Devotional Blog

Stand

1/21/2021

Monday we gave pause to remember in a special way 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 against oppression and inequality. True love speaks a word of love, gives a hug to the lonely, or reaches out with an act of kindness. We are the hands of Christ reaching out to a world in need. Take a moment and share your love and faith in a tangible way with someone in need. And be willing to take a stand.

(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 stand strong for justice. May I live with integrity. May I stand alongside the hurting or lonely or oppressed or marginalized. 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

Continued Prayers for our Nation

1/14/2021

Like so many of you, I continue to be heartbroken by the scenes of violence in our nation’s capitol last week. People have the right to voice opinion and even protest but they should be peaceful, orderly and respectful. Voicing differences is part of democracy, but violence should never be tolerated. Words matter. And words of our leaders matter even more. Our country should not harbor hate or incite violence. It seems for some time instead of listening to each other we have instead been engaged in name-calling and blaming. We seem to have lost the art of civil discourse and respect that is such a vital part of democracy as well as civil life. I hope we can all begin to heal and put aside differences and work together as one nation as we welcome President Elect Joe Biden next week. Part of this is to learn to treat each person with dignity and respect and work for the good of all. Our Lord gave us a great guide on how to treat each other which has become known as the Golden Rule that people have treasured and tried to practice down through the years. I offer it again for all of us:

“In everything do to others as you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12)

I hope you will join me in praying for a healing of our nation and all of our hearts and lives as we try to unite together and work for the good of everyone. It is time to put aside differences and work together. Let us welcome our new president and work toward a new attitude.

Join me in praying for our nation: Most High, grant that we may discover again the value of each person, and help us to put aside the enmity which divides, and work toward the good of all. Help us to learn again to listen to each other respectfully, to act with kindness, to work for justice for all, and walk humbly as we follow you with a renewed vision. Amen.

Blessings in Christ—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

Prayers for our Nation

1/7/2021

Like so many of you, I was heartbroken by the scenes of violence in our nation’s capitol. People have the right to voice opinion and even protest but they should be peaceful, orderly and respectful. It seems like for some time instead of listening to each other we have instead been engaged in name-calling and blaming. We seem to have lost the art of civil discourse and respect that is such a vital part of democracy as well as civil life. I hope we can all begin to heal and put aside differences and work together as one nation. It seems that a vital part of this is to learn to treat each person with dignity and respect and work for the good of all. Our Lord gave us a great guide on how to treat each other which has become known as the Golden Rule that people have treasured and tried to practice down through the years:

“In everything do to others as you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12)

I hope you will join me in praying for a healing of our nation and all of our hearts and lives as we try to unite together and work for the good of everyone. It is time to put aside differences and work together.

Join me in praying for our nation: Most High, grant that we may discover again the value of each person, and help us to put aside the enmity which divides, and work toward the good of all. Help us to learn again to listen to each other respectfully, to act with kindness, to work for justice for all, and walk humbly as we follow you with a renewed vision. Amen.

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

The Star Still Shines

12/31/2020

The appearance of the Bethlehem Star this year brought a ray of light both literally and figuratively to this year that has seen so much seeming darkness brought on by the pandemic the challenges it has brought with it. It is well to remember God put a star in the night sky to guide the wise men to where the Christ child lay. God still puts stars in the sky to light our night and guide our way. On that first Christmas challenges had to be overcome, long distances had to be traveled and a king tried to deceive and misguide them, but through it all God guided the ancient magi with a star. The star was a sign of God's love to all people in all places that God's love was reaching out to them. Through darkness and adversity, God will guide you, too. In your darkest night, through your greatest trial, God will never leave you alone. God will put a star in the night to break through the darkness and guide your way. Your star may take on different forms, but take hope and know that God will shine through the darkest night to show you love and life.
How can we trust God's love for us? -Simple, because God cared enough to share all of our life with us in Christ born in a humble manger, and then in Christ to show us the way of love and new life.
Whatever challenge you face, however dark your night, take heart! Follow the star, and kneel before the Christ child, and know the peace and hope and love that only He gives. Know that in the greatest darkness God's love shines brightest, and God loves you!

(scripture of the week)
The wise men went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. (Matthew 2.9-11 NIV)

Amid the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, open your heart to God's amazing love . . . and the true miracle of Christmas! And then let the miracle last the whole year long—Pastor TJ

(Prayer of the week)
Loving Heavenly Father, I open my heart to your amazing love, let the light of your love shine into my life. Forgive me of failures of the past, and give me new life through the miracle of Christ. Fill my life with the true gifts of Christmas--your hope, peace, love and joy. May I find a new purpose in life and a new promise for the future, through your grace and to your glory. Amen.

(quote of the week)
Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childhood days, recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth, and transport the traveler back to his own fireside and quiet home!--Charles Dickens

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

Starry Night

12/23/2020

My daughter Savannah and I were delighted to see the Bethlehem Star the other night.   It’s a rare occurrence and I hope you and your family enjoyed it, too. Perhaps the shepherds were staring into the starry night sky, marveling at the beauty and wonder of creation. Staring up into the inky black heavens one can see stars that spread farther than we can even possibly imagine. Each star is formed and fashioned as works of engineering and art beyond which we can possibly comprehend. As the psalmist declared, “The heavens proclaim the glory of God; the skies proclaim the works of his hands.”

And then suddenly the night sky was broken by the message of an angel sent to tell these ordinary shepherds that the Lord of all creation, the one who formed and fashioned these works of wonder and awe had come to love and redeem us. For a moment creation stood still to watch the creator of all the universe humbly come into the world as a tiny baby born in a manger. God was not just a creator far removed from us, but a savior who had come to love us, to share life, and give his life that we might have forgiveness and new life. God had truly become-Immanuel, God with us! Angels announced, “Tidings of great joy for all people!” And with that joyful note the heavens broke forth with the sings of heavenly choirs who could not help but sing glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to all people who seek this savior.

So, the shepherds left their flocks and their work and their worries, and journeyed to see this miracle. . .They came and knelt down in quiet wonder before the Lord of the universe in a manger. Won’t YOU come! Set aside your work and worry for a moment and kneel in quiet hush before this Lord of all creation and see in his face the face of God’s love. Kneel before him and feel your heart touched as only the Creator of life and giver of new life can touch a heart. For the Creator of the universe has come to love you to give you new life!   Shhhh listen for a moment and you can hear angels sing. . .and like Mary treasure this message and open your heart to God’s amazing love. . .

(Verse of the week)
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ 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,
            and on earth peace to all on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2.8-19)

(Prayer of the week)
Loving Heavenly Father, I open my heart to your amazing love, forgive me of failures of the past, and give me new life through the miracle of Christ. Fill my life with the true gifts of Christmas . . .your love and hope and peace and joy. May I find a new purpose in life and a new promise for the future, through your grace and to your glory. Amen.
Amid the hustle and bustle of Christmas, open your heart to God’s amazing love…and the miracle of Christmas!
Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!—Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
“I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach!”
--Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

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

Star

12/17/2020

Have you taken a look at the night sky lately? A rare event known as the Bethlehem Star is taking place in the night sky as Jupiter and Saturn appear so close, they appear almost as one. The closest will be on December 21st visible shortly after sunset in the southwestern sky. I hope you and your family will take a moment and enjoy this special event that reminds us of Christmas and the glory of God’s creation. Some believe this was the same event that guided the magi that first Christmas. Stars light up the sky in beautiful ways that guide and inspire us. Ancient sailors navigated the seas by the stars. Travelers on land also were guided by the stars. Stars have captivated our imagination and inspired our stories. But God also gave a promise about a star that would change the world and guide us toward God, the Creator of all the stars. Take a moment and allow your life to be guided by the light that shines in the darkest night, our Lord Jesus.

(scripture of the week)
"A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel"--Numbers 24.17

(prayer of the week)
Loving Creator, you created all the universe and you created me. Help me to see and be guided by the light of your love sent in Christ. In Christ, let me find true hope, peace, love and joy, and share those great gifts with others near and far, amen.

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!—Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas--Calvin Coolidge

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

Candles

12/10/2020

One of the Christmas traditions in Pennsylvania where I grew up was to put a single candle in each window of a home. On a dark night, you could see the candles glowing far away. It always made me feel like there was hope shining in the night. No matter how cold and snowy outside, those candles glowing in the windows made you feel there was a special warmth in the home.

I think that’s the way our lives often reflect the love of Christ. We may feel we are only one candle glowing in the night. But often times people may look across the darkness and see our lives aglow with the love of Christ in a special way that gives them hope.

(scripture of the week)
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8.12).

(prayer of the week)
Lord, touch my life with the light of your love. May all I do reflect your love. And may I be a candle in the night, shining hope to others near and far, through Christ, the Light of the World, amen.

Wishing you a blessed Christmas season—Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year –Charles Dickens

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

Hustle and Bustle

12/3/2020

This time of the year there is plenty of anxiety and stress over the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping and to-do lists and lots of other good things. Sometimes we forget the reason for the season. Amid the busyness, we rejoice knowing that God loves us. And whether we are a lowly shepherd or a person bearing costly gifts, we find our savior in Bethlehem. Let us take time to experience anew the wonder of God’s love come in Christ and share the gifts only he can bring—hope, peace, love and joy.

(scripture of the week)
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;
Those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
On them a light has shone –Isaiah 9.2

(prayer of the week)
Loving Heavenly Father, help me to push back the busyness and lean into your grace and love. Renew my heart with the true gifts of Christmas found only in Christ the Lord—hope, peace, love and joy. amen

Blessings –Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
God never gives someone a gift they are not capable of receiving. If he gives us the gift of Christmas, it is because we all have the ability to understand and receive it. Pope Francis

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

Wishing You a very Happy Thanksgiving!

11/25/2020

I know many of you are fatigued from navigating these unusual times as well as navigating work and school and society as a whole. There is lots of guidance on celebrating Thanksgiving with safety in mind for you and your family and we encourage you to do so. Remember it is not how many gather at our tables, but how thankful our hearts remain. An attitude of gratitude is also one of the secrets to resilience that we encourage each other to practice, so Thanksgiving helps us lean into this great truth as well as enjoy time with those closest to us. Thankfulness lifts our hearts and those around us. If you cannot be with those closest to you either because of the pandemic or simply the distance, then remember there is nothing quite like a good call from a family member or friend to brighten the day.
As we continue to navigate these challenging times, we are reminded that the first Thanksgiving was not simply a big meal but a time of true thankfulness. Our forefathers and mothers had endured a very challenging winter and even lost many loved ones, but with the help of their Native American friends planted a crop that turned into a bountiful harvest, so they showed their gratitude by sharing with their new Native American friends. It was a time of unity, celebration and true thankfulness. May it be for us as well.
Edward Winslow, one of 53 colonists who survived the first winter of in Plymouth and records events of the first autumn celebration in 1621 records it this way: "our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together, after we had gathered the fruits of our labors; they four in one day killed as much fowl, as with a little help beside, served the Company almost a week, at which time amongst other Recreations, we exercised our Arms, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and amongst the rest their greatest king Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five Deer, which they brought to the Plantation and bestowed on our Governor, and upon the Captain and others. And although it be not always so plentiful, as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want, that we often wish you partakers of our plenty."
Wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!
--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/

Thankful

11/19/2020

Psalm 136 is a wonderful psalm with a wonderful refrain “His love endures forever.” Try reading it aloud and feel free to add a few lines of your own. It is wondrous how a thankful heart opens your life to the love that is around you from God and others and stirs the joy within. A thankful person shines light and love where they go, and touches the hearts of many. Take a moment…rejoice. And may you have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
2     Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
3     Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.
4     to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
5     who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.
6     who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.
7     who made the great lights--
His love endures forever.
8     the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.
9     the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.…
26   Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His love endures forever. Psalm 136

(prayer of the week)
Lord, our lives overflow with blessings. Help us like our forefathers and mothers of so long ago, to give you thanks as you have seen us through adversity to a season of blessing. And remind us as you did them, that you are faithful whatever season we find ourselves in, come battles or blessings. Amen.

Let’s start early--Happy Thanksgiving—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/