Loving Jesus Style

  The Heartbeat of Worship and Poetry in the Bible The Book of Psalms, found in the Old Testament of the Bible, is one of the most cherished and widely-read collections of scripture. It serves as a profound expression of human emotion, encompassing themes of praise, lament, thanksgiving, and supplication. The Psalms bridge the gap between the divine and the human, offering timeless insights into the spiritual journey. Structure and Composition The Book of Psalms consists of 150 individual poems and hymns, traditionally divided into five sections, often referred to as "books." These divisions may reflect a deliberate structural parallel to the five books of the Torah (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy), emphasizing its role in worship and instruction. Each psalm is unique in its composition and intent. While some are short and contemplative, others are lengthy and celebratory. The Psalms employ diverse literary techniques, including metaphor, paral...

  Scripture: Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV) Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Devotion: Life is a journey filled with ups and downs, victories and setbacks. In Philippians 3:12-14, the apostle Paul gives us a powerful reminder: none of us has fully arrived yet. Despite all of his accomplishments, Paul admits he is still a work in progress, just like us. He writes, “Not that I have already obtained all this... but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” Paul’s humility is striking. He doesn’t dwell on his past or become complacent; instead, he is determined to keep moving fo...

  Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:18-7:1 (NIV) And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. Devotion: Reflection In these verses, Paul reminds us of the intimate relationship God offers: He calls Himself our Father and promises to call us His sons and daughters. This is not just a distant or formal relationship, but an invitation into God’s family. When we grasp the depth of these promises—that the Creator of all is our loving Father—it changes how we live. Out of gratitude, respect, and awe, we are called to respond by purifying ourselves from anything that contaminates or distracts us from Him. Purity is not about achieving perfection through our own strength, but about aligning our hearts and actions with God’s holiness. The call to "perfect holin...

  Scripture: 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NIV) Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love. Devotion: These words from the apostle Paul are both a challenge and a comfort to those seeking to follow Christ. In his closing instructions to the church in Corinth, Paul compacts a lifetime of wisdom into just a few verses, calling his readers to vigilance, strength, courage, and above all, love. “Be on your guard”—Paul knows that faith is often tested. We face distractions, doubts, and temptations every day. To “be on your guard” means to be spiritually awake, attentive to the ways God is working and to the subtle pulls away from Him. It’s a call to live intentionally, to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus even when life feels uncertain or overwhelming. “Stand firm in the faith”—Stability in faith doesn’t mean we never have questions or struggles. Instead, it means that when storms come, we root ourselves in God’s promises, trusting Him to ...

A Journey Through Suffering and Faith The Book of Job is one of the deepest and poetic books in the Bible, examining themes of suffering, faith, and divine justice. It is part of the Wisdom Literature in the Old Testament and is often seen as a significant theological exploration of the human condition. The Context and Setting The story starts by introducing Job, a wealthy and honest man from the land of Uz. Job is described as a man who is "blameless and upright," fearing God and avoiding evil. He has a large family, plenty of wealth, and good health. But, the peace in Job’s life changes drastically when a heavenly council meets, and Satan—the adversary—challenges Job's sincerity, claiming that Job’s faithfulness is only because of his prosperity. The Test of Faith God allows Satan to test Job's faith, first by taking away his wealth, children, and possessions quickly, and then by afflicting him with painful sores. Despite his great suffering, Job refuses...

  Love and Faith Scripture (NIV) Philemon   3-7 3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about your love for all His holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. 6 I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. 7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people. Devotion Paul’s brief opening greeting pulses with the heartbeat of the gospel: grace and peace flow to us from the triune God. That isn’t mere formality—it’s the very promise of our new identity in Christ. We live under divine favor (grace) and in restored harmony (peace) with God and one another. Verse 4 unveils Paul’s devotional rhythm: thanksgiving in prayer. He doesn’t pray out of obligation, but out of delight. When we pa...

Scripture: Ephesians 1:22-23 (NIV) And God placed all things under his[Christ’s] feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. Devotion Paul concludes his grand opening praise in Ephesians by defining the church in cosmic terms: it is the body of Christ, embodying the very completeness of the One who sustains all things. In calling the church “his body,” Paul reminds us that every believer is organically joined to Jesus, sharing in his life, his mission, and his ongoing work of renewal. This metaphor carries three profound truths. First, Christ is the head—he directs, heals, and equips. As branches receive life and fruitfulness from the vine (John 15:5), so the body thrives when it remains connected to Jesus. Second, the church is not a loose network of individuals but a living organism. Each member matters, whether visible or hidden, celebrated or unnoticed. Your gifts, prayers, and ...

Scripture Passage 1 Thessalonians 5:11-14 (NIV) 11 Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord, and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Devotion Paul’s closing exhortation to the Thessalonian church reads like a handbook for healthy Christian community. In verse 11, he returns to a theme he often emphasizes: mutual encouragement. The Greek word translated as “encourage” literally means “to call alongside,” invoking the image of a teammate running at your side. When anxiety, discouragement, or fatigue threaten to slow us down, a timely word of encouragement can restore momentum and hope. Ver...

  Be Kind to One Another Scripture Reading (NIV) Proverbs 12:25 — “Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” Devotion Anxiety is no stranger to the human heart. It creeps in quietly, often uninvited, and settles like a heavy fog over our thoughts, emotions, and even our physical well-being. Proverbs 12:25 speaks directly to this burden: “Anxiety weighs down the heart.” The Hebrew word for “weighs down” evokes the image of something being pressed or bent low under a great load. It’s a vivid picture of what worry does—it saps our strength, clouds our judgment, and isolates us from hope. But the verse doesn’t end there. It offers a remedy: “a kind word cheers it up.” In contrast to the heaviness of anxiety, a kind word is light, uplifting, and healing. It doesn’t erase the problem, but it changes the atmosphere. A kind word can be a gentle encouragement, a reminder of God’s promises, or even a simple “I’m here for you.” It’s the power of grace spoken al...

  O ne Body Scripture (NIV) Romans 12:5 — “So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Devotion In a world that often praises independence and self-reliance, Romans 12:5 presents a countercultural truth: we belong to one another. This verse is part of Paul’s encouragement to the church in Rome, reminding believers that their identity isn't just individual—it’s shared. We are not lone wolves navigating faith alone; we are members of one body, united in Christ. The imagery of the body is vivid and purposeful. Just as a human body has many parts—each with its own role, strength, and vulnerability—so does the body of Christ. The hand cannot say to the foot, “I don’t need you,” nor can the eye ignore the ear. Every member is important. Every gift has value. Every person is part of the whole. This belonging isn’t based on merit, status, or similarity. It’s rooted in Christ. Because of Him, we are united through a spiritual bond that...

  A Story of Faith, Leadership, and Restoration The Book of Nehemiah, found in the Old Testament, is an inspiring account of leadership, perseverance, and devotion to God. It highlights the story of Nehemiah, a man whose faith and determination helped restore Jerusalem during a time of great challenge and despair. Setting and Context The book takes place during the time when the Israelites were living in exile under Persian rule. Jerusalem, once a proud city, was in ruins—its walls destroyed, and its gates burned. Nehemiah served as the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia, a position of trust and influence. Though he lived far from Jerusalem, his heart was deeply burdened for his homeland and its people. Nehemiah’s Mission The story begins with Nehemiah hearing about the dire state of Jerusalem. He responds not with hopelessness but with prayer and fasting, seeking God’s guidance. His faith leads him to approach King Artaxerxes boldly, asking for permission to return...

Scripture: Romans 8:1-4 (NIV) Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Devotion: To meditate on Romans 8:1-4 is to stand at the threshold of grace, looking into the heart of the gospel. Paul’s words serve as both a statement and an invitation: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” In these few verses, centuries of guilt and striving find rest at the feet of a Savior whose sacrifice changed everything. Condemnation is a weighty word. It refers to judgment, punishmen...

  Let Your Words Be a Song to the King Scripture: Psalm 45:1-5 (ESV) “My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe. You are the most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore, God has blessed you forever. Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one, in your splendor and majesty! In your majesty, ride out victoriously for the cause of truth, meekness, and righteousness; let your right hand teach you awesome deeds. Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king’s enemies; the peoples fall under you.” Devotion The opening of Psalm 45 is unlike any other in the Psalter—a heart so full that words cannot help but spill out. The psalmist’s joy and awe are not contained, but are poured out in poetry addressed to the king. This king, in historical context, may have been Solomon or another Davidic ruler, but the grandeur of the language points us to a greater King—Christ hims...

  The Cost of Following Jesus Scripture: Luke 9:57-62 (NIV) As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” He said to another man, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” Devotion: As Jesus journeys toward Jerusalem, three would-be followers approach Him. Each expresses a desire to follow, but Jesus responds with unsettling honesty. To the first, He says, “The Son of Man has no place to lay His head.” To the second, “Let the dead bury their own dead.” And to the third, “No one who puts a ha...

Restoration, Reform, and Renewal in Post-Exilic Israel The Book of Ezra is a significant historical account found in the Old Testament of the Bible that records the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian exile and their remarkable efforts to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. Covering a period from approximately 538 to 458 BCE, Ezra functions as both a narrative and a spiritual guide for restoration, religious reform, and the renewal of Jewish identity after a time of national trauma. In its ancient Hebrew context, the book is closely linked with the Book of Nehemiah, and together they illustrate the historical and theological journey of a people determined to reclaim their faith and place among the nations. Historical Background The Babylonian Empire had conquered Judah and destroyed Solomon’s Temple in 586 BCE, exiling much of the population to Babylon. Decades later, the Persian Empire, led by Cyrus the Great, defeated Babylon and adopted a policy of religious tolerance a...

Scripture: John 15-5-8(NIV) “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. Devotion: In these verses, Jesus offers a vivid image: He is the vine, and we are the branches. Our vitality, growth, and fruitfulness depend on our connection to Him. Just as a branch cannot survive, let alone flourish, without drawing life from the vine, so too are we spiritually withered when we are disconnected from Christ. In today’s world, it is easy to let our lifelines drift. We find ourselves tethered to our phones, scrolling endlessly, chasing notifications, seeking affirma...

  Scripture: Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV) 11  I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13  I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Devotion: When the apostle Paul penned these words to the church at Philippi, he was not sitting in comfort or basking in abundance. He was writing from a prison cell, his freedom stripped away, his future uncertain. Yet, amid these challenging circumstances, Paul boldly declares, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” This short passage pulses with the quiet strength that sustains a soul anchored in Christ. Contentment does not come naturally to us. We live in a world that constantly urges us to strive for more, to compare, to me...

  Scripture: John 15:15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father, I have made known to you. Devotion: What a profound shift Jesus expresses in these words: “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends.” In a single sentence, He lifts His followers out of the shadows of mere obedience and invites them into the warmth of intimacy, trust, and shared purpose. In ancient times, servants knew their place. They followed orders, carried out tasks, and, though valued, rarely entered into the confidences of their master. They participated in the house's activities but not in its heart. By contrast, friendship is a relationship of mutual vulnerability, delight, and communication. Friends are let in; they are given access to the intentions, dreams, and concerns of the other. The words...