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.

Real Faith Means Hard Work (Oct 9)

Posted on October 9, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Paul thanks God continually for the Thessalonian church. They are a church that is evidencing the supreme Christian virtues of “faith, hope and love.” Interestingly, they evidence those virtues through their work, labor and endurance. Continue reading →

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Scarecrows in a Melon Patch (Oct 8)

Posted on October 8, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We, who would not think to bow down to an idol, create “idols of the heart.” We worship and serve many things. Paul shows us that even misplaced values like greed and materialism can become idols. So can entertainment, sports, music or a political cause. The list could include most anything that becomes our preoccupation. Only God can bring security and meaning. He is the only rightful object of worship. Continue reading →

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A New Wardrobe (Oct 7)

Posted on October 7, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Sometimes the old clothes just don’t fit anymore—but I don’t mean that the clothes are too small. Sometimes we need a new wardrobe because we change positions. The young lawyer fresh out of law school usually has a major wardrobe update, for example. He could get by with Jeans and T-shirts in school, but not in the courtroom. The old way of dressing just doesn’t suit him anymore in his new position. Continue reading →

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Let Them See Your Hand (Oct 6)

Posted on October 6, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

October 6 Let Them See Your Hand Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 109:16-31 | Jeremiah 6:15- 8:7 | Colossians 2:8-23 | Proverbs 24:26 Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalms 109:16-31 But you, O Sovereign Lord, deal well with me for your name’s  sake; … Continue reading →

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Fully Mature in Christ (Oct 5)

Posted on October 5, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Why is Paul struggling and working so hard to teach and preach and plant churches? This passage makes his motivation clear. He wants the believers to grow up in their faith and become fully mature in Christ. Continue reading →

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Spiritual Wisdom and Understanding

Posted on October 4, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

October 4 Spiritual Wisdom and Understanding Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 108:6-13 | Jeremiah 2:31-4:18 | Colossians 1:1-20 | Proverbs 24:21-22 Today’s Scripture Focus: Colossians 1 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying … Continue reading →

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Unexpected Peace (Oct 3)

Posted on October 3, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

October 3 Unexpected Peace  Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 108:1-5 | Jeremiah 1:1-2:30 | Philippians 4:1-23 | Proverbs 24:17-20 Today’s Scripture Focus: Philippians 4 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your … Continue reading →

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Knowing Christ (Oct 2)

Posted on October 2, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

October 2 Knowing Christ  Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 107:33-43 | Isaiah 66:1-24 | Philippians 3:4-21 | Proverbs 24:15-16 Today’s Scripture Focus: Philippians 3 “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in … Continue reading →

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Watchmen (Oct 1)

Posted on October 1, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

October 1 Watchmen Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 107:23-32 | Isaiah 62:6-65:25 | Philippians 2:19-3:4 | Proverbs 24:13-14 Today’s Scripture Focus: Isaiah 62-65 I’ve posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem. Day and night they keep at it, praying, calling out, reminding … Continue reading →

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Humility (Sept 30)

Posted on September 30, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Paul encourages the Philippians to imitate Christ’s example of humility. What an example it is! Continue reading →

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