Author Archives: pastorjeffsneighborhood

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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.

Cast All Your Cares

Posted on November 26, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Recognizing that God loves and cares for you, what could be more natural than to cry out to God—to bring him all your cares and anxieties?  Continue reading →

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Standing Strong

Posted on November 25, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Daniel is an example of integrity in the midst of a culture of compromise. His own people, the people of Judah, had drifted from God and were suffering the consequences of being under judgment: In the midst of this spiritual darkness, the integrity of Daniel and his friends stands as a beacon of light. Continue reading →

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Unjust Suffering

Posted on November 24, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

As he was treated unfairly, so we can expect to be treated unfairly. How do we handle it? By drawing from the life we have in Christ and following his example. The key to getting through these times with our faith and testimony intact is his indwelling power and presence. Leaving the matter in God’s hands to judge justly is another key. He will take care of the injustice–that is his job, not mine. I may be tempted to take the way of revenge, reviling, and retribution, but this is not the way of Christ. Continue reading →

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The Good Scissors

Posted on November 23, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

One life’s most important early lessons was, “don’t use the good scissors.” One of the most awkward moments came when you were asked the question, “Did you just use my good scissors?” Continue reading →

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Living Hope, Unspeakable Joy

Posted on November 22, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

They knew that Christ had been raised from the dead. Hopelessness had turned to hope in the most impossible way. They knew they had an eternal hope and had every reason to find hope even in their present circumstances knowing that God had not deserted them. He was at work bringing good even of their tough times. Continue reading →

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A Healing Community

Posted on November 21, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

James describes the church as a healing community: A place where the broken and wounded can come to find people filled with faith and love. Continue reading →

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Lord Willin’ and the Creek Don’t Rise

Posted on November 20, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God’s ways are not our ways, his plans are higher than ours. In all of our planning, we must have the attitude, “Lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise.” Our lives sometimes take unexpected twists and turns–all a part of his path. Continue reading →

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Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires

Posted on November 19, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Anyone who has been the victim of gossip knows how a story spreads and gets more outrageous as the process goes on. Truly, gossip is a sin with “forest-fire” like qualities. It gets out of control and creates great devastation. Continue reading →

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Mirror, Mirror

Posted on November 18, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

November 18 Mirror, Mirror Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 124:6-8; Ezekiel 37:1-38:23; James 1:19-2:17; Proverbs 28:1 Today’s Scripture Focus: James 1:19-2:17 “But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting … Continue reading →

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Wisdom

Posted on November 17, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Set your mind fully on knowing and doing the will of God and ask him for it. He promises to give such a person all the wisdom that they need, anytime they need it. Continue reading →

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