Devotional Blog

Christmas-Epiphany Reflection — Following the Star

12/30/2025

The Magi remind us that God’s light reaches far beyond familiar borders. They were outsiders—scholars and seekers from distant lands—yet they noticed the star and dared to follow it. Their journey was long, uncertain, and costly, but it was guided by a holy curiosity and a deep hunger for truth. Faith, for them, began with seeing a star and a willingness to follow the star on a journey.

When they finally reached Jesus, they did not offer explanations or credentials—they offered worship. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh were not casual gifts; they were acts of devotion, symbols of honor, prayer, and sacrifice. The Magi teach us that true worship is not only about finding Christ, but about giving ourselves fully once we do. But once they knelt to worship Christ born in a manger, their lives were forever changed, and they left to share the Good News of God’s love in distant lands that even those of difference races and different places might know God’s grace.

Like them, we are invited to follow the light God gives us and the whisper in our hearts, even when the path is unclear. Christmas calls us to seek Christ with persistence, to worship Him with humility, and to leave changed—returning by a different road, carrying His light into the world. God’s light still shines in the darkest night.

(verse of the week)
“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route” (Matthew 2:10–12).

Prayer
God of light and truth, Lead us by your star when the way feels uncertain. Give us hearts that seek you faithfully and lives that honor you joyfully. As the Magi worshiped Jesus with their gifts, may we offer You our trust, our obedience, and our love. Guide us home by Your grace. And let your love shine through our lives. Amen.

Quote of the Week
“Those who follow God’s light will always find themselves led to worship—and changed by the journey.”

Wishing you a very Happy New Year!—Pastor TJ

Listen to recent sermons by Dr. TJ Jenney YouTube & YouTube
Podcast on Spotify: Inspire Messages

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Christmas Reflection — Light in the Night

12/23/2025

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On a dark and ordinary night, God chose to speak. The angels did not appear in royal halls or to powerful leaders, but to shepherds keeping watch in the fields. Into the quiet and the shadows, heaven broke in with a whisper of peace and a song of hope: “Do not be afraid.” The light of God’s love pierced the darkness, not with force, but with grace.

The sign the angels gave was unexpected—a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. God’s glory was revealed not in splendor, but in humility. The Savior of the world entered our brokenness, choosing a feeding trough over a throne, nearness over nobility. In that manger, heaven and earth met, and love took on flesh. The Most High came near. God in a manger.

Like the shepherds, we are invited to come and see. Christmas is not just a story to be admired, but a truth to be received. God still breaks into our darkness with light, still speaks peace into our fear, and still meets us right where we are. And when we have seen Him, we are sent back into the world—changed, rejoicing, and carrying the good news that love has come.

Verse of the week)
“Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom God’s favor rests” (Luke 2:9-14)

“The true light, which enlightens everyone, has come into the world.”

Prayer
Gracious God,
Thank You for sending Your light into our darkness. As the angels proclaimed good news to the shepherds, proclaim your peace to our hearts today. Help us to welcome Christ with humility, to trust your love, and to reflect your light in a world that still longs for hope. May our lives, like theirs, glorify and praise You. And may our lives shine with the light of your love. Amen.

Quote of the week
“Christmas is the moment when heaven’s light breaks into the darkest night—and love is found lying in a manger.”

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!—Pastor TJ

Listen to recent sermons by Dr. TJ Jenney YouTube & YouTube
Podcast on Spotify: Inspire Messages
http://inspiresundaymessages.blogspot.com

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The Shepherds--Ordinary People, Extraordinary News

12/18/2025

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The shepherds were not powerful, educated, or influential. They were ordinary working the night shift, watching over sheep on the outskirts of the city and society—yet they were the first to hear the good news of Christ’s birth. God did not send the angels to a palace, but to a pasture, reminding us the gospel is not reserved for the elite; it is entrusted to the humble and the willing. The angels brought them the good news in the dark and lonely hillside, and they were understandably afraid. But the words of the angels brought comfort and then wonder and awe:

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:10-14, NIV)

What stands out is how the shepherds respond. They do not debate or delay. They go “with haste” to Bethlehem. After seeing the child, they become the first evangelists, sharing what they had been told. Their encounter with Jesus changes them—returning to their fields, yes, but now filled with praise and wonder. Christmas begins not with comfort, but with obedience; not with status, but with faith. And for all who respond to God’s great love with faith, wonder and joy.

Prayer
Gracious God, You still speak to hearts that are open and attentive. Help us to hear Your good news even in the ordinary moments of our lives. Give us the courage of the shepherds—to go where You lead, to worship with wonder, and to share Your love and hope with joy. May we return to our daily work transformed by having seen Christ. Amen.

Quote of the Week
“God still reveals His greatest glory to those who are simply watching and willing to go.”

Listen to recent sermons by Dr. TJ Jenney YouTube & YouTube
Podcast on Spotify: Inspire Messages

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Quiet Obedience

12/11/2025

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Joseph stands as one of Scripture’s quiet heroes—faithful, steady, obedient even when his world is turned upside down. Scripture never records a word that Joseph spoke. He was indeed the strong, silent type. Matthew tells us that Joseph was a “righteous man,” but his righteousness didn’t manifest in harshness or pride. It showed up in compassion, and a willingness to listen when God spoke in unexpected ways. When Joseph learned of Mary’s pregnancy, he faced confusion, disappointment, and a future he did not choose. Yet he responded with character and compassion. In that moment of uncertainty, God met him with reassurance: “Do not be afraid…” Joseph’s greatest act of faith was not a public miracle but a private surrender—choosing obedience over clarity, trust over control. Joseph reminds us that God often works through ordinary obedience. Sometimes the holiest thing we can do is simply say “yes” when God redirects our plans. Like Joseph, we discover that our small steps of faith become part of God’s great salvation story.

Prayer
Lord, give me Joseph’s courage to trust You when life takes unexpected turns. Help me to listen for Your voice, to obey with a willing heart, and to walk faithfully even when the path is unclear. Use my quiet obedience for Your glory. Amen.

Quote of the week
“Joseph teaches us that quiet obedience can change the world”--unknown

Wishing you a great week—Pastor TJ

Listen to recent sermons by Dr. TJ Jenney YouTube & YouTube
Podcast on Spotify: Inspire Messages

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Mary’s Path of Peace, “Let It Be”

12/4/2025

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Mary’s story is a reminder that God often chooses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. When the angel announced that she would bear God’s Son, Mary was understandably greatly troubled and wondered about the future. The angel assured her, “The Lord is with you” and “God’s favor is upon you.” When Mary understandably asked, “How can this be” the angel responded, “The Holy Spirit is within you” and “The Most High is over you.” Although we are not in the unique place of Mary, these words still echo through the ages to each of us. As part of worship, we often say “The Lord is with you” along with the response “And also with you!” “The Lord’s favor be with you” or “God bless you and keep you” are words of blessing often used in worship. Jesus assured the disciples and each of us the Holy Spirit would be within us and the Most High is over us, guiding our path, lighting our way. The last words of the angel echo so beautifully through time, “For nothing is impossible with God.” Mary teaches us that faith is not the absence of questions—faith is trusting God even when the questions remain. She didn’t know how everything would unfold, but she knew Who was asking her to trust. Her surrender was not passive but courageous. It was the quiet strength of a heart that believed God’s promises were bigger than her fears. Christmas invites us into the same posture of trust. Like Mary, we may face unknowns, unexpected turns, or overwhelming responsibilities. But the God who spoke to Mary still speaks peace into our lives today: “The Lord is with you.” The path ahead was uncertain for Mary, and the cost would be great. Yet her response remains one of the most beautiful declarations of faith in Scripture:

(verse of the week)
“Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word” (Luke 1:38)

This is a great response for each of us as well. “Here am I” wondering but willing. “Servants of the Lord”. And in great faith and humility: “Let it be according to your word.” As Paul McCartney and John Lennon penned so long ago, the words that echo Mary’s prayerful answer, “In my hour of darkness, Mother Mary comes to me, speaking words of wisdom, ‘Let it be, Let it be . . .’” May we also find the path to peace even as Mary did, by following the path God has for us, wondering but willing, whispering “Let it be, let it be . . .”

PrayerLord, give me Mary’s courage to trust You even when I do not understand your plans. Help me to say “yes” to Your calling with a willing heart, knowing that You are with me and Your grace will sustain me. Let my life reflect Your presence and Your promise. Amen.
Quote of the Week“God never asks for a perfect plan—only a willing heart.”

Have a great week!--Dr TJ

Listen to recent sermons by Dr. TJ Jenney YouTube & YouTube
Podcast on Spotify: Inspire Messages
http://inspiresundaymessages.blogspot.com

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Christmas-Epiphany Reflection — Following the Star

Christmas Reflection — Light in the Night

The Shepherds--Ordinary People, Extraordinary News

Quiet Obedience

Mary’s Path of Peace, “Let It Be”

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