Devotional Blog

Deep Calls to Deep

9/16/2021

Most of us have a deep inner longing for God. The trouble is we stay so busy in life that we are often not in touch with that yearning until we are forced into quiet solitude or loneliness or desperation by a crisis in life. Then we feel the void deep inside and the quiet tug of eternity on our heart. But we can also quiet ourselves from the busyness of the world, of deadlines and demands—and simply listen for the still small voice of God. Listen for a moment and feel the quiet whisper of God’s love in your heart; feel the steadfast strength of His grace encircling you.   Renew the hope in God’s love and grace and rekindle the song in your heart. Listen to these words from the psalmist:

(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.
      When can I go and meet with God?
My tears have been my food
      day and night,
    while men say to me all day long,
      “Where is your God?” . . .
Why are you downcast, O my soul?
      Why so disturbed within me?
    Put your hope in God,
      for I will yet praise him,
      my Savior and my God.
Deep calls to deep
      in the roar of your 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.
Why are you downcast, O my soul?
      Why so disturbed within me?
    Put your hope in God,
      for I will yet praise him,
         my Savior and my God. (Psalm 42.1-11 selections)

(Prayer of the week)
Heavenly Father, help me slow down from the busyness of life and quiet myself in your presence and love. Fill me with your strength and grant me grace to face life with hope and joy.   And strengthened by your love may I touch others with care and compassion. May others see your love and grace in all I do. May I be a blessing to others, through your power and to your glory. Amen.

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

(quote of the week)
It is not how long you live but how well you live –Ben Franklin

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

Waiting

9/9/2021

Waiting is a hard thing for most of us. We are a fast-paced, fast food, high-speed internet, overnight delivery kind of people. We think of waiting as idle,
wasted time. But so often our rushing just runs us in circles; we run without true purpose and direction and we soon find that our strength alone is not enough. God has a different view of waiting. Waiting is a time we tune our spirit into God’s Spirit. Waiting is a time we reflect on Christ’s love and listen to his still small voice in our hearts. Like a tree growing steadily from sunlight and soil as its roots dig deeper and its trunk grows stronger, waiting on God in the Bible is one of the secrets of strength. Discover the true source of life--take time to open your life to God's power and love!

(Verse of the week)
“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40.31)

(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.

Have a great week!—Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
"No God, no peace - know God, know peace."
And, "Nothing is beyond the reach of prayer" by Pope John XXIII.

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

Awesome

9/2/2021

How absolutely awesome is the love of God. The psalmist reminds us that God's love is even more magnificent than the beauty and majesty of creation that God designed and brought into being. God lights the night sky with stars from distant galaxies and designed the lush rainforest teaming with life. The same One who sculpted the masterpieces of the canyons and paints each sunset; the same One who limns the mountains with the first light of dawn and intricately designed each living creature, loves you! As you face the storms of life, remember that God loves you and He will provide protection and power. Trust God. God loves you!

(verse of the week)
Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens,
Your faithfulness reaches to the sky.
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
Your justice like the ocean deep.
O Lord, you preserve both people and animals,
How priceless is Your unfailing love.
Both high and low among people
find refuge in the shelter of Your wings. (Psalm 36.5-7)

(Prayer of the week)
Almighty and Loving God, thank you for the many blessings with which you have touched my life. Thank you for the beauty of creation, and the depth of your love. Give me strength to face the challenges and adversity of life. Give me faith to trust you in all I do. Fill me with your love, and may others see your love in my life in all I do, and give you thanks. Amen.

Open your heart to God’s awesome love!—Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
The challenge is to be a light, not a judge; to be a model, not a critic –Stephen R. Covey

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

Waiting for Dawn

8/26/2021

Have you ever been up late at night while you were camping and just decided to wait for dawn? There is that sense of expectancy as we wait in the darkness, then suddenly, color lights the sky as the sun breaks over the horizon. Faith is like the promise of the new dawn in our hearts when the night is yet dark. It is a firm trust that comes from knowing God has a plan and purpose for our lives and even in the face of adversity. The psalmist encourages us to wait on the Lord and trust in God's power and strength. As we rely on God's strength and power, we find we are strong and well-able to meet the challenges of life. If you feel as if you are in the middle of darkness now, whether financial darkness, or the darkness of relationship difficulties, or dark clouds of illness or loss, or struggling against the darkness of injustice, or simply experiencing the dark night of the soul, remember that God often whispers in the night to wait for the coming light. Lean into God’s strength and hear the gentle whisper: "It is not how able we are but how able God is."

(Verse of the week)
I would have lost heart unless I believed
That I would see the goodness of the Lord
In the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord,
Be strong and take heart
And wait for the Lord-- Psalm 27. 13,14

(Prayer of the week)
Gracious God of love, thank you for your strength and power. Strengthen me to face the adversities and challenges of life. Help me to trust in your plan and your power. Renew the joy of living and the power of faith in my life and may your love flow through me that others might see you. Amen.
Have a blessed week!—Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
Salt and light live and work by sacrificing themselves not by trying to preserve themselves-- Helmut Thielicke

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

Beginnings

8/19/2021

As school and college get started again, it brings to mind a great truth. “Begin with the end in mind”--That's one of Stephen Covey's "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People." It is sound advise. . .for families and career people and most certainly students. Set your sights on goals that last, then live each day focusing on the priorities that live out those goals. It is also true of faith. Paul challenges us to make faith In God a top priority in our lives. As we live in faith, we will find that faith empowers our daily life in incredible ways, enabling us to face challenges, live more abundantly, live with right priorities, and love more deeply. Make faith a priority in your life and ask God to help you strive for things that last for all eternity. Trust God to give you strength to overcome the challenges of life and take you places you never even dreamed of . . .

(Verse of the week)
I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me...forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3.12-14)

(Prayer of the week)
Gracious God, help me to rediscover the joy of living in faith and trust in you. Help me to focus on things that last for eternity. Help me to trust in your love and power. Through your power I am strong and well-able to overcome. Open my heart to your love and make me a blessing to others every day, through your power and to your glory. Amen.

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

(quote of the week)
Faith is a living daring confidence in God's grace. It is so certain that a [person] could stake his [or her] life on it a thousand times--Martin Luther

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

Forever

8/12/2021

King David the Shepherd King reminds us in the final verse of this deep and beautiful psalm that God's goodness and mercy or love will follow us all the days of our lives. King David had risen from a lowly shepherd to a victorious war hero and finally a legendary king. He had experienced incredible success and blessing along the way. He had also experienced personal failure and God's forgiving grace. But more than anything else he knew that through all the vicissitudes of life, God's blessing and goodness and love had been with him. And even facing death, he knew that God's abiding presence and love would see him to the other side of eternity where he would be in the eternal presence of the Shepherd of Love.
God promises His blessing and goodness and love to each of us, too. We will experience adversity and difficulty along the way, but rest assured God's abiding love and goodness will surround you and uplift you. Whatever you are facing, trust God to see you through. Have faith in God's love and power. The Easter miracle reminds us that God’s love is greater than any failure or obstacle and Christ’s love and presence will be with us forever. Open your heart and life to God's amazing love!

(Verse of the week)
Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

(Prayer of the week)
Heavenly Father, Shepherd of Love, lead and guide me through the challenges and adversities of life. Thank you for your goodness mercy and love. Help me to trust in your love and power. Through your power I am strong and well-able to overcome. And through your love I know forgiveness and true love. Open my heart to your love and make me a blessing to others every day, through your power and to your glory.
Amen.

May you feel the grace and love of God in a special way this week!—Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else—C.S. Lewis

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

Table

8/4/2021

We have been looking at the simple yet deep and profound 23rd Psalm - the shepherd's psalm. The Shepherd-King David reminds us that life is like a journey, where the path leads us along scenic vistas, sometimes winding over treacherous cliffs and then again along quiet waters.    He also reminds us that enemies do sometimes surround and assault us, but God will protect us and even prepare a table of His blessing before us in their presence. God's provision is not thwarted by enemies and those who would undercut or seek to destroy us. Instead we can have full confidence in God's bounteous provision. Don't live in fear, live in faith. God's plan and power will see you through. When we have fought long and hard in the heat of the day, God's Holy Spirit will be the oil of healing. And when we feel depleted God will pour a cup that overflows with love and mercy, and restores our soul. God's presence is with us to guide and uplift us and fill us with hope and peace.   The images remind us to invite others to sit at table with us and to allow the oil of God’s Spirit to overflow and touch their lives. Amid challenge and adversity, reach out to others. Share grace! Know that come what may the Shepherd of Love leads the way and will see you through.

(Verse of the week)
Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

(Prayer of the week)
Gracious Lord, Shepherd of Love, lead and guide me through the challenges and adversities of life. Protect me from that which would destroy and guide me that I may always follow your way and grow each day. Prepare a bounteous table that I may share with others when difficulties threaten. Help me to trust your power to see me through. Through your power, I am strong and well-able to overcome. Open my heart to your love and make me a blessing to others every day, through your power and to your glory. Amen.

Blessings in Christ--Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
    Words to live By-Mother Teresa
People are often unreasonable, ill-logical and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;
  It was never between you and them anyway!

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

Guiding

7/29/2021

As we continue reflection on Psalm 23 - the shepherd's psalm, the Shepherd-King David reminds us in this psalm that the Shepherd of Love has both a rod and a staff to comfort us. The rod was used as a weapon to ward off predators such as mountain lions or enemies such as thieves. The shepherd's staff had a curved end that was often used to pull a sheep back into the fold or pull it back from a dangerous cliff. The shepherd never beat a sheep with his rod. The rod was only used to ward off predators and enemies. Only the staff, with the curved end, was used on sheep. God does not punish or destroy us; God leads us and disciplines us to bring us back into the fold. His presence is with us to guide and uplift us and fill us with hope and peace. Know that the Shepherd of Love leads the way along the pathway of life and He will protect you and guide you along the journey of life and come what may He will see you through.

(Verse of the week)
Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

(Prayer of the week)
Heavenly Father, Shepherd of love, lead and guide me through the mountains and valleys of life. Protect me and comfort me through the difficulties of life, and help me always to trust you. Help me to open my life to your purpose and your plans. Help me to trust your power to see me through. Most of all open my heart to your love and make me a blessing to others, through your power and to your glory. Amen.

Open your heart to the Shepherd of Love!-Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: That word is love—Sophocles

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

Valley of Shadows

7/22/2021

We have been looking at the deep and profound psalm 23 - the shepherd's psalm. The beautiful pastoral imagery reminds us that life is like a journey, where the path leads us along scenic vistas and winds over treacherous cliffs and then again along quiet waters. Verse four reminds us that there are times in life when fear and uncertainty can threaten us and even death itself can overshadow the sky. Yet the psalmist assures us that God is watching over us and we can have confidence that God will protect us and His presence will give us peace. There are indeed times when we must walk through the valley of the shadow of death, when it seems the shadows of death and destruction close around us, yet even there we may take hope that Christ has conquered all, even death itself. His presence is with us to guide and uplift our hearts and fill us with hope and peace. Know that the Shepherd of Love leads the way and, come what may, will see you through.

(Verse of the week)
Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

(Prayer of the week)
Heavenly Father, Shepherd of love, lead and guide me through the mountains and valleys of life. Protect me and comfort me through the difficulties of life, and help me always to trust you. Help me to open my life to your purpose and your plans. Help me to trust your power to see me through. Most of all open my heart to your love and make me a blessing to others, through your power and to your glory. Amen.

Open your heart to the Shepherd of Love!-Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
Giving is the highest level of living --John Maxwell

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

Journey

7/15/2021

We are looking at the simple yet deep and profound Psalm 23 - the shepherd's psalm. Life is so much like a journey, where the path leads us along scenic vistas and winds over treacherous cliffs and then again along quiet waters. There are times when we seem to know the way by heart and other times when it seems we are lost and alone. The Psalmist reminds us that like a good shepherd, God is watching over us and leads us and guides along the pathway of life. The Psalmist promises that God will lead us in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. At times the path to the green pastures and quiet waters takes us through mountain passes and steep rocky terrain. But we are never alone. God has a purpose and plan for each of our lives, and God is watching over us and God will see us through. If you are feeling a little overwhelmed at life's pathway, take heart, you are not lost or alone. Look to our Shepherd of Love for strength and guidance. Take a moment and allow God to restore your soul. Know that the Shepherd of Love leads the way and will see you through.

(Verse of the week)
Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

(Prayer of the week)
Heavenly Father, Shepherd of Love, lead and guide me through the mountains and valleys of life. Help me to open my life to your purpose and your plans. Help me to trust your power to see me through. Most of all open my heart to your love and make me a blessing to others every day, through your power and to your glory. Amen.

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

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

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