Loving Jesus Style

Overview The Book of Hosea is one of the twelve minor prophets in the Old Testament of the Bible. Set in the 8th century BCE, it presents God's message to the people of Israel during a time of spiritual decline and moral decay. Hosea’s ministry coincided with the reigns of several kings of Israel and Judah, and his prophetic work is deeply intertwined with his own personal life, which serves as a symbolic representation of God's relationship with Israel. Main Themes ·          Unfaithfulness and Idolatry: Hosea uses the metaphor of marriage to describe Israel’s unfaithfulness to God. Just as Hosea’s wife, Gomer, is unfaithful to him, so too have the Israelites turned away from God to worship idols and pursue alliances with foreign nations. ·          Judgment and Consequences: The book warns that Israel’s infidelity will lead to consequences, including invasion, exile, and suffering. Hosea proclaim...

Scripture: Romans 5:9-10 (NIV) Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Devotion: Romans 5:9-10 delivers a powerful message about the depth of God’s love and the surety of our salvation in Christ. Paul reminds us that we have been justified—declared righteous—by the blood of Jesus. This means that the penalty for our sins has been paid, and we stand before God, not condemned, but accepted and beloved. What a comforting truth: “Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!” The cross of Christ is not only the place of forgiveness, but also the place where the wrath of God against sin was satisfied once and for all. Take a moment to consider the depth of this reconciliation. Paul says...

  Scripture: Romans 2:2-4 (NIV) Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So, when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? Devotion: In Romans 2:2-4, the apostle Paul confronts a universal human tendency: the desire to judge others while overlooking our own faults. He writes, “Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So, when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” These verses are both sobering and hopeful, reminding us of Go...

Scripture: Isaiah 26:3 (ESV) You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Devotion: In the midst of life’s storms, the promise of Isaiah 26:3 stands as a beacon of hope and reassurance: “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” These words remind us that true peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of steadfast trust in God . So often we search for peace in our circumstances, believing that if only our world would quiet down, our hearts would follow. Yet, Scripture points us to a deeper peace—one that is rooted in unwavering faith and focus on the One who never changes. The phrase “perfect peace” can also be translated as “peace, peace”—a doubling in the original Hebrew that signifies completeness and wholeness. This is not a fleeting or fragile sense of calm, but a deep, abiding tranquility that flows from God Himself. When our thoughts are anchored in Him, when we continuall...

  Scripture: 2 Peter 1:3-4 (NIV) His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these, he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. Devotion: Imagine opening a gift so complete that it holds everything you need for a lifetime. In 2 Peter 1:3-4, Peter reminds us that we have been given a spiritual toolkit with all the essentials for a godly life through God's divine power. God, in His glory and goodness, doesn’t leave us to stumble in the dark or face life’s struggles alone. Instead, He equips us through our knowledge of Him, inviting us into a life that reflects His righteousness and character. God’s promises, Peter says, are not just good—they are “very great and precious.” These promises give us hope when we feel weak and assured when...

  Themes in the Book of Daniel ·          Faithfulness in Exile: The Book of Daniel highlights the unwavering faith of Daniel and his friends while living in a foreign land. Their refusal to compromise their beliefs, even under threat of death, exemplifies steadfast devotion to God. ·          God’s Sovereignty: A central theme is the supremacy of God over earthly kingdoms and rulers. Throughout the narrative, God demonstrates His control by intervening in human affairs, delivering His people, and revealing the future. ·          Persecution and Deliverance: Daniel and his companions face numerous trials—such as the fiery furnace and the lions’ den—but are miraculously saved, underscoring the message that God protects those who are faithful. ·          Prophecy and Apocalyptic Visions: The book contains detailed ...

  Scripture: Philippians 2:12-13 (NIV) Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Devotion: Philippians 2:12-13 offers a profound insight into the partnership between human responsibility and divine empowerment in the Christian life. Paul’s words, “continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,” may initially sound daunting, but upon closer examination, we uncover a message of hope, humility, and encouragement. These verses remind us that our spiritual growth is a dynamic process, one that requires our active participation and dependence on God at every step. When Paul instructs the believers in Philippi—and us today—to “work out” our salvation, he is not suggesting that we earn our salvation through our efforts. Salvation is a free gift from Go...

  Scripture: 2 Peter 1:4 4  Through these, he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. Devotion: 2 Peter 1:4 reminds us of the incredible gift God has given through His promises: the chance to share in His divine nature and escape the corruption of the world. This verse is more than encouragement—it’s a call to transformation. In a world filled with temptations and influences that pull us away from God, we are offered a way out, not by our own strength, but through the promises found in Christ. God’s “very great and precious promises” are not distant or abstract. They are living and active, inviting us to embrace a new way of life. By trusting in His promises, we draw nearer to His character, becoming more like Him in purity, love, and purpose. Escaping corruption is not a one-time event; it’s a daily journey of turning away from...

  Scripture: Proverbs 27:23-27 (NIV) Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations. When the hay is removed and new growth appears, and the grass from the hills is gathered in, the lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field. You will have plenty of goat’s milk to feed your family and to nourish your female servants. Devotion: Proverbs 27:23-27 offers timeless wisdom on stewardship, responsibility, and the importance of attentiveness in our daily lives. The passage starts with a clear command: “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.” In ancient farming societies, flocks and herds symbolized a family’s livelihood and security. Today, although most of us may not tend sheep or goats, the core principle remains relevant. God urges us to be diligent in caring for the resources, relat...

  Scripture: Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Meditation It is a perilous time to be a white, cisgender, heterosexual, married, devout Christian man in America, especially if you openly live by that description through your actions and words. Charlie Kirk exemplified all of this. He was taken from us in a most cowardly way, by an assassin’s bullet. The word of God above is just one example of how humanity is warned and comforted by God. Listen to these words from FDR at his first inauguration. He delivered it at the height of the Great Depression, aiming to reassure a nation gripped by economic despair. The full line is: "So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is... fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance....

l An Overview of the Prophet Ezekiel’s Message and Structure Introduction The Book of Ezekiel is one of the major prophetic books in the Old Testament of the Bible. Named after its author, the prophet Ezekiel, the book recounts his visions and prophecies during the Babylonian exile, around 593–571 BCE. Ezekiel was a priest and prophet among the Jewish exiles in Babylon, and his writings blend vivid imagery, symbolic acts, and divine messages. Major Themes ·          Judgment and Condemnation: Ezekiel prophesies the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple as a result of Israel’s unfaithfulness and idolatry. He explains that these events are the outcome of the nation’s persistent sins. ·          God’s Sovereignty: The book repeatedly emphasizes that God is in control over all nations and history. Through the exile, God demonstrates His power, justice, and holiness. ·   ...

Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-10 (NIV) For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Devotion: Grace is the heart of the good news we find in Ephesians 2:8-10. Paul reminds us that our salvation is not something we can earn; it is a gift from God, freely given through faith in Jesus Christ. This passage calls us to pause and remember that all our striving, achievements, and efforts cannot buy us a place in God’s family. Instead, it is God’s unmerited favor that welcomes us in. Grace is not a reward for good behavior, nor is it a prize for a life well lived—it is God’s loving initiative reaching out to us when we could do nothing to save ourselves. When we embrace this truth, it brings freedom from the pressure to prove ourselves or measure up to impossible standards. ...

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1:3  We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. Devotion: Paul’s words to the Thessalonian church resound with gratitude and encouragement. Here, he models the importance of recognizing God's work in the lives of others. As Paul writes, he’s not only expressing thanks for their existence, but for the visible signs of spiritual growth in their lives—their faith and love that are ever on the rise. This verse reminds us of the power of encouragement, the necessity of gratitude, and the beauty of Christian community. In our own lives, it’s easy to overlook the quiet progress happening within us and those around us. Sometimes we’re so focused on what needs improvement or what’s missing that we fail to notice the fruit already growing. Paul’s example beckons us to pause and reflect: Who can I thank God for today? Whose journe...

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 (NIV) For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete. Devotion: In 2 Corinthians 10:3-6, Paul draws a sharp distinction between the nature of spiritual battle and the warfare familiar to the world. Though we live in the midst of everyday life’s struggles, our fight is not against flesh and blood, nor do we use physical weapons. Instead, we are equipped with powerful spiritual tools—prayer, faith, truth, and the Word of God. These weapons are not weak or ordinary; they possess divine power, capable of demolishing strongholds that may have held us or others captive f...

Scripture: Romans 8:28-30 (NIV) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. Devotion: Romans 8:28-30 stands as one of the most comforting and reassuring passages in the Bible, especially for those navigating life's uncertainties. These verses remind us that God is actively working in every circumstance for the good of those who love Him. The promise here is not that all things are good in themselves, but that God, in His sovereignty, weaves even the most difficult moments into a purposeful tapestry that leads to our ultimate good and His glory. The phrase “called according to his purpose” emphasizes that our lives are not random or ...

  An Overview of the Book of Lamentations Introduction The Book of Lamentations is a poetic and deeply emotional text found in the Old Testament of the Bible. Traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, it is composed of five chapters, each forming an individual poem or lament. The book mourns the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. by the Babylonians and reflects on the suffering, devastation, and spiritual crisis experienced by the people of Judah. Structure and Literary Style Lamentations is structured as a series of acrostic poems, with each chapter, except the last, organized by the Hebrew alphabet. This careful arrangement highlights the completeness of grief and sorrow. The poetry is vivid, filled with imagery and metaphor, and expresses both communal and individual pain. Main Themes ·          Destruction and Suffering: The book gives a detailed description of Jerusalem’s ruin, the suffering of its people—especial...

Scripture: Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) 24  And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25  not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching Devotion: Hebrews 10:24-25 offers a powerful reminder of the significance of community and mutual encouragement in our walk with Christ. The verses call us to actively consider how we can inspire one another toward love and good deeds, emphasizing that this is not a passive suggestion but a vital component of Christian life. The writer of Hebrews recognizes that faith thrives in relationship, not isolation. When we come together—whether in worship, small groups, or everyday interactions—we have the opportunity to uplift others, share burdens, and point each other toward Christ. “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,” challenges us to be intentional in our actions and word...

Scripture: Psalm 107:13-16 (NIV) Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he breaks down gates of bronze and cuts through bars of iron. Devotion In Psalm 107:13-16, we witness a profound promise from God: no matter how deep our trouble or how dark our circumstances, when we earnestly call out to Him, He hears us and responds with deliverance. “Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.” These words remind us that God is attentive to every cry of pain, fear, or confusion that escapes our lips. He is not distant or indifferent—He steps into our situations with power unmatched and love unending. The psalmist describes God bringing His people “out of darkness, the utter darkness, and breaking away their chains.” Sometim...

  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: In our daily lives, it’s easy to become discouraged by challenges, disappointments, and the inevitable wear and tear of time. Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 remind us that while our bodies and circumstances may deteriorate, God is at work renewing us within. The “light and momentary troubles” we face are not meaningless; rather, they are producing in us an “eternal glory” that far surpasses our current difficulties. This passage gently shifts our perspective. Instead of focusing on what we can see—the visible struggles, the passing joys, and pains—Paul calls us to fix our ...

Scripture: Romans 14:19 (NIV) Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Devotion: In a world where deceit and violence often make the headlines, the call to be peacemakers has never been more urgent or more countercultural. Romans 14:19 challenges us to “make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” This is not a passive suggestion—it’s a bold charge to actively pursue peace as a daily commitment, shaping our lives and communities in ways that reflect the heart of Christ. What does it mean to “make every effort” for peace? It means that peace is not automatic, nor is it easy to achieve. It requires intentional choices—choices to speak truth in love, to forgive, to seek understanding when it would be easier to judge, to extend kindness when you’re met with anger. True peace isn’t just the absence of conflict; it’s the presence of justice, mercy, and righteousness. In a world where deceit often lurks in the...

The Book of Jeremiah stands as one of the longest and most profound prophetic works in the Old Testament. Attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, whose ministry spanned from approximately 627 BC to after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC, the book offers a vivid portrayal of a nation teetering on the edge of disaster. Jeremiah is sometimes called the "weeping prophet" because of his deep mourning over the fate of his people and his persistent, anguished prayers for their repentance. Jeremiah’s prophetic call begins in the days of King Josiah, a ruler known for religious reform. It continues through the turbulent reigns of subsequent kings, ending with Jerusalem's destruction by the Babylonians. Over this period, Jeremiah delivers God’s messages to Judah—warnings of impending judgment for their unfaithfulness and persistent idolatry. The people of Judah, ignoring repeated admonitions, have turned away from God, worshipping idols and practicing injustice, especially in their ...