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.

Becoming Like the One You Worship

Posted on June 19, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Few in the western world worship such idols. We are more sophisticated (or so we think). I believe it was Calvin that called our hearts an “idol making factory”—on that point I would firmly agree. The gods we dream up—greed, materialism, hedonism and the like—have neither eyes nor ears. They are just as lifeless—and bring us no more life than the more traditional idols. As we trust in them, we become more like them. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged greed, hedonism, idol making factory, idolatry, lifeless, materialism, sophistication, the heart, Worship, you become like the one you worship | Leave a comment

Surprise!

Posted on June 18, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God answers prayer. Pray fervently and expectantly. And don’t be too surprised when the answer you are seeking comes knocking at the door. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged amazing answers to prayer, answer comes knocking at the door, books of Acts, desperation, earnest praying, expectations, Peter knocking at the door, prayer, Rhoda the servant girl, surprised by the answer to our prayers, they were amazed | Leave a comment

The God Who Answers

Posted on June 17, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

How good it is to know that there is a God we can always turn to, one who always listens. He is able to save us no matter where we find ourselves. It is time to stop wavering between false gods and the living God. It is time to devote ourselves wholeheartedly to the one who loves us and hears and answers our prayers Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Elijah, Elijah takes on the prophets of Baal, faith, God answered by fire, idols, no answer, no one paid attention, no response, prayer of Elijah, The God Who Answers, the living God | Leave a comment

Always Enough

Posted on June 16, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Elijah encouraged the woman that if she would take this step of faith, God would provide. In obedience to God, she took the step of faith. And of course, God supplied. He continued to supply again and again each day. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged bible, Elijah, faith, God, Jesus | Leave a comment

Unity Brings Blessing

Posted on June 15, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Do you long for more of the blessing of God? Do you long for more of his presence and power? It flows when his people come together in unity, laying aside their personal prejudices and agendas to love each other deeply from the heart. That expression of love then overflows to a world that stands in need of the Father’s heart. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged accept each other, anointing oil, blessing of God, church unity, diversity of the body of Christ, learn from one another, love one another, Psalm 133, unity | Leave a comment

The Encourager

Posted on June 14, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We all need encouragers: people who will believe in us, people who will stand by us, people who will stand up for us, people who will plead our case. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Barnabas, Encourage one another daily, encouragement, gift of encouragement, Paul and Barnabas | Leave a comment

There’s Always Hope!

Posted on June 13, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

One real encounter with Jesus can alter a person’s destiny. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Apostle Paul, Apostle to the gentiles, chosen instrument, damascus, encounter with Jesus, second chances, there's always hope | Leave a comment

Expect the Unexpected

Posted on June 12, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

You never know what opportunities lay ahead when the Spirit leads you. Learn to know his voice through walking intimately with him. Take the time to be quiet and listen. Solitude and silence are two disciplines that are often neglected in our busy and noisy lives. Then led by the Spirit, expect the unexpected. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Acts, Ethiopian, expect the unexpected, God's direction, God's leading, Hearing God, intimacy with God, Isaiah, led by the Spirit, open doors, solitude and silence, unexpected opportunties | 2 Comments

Scattered on Purpose

Posted on June 11, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

June 11 Scattered On Purpose Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 131:1-3;1 Kings 8:1-66;Acts 7:51-8:13;Proverbs 17:1-33 Today’s Scripture Focus: Acts 7:51-8:13 “On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged change of location, finding meaning in tough times, moving, Moving On, persecution, power in weakness, suffering, tough times | Leave a comment

Waiting and Watching

Posted on June 10, 2026 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Intercessors serve as watchmen. They often spend late nights and early morning hours waiting on God–watching for him to work. Alert to the dangers; alert to the enemies movements, the watchman is focused especially on the coming dawn when God’s light breaks forth—the long awaited answers that result from watching and waiting. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged intercessors, keep watch, prayer, watching and wating, watchmen | Leave a comment