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.

Living Hope, Unspeakable Joy

Posted on November 22, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

They knew that Christ had been raised from the dead. Hopelessness had turned to hope in the most impossible way. They knew they had an eternal hope and had every reason to find hope even in their present circumstances knowing that God had not deserted them. He was at work bringing good even of their tough times. Continue reading →

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A Healing Community

Posted on November 21, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

James describes the church as a healing community: A place where the broken and wounded can come to find people filled with faith and love. Continue reading →

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Lord Willin’ and the Creek Don’t Rise

Posted on November 20, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God’s ways are not our ways, his plans are higher than ours. In all of our planning, we must have the attitude, “Lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise.” Our lives sometimes take unexpected twists and turns–all a part of his path. Continue reading →

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Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires

Posted on November 19, 2024 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 →

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Mirror, Mirror

Posted on November 18, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

November 18 Mirror, Mirror Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 124:6-8; Ezekiel 37:1-38:23; James 1:19-2:17; Proverbs 28:1 Today’s Scripture Focus: James 1:19-2:17 “But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting … Continue reading →

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Wisdom

Posted on November 17, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Set your mind fully on knowing and doing the will of God and ask him for it. He promises to give such a person all the wisdom that they need, anytime they need it. Continue reading →

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Through Us and In Us

Posted on November 16, 2024 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: Continue reading →

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Practical Holiness

Posted on November 15, 2024 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 →

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Keep Running

Posted on November 14, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Joy is found in pushing into God’s presence when things are tough and the way ahead is dark. Draw close to the Lord and know that he is near. He is with you even now. You may not initially feel his presence, but acknowledge his presence and look with faith for the joy to begin to bubble up from the Holy Spirit who indwells you. Continue reading →

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Faith That Passes the Test

Posted on November 13, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Hebrews lists some of the great heroes of faith and shows how their faith is tested. 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 →

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