by the Spirit and keep in step with the Spirit. A life where we draw on the resources of grace. That is true freedom: the freedom to obey; the freedom to serve in love. That requires relationship and it takes away all the boasting and pride. Continue reading →

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Who is Waiting?

Posted on September 19, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We do a lot of waiting. God does too. There can be many reasons for the waiting, but this passage reminds us that sometimes the reason we are waiting is because God is waiting for us. Continue reading →

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Christ Formed in You

Posted on September 18, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Paul points us to the alternative: Christ being formed in them—Christ living his life out through them. It’s a life lived by grace through faith. It’s a life of freedom and joy. And it’s all found in a dynamic, ongoing, intimate relationship with Jesus. As we spend time with him, as we pursue spiritual disciplines such as prayer and Bible study, we are formed spiritually. We become more and more like Jesus. Continue reading →

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Practicing His Presence

Posted on September 17, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

This praying continually begins by our daily time of finding a solitary place and opening our heart to the Lord. As we find him in those times, he is able to strengthen our hearts to take his presence with us the rest of the day. Continue reading →

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The Real Thing

Posted on September 16, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Our best attempts to do it on our own get us nowhere. In poverty of spirit, we come to Christ—our prodigal hearts revealed—and in humility, surrender our lives to Him. As we open our hearts to Christ, he comes and fills us with himself. He dwells in our hearts through faith. Continue reading →

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Good News

Posted on September 15, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The gospel is good news for all people. We should not do anything to confuse or pervert it. We should not add to it. We should not make it more difficult through adding rules or condemnation. We should not exclude those unlike us. In fact, we should go out of our way to eliminate the distractions and let the simple truth shine through. The gospel is meant to be good news for all people of all cultures. Continue reading →

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Stealing Freedom

Posted on September 15, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The focus of true Christianity is not performance, but walking with God in a close intimate relationship. It’s not about rule keeping to look spiritual, but about serving God because I love him. It’s a journey where I know that I am loved by God through it all, and where he comes alongside each step of the way to help me on my way. Continue reading →

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