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.

Always

Posted on October 12, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Life is not always easy, but the one who walks in the presence of God continually can find joy and be thankful in each and every circumstance. Take time to open your heart to Jesus everyday in prayer. Walk with him. Enjoy his presence. Allow thanksgiving to fuel the sense of his presence and intensify the joy. Don’t allow the circumstances to take your joy! Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged always joyful, always praying, always thankful, God's will, joy, practice the presence, prayer, thanksgiving | Leave a comment

Clay in the Hands of the Potter

Posted on October 11, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The process may seem painful at times, but the Potter knows what he is doing. Trust Him to bring shape and significance to you. Trust Him to make you into a beautiful vessel that he will delight in using to display His glory. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged clay in the potters hands, God shapes us for his glory, God's transforming power, mold me, potters wheel, shape me, trials are a means of shaping us transforming us, use me. | Leave a comment

What a Blessing!

Posted on October 10, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

There is always need to pray for God to give us increasing and overflowing love for each other. There is also need for God to fill us with love for those we are to reach out to (everyone else). Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged love for each other, love for everyone else, love increasing and overflowing., paul's prayers and blessings, teach us to pray | Leave a comment

Real Faith Means Hard Work

Posted on October 9, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The Church at Thessalonica is evidencing the supreme Christian virtues of “faith, hope and love.” through their work, labor and endurance. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged endurance, faith, grace is not opposed to effort but to earning, hard work, Hope, labor, love, willingness to serve | Leave a comment

Scarecrows in a Melon Patch

Posted on October 8, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We worship and serve many things. Paul shows us that even misplaced values like greed and materialism can become idols. So can entertainment, sports, music or a political cause. The list could include most anything that becomes our preoccupation. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged bible, christianity, God, God shaped vaccuum, idolatry, idols, idols made by hands, idols made by hearts, Jesus, misplaced values, scarecrows in a melon patch, the heart is an idol making factory | Leave a comment

A New Wardrobe

Posted on October 7, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

What may have seemed natural and appropriate before we were Christians is no longer appropriate. Since Christ lives in me, I need to eliminate the clothes that are not in keeping with who he is, and who I am in him. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged be like Jesus, character transformation, position in Christ, throw out the old clothes | Leave a comment

Let Them See Your Hand

Posted on October 6, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

In essence, he prays, “God answer this prayer in such a marvelous way that everyone will know that you have done it. Let there be no doubt that your hand has accomplished this.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged answered prayer, Be magnified, God's glory, God's reputation, Hand of the Lord, may there be no doubt you have done this | Leave a comment

Fully Mature in Christ

Posted on October 5, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Why is Paul struggling and working so hard to teach and preach and plant churches? This passage makes his motivation clear. He wants the believers to grow up in their faith and become fully mature in Christ. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged bible, christ in you the hope of glory, christianity, encouraged In heart, faith, glorious riches of this mystery, God, Jesus, maturity in Christ, my goal, united in love | Leave a comment

Spiritual Wisdom and Understanding

Posted on October 4, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Life is filled with difficulties and decisions that require God’s wisdom and strength. This prayer leads us to trust in the one who can give us all that we need to get us through each and every day. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged bearing fruit, Colossians, knowledge of God's will, live a life worthy of the Lord, Prayers of Paul, Spiritual wisdom and understanding | 1 Comment

Unexpected Peace

Posted on October 3, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We all have times when we are tempted to worry. Yet, worry is counterproductive. It consumes our attention; it saps our energy and creativity; it takes away our peace, our hope, our joy. Paul suggests an alternative to worry: prayer. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged joy, peace, Philippians 4, prayer, unexpected peace, worry | Leave a comment