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.

Looking for Leaders (Oct 26)

Posted on October 26, 2020 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 →

Itchy Ears (Oct 25)

Posted on October 25, 2020 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. If the preacher steps on their toes, they move on to another place that won’t be so uncomfortable. More than that, they look for and accumulate false teachers that tell them what they want to hear. They turn away from the truth and turn aside to myths–they are easily deceived, especially when it “suits their own desires.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged bold preaching, discernment, itchy ears, selective hearing | Leave a comment

Don’t Forget the “So That” (Oct 24)

Posted on October 24, 2020 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, discipleship, obedience, scripture, so that, Word of God | Leave a comment

Purity (Oct 23)

Posted on October 23, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The Psalmist also speaks of the value of meditating on the word. “I have hidden your word in my heart.” (11). He verbally recounts the word with his lips (13). “He meditates on the Lord’s precepts and considers his ways” (15). As we repeat the word verbally, meditating on it, and memorizing it, we are helped greatly in our efforts to live pure lives. We not only are clear about the will of the Lord, but we also have the ammunition we need to fight temptation hidden in our hearts. We are formed by its truth. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged hide the word in our hearts, live the truth, memorize the word, purity | Leave a comment

Replacing Fear with Boldness (Oct 22)

Posted on October 22, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

October 22 Replacing Fear with Boldness Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 119:1-8 | Jeremiah 39:1- 41:18 | 2 Timothy 1:1-18 | Proverbs 26:1-2 Today’s Scripture Focus: 2 Timothy 1:1-18 “Fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged boldness, fear | Leave a comment

My Strength and My Song (Oct 20)

Posted on October 20, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

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

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A Good Example (Oct 19)

Posted on October 19, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

“Set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged be an example, good example, people of integrity | Leave a comment

The Praise of All Peoples (Oct 18)

Posted on October 18, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

All the cultures of the world with their own languages, music, arts and craftsmanship have a unique beauty. Each in a unique way shows us a glimpse of what it means to be created in “His image.” All the races, languages and cultures reflect the wisdom and glory of their creator. He finds beauty in each one and looks to the day when people from all nations will gather around his throne in heaven and all that beauty will come together to create a glorious symphony of praise: Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged all peoples, all races, image of God, no room for prejudice, worship around the throne | Leave a comment

Devoted to Closeness (Oct 17)

Posted on October 17, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

What is God looking for in his people? He is looking for people who are devoted to be close to Him. What is God looking for, especially in leaders? He is looking for leaders who are devoted to be close to Him. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged devoted to closeness, intimacy with God, Jeremiah, leadership | Leave a comment