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.

Tears (Oct 29)

Posted on October 29, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

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 →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged Jeremiah, lament, questions, tears | Leave a comment

Devoted to Good Works

Posted on October 28, 2020 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 fruit of salvation, Good works, obedience, salvation | Leave a comment

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

Posted on October 27, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged grace, not just for breakfast anymore, sanctifying grace, saving grace, titus 2 | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged character, God can use you too, leadership qualities | Leave a comment

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 →

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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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