Devotional Blog

Jewel

10/14/2021

You are a jewel! A treasure of incredible worth! God has created you a rare and beautiful gem, a treasure beyond belief. Most jewels are formed under intense pressure; and then require the experienced eye and skillful chisel of the jeweler to bring the beauty to full brilliance through careful, precise chiseling. Our faith and character are often formed and strengthened under intense pressure. And like the gems that a jeweler chisels, we too must experience the careful and loving chisel strikes of the Master Jeweler. Though sometimes painful, it will bring your true beauty and brilliance into the light of God's love and service. You are more than a diamond in the rough--take heart, you are a jewel in the master's hand.

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

(Prayer of the week)
Gracious and loving God, thank you that you care about me and love me. Give me strength to face the challenges of life, and fill me with faith to trust your plan and purpose in all things. Re-kindle the joy of life in my heart. And make me a light that others may see your love. Amen.

Have a great week! –Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
God made you as you are in order to use you as He planned --S. C. McAuley

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/

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Cast Your Cares . . .

10/7/2021

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When we are facing adversity there is nothing quite as comforting as a friend's encouraging words and caring heart. God's Word encourages us to give our cares to Christ in prayer because He cares for us even more than our closest friend. Whatever adversity or cares you are facing, take heart! Jesus cares for you and has the power to see you through. Look to God for encouragement and strength.

(Verse of the week)
Cast all your cares on Him for He cares for you. (1 Peter 5.7)

(Prayer of the week)
Gracious God of power and love, thank you for the gift of life and the opportunity to love and serve. I give you the cares of my heart and open my heart to your power and love. Renew the joy of faith and life in my heart and may I touch others with your love and joy. Amen.

Have a great week! –Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
"Hope is the thing with feathers--That perches on the soul--And sings the tune without the words--And never stops--at all--" --Emily Dickinson

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

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World Communion

9/30/2021

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It’s Homecoming Weekend at Purdue this weekend and many are enjoying the feeling of coming together even more after almost two years without being able to unite with old friends. The Homecoming football game is sure to have an enthusiastic crowd. Of course, there are quiet time that bring a powerful sense of unity as well. It might have been a moment when you were touched holding a candle with many others marking a special moment. There are times we feel that way around the dinner table at a family reunion or holiday gathering. That is the power of unity. Sometimes we fail to fully appreciate that power, especially when it comes to faith. This Sunday is World Communion Sunday – a time when believers from all over the world, every nation, every race, every place will take Holy Communion as a gesture of our common spiritual bond in Christ as believers and as a family of faith. Many of us are torn by the many signs of division and strife in our nation and in our world. But there is hope. I hope you will join us for World Communion as a time to come around the Lord’s Table and connect with God and reconnect with others as we grow personally and spiritually renewed in Christ’s love and the power of God’s promises. I also hope you will make this a time of prayer for our community, our country and our world. Listen to these words that Jesus prayed to the Father in the Garden of Gethsemane before going to the cross:

(verse of the week)
All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one (John 17.10,11).

(Prayer of the Week)
Gracious and Loving God, open my heart to your Family of Faith around the world. May I see your face in others as part your great united church of every race and every place and may I extend your grace to others in every place. Amen

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

(quote of the week)
Unless you assume a God, the question of life’s purpose is meaningless ---Bertrand Russell

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Up

9/23/2021

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Sometimes we may subtly believe that God wants to hold us back or push us down. But the opposite is true. God wants us to achieve great things. It is an empowering thought when we remind ourselves that God has a plan and purpose for our lives. God wants us to do great things that honor God and serve others. God knows the best way to use our gifts and talents --after all God created us. Trust God to open the future to you and use your strengths in wonderful ways. God has a hope and a future for you. Trust God to reveal His plan and purpose to you and take you places you never even dreamed of...

(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 your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD (Jeremiah 29.11)

(Prayer of the week)
Gracious God, thank you for the gift of this day and the gift of life itself. Thank you for the gifts and talents you have given me. Please reveal to me the best plan and purpose for all of my life and give me the faith and courage to follow you. In everything I do may others see your love and grace in me. Amen.

Have a great week—Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
There can be no happiness if the things we believe in are different from the things we do --Freya Madeline Stark

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

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Deep Calls to Deep

9/16/2021

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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

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Waiting

9/9/2021

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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

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Awesome

9/2/2021

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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

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Waiting for Dawn

8/26/2021

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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

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Beginnings

8/19/2021

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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

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Forever

8/12/2021

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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

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Jewel

Cast Your Cares . . .

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