Devotional Blog

“Where Your Treasure Is”

4/16/2026

“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Jesus speaks with striking clarity: what we treasure reveals what truly has our heart. Earthly treasures—wealth, possessions, status—are temporary. They rust, fade, and can be taken. But heavenly treasures—faith, generosity, love, obedience—endure forever.

He goes deeper: “The eye is the lamp of the body.” What we focus on shapes our entire life. If our vision is fixed on God’s kingdom, our lives are filled with light and love. But if our gaze is consumed by material things, our perspective darkens, and we lose sight of what truly matters.

Then comes the hard truth: we cannot serve two masters. Jesus names it plainly—God or money. Not because money itself is evil, but because it competes for ultimate loyalty. One will always take first place.

For us, this is not just a warning, but an invitation. It is a call to realign our hearts. To loosen our grip on what is temporary and invest deeply in what is eternal. To let God—not possessions—be the center of our trust, security, and joy.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

Quote:
“Your treasure doesn’t just show where your heart is—it decides where your heart will go . . .”

Prayer:
Lord, help me to see clearly what truly matters. Guard my heart from being captured by things that fade and draw me toward what is eternal. Teach me to trust You fully and to live with a heart that treasures Your kingdom above all else. Amen.

Wishing you a great week!—Pastor TJ

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

Living the New Life of Easter

4/9/2026

The week after Easter can feel like a return to normal life—routines resume, the excitement fades, and the extraordinary moment of resurrection risks becoming just a memory. But in Matthew 28, the resurrection is not an ending—it is a beginning.
The women leave the tomb with fear and great joy. The disciples move from doubt to worship. And Jesus meets them not with rebuke, but with purpose: “Go and make disciples… and surely I am with you always.” The risen Christ doesn’t simply prove He is alive—He sends His followers into the world forever changed with His presence.
This is where we now live—not at the empty tomb, but in the calling that follows it. Easter is not just something we celebrate; it is something we live and carry into our world. The same power that raised Jesus now fuels our life, our mission, our hope, and our daily walk.
So the question for this week is simple: What does resurrection look like in your life today? It may look like courage in uncertainty, kindness in a divided world, or faithfulness in ordinary moments. Wherever you go, He goes with you.
He is not here! He is Risen! Matthew 28:6

Quote: “Easter is not the end of the story—it is the beginning of our calling.”

Prayer Starter: Risen Lord, thank You that the tomb is empty and Your presence is real. Help me not to leave Easter behind, but to live it out each day. Give me courage to go where you send me, faith to trust Your promises, and a heart to share Your love. Remind me always that You are with me. Amen.

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

“Finished, Not Forsaken”

4/1/2026

There is something deeply human about unfinished things. Unfinished conversations. Unfinished dreams. Unfinished healing. We carry these loose ends in our hearts, often wondering if they will ever be resolved.

Then we come to the cross.

In one of His final breaths, Jesus speaks not of defeat, but of completion: “It is finished.” Not partially done. Not almost complete. Fully, finally, eternally finished.

Every sin—finished.
Every debt—paid.
Every barrier between humanity and God—removed.

And yet, what is most striking is how this moment holds both suffering and victory together. Jesus is thirsty, wounded, and dying—yet at the same time, He is accomplishing the greatest victory in history.

This changes how we see our own lives.

Because we often live as if everything depends on us—our effort, our performance, our ability to get it all right. But the cross reminds us: the most important work has already been done.

We are not striving toward acceptance—we are living from it.
We are not working for love—we are responding to it.
We are not trying to finish what Jesus started—He already finished it.

And because of that, even our unfinished lives are held within His finished work.

So today, whatever feels incomplete in your life—healing, answers, direction—bring it to the One who declared completion in the middle of suffering.

Because the same Jesus who said “It is finished” also holds your story.
And He is not finished with you.

Closing Prayer Lord Jesus, thank You for finishing what we could never complete. In our striving, teach us to rest. In our pain, remind us You understand. In our uncertainty, help us trust Your perfect plan. May we live each day in the freedom of Your finished work. Amen.

Wishing you a blessed Holy Week!—Pastor TJ

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

Mountaintop Moments

3/25/2026

The Transfiguration reminds us that faith is not just about fleeting spiritual highs, but about enduring transformation. The disciples saw Jesus in glory, but they were called to follow Him into suffering and service. We, too, are invited to behold Christ—then walk with Him into the realities of life. The true test of a mountaintop experience is not how long it lasts, but how deeply it changes us when we come down (Matthew 17:1ff).

So also, the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem was marked by well-intentioned people waving palm branches and shouting Hosanna, but when the parade was over, the passion faded when the shadow of the cross loomed large.

May our passion be strong and our commitment be true when the challenge looms large, through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Memorable Quote“Mountaintop moments are not meant for us to stay—they are meant to show us who Jesus is so we can follow Him wherever He leads.”

Short PrayerLord Jesus, you revealed Your glory on the mountain so that Your disciples—and we—might see You clearly. Help us to listen to Your voice above all others. When we face the valleys of life, remind us of who You are and strengthen our faith to follow You wherever You lead. Transform our moments with You into a life that reflects You. Amen.

Wishing you a great week!—Pastor TJ

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

The Lord’s Prayer

3/18/2026

The Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:5–13 is not just a set of words to repeat—it is a pattern for a life rooted in relationship with God. Jesus begins by redirecting our focus: prayer is not performance, but connection; not religion but relationship. It is not about being seen by others, but being known by our Loving Heavenly Father.

The prayer itself moves from heaven to earth, from God’s glory to our daily needs. “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name” reminds us that prayer begins with reverence and trust—we are speaking to a holy God who is also a loving Father. “Your kingdom come, your will be done” calls us to surrender, aligning our hearts with God’s purposes rather than our own agendas.

Then, with simple honesty, we bring our needs: daily provision, forgiveness, and guidance. The prayer teaches dependence—just enough for today, grace for our failures, and strength for our struggles, and trust for the future. It also reminds us that receiving grace and extending it are inseparable: “forgive us…as we also have forgiven.”

Ultimately, the Lord’s Prayer is an invitation to live each day aware of God’s presence, provision, and purpose. It is less about perfect words and more about a transformed heart.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, teach me to pray with sincerity and trust. Help me to honor Your name, seek Your will, and depend on You each day. Give me what I need, forgive me where I fall short, and guide me in Your ways. Shape my heart to reflect Your grace. Amen.

Quote of the Week:
“Prayer is not about getting what we want from God, but becoming who God is calling us to be.”

Wishing you a great week!—Pastor TJ

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

Not Conformed, but Transformed

3/11/2026

In this section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus moves from describing the character of the kingdom (the Be-Attitudes) to describing the heart of true righteousness. He makes it clear that He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it. The problem was never the Law itself—the problem was how people tried to keep it. Rather than understanding the spirit of the Law, many had reduced faith to outward performance rather than inward transformation.
Jesus calls His followers to something deeper. Righteousness in the kingdom of God is not about appearances; it is about the condition of the heart. It is possible to do good things—pray, give, fast, serve—and still seek recognition rather than God. Jesus warns that when our faith becomes a performance for others, the reward we receive is merely human approval.
But when we quietly live out our faith—giving generously, serving humbly, loving sincerely—God sees. The unseen acts of devotion matter deeply to Him. In God’s kingdom, the hidden life of faith is often the most powerful.
Jesus invites us to move from religion for show to relationship with God. The measure of our faith is not how visible it is to others, but how sincere it is before the Father who sees in secret. Then we are truly blessed by God, and a blessing to others.

The Apostle Paul echoes this with his bold challenge:

(verse of the week)
Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind . . .” Romans 12:2

Prayer

Gracious God,
help us to live with sincere hearts before you.
Guard us from seeking recognition from others
when we should be seeking you alone.
Teach us to practice generosity, humility, and faithfulness
in ways that honor you quietly and faithfully.
May our lives reflect your righteousness from the inside out.
May we find your true blessing and be a blessing to others near and far, Amen.

Memorable Quote

“Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching.” — C. S. Lewis

Have a great week!—Pastor TJ

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

Blessed are the Peacemakers and the Persecuted

3/4/2026

Jesus’ words in the Beatitudes turn the world’s expectations upside down. In Matthew 5:9–12, Jesus blesses the peacemakers, the persecuted, and those who suffer for righteousness. These are not the people the world usually celebrates. Yet in God’s kingdom, they are called blessed.

Peacemakers reflect the heart of God. They do more than avoid conflict—they work to actively bring reconciliation, healing broken relationships and pointing others toward God’s peace. In a world filled with division and hostility, choosing peace requires courage and humility.

Jesus also reminds His followers that living faithfully may bring opposition. When we stand for truth, righteousness, and the love of Christ, not everyone will applaud. Some may criticize or even reject us. Yet Jesus assures us that such suffering places us in the company of the prophets and the faithful who came before us.

The promise is powerful: the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who remain faithful. Our reward is not measured by the approval of people, but by the approval of God. When we pursue peace and righteousness, we live as children of God in a world that desperately needs His light.

Together, the Beatitudes to become our “Be-Attitudes” we truly become salt and light in our world. We not only have God’s blessing, we also become a blessing to those around us.

Prayer
Lord, make me a peacemaker in a divided world. Give me courage to stand for righteousness even when it is difficult. Help me to trust Your promises and to live faithfully, knowing that Your kingdom is my true reward. Amen.

Memorable Quote
“Peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice and love.” – inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr

Have a great week!—Pastor TJ

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

Blessed are the Merciful and the Pure in Heart

2/25/2026

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus describes a way of living that reflects the very heart of God. Mercy and purity are not outward performances; they reflect inward transformations. Mercy is compassion in action. To be merciful is to refuse to give people what they deserve and instead offer compassion, forgiveness, and kindness. Mercy interrupts cycles of resentment and revenge. It softens hardened places. It mirrors the grace we ourselves have received.

Purity of heart goes even deeper. It speaks of integrity — a heart undivided, sincere, aligned with God’s will. A pure heart is not sinless perfection, but single-minded devotion. It is loving God without hidden agendas. When our motives are cleansed and our hearts are aligned with Christ, we begin to “see God” — not only someday in eternity, but even now in daily life.

Mercy shapes how we treat others. Purity shapes who we are before God. Together, they reveal a life transformed by grace.

(verse of the week)
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” — Matthew 5:7–8

Prayer Starter
Gracious Father, you have shown us unfailing mercy. Teach us to extend that same mercy to others. Cleanse our hearts from pride, bitterness, and divided motives. Make us sincere in our love and steadfast in our devotion. Renew our hearts by the power of your Holy Spirit. Help us reflect your compassion in our actions and Your holiness in our hearts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Quote
“Mercy is the overflow of a heart that has truly encountered grace.”
Wishing you a great week!—Pastor TJ

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

Ash Wednesday-Blessed are Those with Gentle Strength and Those Who Long for Right Relationships

2/18/2026

Ash Wednesday is a day set aside to begin our journey through Lent and to the cross marking our foreheads with ashes as a sign of repentance, and marking our lives with prayer and God’s love. So, it is fitting that we continue our reflections on “The Be-Attitudes.” In the world’s vocabulary, meekness sounds like weakness. But in the kingdom of God, meekness is not weakness but gentle strength--strength under control. It is the quiet confidence that trusts God to defend, provide, and vindicate. The meek do not grasp or demand; they rest in God’s sovereignty, trusting God’s plan and purposes over their own. And Jesus makes a stunning promise: they will inherit the earth. What we refuse to seize in pride, God entrusts to us in grace, but of course, in God’s timing, not ours.
Then Jesus speaks of hunger and thirst—not for success, recognition, power, or comfort—but for righteousness. Righteousness is really right-relationships with God and others. This is a deep, driving desire for God’s will, God’s justice, God’s holiness to shape our lives and our world. Just as physical hunger demands to be satisfied, spiritual hunger moves us toward prayer, obedience, and compassion. Jesus assures us: those who long for righteousness will not be left empty. They will be filled.
The meek trust God’s timing. The hungry pursue God’s heart. Together, they reflect a life anchored in humility and fueled by true holy desire.

(Verse of the week)
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:5,6)

Prayer
Lord, teach me the strength of meekness and the passion of holy hunger. Guard me from pride and apathy. Create in me a deep desire for Your righteousness, and fill my life with Your presence. Amen.

Quote of the Week
“True strength bows before God, and true satisfaction flows from longing for His righteousness.”

Wishing you a great week!—Pastor TJ

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

Blessed are the Broken

2/12/2026

At the very beginning of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus turns the world’s expectations upside down. We expect blessing to belong to the strong, the confident, the bold, and the successful. But Jesus speaks first to the poor in spirit—those who know they cannot save themselves, who come before God empty-handed, and brokenhearted. Poverty of spirit is not weakness; it is honest dependence. It is the doorway into the kingdom. There is a deep sense that poor in spirit means that we acknowledge our need and are humble and teachable. Like ground broken before planting, our brokenness and humility offers a point for growth.
Then Jesus blesses those who mourn. Not only those grieving loss, but also those who grieve sin, brokenness, injustice, and the ache of a world not yet healed. Mourning is what happens when our hearts are tender. And to tender hearts, Jesus promises comfort—not shallow relief, but the deep presence of God Himself.
The kingdom begins where pride ends. Comfort comes where hearts are open. When we admit our need, heaven draws near.

(Verse of the week)
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:3–4)

Prayer Starter
Lord Jesus, help me to be poor in spirit—aware of my need and open to Your grace. In moments of sorrow and mourning, meet me with Your comfort. And in your blessing may I also be a blessing to others. Teach me to trust that Your kingdom belongs to those who depend on You. Amen.

Quote of the Week
“The doorway to the kingdom is not strength, but surrender.”

Wishing you a great week!—Pastor TJ

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