Devotional Blog

Lamp

5/29/2015

Sometimes the journey of life can seem darkened by the storms of life or challenges we face. Other times we simply long for direction and guidance. The psalmist reminds us that God's Word gives direction and insight like a lamp along the pathway of life. Take a moment each day and allow God's Word to light your path and give you strength.

(Verse of the week)

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119.105)

(This week's prayer)

Gracious God, help me to find light in your Word and follow your pathway in life. Nurture my spirit with your guidance and may your Word give true direction in my life. May your light be reflected in my life that others may see your image in me, through your power and to your glory, Amen.

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

(quote of the week)

One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: That word is love - Sophocles

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Path Less Taken

5/22/2015

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The poet Robert Frost once spoke so eloquently about choosing the path less traveled, and how it wonderfully changed his life. It is a beautiful picture of the choices we have in life, and the paths we may take. The psalmist uses this very same imagery, painting a picture of our journey down the path of life. Choosing the way of truth is not drudgery or boredom; rather it is choosing the path of life, and in the end, we discover that it empowers and sets our hearts free.

(Verse of the week)

I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. . .I run in the path of your commands, You have set my heart free. (Psalm 119.30-32 selections)

(Prayer of the week)

Heavenly Father, help me to set my heart on your ways, and discover anew the joy of living in your purpose and plan. Let me find strength and power in your Spirit. Help me to allow your Word to take root in my heart and life and bear the fruit of a deep and abiding faith and a life that gives you honor and praise. May I live a blessed life and 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)

The challenge is to be a light, not a judge; to be a model, not a critic -Stephen R. Covey

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Seeds

5/15/2015

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Our thought-world is vitally important. It touches our entire life. God's Word is like a seed planted in our hearts that bears the fruit of love and peace and strength. As the psalmist focuses on the fundamentals of life in Psalm 119, he shares that he has hidden God's Word in his heart and rejoices in it as one does great riches. It is like a seed planted that gives strength and power to live a fruitful and fulfilling life. When you plant God's Word in your heart, it begins to nourish your heart and will take root and grow. You will find a new strength for living and a deep abiding joy. Let your heart be refreshed and strengthened with God's Word.

(Verse of the week)

How can a young person keep his or her way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; Do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. . .I rejoice in following your statues as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.

(Psalm 119.9-16 selections)

(Prayer of the week)

Heavenly Father, help me to find your plan and purpose in your Word, and help me to allow it to take root in my heart and life and bear the fruit of a deep and abiding faith and a life that gives you honor and praise. Fill me with your hope and peace and love and joy that I may live a blessed life and 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)

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved -Helen Keller

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Prayer

5/8/2015

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Today is the National Day of Prayer. Payer is the most underrated power in the universe. But the truth the song writer penned so long ago still rings true today: "What a friend we have in Jesus, what a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer." Take time today to join people all over the nation and world to seek God in prayer, and remember the power and privilege of prayer each day. It will make all the difference in all of life.

Verses of the week

if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.

2 Chronicles 7.14,15

I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer. Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings

Psalm 17.6-8

Prayer of the Week

Gracious Eternal God, thank you for the gift of prayer, that we come before you and share our heart and lives with you. Thank you that we can find strength for the day in your strength, That we can find grace in your grace, and we may know your forgiveness and love each day. Be with us today and be also with the leaders of our world and help us to strive for peace and justice and follow your will and way, through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

Open your heart to God's amazing love-Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)

Everything I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother --Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) (Don't forget Mother's Day!)

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Foundations

5/2/2015

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When we look around in awe at the beauty and majesty of the universe, we cannot help but be struck by God's power and planning that put it all together. God not only created all the universe, God also laid down laws that guide the workings of the universe. Upon these laws God has laid the foundation of the universe. God has also wonderfully and intricately created each of us, and God has laid out laws of living that are the foundation of life and a guide for a fruitful and fulfilled life. In Psalm 119 the psalmist goes through the entire Hebrew alphabet and reflects on each letter of the alphabet as a guide on the foundations of life that God has laid down for a blessed and happy life. He begins with the very foundation of faith and life in the eternal commands of God. Only as our lives are guided by God's ways can we find true and lasting happiness. In the next few weeks we will take a bit of a hike along the pathways of God rediscovering the beauty of creation and the pathway to a happy life. Take a moment and reflect on following the path God has put before you, and ask God for guidance and power to live according to his will.

(Verse of the week)

Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD.
Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.
They do nothing wrong; they walk in his ways.
You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed.
Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!
Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands.
I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws.

(Psalm 119.1-7 selections)

(Prayer of the week)

Heavenly Father, help me to follow your will and built my life on your eternal foundations. Forgive me for the times I have wandered away from the path of life, and help me to rediscover your plan and purpose for my life. Fill me with your grace and love and make me 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

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