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.

Words of Hope (Nov 5)

November 5 Words of Hope  Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 119:113-120 | Ezekiel 12:1-14:11 | Hebrews 7:1-17 | Proverbs 27:3 Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 119:113-120 “You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word” (Psalm 119:114 NIV). … Continue reading

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Sanctuary (Nov 4)

Even in our “prodigal times,” our times where we try to distance ourselves from the Lord, he is there. He remains our sanctuary. He continues to offer the hope of a new heart and a fresh start. Continue reading

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Growing Up or Growing Old?

I’ve heard it said that “Some people grow up in the Lord, others just grow old in the Lord. ”Unfortunately sometimes this is the case. There is a big difference between “growing up” and “just growing old” in the Lord. Growth and maturity require more than years of “pew time,” they require years of diligent learning, application and obedience. Continue reading

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Watch and Pray (Nov 2)

The watchman had an important and difficult job. Taking his place high upon the wall of the city where he could see, he would spend the night watching for impending danger. The protection of the city was in his hands. Continue reading

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Encouragement (Nov 1)

Do you know someone going through a tough time right now? Don’t neglect the ministry of encouragement. A card, a phone call, an email or a friendly conversation can have a major effect on a heart that is in a vulnerable place. Continue reading

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Drifting (Oct 31)

Drifting is subtle and it is dangerous. Spiritual drifting takes place through a series of small compromises. One small compromise leads to another, which leads to another, which leads to another. Usually the compromises seem innocent at first–we barely notice that they are making an impact on our spiritual life. But over time, the small compromises add up and we find ourselves in trouble. Continue reading

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Great is Thy Faithfulness (Oct 30)

Lament is one of the most healthy ways for us to deal with difficult circumstances. In the lament, we openly and honestly pour out our heart to God. We tell him what we are going through ad how we feel about it. We get it all “out of the table.” Continue reading

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Tears (Oct 29)

Jeremiah is sometimes called “the Weeping Prophet.” His Lamentations are a prime example. But Jeremiah had reason to weep. He had been given a ministry of calling Judah to repentance, and they refused to listen. They continued on in their idolatrous ways without thought of God. Anyone who has been in ministry knows the frustration of people who don’t hear the message that to us seems so urgent. There are times when all you can do is weep and pray that God will somehow get through to the hearts of his people. Continue reading

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Devoted to Good Works

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

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It’s Not Just for Breakfast Anymore (Oct 27)

October 27 It’s Not Just for Breakfast Anymore Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 119:41-48 | Jeremiah 51:1-53 | 2 Timothy 2:1-15 | Proverbs 26:17  Today’s Scripture Focus: Titus 2 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all … Continue reading

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