Loving Jesus Style

 Don’t be a Hypocrite Scripture: Matthew 7:3-5 (NIV) “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye ? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. Devotion: As we consider Matthew 7:3-5, we encounter a powerful and practical lesson from Jesus about human tendencies toward hypocrisy and judgment. In this passage, Jesus uses a vivid image: someone is quick to spot a tiny speck in another person’s eye while ignoring the large plank in their own. It’s a striking metaphor that challenges us to look at our own lives before criticizing others. This teaching is not just about avoiding harsh judgment or minding our own business. It’s about humility and honesty with ourselves. We often find it easy to spot ...

    The Book of Jonah is a brief narrative found in the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament . It tells the story of the prophet Jonah , whom God commands to go to the city of Nineveh and preach repentance to its inhabitants because of their wickedness. Instead of obeying God's command, Jonah attempts to flee by boarding a ship traveling in the opposite direction. While at sea, a violent storm threatens to destroy the ship. The sailors, realizing the storm is supernatural, cast lots and discover Jonah is the cause. At Jonah's request, they throw him overboard, and the sea calms. Jonah is then swallowed by a great fish or whale , where he spends three days and nights. From the belly of the fish, Jonah prays to God, expressing repentance and gratitude for deliverance. God commands the fish to release Jonah onto dry land. Jonah then proceeds to Nineveh, proclaiming the message of impending destruction. Surprisingly, the people of Nineveh, from the king down t...

Scripture: Matthew 18:1-5 (NIV) At that time, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven ?” He called a little child to him and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. Devotion: In Matthew 18:1-5, Jesus teaches His disciples—and us—a deep lesson about what it truly means to be great in the kingdom of heaven. The conversation begins with a simple yet revealing question: “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” The disciples, like many of us, cared about status, recognition, and importance. But Jesus responds in a way that probably surprised them. Instead of naming those with power or influence, He calls a little child and places that child among...

Scripture: Jeremiah 6:14 ( NIV ) They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. ‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace.   Devotion: In Jeremiah 6:14, the prophet reveals a dangerous illusion: “They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. ‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace.” At first glance, these words might seem comforting, like a gentle balm over troubled times. But Jeremiah’s warning is sharp and sobering. He challenges us to face the reality of brokenness rather than covering it up with empty promises or shallow reassurances. How often do we hear words of peace—spoken by leaders, friends, or even ourselves—without addressing the deeper wounds and unrest inside us or those around us? The tendency to downplay pain or hide conflict is strong. We seek relief, not the discomfort of honest reflection. Yet, ignoring the depth of our hurt or the seriousness of division only extends suffering and delays healing...

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:13-14 (NIV) Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus . Devotion: In 1 Timothy 1:13-14, Paul reflects on his past with raw honesty: “Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” These verses offer a profound glimpse into the heart of Christian transformation —hope for anyone who feels unworthy, ashamed, or too far gone to receive God’s grace. Paul’s story is both a warning and an encouragement. He had opposed God with zeal, yet God’s mercy found him not after he cleaned up his life, but precisely when he was at his worst. Mercy, as Paul describes, is not som...

  Scripture: Psalm 89:15 ( NIV ) 15  Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence , Lord . Devotion Psalm 89:15 (NIV) says, “Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord.” This verse is a gentle reminder of the joy and blessing that come from living in God’s presence and recognizing His goodness in our daily lives. The psalmist points out that true happiness is found not in material possessions or achievements, but in our relationship with the Lord and our willingness to praise Him. To “acclaim” God means to openly celebrate Him, to declare His greatness with gratitude and reverence. This is more than just singing songs or saying prayers; it’s a lifestyle of worship where our words and actions reflect our love and respect for who He is. When we learn to acclaim God, we shift our focus from our own worries and struggles to His faithfulness, mercy, and power. Walking “...