Loving Jesus Style

  Scripture: Titus 2:11-12 ( NIV ) For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions , and to live self-controlled , upright , and godly lives in this present age, Devotion: The message found in Titus 2:11-12 offers us a profound glimpse into the heart of the gospel. “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” These words remind us that God’s grace is not merely a passive gift, but an active presence in our lives. It is both the gateway to salvation and the ongoing teacher that shapes our daily lives. Grace is often described as unmerited favor, but Paul reveals that grace is also transformative. The appearance of grace through Jesus Christ is not just a historical event, but a present reality. God’s grace reaches out to ...

Scripture: Proverbs 30:7-9 (NIV) “Two things I ask of you, LORD; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread . Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God. Devotion: Proverbs 30:7-9 offers a rare glimpse into the heart of someone earnestly seeking God’s wisdom and guidance. The writer, Agur , brings a humble request before the Lord—one that reveals both self-awareness and spiritual maturity . Rather than asking for wealth, power, or comfort, Agur seeks honesty and sufficiency: “Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches but give me only my daily bread.” This prayer stands in contrast to the desires we often find ourselves chasing in our modern world . Agur recognizes that the extremes of life—having too much or too little—can easily lead us away from God. A...

  An Overview of the Message and Themes The Book of Haggai is a short prophetic book in the Old Testament , consisting of only two chapters. Written around 520 B.C. during the post-exilic period , it records the prophet Haggai's messages to the Jewish people who had returned to Jerusalem from the Babylonian captivity. Historical Context After decades in exile, the Jewish people were permitted to return to Judah and rebuild Jerusalem. Although they began construction of the Second Temple, it stalled due to opposition and discouragement. For about 16 years, the temple lay in ruins while the people focused on their own homes and livelihoods. Main Messages Haggai's central message calls for reprioritizing the worship of God and completing the rebuilding of the temple. He rebukes the people for their complacency, urging them to "consider your ways" and recognize that their hardships—crop failures and economic difficulties—stemmed from neglecting God's hou...

Scripture: Psalm 51:15 (ESV) 15           O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise Devotion: Psalm 51 is a prayer of repentance from King David , who had committed adultery with Bathsheba and arranged the murder of her husband, Uriah . David was confronted by the prophet Nathan and convicted of his sin. He cried out to God for mercy and forgiveness, and asked God to restore his joy and fellowship. This passage is a powerful example of God's transformative forgiveness and the restoration it brings to our lives. Verse 15 is part of David's plea for restoration. He asks God to open his lips so he can declare God's praise. This implies that David's sin had silenced his praise. He had lost both his ability and his desire to worship God because he knew he had offended God and broken his covenant . He felt ashamed and unworthy to speak of God's goodness and glory. But David also knew that only God could heal his b...

  Reflecting on the True Gift of Christmas The Light in the Darkness As the days grow shorter and winter’s chill settles in, the world is illuminated by twinkling lights and festive decorations. Yet, Christmas is far more than sparkling ornaments and wrapped presents—it is the celebration of the arrival of Jesus , the Light of the World, who brings hope to every heart. A Promise Fulfilled Hundreds of years before that holy night in Bethlehem , the prophet Isaiah wrote, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light” ( Isaiah 9:2, NIV ). On Christmas, we celebrate the fulfillment of this promise. In a humble manger, God’s love entered the world in human form, offering peace and joy to all who believe. The Gift Beyond Measure Christmas is a season of giving, inspired by the greatest gift ever given—God’s own Son. The birth of Jesus shows us the depth of God’s love, reaching out to us even in our brokenness. His presence is a gift that cannot be purchased or ea...

  Scripture: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? … Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” ( Psalm 27 :14) Meditation: Christmas Eve is a night filled with anticipation. Lights twinkle, carols echo, and hearts lean forward toward the joy of Christmas morning . Yet, for many, this season can also bring shadows—loneliness, uncertainty, or fear. In Psalm 27, David reminds us of a truth that pierces through every darkness: “The Lord is my light and my salvation.” Light is powerful. It dispels fear, reveals truth, and brings warmth. On that first Christmas night, light broke into the world—not through dazzling displays, but through the humble birth of Jesus in a manger . He came as the Light of the World ( John 8:12 ), shining hope into the deepest night. When we feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges, we can cling to this promise...

  Scripture: 92:1-2 (NIV) It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, Devotion The psalmist begins with a simple yet profound truth: “ It is good to give thanks to the Lord.” Gratitude is not just a polite gesture; it is a spiritual discipline that aligns our hearts with God’s goodness. When we pause to thank Him, we acknowledge His sovereignty and remind ourselves that every blessing flows from His hand. Notice the rhythm in verse 2: morning and night . The psalmist invites us to start and end our day with God. In the morning, we declare His lovingkindness —a word that speaks of His steadfast love and mercy. Each sunrise is a fresh reminder that His mercies are new every morning ( Lamentations 3:23 ). Before the demands of the day press in, we can anchor our hearts in His grace, knowing He goes before us. At night, we reflect on His faithfulness. As the day closes, we look...

The Book of Zephaniah is a short prophetic text in the Old Testament, attributed to the prophet Zephaniah, who prophesied during the reign of King Josiah of Judah (late 7th century BCE). The book consists of three chapters and centers on themes of judgment, repentance, and restoration. The Day of the Lord and Judgment Zephaniah opens with a warning of the coming "day of the Lord," a time when God will bring judgment upon Judah and all nations for their idolatry, corruption, and moral decay. Zephaniah vividly describes the destruction that will affect every part of society—royalty, officials, merchants, and even ordinary people—emphasizing that no one will escape divine justice. Call to Repentance Despite the severe warnings, Zephaniah also calls for the people to seek the Lord, righteousness, and humility. He urges them to repent, hoping that some may be protected or "hidden" on the day of God’s anger. This section expresses God’s desire for his people to ...

Scripture: 1 John 5:1-5 (NIV) Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God , and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. Devotion: 1 John 5:1-5 delivers a powerful message about what it means to be an overcomer through faith in Jesus Christ . The passage begins by affirming that everyone who believes Jesus is the Christ is born of God. This identity isn't just about believing; it's about entering into a transformative relationship with God. By loving the Father, we naturally love His children, our brothers and sisters in Christ. Our love for God is de...

Scripture: Galatians 2:19-21 ( ESV ) 19  For through the law I died to the law , so that I might live to God . 20  I have been crucified with Christ . It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21  I do not nullify the grace of God , for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose. Devotion:             This is one of the most quoted passages from Galatians . It gives us great hope that Christ will come to live within us and save us by his great love for us. Indeed, such a hope is warranted, but there is more to talk about here. These words in verse 20 echo the words of Jesus when he advised his disciples to “take up their crosses and follow him.” ( Matthew 10:38 , Mark 8:34 , Luke 9.23 ) So we must take up our crosses and follow him.     ...

  Scripture: James 1:22-26 (NIV) Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom , and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. Devotion: As followers of Christ , it’s easy to fall into the pattern of simply hearing the Word —listening to sermons, reading Scripture, enjoying worship, and feeling uplifted by the message. Yet James 1:22-26 calls us to a deeper commitment: not just to hear God’s Word, but to live it. The passage warns that if our faith stops at listening, we deceive ourselves. Real transformation begins when we let God’s Word take root in our hearts and guide our actions. True faith is not passive; it require...

  Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6-8 (NIV) But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Devotion: In a world that constantly pushes us to seek more—more possessions, more recognition, more achievements—the words of 1 Timothy 6:6-8 offer a refreshing invitation to pause and consider the true source of gain. The apostle Paul reminds us that “godliness with contentment is great gain.” He points out a profound truth: our lives began with nothing, and when our journey here ends, we will take nothing with us. The material things we often strive for are fleeting, but the character we develop and the contentment found in walking with God are of eternal value. Contentment is not complacency or lack of ambition; rather, it is a posture of the heart that trusts God to provide what we truly need. Paul narrows this down to the basics: “But if we have fo...

  An Overview of the Old Testament Prophet and His Message Introduction The Book of Habakkuk is one of the twelve minor prophets in the Old Testament of the Bible . It is unique among the prophetic books because it focuses on a dialogue between the prophet Habakkuk and God, rather than direct messages to the people of Israel. Background Habakkuk lived during a time of great turmoil, likely in the late 7th century BCE , when the Babylonian Empire was rising to power. Judah , the southern kingdom of Israel , was experiencing violence, injustice, and corruption. Main Themes and Structure The book is structured around a series of questions and answers between Habakkuk and God: ·          Habakkuk's First Complaint : The prophet questions why God allows evil and injustice to go unpunished in Judah. ·          God's Response: God answers that He will raise the Babylonians ( Chaldeans ) t...

Scripture: Psalm 121:1-7 ( 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. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life." Devotion: Looking in the Right Direction The psalmist begins with a question we've all asked in moments of fear, uncertainty, or desperation: "Where does my help come from?" Notice he doesn't begin with an answer but with honest seeking. He lifts his eyes to the mountains—perhaps looking toward Jerusalem , where the temple stood, or scanning the horizon for approaching danger or deliverance. But the question itself is crucial. In our age of self-reliance and ...

Scripture: Romans 1:2-4 "...the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord." Devotion: When Paul introduces the gospel in these verses, he immediately grounds it in history, prophecy, and the person of Jesus Christ. This is no new religion, no innovative philosophy dreamed up by human imagination. The gospel, Paul insists, was promised long ago through God's prophets in the Hebrew Scriptures. A Promise Kept How remarkable that the God who spoke through Isaiah, Jeremiah, and the psalmists is the same God who fulfilled every promise in Jesus Christ. The gospel didn't catch God by surprise; it was His plan from the beginning. When we read the Old Testament with eyes opened by Christ, we see Him on every page—in the prom...