Author Archives: pastorjeffsneighborhood

Unknown's avatar

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.

In Trouble

Posted on June 6, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

And what did they pray? Protection? Safety? No! They prayed for more boldness to stand strong in the face of the persecution. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Unless the Lord Builds the House

Posted on June 5, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Too much of our labor is in vain. Instead of getting God’s vision for a project, we press ahead with our own designs. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Fire!

Posted on June 4, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

They were “all together in one place.” What were they doing? They were praying. They were waiting expectantly for the Spirit of God to be poured out on the church. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

One Accord

Posted on June 3, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

There are too many churches that are just going through the motions; too many churches with no fire or passion; too many churches that are half-hearted about outreach. What’s the solution? Jesus started a prayer meeting. Maybe he was on to something. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Feed My Sheep

Posted on June 2, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Our failings are not lost on God. From the broken place, we learn to rely on God’s strength rather than our own. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

I Have Seen the Lord

Posted on June 1, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The Resurrection brought hope and joy to Jesus’ disciples. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

It is Finished

Posted on May 31, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

It is finished!  All signs point to death and defeat. Yet, this is all part of God’s plan. Death is being swallowed up in victory. What appeared to be a defeat was in fact a glorious victory. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Spirit is Willing But . . .

Posted on May 30, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The humbling would lead to a greater dependence on God’s power rather than his own. It would lead him to seek the fullness of God’s spirit. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Making Plans

Posted on May 29, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

It is also easy to drag behind. We sense God’s direction but for some reason we procrastinate our obedience. We fear the step of faith. We prefer the comfort of the boat and we are not really sure we want the adventure of walking on the water. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Jesus’ Unanswered Prayer

Posted on May 28, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Jesus was concerned for the unity of the church: “that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity.” Why does his pray for this? “Then the world will know you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment