Devotional Blog

Ashes

2/26/2020

This week marks the beginning of Lent. Most of our culture knows more about Mardi Gras than Lent, just as most of us would prefer celebration over repentance. But both have their place in the seasons of life. Lent reminds us of the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness being tested by temptation and purified and empowered by prayer. Lent comes right before Holy Week and Easter as a time for people to focus on faith and remember all that Christ endured on the cross that we might know true forgiveness and love. It also reminds us of the good news of the hope of the resurrection and new life. Ashes have long been a symbol of repentance and humility. From early times many Christians have used the ashes of burned palm branches from the previous Palm Sunday, to mark the sign of the cross on their foreheads as a symbol of repentance and prayer and as a witness of their faith. Even more important than the roots of these wonderful traditions, is the power of prayer. It is easy to look around our world and see great needs that touch our hearts. But let us discover anew the power of prayer. There is no power equal to the power of believers gathering together to seek God and pray. Challenge yourself to a special time of prayer for yourself and the needs around the world. Discover a fresh renewal as we pray for our world and for our lives that we may be filled with God's love and empowered by God's Spirit to reach out with a whole new passion to others in need. Open your heart anew to God's love and power. Discover the power of prayer!

(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 of your heart. (Jeremiah 29.11)

(Prayer of the week)
Almighty and Loving God, thank you for the privilege and power of prayer. Help me to discover in prayer your great love and help me to let your power touch my life that I may face the challenges and adversities of life with hope and peace, and be a light in your world.
Amen.
Have a great week!—Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
A little faith and a great God is enough-- Alf Stanway

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

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Joy

2/20/2020

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Have you ever gotten tired and worn out of working on a perfectly wonderful thing? Even when working for the Lord we sometimes get tired and weary. Nehemiah had given up a life of service in the royal palace to come and rebuild the walls the holy city. The people threw themselves into the labor. But soon the weight of the walls, outweighed the joy of the vision. Nehemiah reminded them that they were not just rebuilding walls, but rebuilding the place of God's blessing. He reminded them of the vision, and he reminded them of the attitude of service: "the joy of the Lord is your strength!" With a renewed purpose and vision, and a new attitude of joy the people completed the task for the glory of God! It is a good lesson for each of us. We do sometimes grow weary in well- doing, but there is hope! Remind yourself of the vision and purpose of our labor and life-showing others the love of Christ; and remember the attitude that inspires- "the joy of the Lord is your strength."

(Verse of the Week)
"The joy of the Lord is your strength!" (Nehemiah 8.10)

(Prayer of the Week)

Almighty and Loving God, thank you for the gift of life and your great love. Renew a joyful spirit in me and give me a fresh appreciation for faith and life and all you have done for me and others. Amen.

Blessings!--Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
Do small things with great love--Mother Teresa

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

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More Trust

2/14/2020

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(verse of the week)
"And my God shall supply all your needs according to his glorious riches in
Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4.19)

When you first read those words from the Apostle Paul, you might think he
was writing from the comfort of a safe, secure suburban home. But he
was not. Or you might think he was writing to a group of people safe in
the comforts of life. But he was not.
In fact, Paul was writing from the confines of a prison, where he had
constant surveillance and where he knew he could easily loose his life for
his beliefs. And he was writing to a group of people who also were in the
throes of persecution. And yet through it all he could write with
conviction: "And my God shall supply all your needs according to his
glorious riches in Christ Jesus." The Apostle Paul had great trust in God. You can, too!

(prayer of the week)
Loving Lord, help me to trust you through all the hills and valleys of life. Let every blessing fill me with thankfulness, and every challenge deepen my trust. In all things, let me follow you and share your love with others, through your power and to your glory, amen.

(quote of the week)
“. . . it is presumptuous in me to wish to choose my path, because I cannot tell which path is best for me. I must leave it to the Lord, Who knows me, to lead me by the path which is best for me, so that in all things His will may be done—Teresa of Avila, Interior Castle

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

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Deep Calls to Deep

2/7/2020

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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 to 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 http://inspiresundaymessages.blogspot.com/
Check the latest leadership blog by Dr. TJ http://www.drtj.us

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