Devotional Blog

Memorial Day

5/22/2025

We celebrate Memorial Day this weekend in remembrance of all those who serve and protect with courage and honor and we remember in a very special way those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country and for freedom and justice. We pray for all the loved ones who still feel the pain of loss. We pray for our world that we might all work toward a world where freedom and justice prevail and peace may reign. We are also reminded that God Himself gave the greatest sacrifice of all, willingly taking the penalty of our sin and shortcomings upon himself and suffering a cruel death on the cross that we might know forgiveness and the promise of new life. John’s Gospel reminds us that “there is no greater love than this that a person lay down their life for another (15.13).” Christ motivation was simple and profound –love!

(Verse of the week)
“For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son that whoever would believe in him would not perish but have eternal life. For Christ came not to condemn the world but to reconcile the world to Himself.” (John 3.16)

(Prayer of the week)
Gracious Loving Father, we thank you for those who serve in the armed forces. Bless and protect them and their families, and provide peace and hope to those who have lost loved ones. Help us all to work for peace and justice in all places near and far. And may your love touch and change my life and may I be a blessing to others, through your power and to your glory, Amen.

Blessings in Christ!—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/
Podcast: Inspire Messages

Congratulations!

5/15/2025

For many this is the end of a semester of hard work and dedication as well as the end of high school or college or graduate school, and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. Congratulations! We applaud your dedication and hard work!
There will be many times of transition in our lives. We must learn to be thankful for our accomplishments, let go of our disappointments, and celebrate the future as we open our lives to God leading us in new directions and new possibilities. Continue to open your life to God’s Spirit through worship, Bible reading, and prayer. 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.

(verse of the week)
Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain if it is in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15.58

(prayer of the week)
Lord, help us to celebrate the milestones of life 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/
Podcast: Inspire Messages

Spring

5/8/2025

Spring is in the air! Spring is such a glorious time! The cold and barrenness of winter gives way to the new life of spring, trees begin to bud, flowers begin to blossom, the air is filled with the songs of birds. Everywhere there is life springing up. It seems so fitting that springtime follows Easter. The Easter miracle is not just a symbol of new life, it is also the power to find love and new life in a risen Lord. Past failures are forgiven, guilt and shame are washed away. Our relationships are made new with God and with others. Power for living is found in God's loving grace, as we open our lives to God's plan and purpose for our lives. Open your heart and life to God's amazing love!

(Verse of the week)
Jesus said--I have come that they might have life, and
have life abundantly! (John 10.10)

(Prayer of the week)
Almighty and Loving God, thank you your great love and the promise of new life found in Jesus. Help me to open my life to new strength and life found in
your amazing love. Thank you for the gift of today. And may my life touch others with love like a candle in the night. Amen.

Blessings –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/
Podcast: Inspire Messages

Forever

5/1/2025

Forever

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)
“Faith is the bird that feels the dawn breaking and sings while it is still dark” –Rabindranath Tagore

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

Table

4/24/2025

We have been looking at the simple yet deep and profound 23rd Psalm - the shepherd's psalm. The Shepherd-King David reminds us that life is like a journey, where the path leads us along scenic vistas, sometimes winding over treacherous cliffs and then again along quiet waters.    He also reminds us that enemies do sometimes surround and assault us, but God will protect us and even prepare a table of His blessing before us in their presence. God's provision is not thwarted by enemies and those who would undercut or seek to destroy us. Instead we can have full confidence in God's bounteous provision. Don't live in fear, live in faith. God's plan and power will see you through. When we have fought long and hard in the heat of the day, God's Holy Spirit will be the oil of healing. And when we feel depleted God will pour a cup that overflows with love and mercy, and restores our soul. God's presence is with us to guide and uplift us and fill us with hope and peace.   The images remind us to invite others to sit at table with us and to allow the oil of God’s Spirit to overflow and touch their lives. Amid challenge and adversity, reach out to others. Share grace! Know that come what may the Shepherd of Love leads the way and will see you through.

(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)
Gracious Lord, Shepherd of Love, lead and guide me through the challenges and adversities of life. Protect me from that which would destroy and guide me that I may always follow your way and grow each day. Prepare a bounteous table that I may share with others when difficulties threaten. Help me to trust your power to see me through. 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.

Blessings in Christ--Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)
    Words to live By-Mother Teresa
People are often unreasonable, ill-logical and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway!

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

Guiding

4/16/2025

As we continue reflection on Psalm 23 - the shepherd's psalm, the Shepherd-King David reminds us in this psalm that the Shepherd of Love has both a rod and a staff to comfort us. The rod was used as a weapon to ward off predators such as mountain lions or enemies such as thieves. The shepherd's staff had a curved end that was often used to pull a sheep back into the fold or pull it back from a dangerous cliff. The shepherd never beat a sheep with his rod. The rod was only used to ward off predators and enemies. Only the staff, with the curved end, was used on sheep. God does not punish or destroy us; God leads us and disciplines us to bring us back into the fold. His presence is with us to guide and uplift us and fill us with hope and peace. Know that the Shepherd of Love leads the way along the pathway of life and He will protect you and guide you along the journey of life and come what may He will see you through.

(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 adversity of life. Protect me from that which would destroy and guide me that I may always follow your way and grow each day. Help me to trust your power to see me through. 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)
One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: That word is love—Sophocles

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

Valley of Shadows

4/10/2025

We have been looking at the deep and profound psalm 23 - the shepherd's psalm. The beautiful pastoral imagery reminds us that life is like a journey, where the path leads us along scenic vistas and winds over treacherous cliffs and then again along quiet waters. Verse four reminds us that there are times in life when fear and uncertainty can threaten us and even death itself can overshadow the sky. Yet the psalmist assures us that God is watching over us and we can have confidence that God will protect us and His presence will give us peace. There are indeed times when we must walk through the valley of the shadow of death, when it seems the shadows of death and destruction close around us, yet even there we may take hope that Christ has conquered all, even death itself. His presence is with us to guide and uplift our hearts and fill us with hope and peace. Know that the Shepherd of Love leads the way and, come what may, will see you through.

(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 mountains and valleys of life. Protect me and comfort me through the difficulties of life, and help me always to trust you. Help me to open my life to your purpose and your plans. Help me to trust your power to see me through. Most of all open my heart to your love and make me a blessing to others, through your power and to your glory. Amen.

Open your heart to the Shepherd of Love!-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/
Podcast: Inspire Messages

Journey

4/2/2025

We are looking at the simple yet deep and profound psalm 23 - the shepherd's psalm. Life is so much like a journey, where the path leads us along scenic vistas and winds over treacherous cliffs and then again along quiet waters. There are times when we seem to know the way by heart and other times when it seems we are lost and alone. The Psalmist reminds us that like a good shepherd, God is watching over us and leads us and guides along the pathway of life. The Psalmist promises that God will lead us in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. At times the path to the green pastures and quiet waters takes us through mountain passes and steep rocky terrain. But we are never alone. God has a purpose and plan for each of our lives, and God is watching over us and God will see us through. If you are feeling a little overwhelmed at life's pathway, take heart, you are not lost or alone. Look to our Shepherd of Love for strength and guidance. Take a moment and allow God to restore your soul. Know that the Shepherd of Love leads the way and will see you through.

(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 mountains and valleys of life. Help me to open my life to your purpose and your plans. Help me to trust your power to see me through. Most of all 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)
Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it --Helen Keller

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

Psalm 23--The Shepherd's Psalm

3/26/2025

One of the most profound and comforting scriptures in all the Bible is the 23rd psalm. God speaks to young David, the humble shepherd who is being prepared to be a king, in the quiet pastoral landscape with deep and profound truths. A shepherd knows his sheep by name. He also knows their individual personalities. A good shepherd wants what is best for the sheep, but sheep don't always know what is best for them.
Sheep are docile. They like to be in flocks, yet often wander off even though they have little defense against natural predators such as coyotes, foxes or mountain lions. Sheep need to be led by their caring and knowledgeable shepherd so that they can feed in fertile and safe pastures. The Lord is our shepherd, and we are God's sheep. The Lord knows each of us by name, and our shepherd of love cares for us and wants what is best for us. Take comfort in the fact that God loves you and knows you by name. Follow God and you will not be in want; you will find green pastures and quiet waters. If you are facing adversity or those who would seek to harm you, know that you are under the watchful eye of a strong shepherd who will protect you. Take a moment and rest in the green pastures next to the quiet waters and know that God loves you.

(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 mountains and valleys of life. Help me to open my life to your purpose and your plans. Help me to trust your power to see me through. Most of all open my heart to your love and make me 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)
We look forward to the time when the Power of Love will replace the Love of Power. Then will our world know the blessings of peace –William Gladstone

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

Drawn in Loving-kindness

3/19/2025

You have been designed with love. You are engineered with compassion by the Great Designer! The word for drawn in this week’s verse also implies “stretched out” or “to grow.” We are not simply designed in love, we are also nurtured in love as God stretches us and challenges us to grow in faith and life. Some of the challenges of life are designed by God to stretch us and draw us out to a greater level of faith and strength. God has a plan for our lives, and God continues His work in us even in adversity. We are God’s artistry “created anew” in Christ Jesus, a painting with the story of grace painted on the canvass of our lives with the artist’s brushstrokes of love for all to see. Won’t you help God paint your life with the colors of love and faith that all may see and be touched by the work of beauty? Trust God for His plan and purpose in your life. Let the great Artist continue His work of love in your life as you touch the lives of those around you.

(Verse of the week)
I have loved you with an everlasting love;
I have drawn you with loving-kindness. (Jeremiah 31.3)

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

(Prayer of the week)
Gracious and loving God, thank you for the challenges of life that shape and strengthen us. Give me faith to trust in your plan and your strength. Mold me and make me that others may see your true reflection in me. Most of all may I experience your amazing love anew every day. 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.

(quote of the week)
“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”
― Corrie ten Boom

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