Author Archives: pastorjeffsneighborhood

Unknown's avatar

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.

Waiting Expectantly

Posted on January 6, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Waiting with expectation is the difficult but necessary condition of the heart that would get the ear of God. It demonstrates our faith in the unseen promises despite the circumstances we see. It reveals the kind of faith God delights in and rewards: persevering faith. “Without faith it is impossible to please God. Because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Good News in Unlikely Places

Posted on January 5, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Good news shows up in the most unlikely places and among the most unlikely people. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Come Follow Me

Posted on January 4, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Jesus never makes mistakes. He knows your potential. He will be with you each step of the way as you reach out to others with the good news of the gospel. Don’t be afraid. Get out of your boat and follow him. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

He Walked with God

Posted on January 3, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

I hope that you will press in close to the heart of the Father this year, pursuing intimacy with Him.  He desires to walk with you too. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

When the Best Doesn’t Seem Good Enough

Posted on January 2, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God’s will cannot contradict his character–and therefore it is always good, wise, and loving.  To doubt his goodness only leads us to miss out on his good and perfect will. The dangling fruit of temptation looks good, but it always has consequences. It is never wise to second guess the goodness of God. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Posted on January 1, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

At the top of each devotional I list the scripture readings for the day. If you follow this reading plan, it will take you through the Bible in one year. We read a portion from the Psalms, the Proverbs, the Old Testament, and the New Testament. The devotional each day is based on one of those four sections of Scripture. The devotional is mostly there to encourage you to dig in the text for yourself to discover what God has to say to you each day as you spend time with Him in His Word. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Hallelujah!

Posted on December 31, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

December 31 Hallelujah!  Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 150:1-6; Malachi 3:1-4:6; Revelation 22:1-21; Proverbs 31:25-31 Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 150 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, [4] praise him with tambourine and … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

A Glimpse of Heaven

Posted on December 30, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

More glorious than the beauty of the place is the beauty of the one who is seated on the throne. No need for sunlight, because of the glorious splendor of the radiance of the Father and the Son. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

All Creatures

Posted on December 29, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

In Psalm 148 all creation joins in praise to God—what could be more fitting? From the angels of heaven to the sun, moon and stars—all creation joins in worship of the creator. Sea creatures of all kinds, wild animals, cattle, small animals, birds; they all join the song of praise! Lightning, thunder, hail and wind all make a joyful noise! Don’t forget the mountains and hills and trees—they were created to praise too! Kings of the earth join in praise along with princes and rulers from all nations. Young men and women, Old men and children—everyone joins in the song! Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

King of Kings

Posted on December 28, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Since the fall of man in the garden, all of creation has been waiting in anxious anticipation of this day. The suffering and pain brought on by sin is not forgotten by God. It will be vindicated as Jesus comes in his glory. Those who have endured persecution look to this day of victory. Indeed, all of creation waits for his coming: the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment