Loving Jesus Style

  Scripture: Proverbs 3:19-20 (NIV) By wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; by his knowledge the watery depths were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew. Devotion: The intricate architecture of the universe is a testament to the boundless wisdom, understanding, and knowledge of our Creator. Proverbs 3:19-20 reveals the profound truth that it is by wisdom that the Lord laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding that He set the heavens in place, and by His knowledge that the watery depths were divided, allowing the clouds to drop the dew. Reflecting on these verses, we are reminded of the divine intelligence that meticulously crafted every detail of our world. From the grandeur of the heavens to the smallest droplet of dew, everything speaks of God’s loving and intricate design. Through His wisdom, the earth was formed, a stable foundation upon which all life thrives. His understanding carved the expanse of the ...

  Scripture: John 15:18-25 (NIV) “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father as well. If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’ Devotion: In John 15:18-25, Jesus prepares His...

  Devotion on Psalm 118:6-7 In the midst of life's trials and tribulations, we often seek solace and assurance that we are not alone. Psalm 118:6-7 offers just that reassurance, as it declares the steadfast presence and support of the Lord. These verses read: "The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies." The Psalmist begins with a profound declaration: "The Lord is with me." This simple yet powerful statement is a cornerstone of faith, reminding us that God's presence is a constant in our lives. When we internalize this truth, it transforms our perspective. We no longer need to be paralyzed by fear or overwhelmed by the challenges we face. Knowing that the Creator of the universe is by our side provides a deep sense of peace and security. The next line, "I will not be afraid," flows naturally from the assurance of God's presence. Fear i...

Scripture: John 5:39-40 (NIV) You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them, you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life. Devotion: In this passage, Jesus addresses the Pharisees, who were known for their extensive knowledge of the Scriptures. They believed their diligent study of God's Word would lead to eternal life. However, Jesus points out a critical flaw in their thinking: they missed the central message of the Scriptures – to lead them to Him, the source of true life and salvation. The Pharisees were experts in the Law, spending hours upon hours studying and memorizing it. They took pride in their knowledge and adherence to the Scriptures, yet their hearts remained far from God. They failed to see that the Scriptures pointed to Jesus, the Messiah. Their focus on the letter of the Law blinded them to the life-giving relationship with Christ that the Law was meant to lead t...

Scripture: Romans 6:16 (NIV) Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? Devotion: In life, we constantly make choices, whether consciously or unconsciously, about whom or what we will serve. Romans 6:16 clearly distinguishes between two paths: one leading to death. through sin and the other leading to righteousness through obedience. This verse reminds us that our actions and decisions reflect the master we choose to follow. As believers, we are called to dedicate ourselves to God in obedience, embracing His will and commandments. This journey isn't always easy, but it leads to true life and righteousness. By surrendering to God, we are liberated from sin's bondage and experience the profound, life-changing power of His grace. Consider today whom or what you are serving. Are your actions aligning wit...

  Scripture: John 6:16-21 (NIV) When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. Their fear was not just because they saw a figure walking on water, but because they were in the midst of a storm, and the sight of Jesus walking on water seemed like a ghostly apparition. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately, the boat reached the shore where they were heading. Devotion: In this passage, Jesus demonstrates His divine authority over nature by walking on water during a storm. This miraculous act profoundly reminds us of God's infinite power, echoing the mighty works described in the Old Testa...