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.

Through Us and In Us

Posted on November 16, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

What tasks has God given you to do today? Do you believe that God will give you everything you need to do his will in all that he calls you to do today? He is always there to provide everything we need if we rely on him for it: Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Blessing, faith, God works in us, obedience, prayer | Leave a comment

Practical Holiness

Posted on November 15, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The greatest test of our progress in holiness is this: how do I get along with other people? Do you see the connection in our text? “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and be holy.” In practical terms, our growth in holiness is tested and proved through relationships with others. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged character, fruit of the Spirit, Jesus, live in peace, practical holiness, relationships with others, true holiness | Leave a comment

Keep Running

Posted on November 14, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Joy is found in pushing into God’s presence when things are tough and the way ahead is dark. Draw close to the Lord and know that he is near. He is with you even now. You may not initially feel his presence, but acknowledge his presence and look with faith for the joy to begin to bubble up from the Holy Spirit who indwells you. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged don't give up, don't lose hope, faith to endure, joy in trials, persevere, press on, strengthen my faith, the finish line, trials of faith | Leave a comment

Faith That Passes the Test

Posted on November 13, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Hebrews lists some of the great heroes of faith and shows how their faith is tested. In all the tests, God shows that he is faithful and that he can be trusted. Hang in there. Keep pressing on. You may not see the light at the end of the tunnel yet, but God will be with you each step of the way. Trust Him. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged faith, jericho, leadership, march forward in faith, perseverence, press on, Red Sea crossing, submission to God's will, tests of faith, willingness | Leave a comment

Even When We Don’t Know Where We Are Going

Posted on November 12, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

He obeyed and went even when he didn’t know where he was going. We obey our way out of places of confusion and indecision. By doing the next thing we know we should do, God opens another door calling for another step of obedience. Often with just enough light to take the next step, we obey. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Abraham man of faith, even though he didn't know where he was going, faith, guidance, obedience, obeyed and went, perseverance, walking in the dark | Leave a comment

Spurs of Encouragement

Posted on November 11, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Sometimes we all need to be spurred on. We need the encouraging words that move us beyond apathy and complacency to a full gallop toward the goal. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged apathy, complacency, encouragement, love and good deeds, spur them on to love and good deeds, spurred on, Spurs of encouragement | Leave a comment

Standing in the Gap

Posted on November 10, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Don’t underestimate the importance and need of intercession. God is looking for those who will stand in the gap in this day. May he never be able to say, “I looked for someone to stand in the gap and I found none.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged intercession, persevere in prayer, prayer, prayer burdens, prayerless, praying for your church, praying for your city, praying for your nation, stand in the gap | Leave a comment

Once For All

Posted on November 9, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Jesus came with a better sacrifice: himself. He had lived a perfect, sinless life. He was the perfect Lamb of God who had come to take away the sins of the world. In his one time, once for all act of dying on the cross, Jesus made atonement for all our sins for all time. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged atonement, blessed hope, fullness of our inheritance as sons of God, glorified bodies, glorious freedom of the children of God, Jesus, once for all, sacrifice, second coming of Christ, we will be like Jesus | Leave a comment

Unlimited Access

Posted on November 8, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Jesus provides a way for all believers to enter into the Most Holy Place. Furthermore, we are able to come to this place of intimacy with God without fear. We may come with confidence. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged a new and living way, blood of Jesus, boldly, confidently, God's presence, He who promised is faithful, Hebrews 10, Hebrews 9, holy of holies, Most Holy Place, tabernacle | Leave a comment

Panting for His Commands

Posted on November 7, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Do you long for God’s word? Do you go after it with panting? Is your desire to understand and do God’s will so intense that you pant after his commands? Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged hunger and thirst, intense desire to know God, panting for God's commands, prayer, Psalms, scripture, Word of God | Leave a comment