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.

Blessing Instead of Bleeping

Every malicious word, every tasty snippet of gossip, every venomous, sarcastic comment (humor is great, but even some humor wounds), every word that is judgmental, every hasty, angry word: each one, a curse. Continue reading →

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Thank God for Broccoli

Those who are more mature in Christ, must not use their freedom unwisely—it can be misunderstood and cause another to stumble. Continue reading →

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Starting and Finishing Well

Lofty thoughts of God led to his success. Lofty thoughts about himself led to his downfall. Continue reading →

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Medium Rare or Well Done?

Being a living sacrifice is demonstrated by our humble service (3-8). God has given you gifts. A living sacrifice demonstrates his or her humility by willingly using those gifts to build up other believers and to share the love of Christ with those who need the good news. Continue reading →

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I Stand in Awe

Knowing God leads us to worship. But often it is the mysteries—the things we don’t know and can’t comprehend—that take us to a higher place in our worship. They makes us stand in awe of God and his wisdom that is “just plain” beyond our ability to comprehend. Continue reading →

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What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do

Jehoshaphat ordered the singers to the front lines of the battle. They led the people to sing and praise the splendor of God’s holiness: “Give thanks to the Lord for his love endures forever.” The Lord took care of the rest.  The enemy fell into confusion and began to fight among themselves. Victory was won through praise. Continue reading →

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The Agony and the Ecstasy

Intercession is both agony and ecstasy—both deep struggle and “joy unspeakable and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8). Open your heart to Jesus, feel the burdens of his heart and allow him to teach you to pray. He has much to teach you. The ecstasy makes all the agony worthwhile. Continue reading →

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Time After Time

We are forgetful people and our forgetfulness keeps us from trusting God fully. Is he not faithful, even when we are faithless? Is he not powerful, even when we are powerless? Is he not loving and gracious? Is he not good? He has demonstrated these qualities in our lives over and over again. Yet we so quickly forget. Continue reading →

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Nothing Can Separate Us From His Love!

Because God loves us, we are “more than conquerors” through Him who loves us (37).  Whatever you may be facing today, remember that God loves you.  Jesus and the Holy Spirit are both interceding for you and the Father is working things out for good even through this situation. Patiently wait in hope and see how he brings you through by “graciously giving you all things” and enabling you to become “more than a conqueror through Him who loves you.” Continue reading →

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Revival: Do We Really Want It? (Is the Price Too High?)

It will cost you something: humility, repentance and much prayer and seeking his face. But the joy of revival will be worth it. Let’s pay the price for admission to see the glory of God fill “the temple” again. Continue reading →

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