Loving Jesus Style

  Dwelling in the Shadow of the Almighty "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler , and from the noisome pestilence . He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler." (Psalm 91:1-4, KJV) The Secret Place of Divine Dwelling The opening verse of this beloved psalm presents us with a profound spiritual reality: there exists a "secret place" of intimacy with God Most High, and those who dwell there discover what it means to abide under the shadow of the Almighty. This is not casual acquaintance with God, but dwelling—a word that speaks of permanence, habitation, and settled residence in the divine presence. The psalmist employs two magnificent names for God here: "the most High" ( Ely...

Scripture : Colossians 2:8 (NIV) See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. Devotion: In Colossians 2:8, the Apostle Paul issues a direct warning to believers, urging them to remain vigilant against teachings and ideologies contrary to the gospel of Christ . He says, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” This verse is as relevant today as it was in Paul’s time, reminding us of the subtle and often enticing philosophies that can pull us away from the truth found in Jesus . The world is full of ideas and perspectives—some ancient, some modern—that promise wisdom, fulfillment, or enlightenment. Many of these philosophies are built upon human traditions, cultural norms , or spiritual concep...

  Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV) Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. Devotion: Life is filled with challenges that often leave us feeling weary and stretched thin. The apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, reminds us that while our physical bodies may succumb to pressures, aging, or illness, our inner selves can experience renewal and strength each day through God's Spirit . This passage speaks directly to those moments when the weight of our troubles seems almost unbearable. Paul calls these hardships "light and momentary," not to diminish our pain, but to shift our focus to a greater reality—one that endures far beyond what we see or feel toda...

  Scripture 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) 7  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Devotion: Life in today’s world is filled with overwhelming demands, constant changes, and uncertainties about the future. We often find ourselves weighed down by anxiety—whether it’s worrying about our families, our jobs, our health, or the state of the world. Amid these pressures, 1 Peter 5:7 offers us a powerful invitation and a gentle reassurance: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” These simple words remind us that God does not intend for us to carry our burdens alone. Instead, He invites us to hand them over to Him, trusting in His deep, personal care for each one of us. The imagery of “casting” is striking. It’s not a tentative hand-off; it’s an act of surrender, like throwing something heavy onto strong shoulders. God doesn’t just tolerate our worries—He welcomes them. He wants us to be honest about the anxieties that keep us up at night or distract...

An Overview of the Message, Themes, and Structure Introduction The Book of Micah is one of the twelve minor prophets in the Old Testament , attributed to the prophet Micah of Moresheth . Micah prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah (approximately 8th century BCE), a period marked by political turmoil and social injustice in both Israel and Judah . The book comprises seven chapters and presents a compelling message of judgment, hope, and restoration, balancing warnings against sin with promises of redemption. Historical Context Micah’s ministry took place during a time of national crisis. The northern kingdom of Israel faced imminent destruction at the hands of the Assyrians, while Judah was threatened both externally and internally. Social inequalities, corruption among leaders, and neglect of the covenant were rampant. Micah, a contemporary of Isaiah , spoke into this context, addressing both Samaria (Israel’s capital) and Jerusalem (J...

  Romans 12:3-6 (NIV) For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. Devotion: Romans 12:3-6a reminds us of the beautiful diversity within the body of Christ and calls us to humility and unity as we use the gifts God has given each of us. Paul encourages the Roman believers—and us today—to resist the temptation to think too highly of ourselves. Instead, we are urged to view ourselves with “sober judgment,” understanding that our abilities, talents, and spiritual gifts are not of our own making, but are graciously distributed by God for the goo...

Scripture: Romans 15:1-4 (NIV) 15 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2  Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. 3  For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”  4  For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide, we might have hope . Devotion Romans 15:1-4 addresses the core of the Christian community and the role of Scripture in our lives. Paul ’s urging encourages those strong in faith to bear with the weaknesses of others, not to seek personal gain but to support others in love. This passage challenges us to shift our focus from self-interest to the well-being of our neighbors, following the example of Christ himself. Christ did not live to please himself; instead, he bore the burden...

  A Thanksgiving Day Devotional 2025 "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights , with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." — James 1:17 (KJV) As we gather around tables laden with abundance this Thanksgiving Day, we do well to remember the theological foundation of gratitude. Thanksgiving is not merely a pleasant tradition or a pause in our busy lives—it is a spiritual discipline rooted in recognizing God's sovereignty and goodness. The Source of All Blessings James reminds us that every good gift originates from above, from the Father of lights. This is no poetic exaggeration but a theological reality. The food on our tables, the loved ones gathered around them, the very breath in our lungs—all flow from the hand of our Creator. "For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things" ( Romans 11:36 ). In our modern age, we are tempted to credit human ingenuity, economic syst...

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life ." — John 3:16 (KJV) There is a reason this verse has been called " the Bible in miniature " and "the gospel in a nutshell." In these twenty-five words, we find the complete drama of redemption: God's character , man's condition , Christ's mission , and salvation's means . Let's examine this text with the care it deserves. "For God so loved the world..." The original Greek word here is kosmos —the ordered universe, but also fallen humanity in rebellion against its Creator . This is crucial: God's love is not mere sentiment or emotion. It is the sovereign, holy love of the Creator toward His creation, even in its fallen state. This love is not because the world deserves it—Scripture is clear that "there is none righteous, no, not one" ( Romans 3:10 ). Rather, ...

 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...