Loving Jesus Style

  Scripture: Nehemiah 5:11 (NIV) Give back to them immediately their fields, vineyards, olive groves and houses, and also the interest you are charging them—one percent of the money, grain, new wine and olive oil.” Devotion: In Nehemiah 5, we witness a powerful narrative of justice and righteousness. Nehemiah, a man of God and a leader with a heart for the people, confronts the injustices perpetrated by the wealthy and powerful against the less fortunate. The chapter opens with a great outcry from the people suffering under the burden of debt and exploitation. They are forced to mortgage their fields, vineyards, and homes to buy grain during the famine. Some even sell their children into slavery to pay off their debts. Upon hearing these cries, Nehemiah is deeply moved. He is angry, not only because of the suffering of the people but also because those causing this suffering are their own fellow Jews. Nehemiah calls a large meeting to address the issue. He confronts the n...

Scripture: 4:1 (NIV) When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews, Devotion: The book of Nehemiah is a powerful testament to Nehemiah's resolve, faith, and leadership as he undertook the monumental task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Chapter 4, in particular, highlights the challenges and opposition that often accompany divine assignments. As we delve into this chapter, we will explore the nature of opposition, the response of the faithful, and the ultimate triumph of God's people. Nehemiah 4:1 (NIV) states, "When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews." This verse sets the stage for the chapter, introducing us to the opposition led by Sanballat, Tobiah, and other adversaries. Their anger and ridicule were aimed at discouraging and undermining the efforts of the Jews. Opposition is an inevitable part of...

  Scripture: Nehemiah 3:1-2 Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests went to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set its doors in place, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and as far as the Tower of Hananel. The men of Jericho built the adjoining section, and Zakkur son of Imri built next to them. Devotion: The third chapter of Nehemiah is a testament to the collective effort and dedication of the people of Jerusalem in rebuilding their city's walls and gates. This chapter is a powerful reminder of the purpose of work in our lives. The purpose of their labor was not merely to construct physical structures but to restore the community's safety, dignity, and spiritual well-being. By working together to rebuild the walls, the people of Jerusalem also strengthened their faith and commitment to God. Their work was an act of worship and obedience, reflecting their desire to honor God and protect their community. This c...

Scripture: Nehemiah 2:4-5 (NIV) The king said to me, “What is it you want?” Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.” Devotion: The story of Nehemiah is a remarkable testament to the power of faith and the impact one individual can have when they trust in God. In Nehemiah 2, we see three distinct aspects of Nehemiah’s faith: the faith to wait, the faith to ask, and the faith to challenge others. Nehemiah demonstrates the faith to wait on God’s timing. As the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, he was in a position of influence yet also bound by duty. When he first heard about the desolation of Jerusalem from his brothers, he was heartbroken. Instead of rushing to action, Nehemiah mourned, fasted, and prayed for several months (Nehemiah 1:4). This period of waiting was not passive but active, filled...

  Nehemiah 1:1-5 (NIV) The words of Nehemiah, son of Hakaliah: In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that had survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem. They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days, I mourned, fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven. Devotion: The passage of Nehemiah 1:1-5 reveals the essence of a heart deeply burdened and moved by the plight of Jerusalem. Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the king in the citadel of Susa, hears a distressing report from his brother Hanani and other men from Judah. The news they bring is bleak: the Jewish remnant who had survived the exile were in great trouble and dis...

  Scripture: 1 John 4:10-11 (NIV) This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. Devotion: 1 John 4:10-11 captures the heart of the Christian message—God’s profound love for humanity. These verses emphasize that the foundation of love does not rest on our actions but on God's initiative. His love is the starting point and the ultimate example of how we should live. The phrase “not that we loved God, but that he loved us” shifts the focus from human efforts to divine action. It’s a humbling reminder that God's love for us is unconditional, not based on our worthiness but on His gracious nature. This selfless love is proactive and sacrificial. God did not wait for us to love Him first; He took the first step by sending His Son, a gesture that fills us with gratitude and humility. The love of God is demonstrated through the atoning s...

Scripture: 1 John 2:1-2 (NIV) My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. Devotion: 1 John 2:1-2 offers profound comfort and assurance to believers. The Apostle John, often referred to as the Apostle of Love, addresses his audience with deep affection, calling them "my dear children." This paternal tone underscores his care and concern for their spiritual well-being. John's primary purpose in writing is to encourage believers to avoid sin. He acknowledges the reality of human frailty and the temptation to sin, yet he sets a high standard for Christian conduct. The call to holiness reminds us that, as followers of Christ, we are to strive for lives that reflect God's righteousness. Despite the call to avoid sin, John reassures us that if any...

Scripture: Romans 3:25 (NLT) For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, demonstrating the security of His righteousness. Devotion: Romans 3:25 is a profound verse that encapsulates the essence of God's plan for salvation and His righteous character. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, elaborates on the necessity and significance of Christ’s sacrificial death. This verse is a cornerstone of Christian faith, revealing the depth of God’s love and the just nature of His forgiveness. The term 'sacrifice of atonement' refers to the Old Testament practice of offering sacrifices to atone for sins. In the context of Romans 3:25, Paul describes Jesus as the ultimate atoning sacrifice. Unlike the repeated animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant, Je...

Scripture: Micah 7:18 (ESV) Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. Devotion: In moments of quiet reflection, when we contemplate the nature of our relationship with God, Micah 7:18 offers profound insights into His character. The verse opens with a rhetorical question reverberating through the ages: “Who is a God like you?” This question, more than a mere inquiry, celebrates God’s singular and unparalleled attributes. Micah, a prophet during turbulent times in Israel's history, underscores God’s readiness to pardon sin and forgive transgressions. It's crucial to grasp that this pardon is not a casual overlooking of a fault, but a deliberate act of erasing the debt owed due to sin. This forgiveness is profound, as it signifies the restoration of the relationship between the sinner and God. Despite Israel's repeated unfai...

  Scripture: Romans 12:1-2 (NIV) I appeal to you, therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Devotion:             In this well-known but seldom followed scripture, Paul practically begs his original audience and us to make a dramatic decision to follow Jesus regardless of the cost. The sacrifice Paul has in mind here does not necessarily involve dying for the gospel. (Although it may mean that, too.) The Holy Spirit, through Paul, asks us to be a part of the body of Christ—one living and life-giving sacrifice.             Paul also wants us not to be conformed to the world. The 2...

Scripture: Romans 1:18-20 (NIV) 18  The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19  since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20  For since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. Devotion: The passage from Romans 1:18-20 is a powerful reminder of the evidence of God's presence and attributes in the world around us. It speaks to the inherent knowledge of God in every human being, revealed through the majesty and complexity of creation. These verses serve as a call to recognize and respond to the divine power and nature surrounding us daily. Paul writes, "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress t...

  Scripture: John 8:31-32 (NIV) 31  To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. Devotion: In these profound verses from the Gospel of John, Jesus speaks directly to those who have put their faith in Him. He offers not just a statement, but a promise that is both challenging and liberating. The notion of truth and freedom is central to the message of Christ, and it is encapsulated beautifully in John 8:31-32. To begin with, Jesus emphasizes the importance of adherence to His teachings: "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples." Here, the term "hold" implies a continuous, steadfast commitment to Jesus's words and ways. It's not merely about intellectual assent but about living out His teachings daily. This dedication is the hallmark of true discipleship. It requires an unwavering commitment, a dedication to em...

Reflecting on Revelation 21:5 As we stand on the threshold of a new year, it is fitting to pause and reflect on the promise found in Revelation 21:5: "He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!' Then he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'" This verse speaks to us with a profound message of hope and renewal, assuring us that God's work in our lives is constant and ever-transforming. The Promise of New Beginnings New Year's Day is traditionally a time of resolutions and fresh starts. The symbolism of a clean slate resonates deeply with us, and Revelation 21:5 perfectly encapsulates this theme. Sitting on His throne, God declares that He is actively making everything new. This divine promise reminds us that no matter what the past year holds, we have the opportunity to embrace newness in all aspects of our lives, rejuvenating our spirits and renewing our hope. In the latter part of the verse...

Scripture: John 17:1-5 (NIV) When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. Devotion: In John 17:1-5, we are privileged to witness a profoundly significant moment of prayer to the Father. This passage, often referred to as the High Priestly Prayer, provides a profound insight into the heart of Jesus as he nears the culmination of his earthly ministry. It unveils the intimate relationship between the Father and the Son and underscores the central theme of eternal life. Jesus initiates ...