Loving Jesus Style

  Scripture: Romans 10:8-9 (NIV) The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: 9  If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Devotion: The passage from Romans 10:8-9 offers a profound insight into the simplicity and depth of the Christian faith. These verses emphasize the accessibility of salvation and the power of confession and belief. Paul, the author of Romans, underscores that the message of salvation is not distant or unattainable. Rather, "the word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart." This nearness signifies that salvation is readily available to all who are willing to accept it. It is not about complex rituals or unattainable standards but about a simple yet profound declaration of faith. The two key actions highlighted in this passage are confessing with the mouth and believing in the

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