Devotional Blog

Persevere

3/22/2023

A good runner knows that she has to focus not on her feet but on a point in the distance. Focusing on her feet shortens the stride, and precious distance is lost over time. As Christians, we too, sometimes focus on our troubles and difficulties instead of focusing on Christ. Like a runner looking at their feet, we lose stride. But when we focus on Christ instead of our difficulties, our vision is changed and our stride is transformed. Where there was a grim hopelessness there is now faith in the power of Christ and hope of eternal life. And where we felt alone and surrounded by adversity, we are now comforted by the strength and loving presence of Christ. Life your eyes, focus on Christ, and take hope. For we do not run the race alone.

(verse of the week)
“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. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12.1-2)

(Prayer of the week)
Lord, help me to lay aside the things that distract and entangle and focus on you. Help me to trust in your love, and your plan and purpose for my life. Renew my faith in you, and rekindle the joy of life. May others see you in all I do, and give you thanks. Amen.

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

(quote of the week)
A little faith and God is enough –Alf Stanway

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

Not Alone

3/15/2023

You are not alone! If there is one message that comes to us over and over in the Bible, it is that one message ringing clear-- you are not alone! We were not created to be alone, but to have fellowship with God (Genesis 1,2). And when we blew it and failed, God came looking for us (Genesis 3). Even when friends forsake us, God is there (Job). God's Word lights even the darkest path (Psalm 119). Even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we may have peace because God is with us --God's hand holds ours (Psalm 23). Jesus came that we might know forgiveness and reconciliation with God (John 3.16). And Jesus very words give us this blessed promise of the Spirit's presence:

(Verse of the week)
And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever --the Spirit of truth . . . You know Him, for that Spirit lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you alone . . .Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. (John 14.16,17)

(Prayer of the week)
Gracious Heavenly Father, thank you that you love me and your presence is always with me. Help me to open my heart to you and your great love. May your love touch and change my life and may I be a blessing to others, through your power and to your glory, Amen.

Have a great week!—Pastor TJ

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

Waiting

3/8/2023

How good are you at waiting? I must confess that I am not all that good at waiting. The truth is waiting is a hard thing for most of us. We are a fast food, high speed internet, overnight delivery kind of people. We think of waiting time as wasted time. But so often our rush just runs us in circles; we run without true purpose or 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 time is a time we reflect on Christ’s love and listen to His still small voice in our hearts. Waiting time is a time that God molds and makes us. Like a tree growing steadily from sunlight and soil as its roots dig deeper and its trunk grows stronger, waiting on God is one of the true secrets of life and a source of true strength. Discover the true source of life!

(verse of the week)
“They that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like 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 your great love that reaches out to us and forgives us and gives us new life and hope for tomorrow. Help me to learn to wait on you as a source of strength and love. Open my heart and mind to trust in your plan and purpose for my life. Open my life to your power that touches and transforms life. May your gifts of love, hope, peace, and joy grow within me as I draw my strength from you. And let your love burn within me that others may see you in all I do. Amen.

Wishing you a great week! –Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
There is no greater power in the universe than prayer. Prayer can change the world, because prayer puts us in touch with the One who made the world. . .

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

Refiner’s Fire

3/1/2023

Perhaps you have gone to Colonial Williamsburg or some other historical place and like me watched the blacksmith at work hammering next to the fires fanned by the hand-powered bellows. In the workroom of the blacksmith the fires burn hot, and the sound of hammering echoes in the street. The steel is softened and refined in fire, hammered into shape, then heated again, re-worked, and finally hardened in the shock of water and steam. It seems a hard process from fire to hammer and anvil, and finally to the water vat; and yet the master craftsman knows his work. A work of beauty and usefulness is created. Peter likens God’s work in us to that of a master craftsman at work. God fashions us and refines us with the fires of trial, but a work of beauty and faith is being crafted that will last the storms of life and reflect God’s love, giving “praise, glory, and honor” to Christ. Know no matter how hot the fire, or how hard the hammer of adversity strikes, the water of the Holy Spirit will sustain you, for God is creating a work of enduring beauty and you are safe in God’s skillful care. Your faith is more precious than the finest gold. You are in the loving hands of the Divine Master Craftsman.

(Verse of the week)
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that you faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire---may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory, honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. (1 Peter 1.6,7)

(Prayer of the week)
Gracious and loving God, thank you for the challenges of life that refine, mold and strengthen us. Give me faith to trust in your plan and your strength. Refine me that others may see your true reflection in me. May I be joyful in all things, and may I be loving to all people, that others may see the light of your love in me. Amen.

Blessings in Christ! –Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
It is not how much you do, but how much love we put in the doing. It is not how much we give, but how much love we put in the giving --Mother Teresa

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

Ashes

2/22/2023

This week marks the beginning of Lent. Most of our culture knows more about Mardi Gras than Lent, just as most of us would prefer celebration over repentance. But both have their place in the seasons of life. Lent reminds us of the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness being tested by temptation and purified and empowered by prayer. Lent comes right before Holy Week and Easter as a time for people to focus on faith and remember all that Christ endured on the cross that we might know true forgiveness and love. It also reminds us of the good news of the hope of the resurrection and new life. Ashes have long been a symbol of repentance and humility. From early times many Christians have used the ashes of burned palm branches from the previous Palm Sunday, to mark the sign of the cross on their foreheads as a symbol of repentance and prayer and as a witness of their faith.
Even more important than the roots of these wonderful traditions, is the power of prayer. It is easy to look around our world and see great needs that touch our hearts. But let us discover anew the power of prayer. There is no power equal to the power of believers gathering together to seek God and pray. Challenge yourself to a special time of prayer for yourself and the needs around the world. Discover a fresh renewal as we pray for our world and for our lives that we may be filled with God's love and empowered by God's Spirit to reach out with a whole new passion to others in need. Open your heart anew to God's love and power. Discover the power of prayer!

(Verse of the week)
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart. (Jeremiah 29.11)

(Prayer of the week)
Lord, thank you for the privilege and power of prayer. Help me to discover in prayer your great love and help me to let your power touch my life that I may face the challenges and adversities of life with hope and peace, and be a light in your world. Amen.

Have a great week!—Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
A little faith and a great God is enough-- Alf Stanway

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

Love Note From God- Valentine’s Day

2/16/2023

Did you get that Valentine's Day card from that special someone? Or did you feel a little left out and downcast? Perhaps you remember that first Valentine’s Day card when you were just a school-aged youngster. How excited you were to discover someone cared for you. Or maybe you recall that first time you were in love and your heart seemed to swell and your footsteps seemed so light, or on your wedding day in that special moment when you celebrated your love with that special person.   Perhaps later when you held your newborn baby or grandbaby in your arms, you thought you could never love so much, and you held that little one so sweetly. There is nothing quite like the life-changing power of love.
God offers us a love in Christ that is even greater than even these wonderful experiences of love.   Christ is the One who came to share our lives and show us the way to love and was willing to lay down His life on the cross that we might know God’s grace and love.   And each day our Risen Lord promises to be present with us come what may, and to bless our lives with His love. This is truly a life-changing love.
This Valentine’s Day celebrate love with all those whose love you cherish, but don’t forget to remember the One whose love is greater than all others, Our Lord Jesus.
(Love Note From God)
John 3:16      “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (NIV)

(Prayer of the week)
Lord, help me to open my heart anew to your life-changing love.   Help me to feel your forgiveness and grace. Renew the love for you and for others. Grant me a thankful heart for those who have shown me love, and grant me the gift of each day to show your love to others that their lives may be blessed by knowing someone truly cares. Amen.

Wishing you and your family a very Happy Valentine’s Day!—Pastor TJ

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

Stormy Seas

2/9/2023

He still calms the seas and stills the storms. Like Peter we are often caught in the teeth of the storms of life. Battered by wind and wave, we take our eyes off of the only one who can offer us true hope and peace--Jesus. Our Lord never told us we would not be buffeted by the storms of life; rather Jesus has promised us that amid the storm his presence would be there to strengthen us and offer us peace and hope. In the storm, look to Christ, He will see you through!

(Verse of the week)
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
And He brought them out of distress.
He stilled the storm to a whisper;
The waves of the sea were hushed. Psalm 107.28,29

(Prayer of the week)
Gracious and loving God, thank you that you care about me and love me. Fill me with your peace and power. Help me to trust you that you have the power to still every storm and you will guide me all of life. Amen.

May the peace of Christ be with you! –Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved –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

Growth

1/26/2023

Growth. For most of us, it happens slowly, as we face the challenges and difficulties of life. Challenges stretch us and strengthen us --personally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. One of the most important keys to positive growth is simply deep roots--deep roots of faith. Like a tree planted by the water, we can grow, until one day we become a towering tree of timeless faith. Come sunny skies or stormy nights, if our roots are deep in the soil of faith, we can only grow stronger over time.

(Verse of the week)
Blessed is the person
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
But their delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditate on God's law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in due season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever they do prospers. (Psalm 1.1-4)

(Prayer of the week)
Almighty and Loving God, help me grow deep roots of faith and love that I may face the challenges and adversities of life with hope and peace, and be a light in your world. Amen.

Blessings in Christ—Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
“What matters is not the duration of your life, but the donation of it” –Rick Warren

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/

Your Name

1/19/2023

What wondrous news!–God, who created all that is, calls us by name. There are times in our lives when we hear our name and our heart is warmed just by the sound of our name spoken by someone who loves and cares for us. God knows us, loves us, and calls us by name. It is the personal call of the One who formed and fashioned us. It is the call of love and forgiveness. It is the call of the One who has a plan and purpose for our lives. Listen for a moment . . . and hear God’s call. Hear your name spoken lovingly by God. Come to him for God loves you and calls you by name like a loving and forgiving parent. God’s promise comes to us, come what may, like a quiet, comforting whisper, “I will be with you!” Trust God. Listen for God’s loving voice whisper your name . . .

(scripture of the week)
Fear not for I have redeemed you,
I have summoned you by name; you are mine. . .
I will be with you. (Isaiah 43.1,2)

(Prayer of the week)
Lord, thank you for your great love and the way you know us and call us by name. Open my heart and mind to trust in your plan and purpose for my life and your power to see me through. Renew within me a fresh appreciation and confident hope in your love and plan and purpose for my life. And may my life, radiant with your love, touch others today. Amen.

Blessings –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

Justice

1/12/2023

Monday we give pause to remember in a special way 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. 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 speaks a word of love, gives a hug to the lonely, or reaches out with an act of kindness. Take a moment and share your love and faith in a tangible way with someone in need.

(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. Open my heart and life to your plan and purpose for my life. Renew and strengthen my faith that I have a firm hope and confidence in your love and power. Help me to work for things that last for eternity. May I show your love to someone today. Amen!
Open your heart to God's amazing love!-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