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.

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

Unity Brings Blessing

Posted on June 15, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

There is a blessing in unity, when we lay aside our differences and come together around the one we worship—the source of all true unity. God pours out the anointing oil. The power and presence of his precious Holy Spirit dwells in a fresh way. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Blessing, oil, presence and power of God, The Father's heart, unity | Leave a comment

The Encourager

Posted on June 14, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Look for an opportunity to be a Barnabas—an encourager. There are undoubtedly many people in your path today that need some encouragement Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Barnabas, encourage one another, encourager, Paul and Barnabas | Leave a comment

There’s Always Hope

Posted on June 13, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Don’t give up believing that God can use you, in spite your past, in spite of your failures. In fact, those struggles and failures might be the very experiences he uses most for his glory. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged come to Jesus, conversion of Paul, don't give up on unlikely people, hope for a fresh start, one encounter with Jesus, praying | Leave a comment

Expect the Unexpected

Posted on June 12, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

You never know what opportunities lay ahead when the Spirit leads you. Learn to know his voice through walking intimately with him. Take the time to be quiet and listen. Solitude and silence are two disciplines that are often neglected in our busy and noisy lives. Then led by the Spirit, expect the unexpected. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged adventure of following Jesus, Listening to God, Philip and the Ethiopian, prayer, silence, solitude, watching for open doors | Leave a comment

Scattered on Purpose

Posted on June 11, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

There is a purpose in the tough time. There is a purpose in pushing you out of the comfortable nest and into a new place in your walk with Him. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Moving On, new places, persecution, pushed out of your comfort zone, tough times, trials, world spinning out of control | Leave a comment

Waiting and Watching

Posted on June 10, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Intercessors serve as watchmen. They often spend late nights and early morning hours waiting on God–watching for him to work Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged intercession, prayer, utterly dependent on God, waiting, watching, watchmen | Leave a comment

What Does it Cost?

Posted on June 9, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Stephen was a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit facing accusations and persecution. What would he do? Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged boldness, He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose, martyrdom, Stephen, willing to risk it all | Leave a comment

What Would You Ask For?

Posted on June 8, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We all need God’s wisdom–everyday. How good to know that God is delighted to give the gift of wisdom to all who ask for it. You do not have to be a king or a religious leader, he gives it freely to all of us when we ask. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged God gives generously, Solomon, what would you ask for?, wisdom | Leave a comment

For the Sake of the Name

Posted on June 7, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

As persecution came, the disciples prayed and became even bolder. When opposition came, they became even more determined to teach and preach the good news. When suffering came, they rejoiced because they considered it an honor to be counted worthy to suffer for the Name of Christ. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged boldness, for the sake of his name, Jesus Christ, opposition, persecution, they had been with Jesus, witness | Leave a comment