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.

Where is Your Treasure?

Posted on January 29, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

For the rich young man, his misplaced security in possessions became his stumbling block—the ultimate test of whether he could really trust Christ. Many have found their possessions to be a similar stumbling block. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged eternal possessions, Jesus, money, possessions, rich man, seek first the kingdom, stuff, stumbling block, treasures in heaven, wealth, worldly wealth | Leave a comment

Forgiven to Forgive

Posted on January 28, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

You have carried your burden of unforgiveness too long. It is eating you up on the inside. Let it go. It is time to take the offenses to the cross and leave them there. It is time to forgive—really forgive—from your heart. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged as we forgive those who trespass against us, burden you carry, forgive from the heart, forgiven to forgive, God of grace, God of mercy, leave it at the cross, let it go, shouldn't you have had mercy, take it to the cross, unforgiveness | Leave a comment

Two or Three

Posted on January 27, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

There is power in agreeing together in prayer. Praying in a group is different than individual prayer. In a group, you are encouraged by each other’s faith. Often there is boldness and faith that comes as you press in to the heart of the father together. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged boldness in prayer, God present in our prayer gatherings, prayer gatherings, prayer meetings, praying together with others, seasoned prayer warriors, Spiritual gifts, trusted friends, two or three come together | Leave a comment

Who Am I?

Posted on January 26, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Don’t limit yourself by self-doubt and insecurity. God is with you. That’s all that really matters. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged burning bush, called, difficult task ahead, God are you with me?, God is with me, God is with you, insecurity, Moses, self doubt, the real question | 2 Comments

God’s Purposes

Posted on January 25, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

In all things, even the hardest to understand, God is at work shaping actions brought about by man’s evil intentions into opportunities for his own good intentions and our growth. His ways are beyond our understanding—truly amazing. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged all things work together for good, evil intentions of man, God is able to work good out of things intended for evil, God uses difficulties for his purposes, God's intentions, God's ways are beyond our ability to fully understand, Joseph and his brothers, trials bring growth, what you intended for evil | Leave a comment

The Blessing

Posted on January 24, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

In a world where we hear and experience more curses than blessings, these words of blessing are needed and encouraging. Blessings bring healing to wounded emotions and encouragement to the discouraged and disheartened. They bring joy, peace and hope–and we all need that. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged blessing children, blessings, Genesis, healed by blessing, Hope, Joseph, joy, peace, speak well of, wounded by cursing | Leave a comment

Faith that Refuses to Give Up

Posted on January 23, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Don’t give up. Persist in your faith. Press on with your prayers. Wait expectantly. Jesus sees and, when the time is right, will answer. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Canaanite woman, cry out to God, faith, great faith, healed, Jesus heals, Jesus hears, persistent faith, press on with your prayers, wait expectantly, when prayers seem delayed indefinitely, when the answer seems to be no | Leave a comment

The Forgiving Heart

Posted on January 22, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Joseph knew that God was using that event for a greater purpose. Joseph could see the hand of God in it all, and he grew through the experience. The tough times in Joseph’s life were the very things that caused growth and maturity of character. They were the things that caused him to trust God and become the leader God was preparing him to become. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged all things work together for good, character, difficult circumstancess, difficult experiences, difficult people, forgiveness, healing, Heart that is free, Joseph, maturity, releasing forgiveness, sovereignty, trials | Leave a comment

How Long, O Lord?

Posted on January 21, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We’ve all had times when we can relate to the psalmist’s questions. There are times when we wonder if the Lord is really listening—times when the answer is slow in coming. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged cry out to God, despair turns to hope, devotion to Christ, discouragement, disheartened, doubt and fear, faith, God seems distant, Hope, how long O Lord?, joy, lament, love, unanswered prayer, waiting on God, when the answer never seems to come, Worship | Leave a comment

Can We Find Anyone Like This?

Posted on January 20, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When the time was right, God exalted Joseph. The times of testing, the perseverance through difficult and sometimes unjust circumstances had taught him lessons of faith and trust. Now he was ready–and God brought him from the lowest place to the highest place. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged faithfulness of God, humbled then exalted, Joseph, Spirit of God, testimony of Joseph, ups and downs, waiting patiently | Leave a comment