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.

Make Your Home in Me

Posted on May 25, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Abide in his presence through prayer, abide in his word through obedience and you will find intimacy with God and the joy of his presence. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged abide, make your home in me, obedience, presence of God, remain in me | Leave a comment

David Danced

Posted on May 24, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Worship is a time for celebration. It is a time for us to break out the instruments and sing with all our might. It is not a time for half-hearted singing or mumbling words. It is a time for us to enter in with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged celebration, don't judge how others worship, focus on God, glory of God, reverent awe, Worship | Leave a comment

The Humble King

Posted on May 23, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Jesus would demonstrate his love for them and give them an unforgettable lesson in humility. The King, the Lord, the Teacher would wash the feet of his subjects, his servants, his students. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged foot washing, humility, Jesus washing the feet of his disciples, love, wash one another's feet | Leave a comment

Out of the Shadows

Posted on May 22, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Those servants who follow Christ whatever the cost may not receive the praise of men in this life, but they can be sure to be honored by God in the next. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged half hearted, Light of the World, whole hearted devotion | Leave a comment

Extravagant Worship

Posted on May 21, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Don’t miss the opportunity to worship Jesus: practically, joyfully and extravagantly. Focus on Jesus, not yourself, and find joy in his presence. He is worthy of our worship in its many forms and expressions. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged enjoy the presence of Jesus, extravagant worship, service, Worship | Leave a comment

Sometimes God Waits

Posted on May 20, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The testing of our faith as we wait on God causes our faith to be stretched and helps it to grow. Often he waits so that we will learn to trust Him in greater measure. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged because he loves us, God waits sometimes, greater glory, Jesus waits, Lazarus, when the time is right | Leave a comment

Mercy Triumphs

Posted on May 19, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

How often we would take things into our own hands instead of leaving them to the LORD. David exemplifies the biblical attitude: “mercy triumphs over judgment!” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged act of mercy, judgment, judgment without mercy, mercy, Saul and David | Leave a comment

The Good Shepherd

Posted on May 18, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

May 18 The Good Shepherd Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 70:1-5;1 Samuel 22:1-23:29;John 10:1-21;Proverbs 15:18-19 Today’s Scripture Focus: John 10:1-21 “The sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged good shepherd, he knows your name, Jesus cares, Jesus guides us, the voice of the good shepherd, trust the good shepherd | Leave a comment

Speculation or Expectation?

Posted on May 17, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When things go wrong in our lives, we wonder, “What did I do to deserve this?” But Jesus reminds us that the bigger question is, “God, how will you work in this situation so that the works of God will be displayed in this? Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Turning "Why" into "How?", works of God | 2 Comments

Disciples Find Freedom

Posted on May 16, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

What is a disciple? Elsewhere Jesus tells us that a disciple is a student who becomes like his or her teacher. His teaching here amplifies that by suggesting a disciple is one who becomes like Christ by the discipline of hearing and obeying his commands. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged disciple, discipline, freedom, hear and obey, Knowing God, spiritual disciplines | Leave a comment