Loving Jesus Style

 Don’t be a Hypocrite Scripture: Matthew 7:3-5 (NIV) “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye ? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. Devotion: As we consider Matthew 7:3-5, we encounter a powerful and practical lesson from Jesus about human tendencies toward hypocrisy and judgment. In this passage, Jesus uses a vivid image: someone is quick to spot a tiny speck in another person’s eye while ignoring the large plank in their own. It’s a striking metaphor that challenges us to look at our own lives before criticizing others. This teaching is not just about avoiding harsh judgment or minding our own business. It’s about humility and honesty with ourselves. We often find it easy to spot ...

    The Book of Jonah is a brief narrative found in the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament . It tells the story of the prophet Jonah , whom God commands to go to the city of Nineveh and preach repentance to its inhabitants because of their wickedness. Instead of obeying God's command, Jonah attempts to flee by boarding a ship traveling in the opposite direction. While at sea, a violent storm threatens to destroy the ship. The sailors, realizing the storm is supernatural, cast lots and discover Jonah is the cause. At Jonah's request, they throw him overboard, and the sea calms. Jonah is then swallowed by a great fish or whale , where he spends three days and nights. From the belly of the fish, Jonah prays to God, expressing repentance and gratitude for deliverance. God commands the fish to release Jonah onto dry land. Jonah then proceeds to Nineveh, proclaiming the message of impending destruction. Surprisingly, the people of Nineveh, from the king down t...

Scripture: Matthew 18:1-5 (NIV) At that time, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven ?” He called a little child to him and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. Devotion: In Matthew 18:1-5, Jesus teaches His disciples—and us—a deep lesson about what it truly means to be great in the kingdom of heaven. The conversation begins with a simple yet revealing question: “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” The disciples, like many of us, cared about status, recognition, and importance. But Jesus responds in a way that probably surprised them. Instead of naming those with power or influence, He calls a little child and places that child among...

Scripture: Jeremiah 6:14 ( NIV ) They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. ‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace.   Devotion: In Jeremiah 6:14, the prophet reveals a dangerous illusion: “They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. ‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace.” At first glance, these words might seem comforting, like a gentle balm over troubled times. But Jeremiah’s warning is sharp and sobering. He challenges us to face the reality of brokenness rather than covering it up with empty promises or shallow reassurances. How often do we hear words of peace—spoken by leaders, friends, or even ourselves—without addressing the deeper wounds and unrest inside us or those around us? The tendency to downplay pain or hide conflict is strong. We seek relief, not the discomfort of honest reflection. Yet, ignoring the depth of our hurt or the seriousness of division only extends suffering and delays healing...

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:13-14 (NIV) Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus . Devotion: In 1 Timothy 1:13-14, Paul reflects on his past with raw honesty: “Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” These verses offer a profound glimpse into the heart of Christian transformation —hope for anyone who feels unworthy, ashamed, or too far gone to receive God’s grace. Paul’s story is both a warning and an encouragement. He had opposed God with zeal, yet God’s mercy found him not after he cleaned up his life, but precisely when he was at his worst. Mercy, as Paul describes, is not som...

  Scripture: Psalm 89:15 ( NIV ) 15  Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence , Lord . Devotion Psalm 89:15 (NIV) says, “Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord.” This verse is a gentle reminder of the joy and blessing that come from living in God’s presence and recognizing His goodness in our daily lives. The psalmist points out that true happiness is found not in material possessions or achievements, but in our relationship with the Lord and our willingness to praise Him. To “acclaim” God means to openly celebrate Him, to declare His greatness with gratitude and reverence. This is more than just singing songs or saying prayers; it’s a lifestyle of worship where our words and actions reflect our love and respect for who He is. When we learn to acclaim God, we shift our focus from our own worries and struggles to His faithfulness, mercy, and power. Walking “...

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (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: Sanctification is one of the most beautiful and mysterious works of God in the believer’s life. In 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Paul offers a prayer that reveals not only the depths of God’s involvement in our lives, but also assures us of His persistent faithfulness: “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.” Paul begins by addressing God as “the God of peace,” reminding us that true sanctification is not born from striving or self-improvement, but from the One who brings wholeness and peace into our fragmented lives. God’s sanctifying work...

  An Overview of the Shortest Book in the Old Testament The Book of Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, consisting of just one chapter with 21 verses. It is classified among the Minor Prophets and is a prophetic message attributed to Obadiah, whose name means "servant of the Lord." The book's central theme is the judgment of Edom , a nation located south of Judah, for its actions against the people of Israel. Background and Purpose Obadiah addresses the longstanding animosity between Edom and Israel. The Edomites were descendants of Esau , Jacob's brother, making them relatives of the Israelites. Despite this kinship, Edom often opposed Israel and even took advantage of Judah's misfortunes. The book is believed to have been written after the fall of Jerusalem (586 B.C.), when Edom participated in or rejoiced over Judah’s destruction. Main Themes ·          Judgment on Edom: Obadiah proclaims that Edom will be brou...

Scripture: Psalm 91:1-2 ( NIV ) 1  Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2  I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust. Devotion Psalm:  The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. Each time we look up at the vastness of the sky, we witness a living testimony of God’s creativity and majesty. Psalm 19:1-2 reminds us that creation itself is an ever-present witness to God’s glory. The heavens, with their endless expanse, colors at sunrise, and the brilliant stars at night, are not silent—they are constantly “pouring forth speech,” eloquently telling of the greatness and power of their Creator. Unlike human words, the message of the heavens knows no language barrier. Their proclamation is universal and unending. Every sunset, every cloud formation, and ...

Scripture: Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)   Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever . Devotion: Hebrews 13:8 serves as a profound reminder to believers everywhere: “ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” In a world that constantly shifts — where technology, culture, and even our personal circumstances can change overnight — the steadfastness of Christ offers our hearts comfort and reassurance. This verse encourages us to reflect on Jesus' unchanging nature and how that anchors our faith, even when life feels uncertain. As we look back through history, we see countless changes. Kingdoms rise and fall, people come and go, and seasons of life ebb and flow. Yet, through it all, Jesus Christ remains the same. The love He showed on the cross, the grace He offers to all who believe, and the truth of His teachings are just as relevant today as they were two thousand years ago . This means that the promises He made still stand, and the hope He gives is...

Scripture: Psalms 16:8 (NIV) 8  I keep my eyes always on the Lord . With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Devotion : When life’s storms rage around us, it’s easy to feel unsettled and overwhelmed. Our minds wander to worries, anxieties, and fears about the future or the unknown. Yet Psalm 16:8 (NIV) offers a profound declaration of hope and stability: “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” This verse becomes a lifeline when chaos threatens to shake our world. It reminds us that our security is not found in the shifting circumstances of life but in the steadfast presence of God. Keeping our eyes “always on the Lord” requires intentionality. In a culture filled with distractions and competing priorities, it’s easy to lose sight of God’s presence. But David’s words urge us to make God the focus of our days — to look to Him in every moment, whether in joy or hardship. When we center our thoughts, our hopes, and our...

  Scripture: Galatians 3:20 ( ESV ) “Now an intermediary implies more than one, but God is one.” Devotion: At first glance, Galatians 3:20 may seem obscure, even cryptic. Nestled in Paul ’s dense argument about the law and the promise, this verse can feel like a theological speed bump. But when we slow down and reflect, we discover a profound truth about the nature of God and His relationship with us. Paul is contrasting two covenants: the law, given through Moses with the mediation of angels (Galatians 3:19), and the promise, given directly to Abraham by God. The law required intermediaries—angels, Moses, and eventually priests. But the promise? It came from God alone. This is Paul’s point: “An intermediary implies more than one, but God is one.” In other words, when a mediator is involved, there are two parties negotiating. However, when God made His promise to Abraham, there was no room for negotiation. No conditions. No intermediary. Just God, in His sovereign ...

  A Concise Overview of the Old Testament Prophet and His Message Introduction The Book of Amos is one of the twelve Minor Prophets in the Old Testament of the Bible. Written by Amos , a shepherd from Tekoa in Judah , the book is set during the reigns of Uzziah (king of Judah) and Jeroboam II (king of Israel), around the 8th century BCE . Amos delivers a prophetic message to the northern kingdom of Israel , warning of impending judgment due to their social injustices and religious hypocrisy. Main Themes ·          Social Justice: Amos denounces the wealthy elite for oppressing the poor, exploiting the vulnerable, and perverting justice. He proclaims that true worship of God must be accompanied by righteous living and fair treatment of others. ·          Religious Hypocrisy: The prophet criticizes empty ritualism and religious ceremonies that lack sincere devotion and moral integrity. He...

  Scripture: Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV) 24  “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26  But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Devotion In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus paints a vivid picture of two builders, each faced with the same storms but experiencing drastically different outcomes. The wise builder constructs his house on the rock—firm, unyielding, and lasting—while the foolish builder settles for sand, unstable and unreliable. Both hear Jesus’s words, but only one puts them into practice, and therein lies th...

  Grow In Grace Scripture: 2 Peter 3:18 (NIV) But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. Devotion: As we look to the words of 2 Peter 3:18, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen,” we are reminded of the never-ending journey of our spiritual lives. Growth is not something that happens to us passively. It’s an active pursuit, a daily decision to lean into the grace and wisdom that only Christ can give. Peter encourages us not to remain stagnant or satisfied with where we are but to constantly seek a deeper relationship with Jesus. This verse is not just a reminder—it’s an invitation to transformation. But what does it mean to “grow in grace”? Grace is more than unmerited favor; it is God’s loving kindness and strength that empowers us to live beyond our own limitations. To grow in grace means to increasingly rely on God’s l...

Scripture: Hebrews 12:28-29 ( NIV ) Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken , let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe , for our “God is a consuming fire.” Devotion In Hebrews 12:28-29, we are reminded of the unshakeable nature of God's kingdom and called to respond with thankfulness, reverence, and awe. These verses follow a passage that contrasts the old covenant, marked by trembling at Mount Sinai, with the new covenant established through Christ . While the old covenant instilled fear, the new covenant invites us into grace and stability—yet it still calls us to honor God's holiness. "For our God is a consuming fire" is not just a warning, but an invitation to recognize the power and purity of God Himself. When we approach God, we do so as beneficiaries of a kingdom that cannot be shaken—not by circumstances, trials, or the chaos of the world. This reality should fill us with deep gratitude. ...

  Scripture: 21:31b-32(NIV) Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him. Devotion: In Matthew 21:31b-32, Jesus delivers a powerful message that strikes at the core of religious pride and self-righteousness. Addressing the chief priests and elders, Jesus surprises His audience by saying, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.” At first glance, this statement is startling. Tax collectors and prostitutes were seen as some of the most sinful and least respected members of society. Yet, Jesus places them in a position of spiritual privilege over those who outwardly seemed righteous. Why would Jesus make such a bold and seemingly upside-do...

The Book of Joel is a short prophetic text found in the Old Testament of the Bible . It consists of three chapters and focuses on a devastating locust plague that strikes the land of Judah . Joel interprets this disaster as a sign of the " Day of the Lord ," a time of divine judgment and reckoning. He calls the people to repentance , urging them to turn back to God with sincere hearts and fasting. The book is divided into two main sections. The first describes the calamity brought by the locusts and the resulting famine and suffering. Joel emphasizes that these events are not just natural disasters but a wake-up call for spiritual renewal . The second section shifts to a message of hope. Joel prophesies that if the people repent, God will restore their land, sending abundant rain and blessings. Joel also contains a famous passage about God pouring out His Spirit on all people, foretelling a future time when sons and daughters will prophesy, old men will dream dreams, ...