Loving Jesus Style

  Scripture: Isaiah 59:14-15 (ESV)   14          Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands far away;                         for truth has stumbled in the public squares, and uprightness cannot enter.             15           Truth is lacking, and he who departs from evil makes himself prey. Devotion: In the book of Isaiah, the prophet presents a vivid picture of societal degradation, where foundational virtues such as justice, righteousness, and truth have been usurped. This can be seen in the prevalence of corruption in government, deceit in business, and dishonesty in personal relationships. Isaiah 59:14-15 is a lamentation over a society that has lost its moral compass, where these societal ills ha...

Scripture: Matthew 10:34-36 (ESV) 34  “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35  For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36  And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. Devotion: At first glance, the words Jesus speaks in Matthew 10:34-38 seem startling and even unsettling. We often associate Jesus with peace and love, so the mention of a sword and division feels contradictory. However, these verses reveal a profound truth about the cost of discipleship and the Gospel's transformative power. This is a difficult text rarely preached in our churches' pulpits. Jesus clarifies a common misconception: “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Jesus's peace is not the absence of conflict or superficial harmony. Instead, a deep, abidi...

  Scripture: Romans 14:13 (ESV) 13  Therefore, let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. Devotion: In the diversity of the Christian community, threads of tradition, conviction, and preference weave together. Yet, sometimes, these threads snag, creating rifts and divisions. Paul’s words in Romans 14 remind us to tread carefully—to build bridges rather than barriers. Paul’s plea echoes across time: “Let us stop passing judgment on one another.” Judgment erects walls, isolating us from fellow believers. It whispers, “I know better,” and distances hearts. Consider moments when you’ve judged others based on non-essential matters. How did it affect your relationships? Instead of judgment, let's cultivate grace—grace that forgives, accepts, and understands—grace that brings us closer to each other and to God. Paul’s wisdom extends further: “Make up your mind not to put any st...

  Scripture: Romans 14:9-12 (ESV) 9  For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. 10  Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; 11  for it is written,         “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” 12  So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. Devotion : In the quiet moments of reflection, we grapple with our own judgments and biases. We weigh our opinions against the backdrop of eternity. And there, in the vast expanse of God’s sovereignty, we encounter a truth that humbles us: Every knee, including ours, shall bow, and every tongue, including ours, shall acknowledge God. Paul reminds us of the profound reason behind Christ’s death and resurrection: He is the Lord of both the living and...

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-2 (ESV) So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2  complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord, and of one mind. Devotion: In Philippians 2:1-2, the Apostle Paul speaks to the church in Philippi, urging believers to live in harmony and unity, grounded in the love and encouragement found in Christ. These verses serve as a profound reminder of the essence of Christian fellowship and the transformative power of unity in the body of Christ. Paul begins by appealing to believers with rhetorical questions that emphasize their shared Christ experiences. "So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy," he writes. These words are not merely a series of hypothetical statements but a reflection of the natural and tangible blessings of being in...

Scripture: John 5:24 (ESV) 24  Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. Devotion:             In the bustling streets of Jerusalem, Jesus speaks with authority. His “truly, truly” carries weight—it’s a divine seal on His message. And what does He declare? A promise that echoes through eternity: from death to life. “Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me…” Jesus begins with an invitation—to listen. Not mere auditory reception, but a soul-deep hearing. It’s leaning in, hearts attuned to His truth. And then comes belief—the bridge from knowledge to transformation. This belief is not just a mental acknowledgment; it's a powerful force that can transform our very existence, empowering us to entrust our lives to the One who speaks. This 'One who speaks' is God the Father, the sender of Jesu...

  Scripture James 1:3 (NLT) "For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow." Devotion: This profound scripture offers us a lens through which we can view the trials and tribulations of life, not as insurmountable obstacles but as opportunities for spiritual growth and development. In moments of hardship, this verse invites us to find solace in the understanding that our faith, when tested, has the transformative power to lead to a more vital, more resilient spirit. This transformative power of faith in trials should fill us with hope and encouragement. At first glance, trials may seem like an unwelcome intrusion into our lives. They can bring pain, uncertainty, and doubt. However, James 1:3 encourages us to reframe our perspective. Trials are not merely random occurrences but are integral to our spiritual journey. They serve a divine purpose: to test our faith. This understanding should reassure us and instill confidence in God...

  Seek Good, Live Well: A Call to Authentic Faith Scripture: Amos 5:14-15 (NIV) 14  Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say, he is. 15  Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the Lord God Almighty will have mercy on the remnant of Joseph.   Devotion:   In the cacophony of life, where distractions pull us in every direction, God’s timeless call reverberates: “Seek good.” Amos, a shepherd and prophet, delivers this message to a wayward people. Amid their rituals and religious veneer, he points them back to the essence of true faith.   Seek good, not evil. God’s invitation is both simple and profound: “Seek good, not evil, that you may live.” It’s not about religious performance or empty gestures; it’s about the orientation of our hearts. Seeking good means pursuing righteousness, kindness, and compassion. Consider your daily choices. Are you act...

  Scripture: Romans 14:7-8 (ESV) 7  For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. 8  For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s Devotion: Life is a tapestry woven with joy and sorrow, laughter and tears. In this intricate design, we find ourselves interconnected, bound by a common purpose. Paul’s words in Romans 14 remind us that our existence transcends individual desires; it points to something greater—the Lord Himself. Paul declares, “If we live, we live for the Lord.” Our heartbeat syncs with His rhythm. Our waking hours become an offering—an intentional dance of devotion. Every sunrise whispers, “This day belongs to the Lord.” Consider your daily choices: work, relationships, leisure. How can you infuse them with purpose? How can you live for the One who breathed life into you? This sense of purpose in our daily choices guides us and makes our actio...

Scripture: Romans 14:1-4 (ESV) As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. 2  One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. 3  Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. 4 Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. Devotion Paul’s message is clear: the one who eats should not despise the one who abstains, and vice versa. Why? Because God has accepted both. The essence of this passage is a call to respect and honor each other’s personal convictions, recognizing that our ultimate accountability is to God alone. Paul asks a poignant question: 'Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another?' This rhetorical question reminds us that every believer stands or...

  Scripture: John 12:35-36 (ESV) Jesus said to them, “The light is among you, for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36  While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” Devotion: As the sun dips below the horizon, casting its last golden rays, Jesus speaks to a crowd gathered in Jerusalem. His words resonate beyond that moment, reaching across time to touch our hearts. In these verses, we find both urgency and invitation—an exhortation to walk in the light before darkness encroaches. “The light is among you for a little while longer.”  Jesus, the Light of the world, stands before them. His earthly ministry is a brief blaze of divine illumination. The prophets foretold His coming; now, He walks among us. But soon, like the setting sun, His physical presence will fade. How often do we take the light for granted, assu...

  Scripture: Hebrews 5:7-9 (NIV) 7  During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8  Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9  and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him. Devotion:             In the heartfelt verses of Hebrews 5:7-9, we find a profound reflection on the humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ. These verses remind us that even in His divinity, Jesus experienced the full range of human emotions and challenges. He prayed fervently, with cries and tears, to God for deliverance from death, and through His reverent submission, He was heard. This human aspect of Jesus, His ability to feel and express emotions, is a powerful reminder of His deep connection with us. The passage ...

In the heart of the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 11, verse 19, lies a profound statement that has intrigued scholars and believers for centuries. The verse reads: "The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.” This passage offers a glimpse into the societal judgments of the time and the timeless wisdom that transcends them. The criticism leveled at Jesus in this verse reflects the human tendency to judge based on appearances and behaviors that deviate from the norm. Jesus, referred to as the 'Son of Man'-a title used in the Old Testament to refer to a human being or a representative of humanity-is accused of being a glutton and a drunkard simply because he chose to dine with those considered outcasts by the religious elite. Tax collectors and sinners were marginalized, yet Jesus saw beyond their societal labels, recognizing their worth and potent...

  Christ the Great Physician Scripture: Matthew 9:10-13 (NIV) 10  While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. 11  When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12  On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13  But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’  For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Devotion: Imagine the scene: a crowded room, the aroma of food lingering in the air, and Jesus reclining at the table. Around Him gather a motley crew—tax collectors, notorious sinners, and curious onlookers. The religious elite, the Pharisees, stand at the periphery, their disapproval palpable. But Jesus, the Great Physician, is at work. His invitation extends beyond the physical meal; it reaches the depths of souls hungry for he...

. Thoughts on the 2 nd Amendment             In the recent history of our country, we have been confronted with two alarming assassination attempts on the lives of the Republican candidate for president. These attempts were facilitated by the easy availability of A-R-style rifles, legally carried by the would-be assassins. The arguments for and against possessing these weapons, as outlined below, are of critical importance in the current context. The debate over allowing AR model rifle sales to the general public is highly contentious, with strong arguments on both sides. Here are some of the key points: “Arguments For Allowing AR Model Rifle Sales: Personal Protection : Many gun owners argue that AR-15s and similar rifles are effective for self-defense. Families. Recreational Use : AR-15s are popular for recreational shooting and competitive shooting.  Enthusiasts enjoy the precision and c...

Exploring the Illuminating Power of God's Light In the beginning, God's first act of creation was to bring forth light, separating it from the darkness. As Genesis 1:4 recounts, "God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness." This divine separation signifies more than just the physical division of day and night; it symbolizes the transformative power of light, the distinction between good and evil, order and chaos. The Dawn of Light Isaiah 60:1-3 calls us to rise and shine, for the light of the Lord has come: "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn." This is not just a call to action, but also an invitation to bask in the divine radiance, which dispels all shadows of despair....