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.

The Big Picture

Posted on September 12, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When what we see with our eyes doesn’t seem to make sense, it is time to look at the big picture—to get an eternal perspective. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Uncategorized | Tagged big picture, eternal perspective, Isaiah, kingdom of God, Messiah, second coming of Christ, when life doesn't make sense | Leave a comment

He Will Reign

Posted on September 11, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When our world seems to spin out of control, we must run back to this truth, that the Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. In the midst of tragedy, we must look forward to the day when Christ will return to right all the wrongs and to reign with the government on his shoulders. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged 9-11, 9-11 cross, God works all things together for good, sovereign God, the cross still stands, world trade center disaster | Leave a comment

Holy Love

Posted on September 10, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Holy Love Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Holiness of God, Holy is the Lord, Isaiah, love of God, Psallm 103, Unfailing steadfast love, worship | Leave a comment

Boasting in Weakness

Posted on September 9, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

September 9 Boasting in Weakness Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 102:18-28 | Isaiah 3:1-5:30 | 2 Corinthians 11:1-15 | Proverbs 22:28-29 Today’s Scripture Focus: 2 Corinthians 11 “If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness” … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged God shines through, grace, jars of clay, scars, weakness | Leave a comment

Demolishing Strongholds

Posted on September 8, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

September 8 Demolishing Strongholds Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 102:12-17; Isaiah 1:1-2:22; 2 Corinthians 10:1-18; Proverbs 22:26-27 Today’s Scripture Focus: 2 Corinthians 10:1-18 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged armor of God, don't give the devil a foothold, fortresses, mighty fortress, strongholds, struggling with temptation, taking our thoughts captive and making them obedient to Christ | Leave a comment

Tired of Waiting

Posted on September 7, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

September 7 Tired of Waiting Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 102:1-11; Song 5:1-8:14; 2 Corinthians 9:1-15; Proverbs 22:24-25 Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 102:1-11 Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress. Turn your ear to me; when … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged difficulties in prayer, feeling alone and abandoned, God hears and answers, groaning, prayer, sleepless nights, waiting | Leave a comment

Oh Be Careful Little Eyes

Posted on September 6, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Images are powerful. One ancient tradition says that a picture is worth a thousand words. Indeed, we know it is true. Television is a powerful medium. So are movies. So is the Internet. Each is powerful for good or for evil. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged influence of media, internet pornography, mind of Christ, oh be careful little eyes, renewing the mind, think on these things | Leave a comment

Shout for Joy

Posted on September 5, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

In light of the greatness of our God, in light of what Christ has done for us, should there not be a little shouting when we get together to celebrate his greatness and declare his worth? Of course, worship incorporates a variety of forms and encompasses a whole variety of responses—still I wonder where is the joy? Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged joy in worship, Joyful noise, moods of worship, shout for joy, singing joyfully, Worship, worship as celebration | Leave a comment

The Right Response

Posted on September 4, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Worship doesn’t happen by just sitting in a pew; it doesn’t happen only through the singing. An important and often neglected part of the worship service takes place as we hear and respond to the Word of God as it is read and expounded. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Corinthians, doers of the word, not just hearers, preaching, repentance, response to preaching, Worship | 1 Comment

Good Friends

Posted on September 3, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

It’s a dangerous thing to try to live the Christian life on your own. You really do need some friends for the journey; Friends who will be there to encourage you when you get down; Friends who will keep you accountable and speak the truth in love when you are tempted to fall; Friends who will be faithful even when you do fall; Friends who will accept you and love you through it all. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged cord of three strands is not easily broken., Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, fellowship, friendship, Lone Ranger and Tonto, speak the truth in love, two are better than one | Leave a comment