Devotional Blog

Love Letter

7/27/2017

Do you remember a time in your life when you received an envelope? You knew it was from someone special, who cared about you. You carefully opened the envelope and read every word. There’s nothing like a love letter to get our heart going. It brings a smile to our face. It brightens our day. It makes our heart quicken. Christ is the living love letter from God. The bible speaks of Jesus as God’s living logos, or Word. God’s first and last word is love—Christ is far more than mere words, for He is the living expression of God’s love. He embodied love in a way no other has. John writes that the Word of God was from the beginning and came and dwelled among us. In the ultimate expression of love, Christ gave his life that we might know forgiveness and new life, and most of all His great love. And when our lives are touched by His love, we are forever changed.

(verse of the week)
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” (1 John 4:7–12 NIV11)

(prayer of the week)
Lord, help me to see again the great love you have for me. Transform my life by your love. May your love lead and guide me in all of life, and may my life reflect your love to all those around me, through your power and to your glory, amen.

Have a great week!—Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
God loves each of us as if there were only one of us—St Augustine

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Storms

7/20/2017

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Storms

There are times when each of us feels discouraged. We feel we are not a match for the storms of adversity that swirl around us. Take heart! It is not our own strength that will get us through the storm, but the strength of Christ. The Holy Spirit is there with us to strengthen us and to encourage us and to see us through. The Apostle Paul often faced storms of adversity, from shipwrecks to prison, and yet he could write with confidence these words that still encourage us today:

(verse of the week)
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength (Philippians 4.13).

(prayer of the week)
Lord, help me to lift my eyes to you like Peter and the disciples as they saw you walking across the stormy sea. Help me to remember that you are Lord of all, and through your strength I can overcome all that I face. Thank you for your love and grace and strength, amen.

Blessings—Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
prayer should be the key of the day and the lock of the night—George Herbert

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Trail Map

7/13/2017

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This summer Savannah and I hiked a number of scenic trails that winded through rocky paths and dense forests. It was nice to have a map and trail markers. It gave us confidence to enjoy the beautiful scenery, but let us know where we were going and how to get back. That is just the imagery the psalmist calls to mind when he writes, “I have chosen the way of truth, I have set my heart on your laws.” Choosing God’s path puts us on the right path and also gives us confidence that we are not alone—Christ the Lord travels with us. Therefore, we can “run in the path” for our hearts have been set free. Let us be reminded that God’s Word gives us confidence to be on the right path in life and sets us free to know we are following God’s plan and purpose as well as enjoy the beauty of life and all creation.

(scripture of the week)
I have chosen the way of truth, I have set your heart on your laws.
I hold fast to your statutes, O Lord; do not let me be put to shame.
I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free (Psalm 119:30-32)

(prayer of the week)
Loving Lord, you have created all that is and have also created me with a plan and purpose. Thank you for your Word that guides our ways and your purpose which you have put in my heart. Help me to follow your leading and help me to follow the purpose you have for me. Help me also to enjoy the beauty and wonder and love of all of life, through your grace, amen.

Blessings in Christ—Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
“Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you”—St Augustine

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Re-discover Song

7/6/2017

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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 Sundays. . .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

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