Devotional Blog

Waiting for Dawn

7/9/2020

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

Re-discover Song

7/3/2020

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 Sunday. . .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

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

Dawn

6/25/2020

Have you ever watched the dawn break over a ridge or mountain? Suddenly the sky goes from the inky blackness of twilight to bursting with color as the sky is painted bright hues of orange and red from a heavenly palette. We too can experience a new dawn in our lives, as God’s hand paints a new life of promise from the dark failures of the past on the canvass of our lives. It is a work of art continually in progress as God not only forgives us, but also continues to transform our lives with the skill of a master artist painting our lives with the colors or Christ’s glorious love and mercy! Is He your artist in residence?

(scripture of the week)
because of the tender mercy of our God,
like a new dawn breaking eternal from heaven will He come
to shine on those living in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the path of peace (Luke 1.78,79)

(prayer of the week)
O Divine Creator, who fashioned the heavens and the seas and all the worlds that stretch to every corner of the universe, renew my life and paint anew the colors of your grace and love in my life. Help me to be open to your Spirit and empower me to share your love with others, through your power and to your glory, amen.

Blessings in Christ –Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
Nature always wears the colors of the spirit—Ralph Waldo Emerson

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

Father’s Day-A Father’s Way

6/18/2020

I’ve been blessed with some wonderful experiences in life, but the greatest by far is being a father to my daughter, Savannah. There are a myriad of responsibilities to be sure from registering for school to buying books, checking on homework to cleaning the house and encouraging her in her chores. There are doctor’s appointments and parent-teacher conferences, class project discussions and Daddy-daughter talks about the latest drama at school. And of course, the joys that are too many to name, but I’ll name just a few--from movie nights to cookouts, from well planned vacations to spontaneous drives, from family game night to homecoming weekend, from art projects to musicals and photo-ops and silly selfies and so many more. There are dreams and plans and so many wonderful moments of just enjoying the moment. But as I look around the world at recent events and having to navigate a pandemic with caution and kindness and view the social unrest from tragic and heart-breaking racial injustice, I realize again how very important it is to teach character each and every day. We need to have the hard discussions about what happens at school and our culture around us, but we also need to lead by example. What we do matters so much more than what we say. We should never be too busy to stand up for what is right, or take time to help a stranger, or take a moment to offer a kind word or simply say “thank you,” or perhaps most important of all, “I love you!” And of course, we need to give thanks together and pray together. So then let me do exactly that in this moment, “Lord, thanks for the greatest honor and joy I could ever know in being a father and help me to be a better one. Amen.”

(verse of the week)
"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it" (Proverbs 22:6)

(prayer of the week)
Lord, help us to enjoy the moment and help us all to lead by example as we love and serve you and others, amen.

Happy Father’s Day!—Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
“A father is neither an anchor to hold us back, nor a sail to take us there, but a guiding light whose love shows us the way.” —Unknown

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

Stand

6/4/2020

As our hearts grieve the recent racial injustices and tragic deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, let us pause to reflect on our own vigilance in working toward racial equality and freedom and justice for all. It is something every Christian should work towards. One of my heroes is Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., an extraordinary minister with a passion for justice and equality for all people. His passion for peace and justice was fueled by his faith in Christ and commitment to Christ's work. He was guided by a biblical vision for equality and justice. He took a stand for what was right, even though he knew the cost could be very great. In one of his famous speeches he declared, "All that is necessary for evil to prevail is for ordinary people to do nothing." How true. What are you doing to work for peace and justice in your world? As Christ-followers, we are not just here in this world to spread the word of salvation and wait for eternity, we are also here to work for eternal things in the present like peace and justice in a needy and hurting world. True love stands up for justice. True love speaks a word of love, gives a hug to the lonely, or reaches out with an act of kindness. True love pushes back on acts of hatred and violence toward people of different races. We are the hands of Christ reaching out to a world in need. Let us work toward peace and justice.

(verse of the week)
What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6.8)

(Prayer of the week)
Loving Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of another new day. Help me to see the injustices of our world. Help me to work for things that last for eternity. May I stand strong for justice and peace for all. Amen.
Blessings in Christ--Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter -- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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

Congratulations Class of 2020!

5/28/2020

One of the challenges of the pandemic has been the inability to celebrate milestones in the traditional fashion. The class of 2020 has had some special heartaches as they have had to forgo traditional celebrations such as prom and graduation speeches and walking across the stage to receive a diploma. There have been some great online celebrations, but still for many there is a bit of a heartache for what was long anticipated. So, this week we lift up our graduates and all that they have accomplished. It is the end of a semester of hard work and dedication as well as the end of one chapter of life and the beginning of another. All this amid the special challenges of adversity. But this is important—they have met this unique challenge with innovation and perseverance. Congratulations! We applaud your dedication and hard work!
I wonder if this might become one of the most innovative classes of all time. In any case, we must learn to be thankful for the accomplishments, let go of disappointments, and celebrate the future as we open our lives to God leading us in new directions and new possibilities. Wherever your life leads, use your gifts and talents to serve God and others. Know that whatever you do, you can have an impact on the lives of others. Always live out your faith in whatever work you find yourself and take time to share the love of Christ. This week I share a word from the Apostle Paul that always challenges and inspires me:

(verse of the week)
Never let the fire in your heart go out. Keep it alive. Serve the Lord. (Romans 12:11)

(prayer of the week)
Lord, we pray a special blessing on our graduates. Bless this time of celebration and bless their future as you lead them into new avenues of life and service. Help us to celebrate the milestones of life even amid adversity and help us to be open to the new chapters of life with energy and enthusiasm. May all we do serve others and give honor and glory to you, through Christ Our Lord, amen.

Blessings--Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
Christ has no body now on earth but yours;
No hands but yours;
No feet but yours;
Yours are the eyes through which to look out Christ’s compassion to the world; Yours are the feet with which He is to go about doing good; Yours are the hands with which He is to bless now--St Teresa of Avila

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/

Renew

5/21/2020

I have never longed quite for spring as I have this year. The pandemic kept many of us home, and the weather kept us inside. It was so great when the weather finally became warm enough to enjoy the outdoors and be reminded of the promise of spring. Spring gives us pause of the beauty of budding trees and blossoming flowers. We hear again the singing of birds and enjoy the summer sun. Were it not for winter perhaps we would always take these great miracles for granted. Our faith is that way, too. Were it not for adversity, we would forget the miracle of God’s infinite love and grace. Take a moment and remember God’s great love for you. Lean into God’s strength. Take some time to renew your faith and yourself. Whatever else may come and go, know that God’s compassion never fails. God’s love is new every morning. Let your heart say again, “Great is your faithfulness!”

(verse of the week)
For this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for God’s compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3.21-24

(prayer of the week)
Lord, like the prophet, let our hearts rejoice and say, “Your compassions never fail. Your love is new every morning. Great is your faithfulness!” Fill my life with your forgiveness and grace. Fill my heart to overflowing with faith, hope, peace, joy and, most of all, love, that others may be touched by your grace in my life, through Christ Our Lord, amen.

(quote of the week)
I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have. I must stand with anybody that stands right, and stand with him while he is right, and part with him when he goes wrong—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

Battles

5/14/2020

Many of us feel burdened and more than a little wearied of the present global struggle with the pandemic. Whether we are at home struggling with social distancing and isolation or on the front lines serving food to the under-resourced or a medical professional serving those who are struggling with illness or have a loved one struggling with the illness itself, we feel the impact of the long struggle. But battles and burdens are as much a part of the rhythm of life as are joys and celebrations. Sometimes the road ahead seems difficult. Sometimes the challenges and obstacles seem overwhelming. But God will see us through. Joshua faced overwhelming challenges as he led the people into intense opposition and daunting challenges; yet Joshua remained calm. Faith fortified him. Hope inspired him. If the road ahead seems difficult and the challenges you are facing threaten to overwhelm you, take a moment and look up to God. Whisper a prayer and listen to the still small voice of faith in your heart. God is there. God is leading you. God will be faithful. Take heart! Rekindle your faith. God will see you through! Listen to these words of encouragement the Lord spoke to Joshua:

(verse of the week)
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1.9)

(prayer of the week)
Lord, the challenges and adversity of life sometimes seem discouraging, but help me to lift my eyes to you, where comes my strength. Strengthen me. Lift my heart. Renew my spirit. May I face the challenges and adversity of life with faith and trust in you, that I may stand strong, through your power and to your glory, amen.

Friends, we are all in this together and God will see us through. Blessings and prayers—Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
Be sure you 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

Peace

5/7/2020

As most of us are learning to navigate the current pandemic and even wondering what a new normal will eventually look like for us, we may find our lives with a whole new level of stress and anxiety. Most of us have faced some troubles and anxieties at different points in our lives. So too did the disciples. They were anxious and troubled that Jesus was facing threats and they too would face many formidable obstacles in life. Jesus took time to listen to their troubled hearts. And Jesus took time to quiet their fears and anxieties with this most powerful promise that come what may, God's Spirit would be with us and give us guidance and peace. Jesus even refers to God's Spirit as the Counselor, or the Paraclete, which literally means "the one called alongside" who will encourage and help us. Today know that you are not alone. Whatever you are facing today, take a moment and hear the comforting words of our Lord:

(verse of the week)
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, Will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14.26, 27)

(prayer of the week)
Loving Lord, in the midst of troubles that feel like waves breaking over us and anxieties that sometimes feel like stormy winds blowing us on the seas, let us find the true peace that only you offer even as you banished the storm and calmed the seas for the disciples. Help us to be at peace knowing you are our Counselor, and your Spirit will enfold us in peace and hope. Help us embrace your peace and share it with others, through Christ Our Lord, amen.

Blessings –Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility--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

Waiting

4/30/2020

Many of us are spending a lot more time waiting in these days when we are under stay at home guidelines due to the pandemic or even waiting in lines separated by six-foot strips for safety at the grocery store. Waiting is not easy for most of us. Our spiritual world is full of waiting as well, whether we are waiting for prayers to be answered for healing of a loved one who is sick or for protection of a loved one who is serving on the front lines in the medical field or service sector. Or perhaps like so many, you are just praying for this all to be over and for us to go back to normal, whatever that new normal will look like. Do you feel anxious or frustrated your prayer seems to go unanswered? Don’t lose heart. Just because you do not yet see the answer to your prayers, does not mean God does not hear you. Wait! The Lord is working. Waiting time is not wasting time. Waiting time is time for God to mold us and strengthen us and deepen our relationship with Him. God is at work. Trust God! God will see you through. God is at work even though you might not be able to see it. Hear again these encouraging words of the psalmist, David, who many times in his life experienced prolong periods of waiting on God’s plan and purpose:

(verse of the week)
I would have lost heart unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
Wait on the Lord; be of good courage,
And He will strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord. Psalm 27.13,14 (NKJV)

(Prayer of the week)
Loving Good Shepherd, lead me beside the quiet waters, and help me to find the green pastures of quiet rest. Let me lean into your love and grace. Restore my soul. Renew my mind. May I feel your arms of love around me. As I rest in you and you restore my soul, help me to learn to reflect your love that others may see your image in me and I may be a blessing to them. Amen.

Hang in there! We will all get through this together! –Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
Be sure you 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