Loving Jesus Style

  The End of the Wilderness Journey Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible and completes the Pentateuch, traditionally attributed to Moses. It consists of a series of speeches delivered by Moses to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. Here are the key themes and sections of the book: Introduction and Historical Review Deuteronomy begins with a powerful historical review of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the edge of the Promised Land. Moses recounts their experiences, including their disobedience, the wandering in the wilderness, and the battles won with God's help. This review serves as a poignant reminder of God's faithfulness and the people's need to remain obedient, connecting us to the Israelites' journey. Laws and Commandments Moses reiterates the laws given to the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of following them. He covers various aspects of life, including worship, justice, and social responsibilities. Key topics ...

  Scripture: Psalm 118:14 (NLT) The Lord is my strength and my song; He has given me victory.   Devotion: Psalm 118:14 encapsulates the profound beauty of relying on the Lord for strength and joy. It serves as a declaration of faith that resonates deeply in believers' hearts, reminding them of the ultimate source of their power and triumph. When the psalmist proclaims, "The Lord is my strength and my song," it acknowledges that our true power does not come from our own abilities or efforts but from God's divine presence. This realization is both humbling and liberating. It frees us from the burdens of self-reliance and opens our hearts to the boundless possibilities that arise when we trust the Lord. Strength, in this context, is not merely physical or mental fortitude; it is a spiritual resilience that enables us to withstand the trials and tribulations of life. When we face personal, professional, or spiritual challenges, the Lord fortifies us, provi...

  Scripture: Psalm 145:3-4 (NLT) Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness. Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. Devotion: In the heart of Psalm 145, we find a profound declaration of God’s greatness. David, the psalmist, extols the Lord with unwavering admiration, recognizing His unparalleled worthiness to be praised. This reverence is not just a fleeting sentiment but an eternal truth that transcends generations. “Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness.” These words resonate with the awe that fills our hearts when we contemplate the vastness of God’s power and presence. It is a call to acknowledge that God’s greatness exceeds our understanding. His deeds, creation, and love are immeasurable and beyond human comprehension. He is not just great but the greatest, deserving of our highest praise. As we meditate on these verses, it becomes cl...

  Here is a special bonus devotion. It commemorates 300,000 visitors to my blog. I hope you enjoy. Blessings, John The Lord is My Strength and My Song Scripture: Psalm 118:14 (NLT) The Lord is my strength and my song; He has given me victory.   Devotion: Psalm 118:14 encapsulates the profound beauty of relying on the Lord for strength and joy. It serves as a declaration of faith that resonates deeply in believers' hearts, reminding them of the ultimate source of their power and triumph. When the psalmist proclaims, "The Lord is my strength and my song," it acknowledges that our true power comes not from our own abilities or efforts but from God's divine presence. This realization is both humbling and liberating. It frees us from the burdens of self-reliance and opens our hearts to the boundless possibilities that arise when we trust the Lord. Strength, in this context, is not merely physical or mental fortitude; it is a spiritual resilience that enables us to withsta...

  A Journey Through the Wilderness Introduction The Book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. It is named for the census of the Israelites that begins the book, but it covers a much broader scope, detailing the Israelites' journey through the wilderness to the Promised Land. Structure and Content The Book of Numbers is divided into several key sections: The Census and Organization (Chapters 1-10) The book begins with a pivotal event: a census of the Israelite tribes. It provides a numerical overview of the community and serves as a strategic tool for organizing the people for their journey and battles. Due to their unique role in religious duties, the Levites are counted separately. The Israelites are then organized strategically around the Tabernacle, with specific instructions on camp arrangement and the responsibilities of various groups tribes. The Journey and Rebellion (Chapters 11-20) As the Israelites depart from ...

  Scripture: Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. Devotion: Faith can sometimes feel like walking in the dark, trusting that there’s a path beneath your feet. Hebrews 11:1 paints a beautiful picture of what faith really is—an assurance and a conviction. Assurance conveys confidence in God's promises, while conviction reflects an unwavering belief even when there is no visible evidence to rely on. This verse invites us to see beyond what is tangible, beyond what our eyes can perceive. Faith, a transformative force, reminds us that it doesn’t hinge on circumstances or proof. It is rooted in who God is and the reliability of His word. Abraham stepped into the unknown because of his faith. Noah built an ark long before the rain came due to his trust in God. Their faith wasn’t passive—it moved them, inspiring action even when the future was uncertain. To develop this kind of f...