Loving Jesus Style

  Scripture: 1 John 4:15-16 (NIV) If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. Devotion: These verses remind us of the profound truth that God is love. This simple yet powerful statement has the ability to transform our lives completely. When we acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God, we accept His divine nature and invite His presence into our hearts. It is through this intimate connection that we begin to truly understand and rely on the love God has for us, a love with the power to change our lives and fill us with hope. Embracing the essence of God signifies living in love, for He embodies love itself. When this divine love fills our lives, we forge an unbreakable bond with our Creator. This relationship is not passive; instead, it is a dynamic and active engagement that calls us to love others as God loves us, i...

Scripture: Psalms 121:1-2 (NIV) I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord , the Maker of heaven and earth. Devotion: Psalm 121:1-2 is a beautiful reminder of where our true support and strength originate. As we navigate life's trials and tribulations, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and lost. However, these verses assure us that we are not alone. The psalmist looks to the mountains, symbolizing stability and majesty, and poses a profound question: Where does my help come from? The response reflects unwavering faith and trust: "My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." This declaration is a powerful affirmation of God's omnipotence and His intimate involvement in our lives. The Creator of the universe, the One who shaped the stars and mountains, is also our personal helper and protector. When we lift our eyes to the mountains, we are reminded of God's greatness and His power to ov...

Scripture: Hebrews 9:27-28 (KJV) Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. Devotion: As we travel through life, we frequently face uncertainties and challenges that test our faith. However, Hebrews 9:27-28 presents a comforting truth: our earthly lives are finite, but our spiritual journey continues even after death. This passage reassures us that Christ's sacrifice was a unique, all-encompassing act of love and redemption. His death on the cross was meant to remove the sins of many, offering us a path to salvation. As believers, we are called to live with the awareness that after our physical demise, we will stand before the judgment seat of God. However, we should not face this with fear but with hope and expectation. Christ's promise to return a second time is not mea...

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: In these short yet profound verses, the Apostle Paul imparts timeless wisdom to the believers in Corinth, which resonates with us today. He encapsulates the essence of Christian living, intertwining vigilance, steadfastness, courage, strength, and love—a tapestry of virtues that fortify our spiritual journey. To "be on your guard" is a call to spiritual alertness. In a world rife with distractions and temptations, it is not just important, but crucial to maintain awareness, protecting our hearts and minds from anything that might lead us astray. This vigilance ensures we do not falter but remain dedicated to our faith, keeping us alert and prepared for any spiritual challenges that may come our way. "Stand firm in the faith" speaks to the steadfastness required of us. Our faith is the bedrock upon which we build our ...

  Scripture: Proverbs 21:1 (NIV) In the Lord’s hand, the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him. Devotion: The imagery of Proverbs 21:1 is both comforting and profound. Like a master gardener who directs the flow of water to nourish his plants, God holds the hearts of rulers, guiding their decisions and actions for His purposes. This verse reminds us that no matter how powerful or independent a leader may seem, they are ultimately under the sovereignty of God. When we observe the actions of leaders and rulers, it’s easy to feel anxious or powerless. Their decisions can have far-reaching consequences, impacting nations and lives. Yet, Proverbs 21:1 offers reassurance that these leaders are not beyond God’s control. He is the divine orchestrator, ensuring His will is accomplished through them, even if we do not immediately understand how. For instance, we can look at how God influenced the decisions of King Cyrus in the Old Testament,...

  Scripture: Job 2:9-10 (NIV) His wife said to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!” He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said. Devotion: In our moments of deepest despair, we often question everything we hold dear. Job's wife, in her grief and suffering, speaks from a place of pain and confusion that many of us can relate to. She has endured tremendous loss—her children, her home, and now witnessing her husband suffer from a debilitating illness. Her words are not merely a challenge to Job's faith, but an outcry from a heart overwhelmed by sorrow. Instead of being harsh, Job's response serves as a gentle reminder of their faith. He acknowledges their suffering but urges her to remember their trust in God. His plea is not one of condemnation but of compassionate understanding. He aims to strengthen their shared commitment to accept b...

  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:             It is easy to become complacent and let our guard down in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, provides us with a powerful reminder to stay vigilant and steadfast in our faith. The verse, "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love," is a call to action for every believer. Firstly, Paul urges us to "be on your guard." This is a call to spiritual alertness. In a world filled with distractions and temptations, it is crucial to remain watchful and discerning. Being on guard means being aware of our spiritual battles and recognizing the subtle ways the enemy may try to lead us astray. It reminds us to stay rooted in prayer and seek God's guidance in all aspects of our lives. Secondly...

Scripture: Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV) Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; his presence is a constant, and He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Devotion: In the book of Deuteronomy, we find Moses at the end of his journey, preparing to pass the mantle of leadership to Joshua. The Israelites are on the brink of entering the Promised Land, a moment they've awaited for 40 years. However, this transition comes with significant challenges and uncertainties. It is in this context that Moses, under divine inspiration, speaks these powerful words to Joshua and the people of Israel, urging them to be strong and courageous. Moses, who had led the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness, knew that his time was drawing to a close. God had informed him that he would not cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land. Instead, Joshua, his faithful aide, was chosen to lead the people. In Deuteronomy 31, ...

  Scripture: Psalm 19:7-10 (NIV) The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. Devotion: In Psalm 19:7-10, we are presented with a beautiful portrayal of God's law and its profound influence on our lives. The psalmist describes the law of the Lord as perfect, refreshing the soul, and trustworthy, making wise the simple. These verses serve as a powerful reminder that God's commandments are not a burden, but rather a source of life, joy, and wisdom. They are a beacon of wisdom and light, guiding us through the complexities of life with clarity and truth, enlightening our souls and uplifting our spirits. When we reflect on the perfection of God's law, it brings ...

  Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV) I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. Devotion: In 1 Timothy 2:1-4, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of intercessory prayer for all people, especially for those in positions of authority. This call to prayer serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to lift each other up in prayer, recognizing that our prayers have the power to bring about peace and transformation in our communities and nations. Paul's directive begins with a broad and inclusive appeal: "Petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people." This inclusive approach signifies that no one is beyond the reach of God's love and ...

  Scripture: Luke 10:25-27 (NIV) On one occasion, an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” He answered, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this, and you will live.” Devotion: In our bustling lives, it's easy to overlook the essence of our spiritual journey. Luke 10:25-27 reminds us of this profound simplicity. When an expert in the law queried Jesus about inheriting eternal life, Jesus redirected him to the core of the Scriptures: love. This dialogue reveals the heart of Christian living - love for God and love for our neighbors. Imagine standing in that crowd, hearing Jesus challenge the expert to reflect on the Law. The expert’s response, quoting Deuteronomy and L...

  Scripture: John 17:3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. Devotion: In this profound verse, John 17:3, Jesus Himself defines eternal life, not in terms of duration but in terms of relationship. Eternal life is to know the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom He has sent. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but deeply relational and experiential. It is about having a personal relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ. As believers, we are not just called into a relationship with the Creator of the universe, but a deeply personal one. This relationship is characterized by faith, trust, and obedience. Knowing God means more than just learning about Him; it means experiencing His love, grace, and presence in our daily lives. It is through this relationship that we find true purpose, meaning, and fulfillment. The knowledge of God and Jesus Christ is not just a passive understanding, but a tra...

  Scripture: Hosea 6:6 (NIV) For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings. Devotion:   In the bustling lives we lead, amidst the whirlwind of responsibilities and aspirations, there lies a gentle yet profound call from the divine, echoing through the ages: "For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings." Hosea 6:6 invites us to pause, reflect, and realign our priorities with the heart of God.   To understand this verse, we must journey back to a time when the people of Israel were deeply entangled in rituals and sacrifices, believing that these acts alone secured their relationship with God. Yet, through the prophet Hosea, God revealed His genuine desire: a heart overflowing with mercy and a life dedicated to acknowledging Him. Mercy, in its essence, is love in action. It is the compassion that moves us to alleviate the suffering of others, the kindness that extends a help...

  Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:10 (NIV) Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. Devotion: In the labyrinth of human emotion, sorrow stands as a significant guide. It is our responsibility to choose the path it leads us on-one of profound transformation or one of despair and stagnation. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, delineates these two paths of sorrow - the godly and the worldly - and their diverging destinies. Godly sorrow acknowledges our missteps and transgressions, not merely as errors but as offenses against a loving and holy God. It is the kind of sorrow that Peter felt after denying Jesus thrice before the rooster crowed. His heart was shattered, but his sorrow propelled him to repentance, leading to his restoration and renewed purpose in God's redemptive plan. Similarly, the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32 illustrates godly sorrow. The son, after squandering his in...

  Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 (NIV) As God’s co-workers, we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. Devotion: In these verses from 2 Corinthians, Paul speaks with an urgency that calls us to action in the present moment. He emphasizes the importance of not taking God's grace for granted and the immediacy of responding to His call. The phrase "now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation" resonates deeply, urging us to recognize the significance of the present. God's grace is a precious gift, not to be received passively or taken lightly. As co-workers with God, we are invited to participate actively in His divine plan. Paul warns against receiving this grace in vain, reminding us that it is not merely a safety net or an abstract concept, but a living, dynamic force me...

  Scripture: Isaiah 55:6-7 (NIV) Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord , and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. Devotion: Isaiah 55:6-7 extends a profound invitation and a promise. The prophet urgently calls us to seek the Lord while He is accessible and to reach out to Him in times of nearness. This urgency implies that moments may come when the opportunity to seek the Lord will pass. It is a gentle reminder to prioritize our spiritual journey and to draw close to God without delay. The passage also speaks to the transformation of the heart. It encourages the wicked to abandon their harmful ways and the unrighteous to forsake their impure thoughts. This call for repentance is not just about changing behavior but also about renewing the mind and spirit. The directive to turn to the Lord signifies more than a mere...

  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...