Loving Jesus Style

Scripture: Hebrews 12:28-29 ( NIV ) Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken , let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe , for our “God is a consuming fire.” Devotion In Hebrews 12:28-29, we are reminded of the unshakeable nature of God's kingdom and called to respond with thankfulness, reverence, and awe. These verses follow a passage that contrasts the old covenant, marked by trembling at Mount Sinai, with the new covenant established through Christ . While the old covenant instilled fear, the new covenant invites us into grace and stability—yet it still calls us to honor God's holiness. "For our God is a consuming fire" is not just a warning, but an invitation to recognize the power and purity of God Himself. When we approach God, we do so as beneficiaries of a kingdom that cannot be shaken—not by circumstances, trials, or the chaos of the world. This reality should fill us with deep gratitude. ...

  Scripture: 21:31b-32(NIV) Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him. Devotion: In Matthew 21:31b-32, Jesus delivers a powerful message that strikes at the core of religious pride and self-righteousness. Addressing the chief priests and elders, Jesus surprises His audience by saying, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.” At first glance, this statement is startling. Tax collectors and prostitutes were seen as some of the most sinful and least respected members of society. Yet, Jesus places them in a position of spiritual privilege over those who outwardly seemed righteous. Why would Jesus make such a bold and seemingly upside-do...

The Book of Joel is a short prophetic text found in the Old Testament of the Bible . It consists of three chapters and focuses on a devastating locust plague that strikes the land of Judah . Joel interprets this disaster as a sign of the " Day of the Lord ," a time of divine judgment and reckoning. He calls the people to repentance , urging them to turn back to God with sincere hearts and fasting. The book is divided into two main sections. The first describes the calamity brought by the locusts and the resulting famine and suffering. Joel emphasizes that these events are not just natural disasters but a wake-up call for spiritual renewal . The second section shifts to a message of hope. Joel prophesies that if the people repent, God will restore their land, sending abundant rain and blessings. Joel also contains a famous passage about God pouring out His Spirit on all people, foretelling a future time when sons and daughters will prophesy, old men will dream dreams, ...

  Scripture: Galatians 4:7 ( NIV ) So, you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. Devotion: Galatians 4:7 captures the heart of the gospel and the radical transformation it brings to the lives of believers: “So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.” These words, penned by Paul, speak directly to our identity and our inheritance in Christ. This single sentence draws a clear line between our old life and the new life we have through faith. Before knowing Jesus, we were slaves—slaves to sin , to fear, to the empty pursuits and burdens that weighed us down. We may have tried to earn acceptance or prove our worth, always wondering if we were good enough or if our past mistakes were too big to overcome. However, Paul assures us that the moment we accept Christ, our status changes dramatically. God Himself adopts us, welcomes us into His family not as o...

  Scripture: Psalms 37:23-24 ( NIV ) The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. Meditation and Prayer: Gracious and loving Father, we come before You with humble hearts, grateful for Your steadfast presence and unwavering faithfulness. Lord, Your Word reminds us in Psalm 27:23-24 that You make firm the steps of the one who delights in You, and even if we stumble, we will not fall, for You uphold us with Your mighty hand. We praise You for this comforting promise, knowing that our journey may not always be easy, but Your guidance is always with us. We confess that there are times when we feel weak, uncertain, or afraid. The world around us can be overwhelming, and the challenges we face sometimes seem insurmountable. Yet, Your Spirit whispers to us that we are not alone. You walk beside us, guiding our steps and catching us when we falter. Thank You for Your patience and co...

Scripture: Galatians 2:19-21 (NIV) “For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ , and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” Devotion: Paul’s words in Galatians 2:19-21 reach deep into the heart of the Christian faith, revealing a profound mystery: “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” This isn’t just theological language; it’s a call to embrace a radically transformed life, one shaped not by our own striving, but by grace and the indwelling presence of Jesus . When Paul says he “died to the law,” he’s declaring freedom from the endless cycle of trying to earn God’s approval. The law—God’s perfect standard—reveals our need but cannot give us life. In C...