Devotional Blog

Summer

8/22/2019

I hope you have taken time to enjoy your summer. Summer is a wonderful time of the year -- a time to enjoy nature, to go hiking, to relax by a stream and listen to the play of water on the rocks, or the wind rustling through the trees, or enjoy the beauty of wildlife. The psalmist paints a beautiful picture of our hearts searching for God and God comforting our hearts using these images.

(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.

..Deep call to deep
In the roar of the 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. Psalm 42,1,8

(prayer of the week)
Lord, we thank you that you have blessed us with all creation. We look in awe at the works you have created and, like the psalmist, we are reminded that we too are” skillfully and wonderfully made.” Help us to allow the deep thirst in our hearts to find its answer in your everlasting love and grace, for you are our Creator and Life, in Christ’s name we pray, amen.

(quote of the week)
The supreme happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved, loved for ourselves, or rather, in spite of ourselves. Victor Hugo

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

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Perspective

8/15/2019

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It is easy sometimes to let things discourage or disappoint us. Disappointments are part of life. But the Apostle Paul reminds us to not let discouragement rule the day. He encourages us to rejoice whatever the circumstances, and find a positive focus. However dark the moment might seem, God loves us and God will see us through. There is power in a thankful attitude and a prayerful life. However dark the night or turbulent the storm, the love of God shines through the blackest night and the power of God will see us through to safety. Paul write these incredible words from prison, yet they ring with a message of faith and jubilation:

(scripture of the week)
Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say, rejoice!
Do not be anxious about anything,
But in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
Present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
Will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally sisters and brothers,
whatever is true,
whatever is noble,
whatever is right,
whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable--
If anything is excellent or praiseworthy--
Think about these things.
For I can do all things through Him who gives me strength (Philippians 4.4-9, 13).

(prayer of the week)
Loving Lord, thank you that your grace and strength are over all. I surrender all the disappointments of life to you. Grant me grace to see the abundance of your blessings all around me and to lean into your grace and strength, confident of your great love and thankful for all your mercies, through Christ our Lord, amen.

(quote of the week)
Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it—Helen Keller

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Teamwork

8/8/2019

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It's incredible to see what a team can accomplish when they work not as individuals striving for their own good, but as a team, striving together for the good of the whole team. That's really what the concept of synergy is all about--a team is greater than the sum of the individuals. And when those individuals really care about each other, even greater things can be accomplished. Just being a part of that group is a tremendous joy! That's the way the Apostle Paul envisioned the church! Christian fellowship is a greater joy than even being part of a great team—because it is being part of a great team that really cares about one another. Even more than a team, the church is a family – a family of faith. Listen to what the Apostle Paul had to say:

(scripture of the week)
"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ,
if any comfort from his love,
if any fellowship with the Spirit,
if any tenderness and compassion,
then make my joy complete by being like-minded,
having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose." (Philippians 2.1,2)

(prayer of the week)
Loving Lord, help me to find my place in your family of faith and learn to use my gifts and talents to serve you and serve others with a spirit of love and unity. Help me to discover the joy of giving and serving in your name. And help me to encourage someone to discover their gifts and talents and learn to use them as part of your family of faith, through your love and grace, amen.

Open your heart to God’s amazing love!

(quote of the week)
You need teamwork to make a dream work! –John Maxwell

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

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Diving into the Deep

8/1/2019

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What kind of a person are you? What kind of person do you want to be? Where are you on your spiritual journey? If life were a sea, where would you be? Safe on the shore? Moored in the harbor? Hugging the shore? Or off sailing the deep blue seas? All of those places have merit, but there is something to be said for sailing into the blue, or diving in on the deep end of life and living life to the fullest. Jesus was a person passionate about life and sharing life with others. Jesus reached out to the sick, the lame, the poor, the needy, and those who just needed someone to listen. Jesus sailed with fishermen, journeyed with a group of unlikely but promising disciples, stopped at the most unlikely places, and reached out to those often overlooked. His life was a life of passionate love. And having showed us the most intimate face of God, Jesus then showed us the ultimate act of love, laying down his life willingly in a cruel death on a cross, that somehow bridged the gap between our failures and God’s love. Jesus beckons us to follow him in a life journey that is incredible, moving, never dull, sometimes stormy, but always worthwhile. It is a life that chooses significance over success. It is a life that chooses making a difference rather than making a dollar. God has a plan and purpose for your life, and God has the power to see you through. So go ahead, wade in if you will, but why not jump in on the deep end and follow God, wherever Christ might lead….  
(scripture of the week) 
Jesus said, "I have come that you might have life –life abundantly!" (John 10.10)

(prayer of the week)
Lord, help us to follow where you lead, whether quiet pastures and still waters or daring mountains and stormy seas. We know your Presence will lead and guide us and your Spirit will empower us. Fill us with courage and faith, and most of all your love, in the name of Christ Our Lord, Amen.

Open your heart to the awesome love of Christ!—Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
Earth is crammed with heaven
But only those who see take off their shoes
The rest stand around and pick blackberries—Elizabeth Barrett Browning

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

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