Loving Jesus Style

  Scripture: Colossians 1:8-10 (NIV) And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Devotion: These verses remind us of the majestic and all-encompassing role Jesus holds in both the cosmos and the church. As the head of the body, representing the church, Jesus is not only a leader but the very source of life and growth for his followers. His resurrection from the dead establishes Him as the "firstborn," guaranteeing that those united with Him will also experience new life. The scripture highlights that in Jesus, all of God's fullness is pleased to dwell. This profound truth signifies that Jesus is not merely a reflection of God, but God Himself in hu...

  Scripture: Proverbs 3:19-20 (NIV) By wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; by his knowledge the watery depths were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew. Devotion: The intricate architecture of the universe is a testament to the boundless wisdom, understanding, and knowledge of our Creator. Proverbs 3:19-20 reveals the profound truth that it is by wisdom that the Lord laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding that He set the heavens in place, and by His knowledge that the watery depths were divided, allowing the clouds to drop the dew. Reflecting on these verses, we are reminded of the divine intelligence that meticulously crafted every detail of our world. From the grandeur of the heavens to the smallest droplet of dew, everything speaks of God’s loving and intricate design. Through His wisdom, the earth was formed, a stable foundation upon which all life thrives. His understanding carved the expanse of the ...

  Scripture: John 15:18-25 (NIV) “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father as well. If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’ Devotion: In John 15:18-25, Jesus prepares His...

  Devotion on Psalm 118:6-7 In the midst of life's trials and tribulations, we often seek solace and assurance that we are not alone. Psalm 118:6-7 offers just that reassurance, as it declares the steadfast presence and support of the Lord. These verses read: "The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies." The Psalmist begins with a profound declaration: "The Lord is with me." This simple yet powerful statement is a cornerstone of faith, reminding us that God's presence is a constant in our lives. When we internalize this truth, it transforms our perspective. We no longer need to be paralyzed by fear or overwhelmed by the challenges we face. Knowing that the Creator of the universe is by our side provides a deep sense of peace and security. The next line, "I will not be afraid," flows naturally from the assurance of God's presence. Fear i...

Scripture: John 5:39-40 (NIV) You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them, you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life. Devotion: In this passage, Jesus addresses the Pharisees, who were known for their extensive knowledge of the Scriptures. They believed their diligent study of God's Word would lead to eternal life. However, Jesus points out a critical flaw in their thinking: they missed the central message of the Scriptures – to lead them to Him, the source of true life and salvation. The Pharisees were experts in the Law, spending hours upon hours studying and memorizing it. They took pride in their knowledge and adherence to the Scriptures, yet their hearts remained far from God. They failed to see that the Scriptures pointed to Jesus, the Messiah. Their focus on the letter of the Law blinded them to the life-giving relationship with Christ that the Law was meant to lead t...

Scripture: Romans 6:16 (NIV) Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? Devotion: In life, we constantly make choices, whether consciously or unconsciously, about whom or what we will serve. Romans 6:16 clearly distinguishes between two paths: one leading to death. through sin and the other leading to righteousness through obedience. This verse reminds us that our actions and decisions reflect the master we choose to follow. As believers, we are called to dedicate ourselves to God in obedience, embracing His will and commandments. This journey isn't always easy, but it leads to true life and righteousness. By surrendering to God, we are liberated from sin's bondage and experience the profound, life-changing power of His grace. Consider today whom or what you are serving. Are your actions aligning wit...

  Scripture: John 6:16-21 (NIV) When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. Their fear was not just because they saw a figure walking on water, but because they were in the midst of a storm, and the sight of Jesus walking on water seemed like a ghostly apparition. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately, the boat reached the shore where they were heading. Devotion: In this passage, Jesus demonstrates His divine authority over nature by walking on water during a storm. This miraculous act profoundly reminds us of God's infinite power, echoing the mighty works described in the Old Testa...

  Scripture: 1 Samuel 25:28-31 (NIV) “Please forgive your servant’s presumption. The Lord your God will certainly make a lasting dynasty for my lord, because you fight the Lord ’s battles, and no wrongdoing will be found in you as long as you live. Even though someone is pursuing you to take your life, the life of my lord will be bound securely in the bundle of the living by the Lord your God, but the lives of your enemies he will hurl away as from the pocket of a sling. When the Lord has fulfilled for my lord every good thing he promised concerning him and has appointed him ruler over Israel, my lord will not have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed or of having avenged himself. And when the Lord your God has brought my lord success, remember your servant.” Devotion: This passage shows Abigail's wisdom and humility as she approaches David. Her plea is an appeal for mercy and a profound statement of faith in God's plans and purposes. Abigai...

  Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (NIV) May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. Devotion: In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it can be easy to feel fragmented and overwhelmed. Our responsibilities pull us in different directions, leaving us physically drained, mentally exhausted, and spiritually depleted. Yet, in 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, we find a profound reminder of God’s comprehensive care for us. Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonians is a prayer for us all: that God Himself, the God of peace, would sanctify us entirely—spirit, soul, and body. What a comfort to know that God’s sanctification is holistic. He is concerned not only with one part of our being but our entire existence. The term “sanctify” means to set apart for holy use, to purify, and to make whole. This work of sanctificati...

  Scripture: Hebrews 2:14 (ESV) Since the children have flesh and blood, he, too, shared in their humanity so that by his death, he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil. Devotion: The passage from Hebrews 2:14 is a profound declaration of Christ's incarnation and His ultimate purpose in coming to earth. It speaks to the very core of the Christian faith, emphasizing the significance of Jesus taking on human form to accomplish the monumental task of defeating the powers of darkness. In this verse, the author of Hebrews clarifies that Jesus, though divine, chose to share in our humanity. The phrase "Since the children have flesh and blood" refers to humanity, emphasizing our mortal, frail existence. By stating that Jesus "shared in their humanity," we are reminded of Christ's incredible humility and love. He did not come as a distant deity but as one of us, experiencing the same struggles, pains, and temptations...

  Scripture: Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV) I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. Devotion: In our faith journey, we often find ourselves burdened by the weight of our own hardness of heart. Life's trials, such as the loss of a loved one, financial struggles, health issues, disappointments like unmet expectations, and bitterness from past hurts, can harden our hearts, making it difficult for us to receive God's love and extend that love to others. In these moments of spiritual struggle, Ezekiel 36:26 offers a profound promise and a beacon of hope. God speaks through the prophet Ezekiel, saying, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." This verse is a powerful reminder that transformation is possible and a divine promise. The imagery of a "heart of stone" being replaced by a ...

  Scripture: Romans 5:1-2 (NIV) Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Devotion: In Romans 5:1-2, we are reminded of the profound and awe-inspiring gift we have received through faith in Jesus Christ. This passage speaks to the heart of the Christian experience, highlighting two key aspects: justification and peace. First, justification through faith is a cornerstone of our belief. To be justified means to be declared righteous before God. This is not something we can achieve through our own efforts or merits. It is a gift from God, made possible through the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ. By placing our faith in Him, we are acquitted of our sins and stand blameless before God. This is an astonishing reality – that despite our imperfections and failures, we are seen as right...

  Scripture: Genesis 17:7 (NIV) I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. Devotion: An Everlasting Covenant is not just a testament, but a profound expression of God's unwavering commitment to His people. In Genesis 17:7, God promises Abraham that His covenant will span generations, offering a divine assurance that transcends time. This covenant is not just a contract but a deep, profound relationship between God and His people, characterized by love, faithfulness, and grace. This everlasting covenant signifies that God’s presence and promises are steadfast, meaning that He is always with us and His promises never fail, regardless of our circumstances. It reminds us that we are part of a larger story that began with Abraham and continues through us. This divine promise assures us that God is not just the God of the past but...

  Scripture: Revelation 12:10 (NIV) Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. Devotion:             This post was inspired by a Facebook post by one of my friends. The author claimed that a particular politician had committed a long list of sins that disqualified them from holding a government office. In response to these accusations, this scripture immediately came to mind.               In this scripture, Satan is referred to as the accuser of the brothers and sisters. Indeed, he has a long list of sins against all of us and continually presents our faults before the living and holy God. Those of us who know Jesus understand that our sins have...

  Scripture: Mark 2:5-12 (NIV) When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Now, some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Immediately, Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So, he said to the man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” He got up, took his mat, and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone, and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” Devotion: In Mark 2:5-12, we encounter a powerful moment in Jesus' ministry. A paralyzed man is brought to Him by fou...

  Scripture: Romans 1:17 (RSV)   17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed through faith for faith; as it is written, “He who through faith is righteous shall live.”   Devotion:   This verse, written by the Apostle Paul, serves as a cornerstone of the Christian faith. It encapsulates the essence of the gospel: God's righteousness, which refers to His moral perfection and justice, is unveiled through faith, and it is by faith that believers are justified and find true life.   Romans 1:17 was a transformative scripture for Martin Luther, the father of the Protestant Reformation. Before his breakthrough, Luther was burdened by an overwhelming sense of guilt and fear of God's judgment. Despite his devout practices and rigorous penance, he felt the weight of his sins and the impossibility of attaining God's righteousness on his own. His struggle reflects the human condition, and his transformation provides hope for all of us.   In his de...

  Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11 (NIV) In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Devotion: In the grand tapestry of human history, Jesus Christ stands as the epitome of divine love and ultimate sacrifice. Philippians 2:5-11 beautifully encapsulates the essence of His unparalleled humility and exaltation. Jesus did not cling to His divine privileges...

Scripture: Titus 33-7 (NIV) At one time, we, too, were foolish, disobedient, deceived, and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Devotion The passage from Titus powerfully reminds us of God's transformative mercy and grace. The apostle Paul speaks candidly about our former state—foolish, disobedient, and deceived. This honest reflection on our past is not meant to condemn but to highlight the profound change God brings about in us. It is through His mercy, not our own righteous deeds, that we are saved. This salvation...

    Scripture: Romans 5:1-2 (NIV) Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Devotion: This passage encapsulates the profound transition when we are justified by faith in Jesus Christ. Justification, a divine act, transforms the sinner into a righteous being solely based on their faith in Jesus’ atoning sacrifice. This transformative power of justification is not the end of our spiritual journey; rather, it is the beginning of a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. Justification grants us peace with God. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound state of well-being and reconciliation. Through Christ, the barrier of sin that once separated us from God is removed, allowing us to enter His presence freely and confidently. This newfound peace transfo...

Scripture: Romans 9:10-16 (NIV) "Not only that, but Rebekah’s children were conceived at the same time by our father Isaac. Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad—in order that God’s purpose in election might stand: not by works but by him who calls—she was told, 'The older will serve the younger.' Just as it is written: 'Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.' What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! For he says to Moses, 'I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.' It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy." (Romans 9:10-16, NIV) Devotion: Romans 9:10-16 reveals profound truths about God's sovereignty and the nature of His mercy. At the heart of this passage lies the doctrine of divine election—God's sovereign choice in bestowing His mercy and compassion. This doctrine challenges our human perspective and beckons us to...

  Scripture: Ecclesiastes 7:2 (NIV) It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart. Devotion: In Ecclesiastes 7:2, Solomon offers a profound and thought-provoking perspective: "It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart." At first glance, this verse may seem morose or counterintuitive. Why would mourning be preferable to feasting? However, a deeper examination reveals a vital truth about the human experience and the value of reflection. The house of mourning represents a place of deep contemplation and introspection. When we encounter the reality of death, we are reminded of our mortality and the transient nature of earthly life. This awareness compels us to evaluate our priorities, choices, and the legacy we wish to leave behind. It is in moments of loss ...

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 6:11-12 (NIV) The more the words, the less the meaning, and how does that profit anyone? For who knows what is good for a person in life, during the few and meaningless days they pass through like a shadow? Who can tell them what will happen under the sun after they are gone? Devotion: In our daily lives, we are constantly surrounded by words. From the moment we wake up until we lay our heads down at night, we encounter an endless stream of conversations, emails, social media updates, and news reports. It is easy to become overwhelmed and lost in this sea of words. Ecclesiastes 6:11-12 serves as a poignant reminder of the futility of excessive talk and the elusive nature of true meaning. Solomon, the writer of Ecclesiastes, astutely observes that an abundance of words often diminishes their meaning. This isn't to say that words are inherently bad, but they can become empty and hollow when overused. In our attempts to communicate, persuade, or impre...