Loving Jesus Style

  Scripture: Isaiah 40:25-26 (NIV) “To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Devotion: These verses invite us to reflect on God's unparalleled greatness and majesty. The rhetorical questions posed by the Holy One emphasize God's uniqueness—no one can be compared to Him, and no one equals His power and glory. This is not just a distant concept but a truth that has profound implications for each of us personally. As we lift our eyes to the heavens, we are reminded of the vastness and complexity of the universe. Each star, brought forth and named by God, showcases His intimate involvement with creation. This imagery reflects our Creator's meticulous care and infinite power. The starry host, which seems infinite to us...

  Scripture: Isaiah 1:17 (NIV) Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. Devotion: Isaiah 1:17 stands as a timeless call to action. In this verse, the prophet Isaiah urges us to embody the principles of justice, compassion, and righteousness. These words are not merely suggestions but divine imperatives that challenge us to transform our faith into tangible deeds. To "learn to do right" implies a journey of continual growth and understanding. Doing right is not always instinctual; it requires conscious effort and learning. We are called to educate ourselves, cultivate a spirit attuned to God's will, and discern what is just and righteous in our daily lives. "Seek justice" is a powerful directive. Seeking justice means actively pursuing fairness and equity in all our dealings. It calls us to address systemic injustices, stand against oppression, and advocate for those who c...

Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday, is a significant day in the Christian liturgical calendar that commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with His disciples. This day is observed during Holy Week on the Thursday before Easter Sunday. The term "Maundy" is derived from the Latin word "mandatum," which means "commandment." This is in reference to the new commandment that Jesus gave His disciples: "Love one another as I have loved you" (John 13:34, NIV). The origins of Maundy Thursday can be traced back to the early Christian church. The observance of this day has been an integral part of Christian worship since the first centuries after Christ's ascension. It serves as a poignant reminder of the humility, service, and sacrificial love demonstrated by Jesus during His final meal with His disciples. During the Last Supper, Jesus washed His disciples' feet, symbolizing humility and service. This event is recorded in the Go...

  Scripture: 143 (NIV) A psalm of David. Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness, come to my relief. Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you. The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in the darkness like those long dead. So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed. I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land. Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Rescue me from my enemies, Lord, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level gro...

  Finding Hope Amidst Despair Psalm 102 is a heartfelt lament of someone in deep anguish, pouring out their soul before God. It is a powerful reminder that we can turn to God for comfort and hope even in the darkest times. The psalmist begins by crying out to the Lord, "Hear my prayer, O Lord, and let my cry come unto thee" (Psalm 102:1). This plea for God's attention is not a mere formality but a desperate call for help. The psalmist feels abandoned and alone, facing overwhelming sorrow and distress. Their pain is so intense that they describe their days as consumed by smoke and their bones as burned like a hearth (Psalm 102:3). As we reflect on this, we can acknowledge that we, too, have moments where we feel utterly forsaken, where our troubles seem insurmountable. Yet, Psalm 102 teaches us that we can draw closer to God precisely in these moments of profound despair. The psalmist does not shy away from expressing their suffering; instead, they lay it all befor...

  Numbers 6:24-26 (N IV) “ ‘ “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” ’ Devotion: Devotion: The words in Numbers 6:24-26 are often referred to as the Aaronic Blessing, a benediction God gave to Moses to instruct Aaron and his sons on how to bless the Israelites. These verses encapsulate a profound sense of divine care and favor, making them timeless and ever-relevant for believers seeking solace and assurance in God's promises. The blessing begins with the phrase, "The Lord bless you and keep you." This is more than just a wish for good fortune; it invokes God's direct action in our lives. To be blessed by the Lord means to receive His favor, which encompasses all aspects of our existence, spiritual and physical. To be kept by Him means to be preserved and protected from harm. This assurance of divine guardianship is comforting in times of uncertain...