Devotional Blog

World Communion

9/28/2023

Do you enjoy the feeling when you are at a football game cheering with thousands of other fans? Are you touched by the time when you are holding a candle with many others celebrating of a special moment? That is the power of unity. Sometimes we fail to fully appreciate the power of unity, especially when it comes to faith. This Sunday is World Communion Sunday – a time when believers from all over the world, every nation, every race, every place will take Holy Communion as a gesture of our common spiritual bond in Christ as believers and as a family of faith. Many of us are torn by the many signs of division and strife in our nation and in our world. But there is hope. The Apostle Paul encouraged us to a special unity in Christ: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called, 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all (Ephesians 4:3-6).” I hope you will join us for World Communion as a time to come around the Lord’s Table and connect with God and reconnect with others as we grow personally and spiritually renewed in Christ’s love and the power of God’s promises. I also hope you will make this a time of prayer for our community, our country, and our world. Listen to these words that Jesus prayed to the Father in the Garden of Gethsemane before going to the cross:

(verse of the week)
All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one (John 17.10,11).

(Prayer of the Week)
Gracious and Loving God, open my heart to your Family of Faith around the world. May I see your face in others as part your great united church and may I extend your grace to others in every place. Amen

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

(quote of the week)
Unless you assume a God, the question of life’s purpose is meaningless ---Bertrand Russell

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

9/21/2023

We watched the interesting phenomena of the eye of a hurricane again with hurricanes 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

Reach for the Stars

9/14/2023

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

Song

9/7/2023

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

Cast Your Cares

8/31/2023

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

8/24/2023

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

Back to School

8/10/2023

It’s back to school time! Whether it’s younger children heading to school for the first time, middle school youth anxious about peer drama, high school students feeling pressure over grades, or college students moving into the dorm for their first time away from home, most parents feel almost as anxious, if not more, than our sons or daughters. We want them to learn, but there are so many distractions. We want to pass along some reassurance to our students and find some encouragement for ourselves.
Joshua wasn’t going to the school yard, but he was going to the battlefield. He was understandably anxious and even a bit discouraged. But God gave him a word of comfort and encouragement that still holds promise for both parents and students today:

(scripture of the week)
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1.9).

(prayer of the week)
Loving Lord, watch over my family today. Help us to be strong and courageous in the face of challenge and adversity. Help us to do our best, and trust you to do the rest. Keep us safe. Keep us faithful. May we be salt and light in a world where we stand true to you. In the strong name of Christ, amen.

Blessings!—Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn."-- Benjamin 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

Deep Calls to Deep

8/3/2023

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

Awesome

7/27/2023

How absolutely awesome is the love of God. The psalmist reminds us that God's love is even more magnificent than the beauty and majesty of creation that God designed and brought into being. God lights the night sky with stars from distant galaxies, and designed the lush rainforest teaming with life. The same One who sculpted the masterpieces of the canyons and paints each sunset; the same One who limns the mountains with the first light of dawn and intricately designed each living creature, loves you! As you face the storms of life, remember that God loves you and He will provide protection and power. Trust God. God loves you!

(verse of the week)
Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens,
Your faithfulness reaches to the sky.
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
Your justice like the ocean deep.
O Lord, you preserve both people and animals,
How priceless is Your unfailing love.
Both high and low among people
find refuge in the shelter of Your wings. (Psalm 36.5-7)

(Prayer of the week)
Almighty and Loving God, thank you for the many blessings with which you have touched my life. Thank you for the beauty of creation, and the depth of your love. Give me strength to face the challenges and adversity of life. Give me faith to trust you in all I do. Fill me with your love, and may others see your love in my life in all I do, and give you thanks. Amen.

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

(quote of the week)
The challenge is to be a light, not a judge; to be a model, not a critic –Stephen R. Covey

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

Re-discover Song

7/20/2023

Have you ever had a song that kept going over and over in your mind? Or maybe you just couldn't keep from singing it. There is great power in music and song. It buoys us up in the midst of trouble and difficulties. Music makes work easier; and fun even more fun. It brings joy. Others begin to join in and sing the tune. Don't just sing a praise song on Sunday. . .discover the power of praise all week long. It can change your life.

(verse of the week)
O sing to the Lord a new song, for God has done marvelous things.
God's right hand and his holy arm have gotten the victory. . .
God has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth,
Break forth into joyous song and praises.
Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre
With the lyre and the sound of melody.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
make a joyful noise before the King,
Let the sea roar, and all that fills it,
the world and those who live in it,
Let the floods clap their hands,
let the hills sing together for joy. Psalm 98

(prayer of the week)
Lord, renew a song in my heart. Help me to rediscover the joy of faith and life. And help me to share that song and the joy with others, through your power and to your glory, amen.

Open your heart to God’s awesome love—Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
If you can't see the bright side, polish the dull side-unknown

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