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.

Hear Me When I Call

Posted on June 29, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When we are confronted by opposition, we do well to follow the Psalmist in pouring out our hearts to God. We do well to pray for our response to that opposition—that God will strengthen our mouths, hearts, eyes and feet to follow his ways and not fall into the snares laid for us. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged enemies, evildoers, eyes fixed on the Lord, Guard my mouth, opposition, pouring out our hearts to God, Psalm 141, responding to opposition, strengthen my heart | Leave a comment

A Second Chance Squandered

Posted on June 28, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Learn the lesson of Jehoahaz: make the best of the opportunities God gives. When you fail, cry out to the God of second chances. Then don’t squander the opportunity that he gives—don’t miss out on the fullness of his blessing! Continue reading →

Posted in A. W. Tozer Quotes, Devotional Thoughts | Tagged don't squander second chances, fullness of blessing, God delights in giving second chances, Jehoahaz, new opportunities, second chances | 1 Comment

Under Attack

Posted on June 27, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Often times the deadliest weapons aimed against us are the words of others—words aimed to wound and destroy. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged careless words, deadly words, destroy, forgiveness, poison, sticks and stones may break my bones, verbal attacks, words will never hurt me, wound, wounded | 2 Comments

Search Me, O God

Posted on June 26, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Armin Gesswein often reminded us at the College of Prayer that, “what God wants is not morbid introspection, but Holy Spirit inspection.” As he searches our hearts, we can repent and be set free. God’s searchlight brings repentance and transformation and leads to freedom. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Armin Gesswein, College of Prayer, confession, Holy Spirit inspection, Morbid Introspection, repentance, search our hearts, set free | Leave a comment

Singing at Midnight

Posted on June 25, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When confronted with impossible circumstances, remember that prayer and praise can powerfully deliver and set us free. As you approach midnight, do not fear. Do not give up. Keep singing. Keep praying. Keep looking for the intervention of God. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged answer to prayer, jailbreak, Paul and Silas, Praise, prayer meeting, singing at midnight, unexpected circumstances | Leave a comment

Messy Growth

Posted on June 24, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

It is wonderful to see the growth in faith and growth in numbers. Yet with all the excitement of growth there inevitably comes struggle, conflict and problems. All these require creativity and flexibility. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Acts 16, church growth, Conflict, creativity, flexibility, growth, growth is messy, Paul, problems are a path to growth, wisdom | Leave a comment

I’ve Got a Better Idea

Posted on June 23, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When he stopped negotiating and started obeying, God answered and brought the miracle he desired. Often the answer to our prayers requires an act of obedience. The miracle we seek depends on following through on the revealed will of God. We suggest alternate scenarios. We try to set the conditions for obedience. We want the miracle—the answer—but we want to dictate the steps it takes to get there. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged 2 Kings 5, Elisha, leprosy, Naaman the leper, negotiating with God, steps of obedience, stop complaining, stop resisting, the answer, the miracle | 1 Comment

God’s Abundant Supply

Posted on June 22, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God sees your need. He is more than able to meet it. His ability to provide is unlimited. Walk in obedience to God’s leading step by step, expecting his provision. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Elisha, empty jars, God is our provider, God sees your need, God's abundant supply, watching and waiting | Leave a comment

Bumps in the Road

Posted on June 21, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

But the mixed reaction, the opposition, and even the persecution could not steal their joy. The gladness found in a relationship with Christ and bubbling up from within by the Holy Spirit can not be taken away by mere circumstances. They went on their way “brimming with joy and the Holy Spirit.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged ends of the earth, Gentiles, Jews, joy in the LORD, Paul's ministry, persecution | Leave a comment

Inquire of the LORD

Posted on June 20, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Seek the LORD and his counsel. When he speaks, listen, even if it is not what you want to hear. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged 1 Kings 22, Ahab, counsel of the Lord, Inquire of the LORD, Jehoshaphat, Micaiah the prophet, seek the Lord, The LORD's wisdom, when the truth hurts | Leave a comment