Author Archives: pastorjeffsneighborhood

Unknown's avatar

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, 2021 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 , | Leave a comment

It’s Not Just for Breakfast Anymore

Posted on October 27, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

“It’s not just for breakfast anymore.” It was their way of telling us that orange juice, usually a drink to begin the day, was also a good choice for the rest of the day. There’s a sense in which I’d like to use that slogan to describe grace. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Looking for Leaders

Posted on October 26, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

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 , , , | Leave a comment

Itchy Ears

Posted on October 25, 2021 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 , , , , | Leave a comment

Don’t Forget the “So That”

Posted on October 24, 2021 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 , , , , , | Leave a comment

Purity

Posted on October 23, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

But God has given us his word to guide us along the path. As we live according to its principles our way is kept pure. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Replacing Fear with Boldness

Posted on October 22, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Fear keeps many of us from accomplishing the great things God has for us. We feel intimidated by others–sometimes even pushed around and controlled. We back off from doing what we know we should do. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Money Matters

Posted on October 21, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

October 21 Money Matters Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 118:22-29 | Jeremiah 37:1-38:28 | 1 Timothy 6:1-21 | Proverbs 25:28 Today’s Scripture Focus: 1 Timothy 6 “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world and … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a comment

My Strength and My Song

Posted on October 20, 2021 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 , , | Leave a comment

Set an Example

Posted on October 19, 2021 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 , , , , , , , | Leave a comment