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.

I Have Not Forgotten You

Posted on September 26, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Have you ever wondered if God had forgotten about you? Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged abandoned, forgotten, Has God abandoned me, Is God hearing my prayers, is God hiding? | Leave a comment

Thank You for Your Support!

Posted on September 25, 2023 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 caring for each other, church, supporting ligaments, supporting one another, whole measure of the fullness of CHrist, works of service | Leave a comment

He is Doing a New Thing

Posted on September 24, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Your situation is never hopeless with God. He is the God of new things.When there seems to be no hope, he opens a new opportunity. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged God is doing a new thing, new thing, rivers in the desert, water in the wildnerness, way in the wilderness | Leave a comment

He Holds Your Hand

Posted on September 23, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

He knows your name. He holds your hand. He will lead you through the deep water; and protect you from the fiery trials. Hold on to his hand. He won’t let go. Isn’t it good to know we are not alone? Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged care, deep water, fear not, fiery trials, Heavenly Father holds your hand, protection | Leave a comment

Soaring on Eagle’s Wings

Posted on September 22, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

As we wait in hope—seeking him expectantly—he renews our strength. God gives us the ability to walk when we grow tired—the ability to run when all our strength is gone. He even gives us the ability to soar against all the gusts of wind—the circumstances of life that seem to make it impossible to keep moving forward. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged eagle's wings, run and not grow weary, soar on wings of eagles, walk and not faint | Leave a comment

Where to Turn

Posted on September 21, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

In this classic confrontation between the Word of the Lord and the words of the accuser, what would Hezekiah do? He took the letter from the messenger and spread it out before the LORD Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged doubting the promise, take it to God, threatening circumsances, Where to turn, words of the accuser | Leave a comment

True Freedom

Posted on September 20, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The path to liberty has two equally dangerous ditches that run along either side: legalism (where one fails to find the freedom or allow others to walk in freedom) and license (where one abuses the freedom). Paul has no time for either. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged dynamic, freedom, fruit of the Spirit, legalism, serve one another in love, sinful nature, spirit filled living | Leave a comment

Who is Waiting?

Posted on September 19, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We do a lot of waiting. God does too. There can be many reasons for the waiting, but this passage reminds us that sometimes the reason we are waiting is because God is waiting for us. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged answered prayer, God is waiting, grace, waiting, waiting on God | Leave a comment

Christ Formed in You

Posted on September 18, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

While some might try to steal our joy and place us in bondage, Christ has come to set us free. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Christ formed in you, Christ in you, Christian formation, legalism, liberty, likeness of Jesus, spiritual formation | Leave a comment

Practicing His Presence

Posted on September 17, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Amen doesn’t have to be the end of our prayer time. It can be only the beginning. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged I will keep the Lord before me, practicing his presence, prayer, seek the Lord | Leave a comment