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.

Praying and Going

Posted on January 14, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Jesus calls us to pray and then he calls us to be part of the answer to our own prayers. He asks us to take the need to the Father, and then to go and become part of the solution. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged be an answer to your prayer, bible, burden, christianity, evangelism, faith, fishing for people, harvest field, Jesus, laborers, lord of the harvest, obedience to your call, pray then go, prayer, willing heart | Leave a comment

A Risk of Faith

Posted on January 13, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

What is your need? Come, like the woman, take a risk of faith. Cry out, like the blind men, for the grace and mercy of Jesus. It is amazing to see what blessings are brought about as we believe. May it be done according to your faith! Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged blind men crying out for mercy, faith, Hope, Jesus, Jesus the healer, Matthew 9, prayer, touch the hem of Jesus' garment, without faith it is impossible to please God, woman who had hemorrhaged for 12 years | Leave a comment

Bring Them to Jesus

Posted on January 12, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We don’t know about the paraplegic’s faith, we only know that Jesus commends his friends for having faith enough to bring the man to Jesus for healing. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged bring them to Jesus, faith, Matthew, our acts of faith matter, our prayers do matter, paraplegic man, prayers, the miraculous intervention of God | Leave a comment

Calming the Storm

Posted on January 11, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

What is your storm? Not all storms are weather related. Some of the strongest are those that rage in the human heart: turmoil because of relationships; frustration at work; difficult circumstances you are facing. Whatever the source of the storm, Jesus knows about it. He sees it. He is able to calm your storm too. Just as he brings peace to the storm, he is able to bring peace to your troubled soul. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged calming the storm, encouragement, even the winds and waves obey him, faith, faith is stretched, inner turmoil, Jesus, meeting your deepest needs, miracles of Jesus, peace, test of faith | Leave a comment

Straight Paths

Posted on January 10, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

But as we seek God, trusting him and acknowledging him in all we do; as we allow him to guide us by his word and the gentle whisper of his Spirit, he goes before us and prepares the path. Indeed, he makes it straight. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged God is at work, God straightens our path, God working behind the scenes, good shepherd, guidance, He's the one who'll keep you on track, Straight Paths, will of God | Leave a comment

God Will Provide

Posted on January 9, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

How do you respond when God’s command to you is absolutely unthinkable? That is the dilemma Abraham faces. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Abraham and Isaac, Abraham and the promise, akedah, Angel of the LORD, extreme obedience, faith, God will provide a lamb, sacrifice of Isaac, when asked to do the unthinkable | Leave a comment

Worry or Trust?

Posted on January 8, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Worry saps our energy and keeps us from accomplishing much anything. It is counterproductive. Instead of worry, there is one more thing we must do: we should pray. Jesus tells us to “ask, seek and knock.” Powerful promises are given to us if we will seek the Lord in prayer. Instead of becoming depressed and worried, take it to the Lord in prayer. Trust him to give you peace and joy despite your circumstances. Walk in obedience to his commands and look expectantly for his provision. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged anxiety, ask, bible, christianity, faith, God, Jesus, knock, seek, seek first the kingdom and his righteousness, trust, worry | Leave a comment

Too Good to Be True

Posted on January 7, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Abraham and Sarah were promised a son, Isaac (meaning Laughter). Indeed he would be the laughter of an old couple that had no hope of their own—a source of joy that only the God of the impossible could bring. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Abraham, Blessing, covenant, encouragement, faith, hopeless situations, miracles, obedience, promise of a son, Sarah, When GOd does the impossible | Leave a comment

Waiting Expectantly

Posted on January 6, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

January 6 Waiting Expectantly Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 5:1-3; Genesis 13:6 – 15:21; Matthew 5:27-48; Proverbs 1:29 – 33 Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalms 5:1-3 In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before … Continue reading →

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Good News in Unlikely Places

Posted on January 5, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When we feel helpless and hopeless, we are in a place where God can meet us with his grace. When we feel overwhelmed, we are in a place where we can find his sustaining power. When life overwhelms us, we find peace in resting in the everlasting arms. When things seem darkest, we are most ready for the dawning of a new day. The blessing is found in the fact that he meets us where we are and blesses us beyond anything we deserve. That’s grace—and that’s always good news. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged beatitudes, blessed, children of God, comforted, filled, kingdom of Heaven, Matthew 5, pure in heart, see God, shown mercy, they will see God, unexpected people, unexpected places, upside down kingdom | Leave a comment