Loving Jesus Style

Scripture: Psalm 139:1-6 (NIV) 1  You have searched me, Lord , and you know me. 2  You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3  You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4  Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord , know it completely. 5  You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. 6  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Devotion: Psalm 139:1-5 offers a profound reflection on God's intimate knowledge and constant presence in our lives. The psalmist begins by acknowledging that God has searched and known us, emphasizing that nothing about us is hidden from Him. "You have searched me, Lord, and you know me" (v.1). This verse sets the tone for the entire passage, highlighting the depth of God's awareness of our innermost beings. In verses 2 and 3, the psalmist marvels at God's understanding of our daily lives: "You

  Scripture: Jerimiah 2:11-12 (ESV) 11  Has a nation changed its gods, even though they are no gods?        But my people have changed their glory for that which does not profit. 12     Be appalled, O heavens, at this; be shocked, be utterly desolate, declares the Lord , Devotion: The passage from Jeremiah 2:11-12 (ESV) is a poignant reflection on the faithlessness of God's people. In these verses, the prophet Jeremiah conveys a message from God, expressing profound dismay and sorrow over the people's abandonment of their divine heritage. The rhetorical question posed, "Has a nation changed its gods, even though they are no gods?" highlights the absurdity and ingratitude of the Israelites' actions. Unlike the surrounding pagan nations that steadfastly clung to their false gods, Israel, who had the glory of the one true God, abandoned Him for worthless idols. The phrase "changed their glory for that which does not profit" is especi

  Introduction In our contemporary world, the concept of sin, as highlighted by Christian teachings, remains profoundly relevant. The "seven deadly sins"—gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, lust, and pride—are more than mere personal failings. They are symptomatic of a more profound cultural crisis reflecting our separation from God's intended path. This essay explores these seven sins through a Christian lens, understanding how they contribute to society's moral and spiritual decline and how faith can guide us back to righteousness. Gluttony: The Sin of Excess Gluttony, characterized by overindulgence and excess, is not limited to food and drink; it extends to our consumption of resources and material goods. In the Bible, gluttony is a form of idolatry, placing our desires above our devotion to God. Philippians 3:19 warns, "Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.&quo

Psalm 73:25-26 (ESV) 25     Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. 26     My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Devotion: In the midst of our bustling lives, it's all too easy to be lured by the glitter of worldly desires and transient pleasures. Yet, Psalm 73:25-26 serves as a poignant beacon, illuminating the stark contrast between these fleeting temptations and the enduring strength found in God's presence. Asaph, the psalmist, paints a vivid picture of a profound relationship with God, underscoring the insignificance of earthly desires when compared to the divine presence. "Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you." This verse beckons us to reevaluate our priorities and affections. In a world teeming with distractions and temptations, Asaph's proclamation urges us to acknowledge the inadequacy of

  On October 31st, millions of Christians around the world celebrate Reformation Day, a commemoration of a pivotal moment in church history. It marks the day in 1517 when Martin Luther, a German monk and scholar, nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. This act, challenging the practices and doctrines of the Catholic Church, ignited what we now know as the Protestant Reformation. The Courage to Stand for Truth Reformation Day calls us to reflect on the courage it takes to stand for truth. Martin Luther faced immense opposition and risked his life to speak against the corruption and abuses he saw within the church. His conviction was rooted in a deep understanding of scripture and a sincere desire to return to the teachings of Christ. As we remember Luther's bravery, let us examine our own lives. Are we willing to stand firm in our beliefs, even when it is difficult? Do we seek truth in God's word and let it guide our actions? Script

  Scripture Micah 6:8 (ESV) 8  He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you        but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?   Devotion:   In the book of Micah, the prophet addresses the people of Israel, calling them back to a life that pleases God. Micah 6:8 encapsulates the essence of God's expectations for His people in a simple yet profound way. It is a call to action, a reminder of our spiritual duties, and a guide for righteous living. Justice is a central theme throughout the Bible. It is not merely about adhering to laws but about ensuring fairness and righteousness in our interactions with others. Doing justice means standing up for the oppressed, fighting against injustice, and ensuring that our actions reflect God's compassion. In our daily lives, it calls us to advocate for the marginalized, seek fairness in our workplaces, and treat everyone with dignity and respect. Kindness, or m