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.

Waiting and Witnessing

Jesus left us with a big job to do. We are his witnesses to the world. The message must be taken to all nations beginning in your hometown. Continue reading

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Listen

Open up your heart to God–pour it all out. He listens and he cares. Continue reading

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Too Big an Army

God sized projects require leaning on God for wisdom—not relying on our own. God sized projects require trusting in his strength rather than our own. God sized projects require being prayerful and obedient even when the direction God gives goes against all conventional wisdom. Continue reading

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Mighty Warrior

Yet God saw Gideon’s potential. In complete contrast to Gideon’s confession of his weakness, God calls him “Mighty Warrior!” Continue reading

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The Strength to Go On

We all have times where we face temptation. We all have times where the circumstances we face seem overwhelming. There are times when what God calls us to do seems more than we are able to handle. In those times, Jesus example reminds us that the best thing we can do is go to our solitary place where we pour out our heart to the Father and look for his strength. Continue reading

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Never Ending Cycle

drifting back into old patterns of disobedience comes easily. We are easily lured into compromise, just as they were in Judges. We must cry out to God in true repentance and seek his deliverance. Continue reading

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Time Well Spent

Likely weary from a day of teaching and ministry, Jesus finds a solitary place—and as was his practice—he spends extended time in prayer. Clearly this is a pattern rooted in delight rather than duty—this is a time and place set apart to enjoy fellowship with his Father in prayer. Continue reading

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As for Me and My House

After reminding them how God had fulfilled his promises and had been faithful to the covenant, Joshua calls them to commitment. Continue reading

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Every Promise

God’s dealing with the Israelite people is a reminder of the trustworthiness of the promises.

This text is also a reminder that the promises have conditions. Failure to meet those conditions has consequences. Continue reading

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Rest

Finding our home in his grace, we can stop striving in our own strength and power. Finding our security in being his dearly loved child, we are free to take up his yoke and learn from him. Giving up on our futile self-effort, we find rest; rest for our souls. Continue reading

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