Author Archives: pastorjeffsneighborhood

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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.

Looking Forward, Looking Back

Posted on April 11, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The Jordan river was an opportunity for the people to look ahead to God’s continued blessing on their journey as they followed their new leader: Joshua. It was a major reassurance to Joshua that indeed the LORD was with him and was giving him the land.

The Jordan River was also an opportunity for looking back, for remembering what God had done. Continue reading →

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Be Strong and Courageous

Posted on April 10, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Joshua was faced with an amazing challenge. He was to follow in the footsteps of Moses and lead the people of Israel into the Promised Land. Not an easy task on either count: Moses was a great leader and the people of Israel were notorious for being difficult to lead. Continue reading →

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Resting Between His Shoulders

Posted on April 9, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

He places us between his shoulders, carrying us as a child. Resting between his shoulders, we are safe, secure and deeply loved. What a beautiful picture of the kind of love our Heavenly Father has for each of us. Continue reading →

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Accountable

Posted on April 8, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Make the most of this life. Make the most of the gifts God gives. Be a wise and faithful steward of what God gives you. There are blessings that await those who prove themselves to be wise and faithful in this life. Continue reading →

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Where is Your Treasure?

Posted on April 7, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Hold possessions lightly—don’t grasp on to them. Be quick to give when you see a need. Invest in people and causes that extend the kingdom and enjoy a storehouse of riches in the life to come. This is the way to live this life abundantly—and prepare for the life to come. Continue reading →

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Religious Games

Posted on April 6, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Open your heart to Jesus. No holding back. No religious games. Authenticity is the road to life lived to the full. Continue reading →

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Reckless Words, Healing Words

Posted on April 6, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Reckless words come easily: When we’re tired; when we’re stressed; when we are caught off guard by the comments of another. As easy as they are to say, they are very difficult to take back.  Continue reading →

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One Thing is Necessary

Posted on April 4, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Only one thing is necessary, according to Jesus. What is that one thing? It is time spent in the presence of Jesus.  It is enjoying fellowship with him through time in his word and in prayer. There is plenty of time for the other stuff—first things first. Continue reading →

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Who is My Neighbor?

Posted on April 3, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

He calls us to love to those we find it most difficult to love—those easiest for us to stereotype—those easiest for us to despise.  Continue reading →

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Become the Answer to Your Prayers

Posted on April 2, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Jesus calls us to follow him and to join him in his mission to go and proclaim the kingdom of God.  What is your response? Continue reading →

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