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.

Meditating on Your Works

Posted on July 5, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When we slow down our reading and praying and take time to meditate and listen, we become more aware of His presence and more sensitive to His voice. Our whole perspective on the day changes as we remember the greatness of the God who loves us and cares for us. As we walk through the day aware of his goodness, we recognize his good works all around us. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged glorious presence, meditating on God's greatness, meditating on scripture, meditation, presence of God | Leave a comment

New Songs

Posted on July 4, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Old songs should be cherished and sung and passed on to the next generation; Yet, like the psalmist, we should also look for the ongoing work of God in our lives that will produce new songs. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged hymns snf praise songs, new songs born of new experiences, old and new, sing with passion and joy, worship songs | Leave a comment

With All His Heart, Soul and Strength

Posted on July 3, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Josiah called for a return to Torah—a return to the covenant God had made with his people. He had the unique distinction of being a ruler who turned to the LORD “with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged heart soul and strength, Josiah, Kings of Judah, leadership, second Kings | Leave a comment

A Strong Tower

Posted on July 2, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

July 2 A Strong Tower Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 143:7-12; 2 Kings 20:2-22:2; Acts 21:17-36; Proverbs 18:9-10 Today’s Scripture Focus: Proverbs 18:10 “The Name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (Proverbs … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged names of God, Strong tower, The Lord our healer, the Lord our peace, the Lord our provider, the Lord our righteousness | Leave a comment

Open Your Eyes, Lord

Posted on July 1, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

July 1 Open Your Eyes, Lord Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 143:1-6; 2 Kings 18:13-19:37; Acts 21:1-16; Proverbs 18:8 Today’s Scripture Focus: 2 Kings 19 Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Blessing, following the Lord, Hezekiah, no guarantee of a trouble free life, Open your eyes, when we don't know what to do | Leave a comment

Reckless Abandon

Posted on June 30, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Paul may be uncertain about his future, but he is clear about his calling and purpose in life. He senses that the Holy Spirit is preparing him for prison and hardships in the days to come. Would this deter him from his task? Not at all! It seems to only intensify his passion for his God given calling to preaching the gospel. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged evangelism, gospel, hardship, lives shaped by the gospel of grace, pass it on, Paul the Apostle, perseution | Leave a comment

Hear Me When I Call

Posted on June 29, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

June 29 Hear Me When I Call Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 141:1-10; 2 Kings 15:1-16:20; Acts 19:13-41; Proverbs 18:4-5 Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalms 141 I call to you, LORD, come quickly to me; hear me when I call to you. … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged answers to prayer, dealing with opposition, guard your words, Hear me when I call, prayer, Psalm 141, responding well, vigilance to stand against evil | Leave a comment

A Second Chance Squandered

Posted on June 28, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

June 28 A Second Chance Squandered Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 140:9-13; 2 Kings 13:1-14:29; Acts 18:23-19:12; Proverbs 18:2-3 Today’s Scripture Focus: 2 Kings 13:1-14:29 Then Jehoahaz sought the LORD’s favor, and the LORD listened to him, for he saw how … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged drifting from our initial enthusiasm, fresh start, Jehoahaz, make the best of opportunities, procrastinated obedience, second chances | Leave a comment

Under Attack

Posted on June 27, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Deep down we all know that words can wound us deeply. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged forgiveness, freedom from releasing forgiveness, Lord's prayer, rest for your soul, verbal attack, wounded by words | Leave a comment

Search Me, O God

Posted on June 26, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We think we know ourselves, but as Jeremiah reminds us: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9 (KJV). Our minds and heart play many games to justify our behavior. Other times morbid introspection leaves us in a hopeless pit of false guilt and despair. But God sees through it all. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged actions, Holy Spirit inspection, introspection, motives, repentance, search me, set free, thoughts | Leave a comment