Devotional Blog

Don’t Run Out of Oil

8/13/2026

The ten bridesmaids in Matthew 25 teach us something uncomfortable but important. You can be close to the celebration and still not prepared for enduring challenges in faith. Five were ready when the bridegroom arrived. Five were not. Five had oil. Five did not. They ran out of oil.
And Jesus’ final instruction is simple: “Keep awake.”
The Christian life requires keeping our lamps lit, and faith burning bright, by constant refilling of the Spirit. All the bridesmaids got tired, but five had extra oil; five did not.
The five bridesmaids could not borrow more oil from the others, implying that we cannot borrow someone else’s faith. It must be our own. Not our parents. Not our pastor. We are responsible for renewing our oil of faith through worship, Bible reading, prayer, and meditation.
So, keep your lamp burning. Keep your faith alive. Keep loving. Keep serving. Keep praying. Keep expecting. Only then will we be ready. And the greatest joy will belong to those who are ready.

Don’t wait until the midnight cry to discover whether your lamp is burning.

Prayer
Gracious God, keep our lamps burning brightly. When the journey is long and the waiting is difficult, give us perseverance. When our faith becomes tired, renew us. Help us not merely to believe in Christ but to live faith lives of worship and prayer. Make us ready—not with fear, but with hope; not with anxiety, but with trust; not simply waiting for tomorrow, but faithfully serving you today, and prepared even to the great celebration. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Wishing you a great week!—Pastor TJ

Listen to recent sermons by Dr. TJ Jenney YouTube & YouTube
Podcast on Spotify: Inspire Messages
http://inspiresundaymessages.blogspot.com

The Hand That Reaches Through the Wind and Waves

8/6/2026

There are moments in life when we feel as though we are sinking.
We have tried to be strong. We have tried to keep going. We have tried to trust. But the waves keep coming. And sometimes our faith begins to fail. We feel like we are sinking in the waves. We may wonder whether we have disappointed Our Lord.
But Matthew shares something beautiful. When Peter began to sink, Jesus did not wait for Peter to become strong again or renew his faith. Jesus did not wait for Peter to stop being afraid. Jesus did not demand a perfect faith before offering help.
Jesus reached out His hand.
Perhaps today you are still in the boat, afraid to step out. Remember you cannot walk on water if you stay in the boat. Jesus is Lord of the wind and waves. So, take heart and have faith to take a new step of faith. Or perhaps you have stepped out in faith but are now overwhelmed or afraid. Perhaps you feel as if you are sinking under waves of fear, grief, uncertainty, or exhaustion.
The good news of the Gospel is this: Jesus is still there. He is Lord of the storm. He walks where we cannot walk. He sees us when we cannot see Him. He is still Lord of the wind and waves. He speaks peace when we are afraid.
And when we begin to sink, He is close enough to catch us.
So keep your eyes on Jesus.
And if you cannot keep your eyes on Him, cry out to Him.
Because even when our faith is weak, His hand is strong.
He will lift you up.

Prayer: Gracious and loving God, We thank You that You are with us in every storm of life. When the winds are against us and the waves are high, remind us that we are not alone. When fear causes us to lose perspective, help us to hear the voice of Jesus saying, “Take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid.” Give us the courage to step out in faith when You call us. Give us wisdom to know the next step. Give us strength when we are weary.
And when our faith begins to fail, when we begin to sink, help us to cry out, “Lord, save me.”
Thank You that Jesus does not abandon us in our weakness.
Thank You that His hand is always strong enough to reach us.
Help us to keep our eyes on Christ—not because the storms are always small, but because our Savior is always greater.
And when we come through the storm, may our lives become an offering of worship, declaring: “Truly, Jesus is the Son of God.”(Matthew 14)
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, we pray. Amen.

Wishing you a great week!—Pastor TJ

Listen to recent sermons by Dr. TJ Jenney YouTube & YouTube
Podcast on Spotify: Inspire Messages
http://inspiresundaymessages.blogspot.com

What Kind of Soil Is My Heart?

7/30/2026

In the parable of the Sower found in Matthew 13 and other places in the the Gospels, the farmer continues to scatter the seed, even as God continues to speak. The Word continues to be offered. The question is not whether God is still sowing. The question is whether we are ready to receive. Perhaps today your heart feels like hard soil. God can soften it. Perhaps your faith feels shallow. God can help you grow deeper. Perhaps your life is crowded with worries and distractions. God can help you clear the thorns. Perhaps you are already growing. Then continue to let God’s Word take deeper root. The seed is good. The Sower is faithful. The question is: What kind of soil will I offer God today? Are we the rocky path that is too hardened by anger or cynicism to even accept the seed? Perhaps we need to break up our hardened hearts. Are we the soil that has only a thin veneer of soil and receive God’s Word with joy only to become faint-hearted when challenge and difficulty come our way? Then we need to allow God’s Spirit to help us grow deeper roots that can withstand adversity and difficulty. Are we the ground that is full of weeds and thorns that accepts the seed of God’s Word only to have it choked out by worried and cares and misplaced priorities? Then we need to clear away the weeds and thorns that are choking out the grow of God’s Word in our lives. The good news is we can all be the good fertile soil that accepts God’s Word and allows for deep roots of growth, and pushes back that which would take the place of the proper priorities in our life. Only then will we grow and bear fruit that is a true blessing to God and others.

Prayer:
Lord, help my heart to receive your Word like good soil and through the nurture of prayer and the Holy Spirit help to grow and bear fruit that touches others’ lives. Amen

Quote
There is no heart that God cannot reach, there is no place God’s love cannot reach if we but open our hearts.

Wishing you a great week!—Pastor TJ

Listen to recent sermons by Dr. TJ Jenney YouTube & YouTube
Podcast on Spotify: Inspire Messages
http://inspiresundaymessages.blogspot.com

The One Who Is Missing

7/23/2026

It is easy to notice the crowd, the majority, and the people who seem to be doing well. But Jesus reminds us in the parable of the lost sheep that God sees the one who is missing. The shepherd does not say, “Ninety-nine is enough.” The Good Shepherd goes searching for the one who has wandered away.

That is the heart of God. No person is insignificant. No one is forgotten. No one is too far away to matter. No one is beyond the reach of God’s love. The shepherd searches because every sheep has value, everyone is loved. That is the heart of God.
Perhaps today you feel like the lost sheep—uncertain, unloved, distant, alone, and unsure of your way home. Or perhaps God is calling you to notice someone who has quietly drifted away. In either case, the message is the same: God’s love searches, God’s grace welcomes, and God’s joy celebrates when the lost are found. God is always cares for the lost, the lonely, the forgotten, the marginalized.

Memorable Quote: “To the Good Shepherd, the one who is missing is never just one; the one who is missing is the one who matters.”

Prayer: Loving God, thank you that your love does not overlook the one who is lost, wandering, alone, or forgotten. When we stray, seek us and lead us home. When others wander, give us compassionate hearts that notice their absence and reach out with love. Help us to remember that every person matters deeply to You. May we reflect the heart of the Good Shepherd by seeking, welcoming, and caring for those who feel far away. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wishing you a great week!—Pastor TJ

Listen to recent sermons by Dr. TJ Jenney YouTube & YouTube
Podcast on Spotify: Inspire Messages
http://inspiresundaymessages.blogspot.com

Jesus Sees Us

7/16/2026

In Mark 5 a woman who has struggled with a bleeding disorder seeks Jesus while he is on the way to a man’s home whose daughter had died. There was a crowd pressing against Jesus and he was in a hurry. But this woman believed that if she just touched the hem of Jesus’ garment, she would be healed and made whole. The woman may have felt invisible after years of suffering. She does not ask Jesus for attention or even time. She simply believes that even touching the edge of his garment could make a difference. Jesus responds not merely to her touch but stops to acknowledge her and commend her faith: “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well. Go in peace!”
Jesus sees us when we feel invisible and unnoticed. Jesus sees us when we feel no one cares. But like this woman, we simply need to reach out in faith. Notice that Jesus calls her, daughter, a term of affection that welcomes her into God’s family of faith. Jesus commends her faith in front of everyone. And Jesus tells her go in peace, words of restoration, comfort, and assurance.
Whatever you are facing today, you do not have to have perfect words or perfect faith. Reach out to Christ. Even a trembling faith can reach a faithful Savior.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, in our moments of fear, pain, and uncertainty, help us reach out to you. When our faith feels weak, remind us that you are strong. Help us trust your presence and believe that no one who comes to you is invisible or forgotten. Amen.

Wishing you a great week!—Pastor TJ

Listen to recent sermons by Dr. TJ Jenney YouTube & YouTube
Podcast on Spotify: Inspire Messages
http://inspiresundaymessages.blogspot.com

Roots

7/9/2026

No matter where we find our self in life, we often face new adventures and challenges. The challenges we face are opportunities to grow. Paul encourages us to grow spiritually as well as personally. As trees reach their branches toward the sky and bear fruit, it is important that their roots sink deep in the ground and stay connected to the source of life. We also need to stay rooted and grounded in the love of Christ, as we continue to learn and grow. Stay rooted and grounded and Christ, and discover new dimensions of God’s love and plan for your life. Only then will you bear fruit that will last.

(verse of the week)
And I pray that you, being rooted and grounded 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 Lord, help me to stay grounded in you. Help me to have deep roots that draw on your love and strength that I may bear fruit that will last, in the name of the Lord of Love, Christ Jesus, amen.

Blessings in Christ—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 YouTube & YouTube
Podcast on Spotify: Inspire Messages
http://inspiresundaymessages.blogspot.com

Happy 250th Anniversary

7/2/2026

Two hundred and fifty years ago, a new nation was born. Today we stand on the shoulders of countless men and women who sacrificed, worked, prayed, and hoped for a better future. Yet the most important legacy we leave is not found in monuments, institutions, or accomplishments. Rather, it is found in hearts devoted to God, and lives marked by loving and serving God and neighbor. As we celebrate the blessings of our nation, may we also renew our commitment to love God, serve our neighbors, and live faithfully in our generation. The future is not built merely by laws and leaders, but by ordinary people who walk humbly with God every day. As we commemorate 250 years of our nation’s journey, may we recommit ourselves to the highest ideals we cherish, and purposes that outlive us. Let future generations know not only the story of America, but the story of a faithful God who guides, sustains, and redeems.

(verse of the week)
He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8

Prayer
Eternal God, we give thanks for your faithfulness throughout the history of our nation. We acknowledge that every good gift comes from your hand. We give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy, the opportunities we have received, and the countless blessings poured out over generations. Forgive us when we have forgotten your ways or trusted in our own strength. And may we be willing to remember the hard lessons learned from our shortcomings. Grant us humble hearts that seek your wisdom and follow your ways. Bless our leaders with wisdom and discernment, our communities with peace, and our churches with renewed spiritual vitality. Help us to be salt and light in a world that needs your truth and love. Amen.

Listen to recent sermons by Dr. TJ Jenney YouTube & YouTube
Podcast on Spotify: Inspire Messages
http://inspiresundaymessages.blogspot.com

Faithful with What We’ve Been Given

6/25/2026

In Jesus’ parable of the talents in Matthew 25, a master entrusts resources to his servants before leaving on a journey. Two servants invest what they were given and see it grow. The other, driven by fear, hides what was entrusted to him and returns it unchanged.

This parable is not simply about money—it is about stewardship-using our time, treasure, and talents. God has placed gifts, opportunities, relationships, influence, time, faith, and purpose into our hands. The question is not whether we have been given much or little; the question is what we do with what we have been given. Fear whispers, “Play it safe! Don’t risk failure!” But faith says, “Use what God has given and trust God for the results.” The faithful servants were not praised because they produced identical outcomes—they were commended because they were faithful with their gifts and opportunity.

Today, consider: what time, treasure, and talents have been given to me by God? Then ask yourself where have I been holding back? What step of faith might I take? What life might I bless? What kindness could I share? God doesn’t ask for perfection. God asks for faithfulness.

Memorable Quote
God does not measure faithfulness by how much we have, but by how we use what gifts God has placed in our hands.

Prayer
Lord, thank you for entrusting me with gifts, opportunities, and purpose. You have blessed me with time, treasure, and talent. Forgive me for the times fear has kept me from acting in faith or sharing with others. Help me to use faithfully what you have given with generosity, courage, and wisdom. May my life bring blessing to others and glory to you. Amen.

Wishing you a great week!—Pastor TJ

Listen to recent sermons by Dr. TJ Jenney YouTube & YouTube
Podcast on Spotify: Inspire Messages
http://inspiresundaymessages.blogspot.com

The Invitation

5/21/2026

To Matthew, the despised tax collector, colluder, and compromised, Jesus walked into his place of business and said simply, “Follow me!” Matthew left the past behind and got up and followed Jesus. He was never the same.
Matthew began the day at a tax table and ended the day at the dinner table with Jesus. One encounter with Christ changed the direction of his life forever. Eventually, this despised tax collector became a disciple, a gospel writer, and a witness to the world.
Matthew Jesus still says: “Follow Me.” Not only to pastors, missionaries, or saints—but to ordinary people—workers, parents, students, retirees, doubters, wounded souls, outsiders, the last, lonely, lost, and marginalized.
The call is personal. The grace is real--true transformation is possible.
Jesus still changes lives that dramatically. We often assume God works through the polished, the accomplished, and the spiritually impressive. Yet Jesus walked directly to a tax collector’s table and invited Matthew into a new life. Grace does not begin when we become worthy; grace begins when Christ calls us. The question is not whether Jesus is still calling people. The question is whether we are willing to rise and follow.

PrayerLord Jesus, thank You for calling ordinary people into extraordinary grace. Thank you that our past does not define our future in you. Help us leave behind whatever keeps us from fully following you. Fill our hearts with new grace, compassion, and renewed faith. Make us people who welcome others with the same love you have shown us. Teach us to walk faithfully in the new life you offer. In your holy name we pray, Amen.

Wishing you a great week!—Pastor TJ

Listen to recent sermons by Dr. TJ Jenney YouTube & YouTube
Podcast on Spotify: Inspire Messages
http://inspiresundaymessages.blogspot.com

Peace Be Still

5/14/2026

When the storm arose on the Sea of Galilee, the disciples panicked even though Jesus was in the boat with them. The waves were turbulent, the winds were fierce, and fear overwhelmed their faith. Yet with a simple command, Jesus calmed the sea: “Peace, be still!” In that moment, the disciples discovered that the presence of Christ is greater than the power of any storm.

Life often feels the same way for each of us. We face uncertainty, loss, conflict, and fear that threaten to overwhelm us. Sometimes we wonder if God notices our struggle at all. But Matthew 8:23–27 reminds us that even when Jesus seems silent, He is still present. The storm may toss the boat, the winds may howl, but it cannot overturn the Savior who holds us securely in His care.

The true miracle was not only that the wind and waves obeyed Jesus—it was that frightened hearts learned to trust Him more deeply. Faith does not always remove storms immediately, but it reminds us who is with us in the middle of them.

Memorable Quote:
“Peace is not found in the absence of storms, but in the presence of Christ”

Prayer:
Lord, when fear rises like wind and waves buffet our lives, remind us that You are near. Calm our anxious hearts, strengthen our faith, and help us trust you. Even in life’s storms, speak your peace into our lives and guide us safely through every trial. Amen.

Listen to recent sermons by Dr. TJ Jenney YouTube & YouTube
Podcast on Spotify: Inspire Messages
http://inspiresundaymessages.blogspot.com/