Devotional Blog

Autumn Blessings

9/24/2020

As a person that loves warmer temperatures, the bright sun, and all the grandeur of summer, I tend to hold on tenaciously to summer. But there’s a time when the brisk cool breeze, smell of wood burning in the fireplace, and colors of the autumn leaves, invariably win me over. I have a cup of hot cider or pumpkin spiced latte, sit back and think to myself, autumn is here, it’s time to enjoy the beauty of the season before the colors fade to winter. I enjoy the fall festivals and the roadside crafts, and my favorite, a relaxing drive down a country road that winds through fields with famers harvesting crops and forests with trees bundled in fall colors.
It reminds me that each season of the year has its special beauty and its own unique blessings. It also reminds me that each season of life has its special blessings to be enjoyed. More often than not we tend to look to the past or press to the future and forget to simply be present in the moment and enjoy God’s many blessings. I invite you to lean into the moment and enjoy the beauty of creation, the warmth of family, and the blessings of hearth and home. Make every day a special day and give thanks to God for His manifold blessings. God is good. All the time.

(scripture of the week)
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to reap,
a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to break down and a time to build up,
a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to gain and a time to lose, a time to keep and a time to cast away,
a time to rend and a time to sew, a time to keep silence and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
What do workers gain from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-11)

(prayer of the week)
Lord, help us to embrace each season of life and live each day to the fullest. Help us to thank you for the blessings and to lean into your strength for the battles. Thank you for the gift of life itself, and help us to live each day as a gift given to others and to you, in your name, Amen.

Blessings in Christ–Pastor TJ

God's grace, unsought and unearned, blows through my life,
and all I need to do is raise my sails
to catch the full wind- Catharine of Siena

Listen to recent sermons by Dr. TJ Jenney at YouTube &
http://inspiresundaymessages.blogspot.com/
Check the latest leadership blog by Dr. TJ http://www.drtj.us

Reach for the Stars

9/17/2020

Reach for the stars and keep your feet on the ground -- it is a great adage and a great goal to start off a new fall season. Paul challenges us to be rooted and established in Christ's love and that relationship will help us grow strong and become fruitful in all we do. We can keep growing in the love of Christ through all of life, and have confidence that our relationship to God gives us a firm foundation to use our gifts and talents to pursue great dreams that serve others and honor God. Reach for the stars and keep your feet on the ground --and hold on to the hand of the Lord who loves you and will be with you always. Open your heart to God's awesome love...and trust God to take you places you never even dreamed of... then fasten your seat belt for all the thrills, adventure, and joy of a lifetime!

(Verse of the week)
I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. (Ephesians 3.17,18)

(Prayer of the week)
Gracious God, thank you for the gift of this day and the gift of life itself. Thank you for the gifts and talents you have given me. Help me to keep my life grounded in your love and help me reach for the stars and be all that I can be. In everything I do may others see your love and grace in me. Amen.

Open your heart to God’s amazing love!–Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
O God, my Father, don't let me die without having really lived and really loved --John Powell

Listen to recent sermons by Dr. TJ Jenney at YouTube &
http://inspiresundaymessages.blogspot.com/
Check the latest leadership blog by Dr. TJ http://www.drtj.us

Peace in the Storm

9/10/2020

We watched the interesting phenomena of the eye of a hurricane again with Hurricane Laura recently. One of the most interesting natural phenomena is the eye of the hurricane. In the middle of the most devastating storm, with deadly winds and pounding waves is the eye of the hurricane, which has blue skies and a peaceful breeze where birds often find shelter. God has promised that we too, can find a calm peace in the midst of the most turbulent storms of life, if our hearts and lives are centered on Christ. May God's Spirit fill you with a peace that transcends all understanding and refreshes your heart and life.

(Verse of the week)
Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14.27)

(Prayer of the week)
Almighty God of power and love, thank you for the gift of life and even the challenges of life. Fill me anew with your Spirit of peace and may I find quiet rest in you even in the midst of the challenges of life. May your peace so touch me that others will be touched by your presence and peace in me. Amen.

Open your heart to God’s amazing love!—Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
Be the change you want to see in the world-Ghandi

Listen to recent sermons by Dr. TJ Jenney at YouTube &
http://inspiresundaymessages.blogspot.com/
Check the latest leadership blog by Dr. TJ http://www.drtj.us

Word

9/3/2020

“For you have set my heart free”—what beautiful words! So often people think that God’s Word is a list of “don’t’s.” But God’s Word is a river of life! It is truth that sets our heart free, because it guides us to the One who loves us and has a plan and purpose for our lives. It is not the dry, dusty pathway of heartless rules, but a path of life and truth and fulfillment and love. It is the pathway of Christ. “I run in the paths of your commands, for you have set me heart free.” Let go of the chains of guilt and shame and failure and sorrow and be set free by the life and love of Christ. Discover God’s promises for your life. Trust God! God loves you!

(scripture of the week)
I have chosen the way of truth;
I have set my heart on your laws.
I hold fast to your statutes, O Lord;
Do not let me be put to shame.
I run in the paths of your commands,
For you have set my heart free. (Psalm 119.30-32)

(Prayer of the week)
Almighty and Loving God, thank you for your great love and the way you forgive us and give us new life. Strengthen and guide me with your Word. Open my heart and mind to trust in your plan and purpose for my life. Open my life to your power that touches and transforms life. Renew within me a fresh appreciation and confident hope in your love and plan and purpose for my life. Let your love burn within me that others may see you in all I do. Amen.

Blessings in Christ! –Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
I have a fundamental belief in the Bible as the Word of God, written by those who were inspired. I study the Bible daily—Sir Isaac Newton

Listen to recent sermons by Dr. TJ Jenney at YouTube &
http://inspiresundaymessages.blogspot.com/
Check the latest leadership blog by Dr. TJ http://www.drtj.us

Song

8/27/2020

Have you ever heard a familiar song that you loved and felt a new strength and vitality to face the day? The prophet Isaiah must have known what that was like. He writes, “The Lord is my strength and my song.” What magnificent words from the prophet. Isaiah had discovered that God gives us the strength to persevere through difficulties. As someone once said, it is not how able we are but how able God is. But it does not stop there . . . God’s love also gives us the song that gives us joy in the darkest night. Take a moment and re-discover and reconnect with God’s strength and God’s love. You don’t have to do it alone. God is there in strength and love. Discover new strength and a new song in your heart. Discover the strength and the song that God’s Spirit can give.

(Verse of the week)
The Lord, my Lord is my salvation
I will not be afraid
The Lord is my strength and my song
He has become my salvation -- Isaiah 12.2

(Prayer of the week)
Gracious God of love and mercy, thank you that in any storm there is stillness in your arms of love and hope surrounded by your power. Strengthen me to face the challenges of life. And may your love fill my life that I can be a beacon of hope in my life. In everything I do may others see your love and grace in me. Amen.

Have a blessed week—Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
It is not how much you do, but how much love we put in the doing. It is not how much we give, but how much love we put in the giving --Mother Teresa

Listen to recent sermons by Dr. TJ Jenney at YouTube &
http://inspiresundaymessages.blogspot.com/
Check the latest leadership blog by Dr. TJ http://www.drtj.us

Jewel

8/20/2020

You are a jewel! A treasure of incredible worth! God has created you a rare and beautiful gem, a treasure beyond belief. Most jewels are formed under intense pressure; and then require the experienced eye and skillful chisel of the jeweler to bring the beauty to full brilliance through careful, precise chiseling. Our faith and character are often formed and strengthened under intense pressure. And like the gems that a jeweler chisels, we too must experience the careful and loving chisel strikes of the Master Jeweler. Though sometimes painful, it will bring your true beauty and brilliance into the light of God's love and service. You are more than a diamond in the rough--take heart, you are a jewel in the master's hand.

(Verse of the week)
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1.6,7

(Prayer of the week)
Gracious and loving God, thank you that you care about me and love me. Give me strength to face the challenges of life, and fill me with faith to trust your plan and purpose in all things. Re-kindle the joy of life in my heart. And make me a light that others may see your love. Amen.

Have a great week! –Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
God made you as you are in order to use you as He planned --S. C. McAuley

Listen to recent sermons by Dr. TJ Jenney at YouTube &
http://inspiresundaymessages.blogspot.com/
Check the latest leadership blog by Dr. TJ http://www.drtj.us

Back to School

8/13/2020

Like most people, I can’t ever remember a back to school year quite like this one.
There are always concerns for which classes to take, what clubs or sports to be part of, along with concerns over peer pressure, cyberbullying and school violence, but add to that this year with a pandemic still looming, the choice of whether to return virtually or in-person and all the questions and concerns that brings into play. Every family needs to be able to decide what is best for them, but I think most of us can agree that it is a good time to pray for students, teachers, administrations, and let’s add parents to that list as well. Here is a great promise from scripture to hold near and dear:

(scripture of the week)
“do not fear, for I am with you,
do not be afraid, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my victorious right hand” (Isaiah 41:10)

(prayer for the week)
Lord, we lift up in prayer students, parents, teachers, administrators as they begin school whether in-person or online. We pray for your blessing and protection and the ability to learn amid all the other concerns. May your peace and love and strength and wisdom be with us all, amen.

Have a blessed week!—Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
There are good ships and wood ships,
Ships that sail the sea,
But the best ships are friendships,
And may they always be! Irish Proverb

Listen to recent sermons by Dr. TJ Jenney at YouTube &
http://inspiresundaymessages.blogspot.com/
Check the latest leadership blog by Dr. TJ http://www.drtj.us

Cast Your Cares

8/6/2020

When we are facing adversity there is nothing quite as comforting as a friend's encouraging words and caring heart. God's Word encourages us to give our cares to Christ in prayer because He cares for us even more than our closest friend. Whatever adversity or cares you are facing, take heart! Jesus cares for you, and has the power to see you through. Look to God for encouragement and strength.

(Verse of the week)
Cast all your cares on Him for He cares for you. (1 Peter 5.7)

(Prayer of the week)
Gracious God of power and love, thank you for the gift of life and the opportunity to love and serve. I give you the cares of my heart and open my heart to your power and love. Renew the joy of faith and life in my heart and may I touch others with your love and joy. Amen.

Have a great week! –Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
"Hope is the thing with feathers--That perches on the soul--And sings the tune without the words--And never stops--at all--" --Emily Dickinson

Listen to recent sermons by Dr. TJ Jenney at YouTube &
http://inspiresundaymessages.blogspot.com/
Check the latest leadership blog by Dr. TJ http://www.drtj.us

Up

7/30/2020

Have you ever been so busy with the day to day activities you forgot to look up? Then suddenly a cloud formation catches your eye or a bird lifts your gaze above the horizon and you feel lifted in spirit as you wonder at the beauty of the sunrise or sunset and all that is above you. Looking up can be such a blessing.
Sometimes we may subtly believe that God wants to hold us back or push us down. But the opposite is true. God wants to lift us up. God wants us to achieve great things. It is an empowering thought when we remind ourselves that God has a plan and purpose for our lives. God wants us to do great things that honor God and serve others. God knows the best way to use our gifts and talents --after all God created us. Trust God to open the future to you and use your strengths in wonderful ways. God has a hope and a future for you. Trust God to reveal His plan and purpose to you and take you places you never even dreamed of...

(Verse of the week)
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD (Jeremiah 29.11)

(Prayer of the week)
Gracious God, thank you for the gift of this day and the gift of life itself. Thank you for the gifts and talents you have given me. Please reveal to me the best plan and purpose for all of my life and give me the faith and courage to follow you. In everything I do may others see your love and grace in me. Amen.

Have a great week—Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
There can be no happiness if the things we believe in are different from the things we do --Freya Madeline Stark

Listen to recent sermons by Dr. TJ Jenney at YouTube &
http://inspiresundaymessages.blogspot.com/
Check the latest leadership blog by Dr. TJ http://www.drtj.us

Deep Calls to Deep

7/23/2020

Most of us have a deep inner longing for God. The trouble is we stay so busy in life that we are often not in touch with that yearning until we are forced into quiet solitude or loneliness or desperation by a crisis in life. Then we feel the void deep inside and the quiet tug of eternity on our heart. But we can also quiet ourselves from the busyness of the world, of deadlines and demands—and simply listen for the still small voice of God. Listen for a moment and feel the quiet whisper of God’s love in your heart; feel the steadfast strength of His grace encircling you.   Renew the hope in God’s love and grace and rekindle the song in your heart. Listen to these words from the psalmist:

(Verse of the week)
As the deer pants for streams of water,
       so my soul pants for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
       When can I go and meet with God?
My tears have been my food
       day and night,
     while men say to me all day long,
       “Where is your God?” . . .
Why are you downcast, O my soul?
       Why so disturbed within me?
     Put your hope in God,
       for I will yet praise him,
       my Savior and my God.
Deep calls to deep
       in the roar of your waterfalls;
     all your waves and breakers
       have swept over me.
By day the LORD directs his love,
       at night his song is with me--
       a prayer to the God of my life.
Why are you downcast, O my soul?
       Why so disturbed within me?
     Put your hope in God,
       for I will yet praise him,
            my Savior and my God. (Psalm 42.1-11 selections)

(Prayer of the week)
Lord, help me slow down from the busyness of life and quiet myself in your presence and love. Fill me with your strength and grant me grace to face life with hope and joy.   And strengthened by your love may I touch others with care and compassion. May others see your love and grace in all I do. May I be a blessing to others, through your power and to your glory. Amen.

Open your heart to God’s amazing love!-Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
It is not how long you live but how well you live –Ben Franklin

Listen to recent sermons by Dr. TJ Jenney at YouTube &
http://inspiresundaymessages.blogspot.com/
Check the latest leadership blog by Dr. TJ http://www.drtj.us