Devotional Blog

Trail Map

8/29/2024

Recently Savannah and I hiked several 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

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

0 Comments

Reach for the Stars

8/23/2024

0 Comments

Reach for the stars and keep your feet grounded in love -- it is a great adage and a great goal for all of life, especially with a new school year. Paul challenges us to be rooted and established in Christ's love, then our relationship with Christ will help us grow strong and become fruitful in all we do. We can keep growing in the love of Christ through all of life, and have confidence that our relationship with God gives us a firm foundation to use our gifts and talents to pursue great dreams that serve others and honor God. Reach for the stars and keep your feet rooted and grounded in love --and hold on to the hand of the Lord who loves you and will be with you always. Open your heart to God's awesome love...and trust God to take you places you never even dreamed of... then fasten your seat belt for all the thrills, adventure, and joy of a lifetime!

(Verse of the week)
I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. (Ephesians 3.17,18)

(Prayer of the week)
Gracious God, thank you for the gift of this day and the gift of life itself. Thank you for the gifts and talents you have given me. Help me to keep my life grounded in your love and help me reach for the stars and be all that I can be. In everything I do may others see your love in me through your grace and to your glory. Amen!

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

(quote of the week)
O God, my Father, don't let me die without having really lived and really loved --John Powell

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

0 Comments

Olympic Runners

8/8/2024

0 Comments

This summer Olympics has featured some amazing track and field competition for Team USA on the track with Gabby Thomas thrilling 200m run for Gold, Cole Hocker amazing come from behind win in the 1500m, Quincy Hall’s stunning comeback for Gold in the 400m, Noah Lyles photo finish win for Gold in the 100m, or the much-anticipated 400m hurdles today featuring Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone with a break-away run to set a World Record for Gold. Their athleticism, determination and perseverance are exemplary and has much to teach us about faith and life.
Life is a race--more like a long marathon than a short sprint. It is a long and sometimes grueling race. It takes training, discipline, perseverance, and faith to run it well. And like any long race there are always some difficult miles where the sun is beating down on us, the road seems too steep, and our legs seem feeble. But that is the time to take it one step at a time and realize that the training will pay off, stay hydrated drinking plenty of water, and over time, that one stride at a time will get us to the finish line. If you are feeling a bit race weary, take heart and focus on the end, drink the water of the Spirit to refresh your soul, and know that we do not run the race alone, God is there with us and will see us through to the finish line. And if you listen you just might hear cheering from the other side of eternity.

(verse of the week)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart (Hebrews 12:1-3).

(prayer of the week)
Lord, sometimes the road seems long, but we know you are with us and give us strength. Help us to lean into your grace and strength. Help us to be renewed by the water of Your Spirit and strengthened to finish the race you have put before us through your power and to your glory, amen.

Blessings –Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
Be sure to put your feet in the right place, then stand firm –Abraham Lincoln

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

0 Comments

Olympic Competition

8/1/2024

0 Comments

I always find watching the Olympics exciting and inspiring. This year is no exception. I have been inspired by so many athletes from every nation, but of course am a fan of Team USA. Their stories inspire us, from Simone Biles and the entire women’s gymnastics team coming back so incredibly strong, to Katie Ledecky and Team USA swimming and diving, to our amazing track and field line up. I was also inspired by athletes from other countries, including the South Sudan Olympic basketball team playing with such heart against such a stacked team of NBA professional talent on the US Olympic team. They fell short but not for lack of trying and team play.
The Olympics bring the best athletes from every nation and have them compete in incredibly challenging events and celebrate the winners as well as all those who compete. At its best, the opening and closing ceremonies as well as the competition, unite us and celebrate the talent, dedication, and sacrifice of athletes from every nation as well as the variety of cultures and traditions represented. Team play and team spirit are at the heart of the competition. Athletes have trained hard and, in many cases, have overcome adversity and challenge, yet they press on with everything they have to do their best and, if at all possible, win.
We all will face challenge and adversity at some point in our lives. There are times we will fall short. But the Apostle Paul urges us to forget what is behind and press on toward the goal that God has set before us. Like an athlete, he urges us to stay the course and press on. Know that with God’s grace and strength we can be victorious. Trust God and lean into his strength. Faith is the adventure of a lifetime --- and God will see you through!

(scripture of the week)
Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.
Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it; but this one thing I do:
forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3.12-14)

(prayer of the week)
Gracious God, there are times when we run into challenge and adversity that seem too much for us. Help me to let go of the past and press on to the future you have for me. Help me to lean into your strength. And help me to be an encouragement to others. Amen

Blessings in Christ –Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
“Love is the abridgment of all theology”--Francis de Sales

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

0 Comments

Trail Map

Reach for the Stars

Olympic Runners

Olympic Competition

Author

Archives

Categories