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.

Eternal Encouragement

Posted on October 14, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Perhaps you need a fresh touch of God’s love and encouragement. Maybe you need God to give you a clearer sense of the good hope that is yours in Christ. Maybe you need his strengthening power in every good deed and word today. I pray that Paul’s blessing for the Thessalonians may be yours today Continue reading →

Beyond Good Intentions

Posted on October 13, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The “so that” of Paul’s prayer–the reason–is that he wants the name of Jesus to be glorified as we live in intimate fellowship with Him by his grace. Following through and living lives in a way that glorifies Jesus, especially when it difficult to do so–when life is hard–that’s real Christianity. That’s the kind of Christianity that offers hope to the world. It’s what we all need. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged every act prompted by your faith, every good purpose, follow through, glorified, grace, Holy Spirit, perseverance, prayer, Prayers of Paul, Thessalonians | Leave a comment

Always

Posted on October 12, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Pray continually. Always live “practicing the presence of God.” Our daily times set aside for prayer are necessary. They invite his presence into our lives and into the events of our days. But the “Amen” doesn’t have to be the end of the prayer. We can walk through the day with a sense of his presence wherever we go. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged be joyful always, continual prayer, give thanks in all circumstances, God's will for you, joy, pray without ceasing | Leave a comment

Clay in the Hands of the Potter

Posted on October 11, 2025 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 and potter metaphor, clay in the potters hands, God is the potter, suffering shapes us, trials mold us, vessel for Glory, we are the clay | Leave a comment

What a Blessing!

Posted on October 10, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The love God pours out into the lives of believers cannot be contained, it needs to spill out into the world as well. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged blameless and holy, Blessing, love for everyone else, love for fellow believers, love increase and overflow, love of God, Prayers of Paul, What a blessing | Leave a comment

Real Faith Means Hard Work

Posted on October 9, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Faith, hope and love are not theoretical virtues that we hold in our heart. They show themselves by working hard for the sake of the gospel—by our willingness to sacrifice all for the sake of our mission. We all have been gifted by God to be a part of the team. So let’s get to work. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged endurance in trials, endurance inspired by hope, faith, hard work, Hope, labor prompted by love, love, willing to sacrifice, work produced by faith | Leave a comment

Scarecrows in a Melon Patch

Posted on October 8, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

But what tears me up even more is the realization that we, who would not think to bow down to an idol, create “idols of the heart.” 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. Only God can bring security and meaning. He is the only rightful object of worship. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged idolatry, idols, idols of the heart, materialism, no ears, no eyes, no-one is like you Lord, scarecrows in a melon patch | Leave a comment

A New Wardrobe

Posted on October 7, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Jesus lives in us, and as we let the Word of Christ dwell richly in us, we should expect a new wardrobe—behaviors and attitudes that reflect the life of Christ within us. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged clothe yourself with Christ, let the word of God dwell richly, new wardrobe, Spiritual growth, spiritual maturity, who we are in Christ | Leave a comment

Let Them See Your Hand

Posted on October 6, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

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, expectancy, Hand of the Lord, Hope, intercession, let them see your hand, praying with faith | Leave a comment

Fully Mature in Christ

Posted on October 5, 2025 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 fruit of the Spirit, grace and faith, humility, maturity, overflowing with thankfulness, peace, rooted and built up in CHrist, Spiritual growth, spiritual maturity | Leave a comment