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.

Itchy Ears

Posted on October 25, 2024 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 be sober-minded, be watchful, Bereans, false teachers, itchy ears, no compromise, preach the word, selective listening, standing strong, true to the Word | Leave a comment

Don’t Forget the “So That”

Posted on October 23, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The reason for the teaching and application and living out the truth, is so that we are fully equipped to do ministry — both ministering to one another and also reaching out to the world around us with his good news. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged application of scripture, application of truth, correction, equipped for every good work, inductive bible study, rebuke, so that, training in righteousness | Leave a comment

Purity

Posted on October 23, 2024 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. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged have to, hide the word in our hearts, impure world, meditating on scripture, obedience, purity, seek with all our hearts, want to | Leave a comment

Replacing Fear with Boldness

Posted on October 22, 2024 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 bold to share, boldness, courage, empowered by the Spirit, love, Paul, power, power of the Spirit, self-discipline, spirit of fear, Timothy, witness | Leave a comment

Money Matters

Posted on October 21, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Thanksgiving, contentment, generosity and willingness to share: these are attitudes that keep money a blessing rather than a stumbling block. Understanding that God is the source of every blessing puts all things in perspective. Our hope is not to be placed in money, possessions or things. Our hope is in God and God alone. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

My Strength and My Song

Posted on October 20, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

He is “my song.” For the Psalmist, the Lord’s intervention brought songs of joy and victory (15). God’s answer to his prayer—his intervention—caused Him to overflow with shouting and singing. He rejoices in the Lord, and the Lord is his reason for singing—the Lord has become “his song.” Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged song, strength, the Lord is my helper, the Lord is my song, The Lord is my strength, when life feels overwhelming | Leave a comment

Set an Example

Posted on October 19, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Set an example in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. You will be a shining light to your generation—and an encouragement to us all. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged faith, life, purity, set an example, speech, Spiritual gifts, Timothy and Paul | Leave a comment

The Praise of All Peoples

Posted on October 18, 2024 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. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged every nation, every tribe, God loves the world, great multitude, heaven, image of God, missions, new creation, no place for prejudice, Praise, praising God around the throne | Leave a comment

Devoted to Closeness

Posted on October 17, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God continues to look for those who walk close to him. He continues to draw near to those who are men and women “after His own heart.” Those who are devoted to closeness are those who walk closely to Him, who hear his voice and feel his heartbeat. They are the ones who can dream God’s dreams and see God’s vision. They are the ones who walk in the authority that flows from intimacy. It is a necessary quality for great leadership. Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged after God's own heart, devoted to closeness, devoted to prayer, devotion, intimacy with God, leadership | Leave a comment

How Could I Ever Repay the Lord for His Goodness?

Posted on October 16, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

So what can we do to repay him? We can “lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD.” In other words, we can continue to honor him as God, not only by rejoicing in his answer (his salvation), but also by continuing to cry out to him for further answers to prayer (call on his name). Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tagged goodness, grace, mercy, repay the Lord, thnksgiving | Leave a comment