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.

Purer Than Gold

Posted on August 27, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We all have these “dark nights of the soul” where God is teaching us to trust him in the dark. They are difficult times because they stretch our faith, but they can be times of incredible growth. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged dark night of the soul, Job trusted God, job's suffering, purified through trials, tough times test our faith, trials bring growth | Leave a comment

Comfort Received, Comfort Given

Posted on August 26, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The comfort God gives is meant to overflow. He comforts us not only that our need is met, but also so that we have comfort to give away to someone else in need. As he fills you with his comfort, you become one he can use to comfort others. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged comfort given, comfort overflows, comfort received, father of compassion, God of all comfort, suffering, trials | Leave a comment

Refreshing

Posted on August 25, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

It’s good to have people like Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus. We all need the encouragement that such people bring. An encouraging word, a helping hand, a willingness to serve where needed: these things refresh the soul of one who is in ministry. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Achaicus, encouragement, Fortunatus, refreshed my spirit, soul drainers, soul refreshers, Stephanas | Leave a comment

Worthless Physicians

Posted on August 24, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When we see a friend in pain, we are often quick to spout cliches. Yet these are the very times we would usually do well to just be there and to be a good listener. James tells us to be slow to speak and quick to listen. That’s good advice. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged cliches, encouragement, grief, Job and his friends, Listen, loss, mourning, presence, Worthless physiicians | Leave a comment

No Easy Answers

Posted on August 23, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We grow up learning the “Sunday school answers” to all of life’s questions. But life’s questions sometimes require more than just a simple answer. They require more than the standard cliches. Especially when we are dealing with the mystery of suffering. Even more so when we are dealing with trying to figure out God’s purpose in our suffering. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged growth through difficulties, mystery of suffering, suffering, the mystery of God's ways, trials, understanding suffering, when life is tough | Leave a comment

Under His Wings

Posted on August 22, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

It is when life becomes dangerous and hard when protection is needed. It is then that the mother hen gathers her chicks and covers them with her wings. So in our lives, it is in the midst of the trials that God gathers us close and protects us in the refuge of “his wings”. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged faithfulness, protection, Psalm 91, refuge, trust in God, Under His Wings | Leave a comment

Hard Times

Posted on August 21, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

How do we handle unimaginable tragedy? What do we do when our worst nightmares come true? This is the stuff that Job had to deal with. This is the stuff that this book deals with. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Book of Job, Job was a righteous man, perseverance, Praise, struggles of faith, suffering, tragedy, when life isn't fair | Leave a comment

If. . .

Posted on August 20, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Love is the glue that holds the body of Christ together despite the differences of our background, beliefs or experiences. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged I gain nothing, love, love motive, prophecy, Spiritual gifts, tongues | Leave a comment

Finding Your Place

Posted on August 19, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God has a place of service for you. A place where your passion, experience, and giftedness comes together to meet a need. You are a unique but important piece of the puzzle that will not be complete until you find your place. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged experience, find a need, giftedness, God has a place for you, missing parts, passion, puzzle piece, Spiritual gifts, uniquely gifted to serve | Leave a comment

Behind the Scenes

Posted on August 18, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God is at work behind the scenes using people like you and me to accomplish his purposes. He has placed us where we are “for such a time as this.” We may live in a land of compromise, but we do not have to compromise. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged compromise, Esther, for such a time as this, God working behind the scenes, standing strong | Leave a comment