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.

Cast Your Cares

Posted on April 17, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

David laments the wounds caused by the betrayal of a close friend. He is filled with anguish, fear and troubled thoughts. He wishes he could fly away like a bird–escaping the hurt. But realizes a better course is to take his burden to God. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged betrayal, fly away like a bird, forgiveness, healing, hurt, take the burden to God, wounded | Leave a comment

We Should Not Give Up

Posted on April 16, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Even more important than the persistent prayers is the faith that perseveres despite the delays and apparent denials. You see, even our persistent prayers can be made without faith–we just go through the motions with little expectation of the answer. God is looking for our faith–and is especially pleased with a faith that perseveres despite what it sees–a faith that refuses to die even as it presses in expectantly despite months or years with no apparent answer. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged don't give up, persevering faith, Persevering refines faith, persistent praying | Leave a comment

Where Are the Other Nine?

Posted on April 15, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Don’t take the blessings for granted. Don’t get so caught up in the celebration that you forget to express your gratitude. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged gratitude, Jesus heals, thanksgiving, the other nine | Leave a comment

How Many Times?

Posted on April 14, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Forgive and find freedom.

As it was for the disciples, this teaching may seem difficult for us.. They said, “Increase our faith!” Sometimes we need the same. Ask God to give you the strength to take the offense to the cross and leave it there. It may seem too difficult for you—but nothing is too difficult for God. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged forgive and find freedom, forgiveness, how many times must I forgive?, take the offense to the cross | Leave a comment

Guard Your Lips

Posted on April 13, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Often we speak too quickly. We engage mouth before mind. Listen, think, and then sometimes use words. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged careless words, guard your lips, listening skills, reckless words, speaking too quickly | Leave a comment

The Walls Came Tumbling Down

Posted on April 12, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

One thing I do know: a wall is not an obstacle to God. They fall freely at his command. For us, they are opportunities to press ahead in faith and obedience and in patient expectation for the intervention of God. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged jericho, obstacles, trust and obey your way to victory, walls, when you need a miracle | Leave a comment

Looking Forward, Looking Back

Posted on April 11, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The Jordan river was an opportunity for the people to look ahead to God’s continued blessing on their journey as they followed their new leader: Joshua. It was a major reassurance to Joshua that indeed the LORD was with him and was giving him the land.

The Jordan River was also an opportunity for looking back, for remembering what God had done. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged affirming leaders, Joshua, leadership, looking ahead, looking back, pass it on to the next generation | Leave a comment

Be Strong and Courageous

Posted on April 10, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Joshua was faced with an amazing challenge. He was to follow in the footsteps of Moses and lead the people of Israel into the Promised Land. Not an easy task on either count: Moses was a great leader and the people of Israel were notorious for being difficult to lead. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged God sized tasks, God with us, Joshua, leadership, meditate on God's word, Promised Land | Leave a comment

Resting Between His Shoulders

Posted on April 9, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

He places us between his shoulders, carrying us as a child. Resting between his shoulders, we are safe, secure and deeply loved. What a beautiful picture of the kind of love our Heavenly Father has for each of us. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged blessed, deeply loved, safe, secure | Leave a comment

Accountable

Posted on April 8, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Make the most of this life. Make the most of the gifts God gives. Be a wise and faithful steward of what God gives you. There are blessings that await those who prove themselves to be wise and faithful in this life. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged accountable, stewardship, using your gifts, wise and faithful steward | 1 Comment