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.

Spiritual Wisdom and Understanding

Posted on October 4, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Life is filled with difficulties and decisions that require God’s wisdom and strength. This prayer leads us to trust in the one who can give us all that we need to get us through each and every day. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Colossians 1:9, endurance, knowledge of God's will, patience, Paul, power of the Spirit, Pray for Colossae, prayer, Prayers of Paul, spiritual fruit, Spiritual Wisdom, understanding | Leave a comment

Unexpected Peace

Posted on October 3, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We all have times when we are tempted to worry. Yet, worry is counterproductive. It consumes our attention; it saps our energy and creativity; it takes away our peace, our hope, our joy. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged anxiety, peace, peace that guards our hearts and minds, peace that transcends understanding, Philippians 4:6-7, pour out your concerns to God, prayer, prayer and petition, thanksgiving, worry | Leave a comment

Knowing Christ

Posted on October 2, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Eternal life is found in a relationship with Christ that is entered into by faith in what Christ did for us on the Cross. The issue is not what we bring to the table, but what Jesus brings through the cross. Even Paul, who had considered himself faultless, saw his need for the righteousness that is by faith. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged abundant life, Apostle Paul, Eternal Life, fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, I want to know Christ, Jesus the savior, Knowing Christ, power of his resurrection | Leave a comment

Watchman

Posted on October 1, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Perhaps God is calling and shaping you to be one who “watches and prays.” Be faithful with the prayer burdens he gives and be encouraged as he uses you in praying for his will to be done “on earth as it is in heaven.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged intercession, on earth as it is in heaven, prayer, praying vision into reality, protection, vision and promises, watch, watch and pray, watchmen | Leave a comment

Humility

Posted on September 30, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We see his humility throughout his life and ministry. He lives his life loving and serving others, “taking the very nature of a servant.” He takes the time to listen, to care, to bless, to help others. He lived his life, not looking to his own interests, but looking to the interests of others. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged be like minded, humble birth, humble death, humble example, humble life, humility, Jesus Christ | Leave a comment

Learning to Pray from Paul

Posted on September 29, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We all need a daily overflowing dose of God’s love. We all need the wisdom and discernment to not only know what is good, but even what is best. We all need Christ’s fruit of righteousness manifest in our lives that we would bring him praise and glory. We all need God’s grace and the Holy Spirit’s empowering if we are going to be pure and blameless until the coming of Christ. It’s a great prayer. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged knowledge and depth of insight, learning to pray from paul, love abounding, New Testament prayers, Paul's prayers, Praise, righteousness | Leave a comment

Joy in the House of Prayer

Posted on September 28, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Expect joy in your personal times with God. Come expecting to be a part of a joyful experience when you gather to pray. It is God’s intent to bring joy to your prayer gathering. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged be biblical, be bold, breakthrough, build on each other's prayers, burden, intercession, is prayer boring?, joy in the house of prayer, joyful praying, prayer, prayer gathering, prayer meeting | Leave a comment

Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs

Posted on September 27, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

One good indicator of a life lived in the fullness of the Spirit is a joyful, singing heart. When the Holy Spirit is really in control, he fills you with joy and he fills your heart with singing. Life lived in the flesh doesn’t produce joyful songs, but life in the Spirit always does. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged be filled with the spirit and sing, faith, Holy Spirit, hymns, joy, joyful singing, making music in your heart, prayer, Psalms, Singing, spirit and truth, spirit-filled life, spiritual songs, Worship | Leave a comment

I Have Not Forgotten You

Posted on September 26, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God may seem to hide for a time, but he has not forsaken you. He has not forgotten you. You are his child and he cares for you with the same loving affection given by a mother to her young child. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged as a mother to her young child, compassion, feeling forsaken by God, Has God forgotten about you?, I will not forget you, presence of God, unanswered prayer | Leave a comment

Thank You for Your Support

Posted on September 25, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The healthy church is one where each member recognizes their role and where each part does its work. Imagine a body where only one arm was trying to do all the work. Little of value is accomplished. A healthy body requires a coordinated effort of all the parts. What is your part? Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged body built up, church as body of Christ, growing church, healthy church, knowledge of the Son of God, ministry, operating as it should, Spiritual gifts, supporting ligament | Leave a comment