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.

King of Kings

Posted on December 28, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Since the fall of man in the garden, all of creation has been waiting in anxious anticipation of this day. The suffering and pain brought on by sin is not forgotten by God. It will be vindicated as Jesus comes in his glory. Those who have endured persecution look to this day of victory. Indeed, all of creation waits for his coming: the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged All creation groaning for this, Hallelujah, King of Kings, Revelation, second coming of Christ | 1 Comment

The Good Shepherd

Posted on December 27, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The image of a shepherd leading his sheep is a familiar theme in Scripture. Good leadership requires many of the same qualities as good shepherding—leading and caring for sheep. Here the shepherds of God’s people are being chastised for not leading the people as they should. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged cares for the sheep, good leadership, good shepherd, John 10, lays his life down for the sheep, leaders sometimes fail, Psalm 23, Zechariah | Leave a comment

Rejoice Greatly!

Posted on December 26, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

In Jesus, the prophecies find fulfillment. He is the Messiah, gentle and riding on a donkey. Years before it comes to pass, Zechariah envisioned the gentle King and rejoiced. Indeed, the celebration of Christ’s coming to earth is a reason for all of us to rejoice. So rejoice, O daughter of Zion! Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged daughter of Zion, gentle and riding on a donkey, Handel's Messiah, Messiah, prophetic scripture, Rejoice Greatly, Zechariah | Leave a comment

Emmanuel: God with Us

Posted on December 25, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

To the one who receives Him, he gives the greatest gift of all, Eternal life. Joy to the world! Merry Christmas! Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Christmas story, Emmanuel, God has come near, God with us, Gospels, Jesus, Matthew, merry Christmas, Messiah, Nativity | Leave a comment

Generous Hearts

Posted on December 24, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Whether fasting or feasting, we dare not forget those less fortunate. We are the hands and feet that respond to God’s compassionate heart for the poor and needy. “Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another, do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other.” God cares for the needy and our hearts should be a reflection of his; an important reminder in this time of feasting. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged caring for the poor, Christmas season, do not oppress the alien or the poor, do not oppress the widow or fatherless, fasting, feasting, generosity, giving, mercy and compassion, true justice | Leave a comment

Not by Might

Posted on December 23, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God had chosen Joshua and Zerubabbel to complete the task of building the temple. The key to their success in accomplishing their God-given task was not their human wisdom or strength. They key to their success was the empowering of the Holy Spirit. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged anointed ministry, bible, by my Spirit, christianity, empowered by the Holy Spirit, faith, God, God-sized mission, Jesus, Joshua and Zerubabbel, Not by might, not by power, overwhelemed, spirit empowered leadership | Leave a comment

Sing His Praise

Posted on December 22, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Praise can transform your life. It takes our eyes off of ourselves and our problems and turns them to see the greatness and glory of our God. As we see his glory, our perspective changes. Praise shakes off the gloom and brings deep joy. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged expectancy, faith, Hope, joy, lifestyle of praise, one generation commends your works to another, pass it on, Praise, praise and prayer, praise brings joy, praise shakes off the gloom, prayer, sing his praise, Worship | Leave a comment

The Accuser

Posted on December 21, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Don’t allow the accuser to keep you in defeat. Live in the victory that is ours in Christ Jesus. The accuser may try to remind you of your past, but pay no attention–you know his future. He’s only desperate because his time is short. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged accuser, deception, destroys, his time is short, kills, liar, Satan, steals, the enemy | Leave a comment

Missing Out on the Blessing

Posted on December 20, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The people procrastinated their obedience. They told the Lord, “Yes we will build the temple someday, but not yet.” They became more concerned with their own personal pleasure and building their own houses, while they neglected their call to rebuild the temple. Delaying their obedience, they lost out on the blessing of God. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged bible, bible study, Blessing, God, Haggai, Jesus, Missing out on the Blessing, paneled houses, procrastinated obedience, procrastinating, sidetracked | Leave a comment

Making God Sing

Posted on December 19, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Zephaniah reminds us that those who are faithful to seek the Lord humbly are a source of great delight to the Lord. He takes great delight in them, he quiets them with his love and (my favorite part) he rejoices of over them with singing. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged delight, faithful remnant, God singing, quiet you with his love, rejoice, rejoice over you with singing, Singing, Zephaniah | Leave a comment