Devotional Blog

Storm

5/30/2019

There are times when each of us feels caught in the wind and waves of a great storm. We feel like the disciples in a boat tossed about by wind and waves in the middle of the night. But then Jesus comes to us and his presence calms the storm. If, like Peter, we are floundering in the waves, then Christ reaches down and pulls us to safety. In the tumult and turmoil, there is still the Lord of Love who comes to us to still the storm and calm the seas. He still reaches out to take hold of us with His arms of love. In Christ there is a peace that passes all understanding and a hope that lights the sky like a rainbow following a storm. Take a moment and listen in your heart for His voice and reach for His hand:

(Verse of the week)
God is our refuge and strength
and ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way
And the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
Though its waters roar and foam
And the mountains quake with their surging. . .
Be still and know that I am God . . . (Psalm 46.1-3,10)

(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 to those around me. In everything I do may others see your love and grace in me. Amen.

Have a great week—Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
The way to happiness: Keep your heart free from hate, your mind free from worry. Live simply, expect little, give much. Fill your life with love. Scatter sunshine. Forget self, think of others. Do as you would be done by. Try this for a week and you will be surprised--
Norman Vincent Peale

Listen to recent sermons by Dr. TJ Jenney at http://inspiresundaymessages.blogspot.com

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Stretched

5/23/2019

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You have been designed with love. You have been formed and fashioned with compassion by the Great Designer. The word for drawn in this week’s verse also implies “stretched out” or “to grow.” We are not simply designed in love, we are also nurtured in love as God stretches us and challenges us to grow in faith and life. God has a plan for our lives, and God continues His work in us. We are God’s artistry “created anew” in Christ Jesus, a painting of the story of love with the artist’s loving brushstrokes painted on the canvass for all to see. Won’t you help God paint your life with the colors of love and faith that all may see and be touched by the work of beauty? Trust God for His plan and purpose in your life. Let the Great Artist continue His work of love in your life as you touch the lives of those around you.

(Verse of the week)
I have loved you with an everlasting love;
I have drawn you with loving-kindness. (Jeremiah 31.3)

(Prayer of the week)
Gracious and loving God, thank you for the challenges of life that shape and strengthen us. Give me faith to trust in your plan and your strength. Mold me and make me that others may see your true reflection in me. Most of all may I experience your great love anew every day. May I be joyful in all things, and may I be loving to all people, that others may see the light of your love in me. 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/

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Jesus Cares

5/17/2019

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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. Peter shares these words of comfort having weathered storms on the Sea of Galilee and storms in his own personal life. Peter knew what it was like to sink in the wind and waves and find the strong arm of Jesus pulling him to safety. Peter had experienced Jesus’ voice calming the wind and waves. And Peter knew what it was like to sink in fear and failure and have the loving voice of Jesus offer him forgiveness and assurance. Peter writes so that we too may know the strength and peace of Christ. 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 Loving God, 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 peace and power and love. Still the storms of life. Let me hear your words of love and peace and hope. Renew the joy of faith and life in my heart and may I touch others with your love and joy. Amen.

(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 http://inspiresundaymessages.blogspot.com

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Joy

5/10/2019

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Have you ever gotten tired and worn out of working on things that are perfectly wonderful? 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. He led a great group of people and they 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 your life. Reconnect with the love of God, and the joy of living. Find a fresh attitude of service and joy--"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 privilege of opening my heart and life to your love and power. Help me to discover anew your love and learn to trust you for strength. Fill me with your hope and peace and joy, and may I touch others with your love. Amen. Almighty and Loving God, thank you for the privilege of opening my heart and life to your love and power. Help me to rediscover your purpose for my life. Give me a fresh vision and a renewed purpose. May I discover new joy in living for your through your power. Amen.

Have a great week! –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/

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Peace

5/3/2019

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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 pain and heartache and challenges of life. May your peace so touch me that others will be touched by your presence and peace in me. Amen.

May the peace of Christ be with you—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

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Springtime

5/1/2019

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Spring is such a glorious time! The cold and barrenness of winter gives way to the new life of spring, trees begin to bud, flowers begin to blossom, the air is filled with the songs of birds. Everywhere there is life springing up. It seems so fitting that springtime follows Easter. The Easter miracle is not just a symbol or new life, but it is the power to find new life in a risen Lord. Past failures are forgiven, guilt and shame are washed away, power for living is found in God’s love and grace. As we continue to open our lives to God’s plan and purpose for our lives and trust in His power, we find new life with a new joy and power to live and love.

(verse of the week)
Jesus said--I have come that they might have life, and have life abundantly! (John 10.10)

(Prayer of the week)
Almighty and Loving God, thank you for the seasons of the year and the seasons of life. Thank you for your Spirit that gives life in all of creation and in me. Renew my faith in you and rekindle the joy of life. Give me a new sense of your purpose and power in my life. Fill me with your love, and may others see you in all I do, and give you thanks. Amen.

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

(quote of the week)
One and God make a majority –Frederick Douglas

Listen to recent sermons by Dr. TJ Jenney at http://inspiresundaymessages.blogspot.com/

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