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.

Devoted to Good Works

Posted on October 28, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Believers should be “devoted to good works.” Paul makes that point repeatedly in these verses (2:7, 14; 3:1, 8, 14). In particular he points out that they should devote themselves to good works that would help out those in urgent need (3:14). Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged devoted to good works, devotion, Good works | Leave a comment

It’s Not Just for Breakfast Anymore

Posted on October 27, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Grace also trains us to do what is right. “Grace teaches us . . . to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age” (12). Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged amazing grace, grace, grace for all of life, saved by grace | Leave a comment

Looking for Leaders

Posted on October 26, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Good leadership is crucial to any organization. Good, spiritual leadership is essential to a healthy church. Paul’s instruction to Titus is a reminder of this. He reminds him of the kinds of qualities to look for in choosing leaders. So what qualities are important in choosing leaders in the church? Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged choosing leaders, leaders, qualities of leadership | Leave a comment

Itchy Ears

Posted on October 25, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

There is an epidemic of itchy ears today. This should be no surprise, as Paul warned us that this would be the case. Those with itchy ears listen to only what they want to hear. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged hear and obey, itchy ears, people pleasing, selective hearing | Leave a comment

Don’t Forget the “So That”

Posted on October 24, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Why did God give us the Bible? Why should we be diligent students of it? The phrase “so that” points us to the reason: “So that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged application of truth, God's Word, so that, the bible, the reason for bible study, why study the bible | Leave a comment

Purity

Posted on October 24, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

October 23 Purity Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 119:9-16 | Jeremiah 42:1-44:23 | 2 Timothy 2:1-21 | Proverbs 26:3-5 Today’s Scripture Focus: 2 Timothy 1:1-18 “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word” (Psalm … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Replacing Fear with Boldness

Posted on October 22, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Fear keeps many of us from accomplishing the great things God has for us. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Uncategorized | Tagged bold witness, boldness, fear, Timothy | Leave a comment

Money Matters

Posted on October 21, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Money can be a major stumbling block or a major blessing. The scripture has much to say about how we handle it. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged attitude toward money, Blessing, greed, materialism, money, rich, stewardship | Leave a comment

My Strength and My Song

Posted on October 20, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The Psalmist describes his situation: he feels overwhelmed, surrounded, pushed back and about to fall. Have you ever been there? Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged about to fall, feeling overwhelmed, my song, my strength, Psalmist, The Lord is with you | Leave a comment

Set an Example

Posted on October 19, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Paul had mentored young Timothy and sent him out on a mission to Ephesus to stand up to some false teachers. There is some indication that he was timid by nature, so this may not have been an easy job for him. Nonetheless, he was Paul’s choice for the job. He tells him not to be intimidated by others, but instead to set an example for them. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged faith, life, love, purity, set an example, speech, Spiritual gifts, Timothy and Paul, young people | Leave a comment