Dear friends, I know that for many in our communities, across our country and around the world this is a very anxious time with the spread of coronavirus. Like most of you, my schedule and worries have changed dramatically. But this is also a time to try to remain calm and compassionate as well as careful and concerned. Perhaps it is a good time to slow down a little take a little more quality time with family since many of us are “stuck” at home. It is also a time to challenge ourselves to spend more quality time with Our Lord in prayer and Bible reading. Let us be reminded that when the disciples were at sea facing the winds and the waves of a storm, Jesus came to them and said, “Peace! Be still!” I wonder if Jesus was not only speaking to the storm on the sea, but also to the storm of the disciples’ lives. I invite you to take a moment and hear Jesus whisper those words to you and your loved ones today. I also invite you to lean into the strength of these words spoken by Jesus that resonate with us today:
(scripture of the week)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27 NIV11-GK)
(prayer of the week)
Lord, in the midst of very real worries and concerns we ask you to bring peace to our hearts and lives today. May your peace and presence be with all those who have lost loved ones to this illness. Give wisdom and direction to our leaders and healthcare workers as they lead and serve with care and compassion. Grant us a spirit of unity, rather than divisiveness, in our world to overcome this illness and the challenges it presents. Help us to lean into your strength and grace and love today and always, amen.
(quote of the week)
“Difficulties meet us at every turn. They are the accompaniment of life. Out of pain grow the violets of patience and sweetness. The richness of human experience would lose something of rewarding joy, if there were no limitations to overcome. I have never believed that my limitations were punishments or accidents. If I had held such a view I never could have exerted the strength to overcome them. We are chastened by God as children. We are trained by discipline and refined. We are not punished or chastised”-- Helen Keller
Listen to recent sermons by Dr. TJ Jenney at http://inspiresundaymessages.blogspot.com/
Check the latest leadership blog by Dr. TJ http://www.drtj.us
(scripture of the week)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27 NIV11-GK)
(prayer of the week)
Lord, in the midst of very real worries and concerns we ask you to bring peace to our hearts and lives today. May your peace and presence be with all those who have lost loved ones to this illness. Give wisdom and direction to our leaders and healthcare workers as they lead and serve with care and compassion. Grant us a spirit of unity, rather than divisiveness, in our world to overcome this illness and the challenges it presents. Help us to lean into your strength and grace and love today and always, amen.
(quote of the week)
“Difficulties meet us at every turn. They are the accompaniment of life. Out of pain grow the violets of patience and sweetness. The richness of human experience would lose something of rewarding joy, if there were no limitations to overcome. I have never believed that my limitations were punishments or accidents. If I had held such a view I never could have exerted the strength to overcome them. We are chastened by God as children. We are trained by discipline and refined. We are not punished or chastised”-- Helen Keller
Listen to recent sermons by Dr. TJ Jenney at http://inspiresundaymessages.blogspot.com/
Check the latest leadership blog by Dr. TJ http://www.drtj.us
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