Loving Jesus Style

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:13-14 (NIV) Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus . Devotion: In 1 Timothy 1:13-14, Paul reflects on his past with raw honesty: “Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” These verses offer a profound glimpse into the heart of Christian transformation —hope for anyone who feels unworthy, ashamed, or too far gone to receive God’s grace. Paul’s story is both a warning and an encouragement. He had opposed God with zeal, yet God’s mercy found him not after he cleaned up his life, but precisely when he was at his worst. Mercy, as Paul describes, is not som...

  Scripture: Psalm 89:15 ( NIV ) 15  Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence , Lord . Devotion Psalm 89:15 (NIV) says, “Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord.” This verse is a gentle reminder of the joy and blessing that come from living in God’s presence and recognizing His goodness in our daily lives. The psalmist points out that true happiness is found not in material possessions or achievements, but in our relationship with the Lord and our willingness to praise Him. To “acclaim” God means to openly celebrate Him, to declare His greatness with gratitude and reverence. This is more than just singing songs or saying prayers; it’s a lifestyle of worship where our words and actions reflect our love and respect for who He is. When we learn to acclaim God, we shift our focus from our own worries and struggles to His faithfulness, mercy, and power. Walking “...

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NIV) May God himself, the God of peace , sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ . The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. Devotion: Sanctification is one of the most beautiful and mysterious works of God in the believer’s life. In 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Paul offers a prayer that reveals not only the depths of God’s involvement in our lives, but also assures us of His persistent faithfulness: “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” Paul begins by addressing God as “the God of peace,” reminding us that true sanctification is not born from striving or self-improvement, but from the One who brings wholeness and peace into our fragmented lives. God’s sanctifying work...

  An Overview of the Shortest Book in the Old Testament The Book of Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, consisting of just one chapter with 21 verses. It is classified among the Minor Prophets and is a prophetic message attributed to Obadiah, whose name means "servant of the Lord." The book's central theme is the judgment of Edom , a nation located south of Judah, for its actions against the people of Israel. Background and Purpose Obadiah addresses the longstanding animosity between Edom and Israel. The Edomites were descendants of Esau , Jacob's brother, making them relatives of the Israelites. Despite this kinship, Edom often opposed Israel and even took advantage of Judah's misfortunes. The book is believed to have been written after the fall of Jerusalem (586 B.C.), when Edom participated in or rejoiced over Judah’s destruction. Main Themes ·          Judgment on Edom: Obadiah proclaims that Edom will be brou...

Scripture: Psalm 91:1-2 ( NIV ) 1  Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2  I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust. Devotion Psalm:  The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. Each time we look up at the vastness of the sky, we witness a living testimony of God’s creativity and majesty. Psalm 19:1-2 reminds us that creation itself is an ever-present witness to God’s glory. The heavens, with their endless expanse, colors at sunrise, and the brilliant stars at night, are not silent—they are constantly “pouring forth speech,” eloquently telling of the greatness and power of their Creator. Unlike human words, the message of the heavens knows no language barrier. Their proclamation is universal and unending. Every sunset, every cloud formation, and ...

Scripture: Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)   Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever . Devotion: Hebrews 13:8 serves as a profound reminder to believers everywhere: “ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” In a world that constantly shifts — where technology, culture, and even our personal circumstances can change overnight — the steadfastness of Christ offers our hearts comfort and reassurance. This verse encourages us to reflect on Jesus' unchanging nature and how that anchors our faith, even when life feels uncertain. As we look back through history, we see countless changes. Kingdoms rise and fall, people come and go, and seasons of life ebb and flow. Yet, through it all, Jesus Christ remains the same. The love He showed on the cross, the grace He offers to all who believe, and the truth of His teachings are just as relevant today as they were two thousand years ago . This means that the promises He made still stand, and the hope He gives is...