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.

God is the Strength of My Heart

Posted on July 15, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Some questions just can’t be answered to the heart’s satisfaction. Questions like: “Why do the wicked prosper?” As Asaph begins this Psalm he pours out his heart to God. He is in a place of suffering while the wicked only seem to prosper. How can this be? Somehow life just doesn’t seem fair. Why am I the one suffering, and not the wicked? Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Asaph, bitterness, grief, my portion forever, Psalms of Lament, self-pity, strength of my heart, why do the wicked prosper? | 1 Comment

An Honest Heart

Posted on July 14, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

the one who is quick to point the finger—whose heart is filled with self-righteous pride, needs the good news just as much or more than the one they are so quick to condemn. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged God's kindness leads you toward repentance, good news, judgment, Lukewarm, religious games, riches of his kindness, self righteous | Leave a comment

The Heart that is Free

Posted on July 13, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Watch out for those that would hold on to the form, and lose sight of the substance. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged bound up, celebration, david danced, freedom, freedom of a heart set free, Praise, Worship | Leave a comment

A Joyful Heart of Praise

Posted on July 12, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

It’s almost Sunday. It’s almost time to gather with the saints to celebrate the greatness of our God. It’s almost time to sing joyful songs. Get excited, shout, sing, and if they’ll let you, break out the tambourine and dance. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged celebration, don't be a spectator, Hallelujah, Let's have church, participating in worship, sing, Worship | Leave a comment

Courage to Do Exploits

Posted on July 11, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God is looking for mighty men and women who are courageous, loyal and strong in his strength. People who will “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power . . . so that . . . you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything, to stand” (Ephesians 6). Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged armor of God, bravery, courage, intercession, Loyalty, strong, victorious | Leave a comment

Courage to Face Life’s Storms

Posted on July 10, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Because he trusted in God, he was able to find hope in an apparently hopeless situation. Because he feared God, he didn’t have to fear the storm. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged be strong and courageous, courage to face trials, do not be afraid, Fear God not the storm, life's storms, trust the promise of GOd | Leave a comment

Opening Up Your Wounded Heart

Posted on July 9, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We all have our wounds and when we really open up our heart to Jesus, they will be exposed so that they can find healing. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged broken, finding freedom, forgiveness, healing wounded hearts, Jesus heals, lament, take it to the cross | Leave a comment

A Heart Set Free

Posted on July 8, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Festus told Paul that his belief in such a thing was crazy. “Your great learning is making you mad,” he says. But Paul appealed to Agrippa, who knew full well about the resurrection: “It was not done in a corner.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged It was not done in a corner, Paul and Agrippa, Paul and Festus, resurrection, risen Christ, your great learning is making you mad | Leave a comment

Open Up Your Heart

Posted on July 7, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Today’s Psalm (145) reminds us that our heavenly Father delights in drawing near to us, when we call out to Him. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged fellowship, Hallesby, Open Up Your Heart, prayer, seek me and find me, seek me with all your heart | Leave a comment

Psalms, Worship and Prayer

Posted on July 6, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

One of the reasons I love to read the Psalms before I pray, is that they prime the pump of worship. They help us to focus on the goodness and greatness of God. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged honesty in prayer, laments, meditating on Psalms, psalms and prayer, psalms prime the pump of worship | Leave a comment