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.

You Are an Overcomer

Posted on December 4, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

True, your enemy does slander and accuse. But you don’t have to listen to his lies. You are a new creature, forgiven and redeemed. There is no reason for you to remain defeated by false guilt; no reason to hang on to something God has long ago forgiven. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Cross triumphs over the enemy, false guilt, Jesus victory, overcomer, resurrection, Satan, stand strong, temptation, the enemy, victory, weak spots, You are an overcomer | Leave a comment

Love in Action

Posted on December 3, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When a brother or sister in Christ is in need and we fail to have pity on him or her–when we fail to do what we are able to do to sacrificially meet the need—how can the love of God be in us? God sees the need and expresses his heart through the hands and feet of his people through acts of sacrificial love—laying down our lives for our brothers and sisters. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged brother or sister in need, generosity, love in action, true love is demonstrated in practical actions, we love by meeting real needs, what can I do?, words are not enough | 1 Comment

Dearly Loved Children

Posted on December 2, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

To truly comprehend the greatness of the Father’s love for you is to be forever changed. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged 1 John, children of God, Dearly loved children, God's love for us, we shall be like him, we shall see him as he is | Leave a comment

Worldliness

Posted on December 1, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Instead of finding my satisfaction in God, I find myself allowing the things of this world to gain too much significance in my life. My desire gets out of control and becomes a “lust.” The good gifts of God become my source of significance and the focus of my boastful speech. I fall into the endless cycle of trying to conform to the lifestyle of my neighbors in their materialistic pursuits and I become the focus rather than God. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged boastful pride of life, Gods good gifts, lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, worldliness | Leave a comment

Real Fellowship

Posted on November 30, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

True fellowship is our partnership and connectedness because we have a relationship with Christ. He is the common link that brings us together whatever our differences may be. The body of Christ is diverse, but it is held together by what we have in common: our relationship with Christ. We are free to share deeply our problems, our concerns, our heart’s desires with those we partner with on this life’s journey. We live life together, doing our best to help each other in our times of need. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged connectedness, fellowship, fellowship with believers, fellowship with God, Jesus is the common link that draws us together, partnership, relationship with Christ, true fellowship | Leave a comment

Trouble

Posted on November 29, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Standing strong in a world of compromise will often mean being out of step with others. They often will not understand. They may even persecute you. But know that whatever trouble you find yourself in, God will not forget you. He sees your integrity and will be there through it all. He can even shut the mouths of lions, if necessary. So stand strong. Be of good courage. Press forward with integrity and keep trusting in your God. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Book of Daniel, Daniel, daniel and the lions den, integrity of Daniel, King Darius, lions den, prayer, Shut the mouths of Lions, standing strong | Leave a comment

The Power of a Good Reputation

Posted on November 28, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Pride, arrogance and abuse of power find their day of reckoning. God sees and he will make it right. Humility, integrity, obedience and courage likewise come to light before God and men and find their reward. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged boldness, Daniel, integrity, interpreting the mystery, King Belshazzar, Mene Mene Tekel Parsen | Leave a comment

Everything We Need

Posted on November 27, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Begin to seek out the promises of what God would do in and through you. Begin to “plead the promises”—praying for God to work in you and in other believers you know. As you pray and intercede, God will begin to work out those promises in your life. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Christ-like, everything we need, faith, goodness, grace, knowledge, life and godlliness, living a godly life, love, maturity, mutual affection, perseverance, promises, self-control, Spiritual growth | Leave a comment

Cast All Your Cares

Posted on November 26, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

from the place of humility look with expectation for God to lift you out of this pit when the time is right. Humbled by life’s experiences you may be tempted to despair. But the humbling is meant to get you looking up to the source of our hope. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged anxiety, cast all your cares, don't despair, fear, firm, God will make you strong, God will restore you, look up in hope, steadfast, strong, suffering, the place of humility, trials, worry | 1 Comment

Standing Strong

Posted on November 25, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The world in our day needs men and women like Daniel who will be people of integrity–who will stand up for their beliefs at any cost. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Daniel, Daniel in Babylon, favor with God, favor with the King, integrity, refuse to compromise | Leave a comment