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.

Singing at Midnight

Posted on June 25, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Finally, about midnight, an earthquake interrupted the prayer and praise. The prison was demolished. The chains were broken. Paul and Silas were set free. Prayer and praise led to God breaking chains and setting captives free. Continue reading →

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Messy Growth

Posted on June 24, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Growth is often messy. It can lead to conflict, to struggle and all sorts of problems. Remain flexible, follow God’s leading and trust him to give you wisdom and creativity. As you do, God works and the church continues to grow in numbers and to be strengthened in faith. What appears to us to be merely a problem is often a path to growth. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged be creative, failure, growth, growth is messy sometimes, Paul and Barnabas, remain flexible, success, teamwork | Leave a comment

I’ve Got a Better Idea

Posted on June 23, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When he stopped negotiating and started obeying, God answered and brought the miracle he desired. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Do what he says, humility, I've got a better idea, Naaman, obedience, stop negotiating with God, wash in the Jordan | Leave a comment

God’s Abundant Supply

Posted on June 22, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

June 22 God’s Abundant Supply Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 136:23-26; 2 Kings 3:1-4:17; Acts 14:8-28; Proverbs 17:22 Today’s Scripture Focus: 2 Kings 3:1 -4:17 Elisha said, “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few. … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged abundance, abundant supply, Elisha, expectant faith, God meets our need, obey the word of the LORD, provision | Leave a comment

Bumps in the Road

Posted on June 21, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

June 21 Bumps in the Road Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 136:10-22; 2 Kings 1:1-2:25; Acts 13:42-14:7; Proverbs 17:19-21 Today’s Scripture Focus: Acts 13:42-14:7 “Some of the Jews convinced the most respected women and leading men of the town that their … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged bumps in the road, circumstances can't take away my joy, joy, joy in Christ, joy in the Holy Spirit, serving Christ | Leave a comment

Inquire of the Lord

Posted on June 20, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Seek the LORD and his counsel. When he speaks, listen, even if it is not what you want to hear. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged false prophets, God's wisdom, guidance, Inquire of the LORD, Jehoshaphat, Listen, prophets, will of God | Leave a comment

Becoming Like the One You Worship

Posted on June 19, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The gods we dream up—greed, materialism, hedonism and the like—have neither eyes nor ears. They are just as lifeless—and bring us no more life than the more traditional idols. As we trust in them, we become more like them. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged becoming like the One you Worship, idolatry, lie abundant and eternal, lifeless idols, work of human hands, worship Christ | Leave a comment

Surprise!

Posted on June 18, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God answers prayer. Pray fervently and expectantly. And don’t be too surprised when the answer you are seeking comes knocking at the door. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged answered prayer, knocking on the doors of heaven, Peter imprisoned, prayer meeting, surprised by the answer, when God answers your prayer | Leave a comment

The God Who Answers

Posted on June 17, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

This time, there was an answer. The living God proved to be a God who hears and answers prayer. He answered by fire, consuming the sacrifice. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged bold praying, Elijah, God hears and answers prayer, prophets of Baal, Stop wavering between two opinions | Leave a comment

Always Enough

Posted on June 16, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God is able to provide for our needs in extraordinary ways. Consider Elijah. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged always enough, answers to prayer, Elijah the Prophet, God as provider, step of faith, the Lord our provider | Leave a comment