Loving Jesus Style

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV) Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. Devotion: In a world overflowing with advice on fitness, diets, and physical wellness, it’s easy to measure value by what we see and feel. We are bombarded with messages telling us to invest time and energy in our bodies, believing this will yield happiness and fulfillment. While there is certainly benefit to caring for ourselves physically, Paul’s words to Timothy offer a deeper invitation—to prioritize spiritual training, a discipline whose rewards extend far beyond the here and now. Paul urges, “Train yourself to be godly.” Just as athletes commit to daily routines, discipline, and perseverance to improve their physical abilities, spiritual growth also requires intentional practice. This isn’t about rigi...

  Scripture: 15:5-6 (NIV) “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire, and burned. Devotion: Jesus’ words in John 15:5-6 invite us to reflect on our deep need for connection with Him . He describes Himself as the vine and us as the branches, painting a vivid picture of dependence, intimacy, and life. Just as branches cannot survive apart from the vine, we cannot flourish spiritually or produce true fruit unless we are rooted in Christ. It’s tempting to think we can manage life on our own, relying on our strength or wisdom . Yet, Jesus reminds us that apart from Him, we “can do nothing.” When we stray from His presence—even unintentionally—our lives begin to wither. The fruit we long for—love, joy, peace, patience—does not grow by sheer effort but through...

Scripture: Matthew 2:1–12 Devotion: Epiphany invites us to linger with the Magi —those mysterious travelers who saw a light in the sky and recognized it as the beginning of something God was doing in the world. They didn’t know all the details. They didn’t have a map. But they had enough light to take the next step, and they followed it. Their journey reminds us that God often leads us the same way, not with a floodlight that reveals every turn, but with a star—just enough guidance to move forward in faith. Epiphany is the celebration of God making Himself known, not all at once, but in ways that draw us closer, step by step. The Magi also show us what it means to seek Christ with intention. They traveled far, endured uncertainty, and asked hard questions. Their search was active, not passive. And when they finally found the Child, they didn’t simply observe Him—they worshiped Him. Their gifts were expressions of devotion, humility, and trust. Epiphany invites us to bring...

  An Overview of the Last Book of the Old Testament Introduction The Book of Malachi is the final book of the Old Testament in the Christian Bible and is also part of the Hebrew Bible. Written by the prophet Malachi , whose name means "my messenger," this brief book addresses the spiritual and social challenges facing the Jewish community after their return from Babylonian exile , likely in the 5th century BCE. Structure and Main Themes ·          God’s Love for Israel: Malachi opens with a reminder of God’s enduring love for Israel, contrasting it with His rejection of Esau 's descendants ( Edom ). This sets the stage for the people's accountability to God. ·          Corruption of the Priesthood: The prophet rebukes the priests for their neglect and dishonor of God through improper sacrifices and failure to teach the law faithfully. Malachi calls for a return to sincere worship and rever...

Scripture : John 17:15-17 (NIV) My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one . They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth . Devotion: In John 17:15-17, we find Jesus praying not only for His disciples but also for all who would follow Him. These words are spoken during a deeply intimate moment, as Christ prepares to face the cross. The heart of His prayer is not for escape from the world’s trials, but rather for protection and sanctification amid them: "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." Jesus knows the world is fraught with temptation, opposition, and spiritual dangers. Yet, He does not pray for His followers to be removed from these challenges. Instead, He asks the Father to guard them from the e...

Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God , which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus . Devotion: Life is full of moments that tug at our hearts and minds, tempting us to fall into the trap of worry. Whether it’s uncertainty about our future, concerns for our loved ones, or the daily pressures we face, anxiety often tries to take center stage. Yet, in Philippians 4:6-7, Paul gently reminds us that anxiety does not have to have the final word. We are invited to bring every situation to God—not just the big crises, but all the small moments of unrest as well. Prayer becomes our bridge from anxiety to peace. When we talk to God about our struggles, and do so with a heart full of gratitude, something incredible happens. The act of giving thanks shifts our perspective from what troubles us ...