Loving Jesus Style

  Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:7-10 (NIV) 7  Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8  For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9  This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 10  That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. Devotion: In our fast-paced, achievement-oriented world, we often dedicate significant time and effort to physical training. We understand that maintaining our physical health requires discipline and consistency. Similarly, in his letter to Timothy, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of spiritual training. He acknowledges the benefits of physical training but highlights that training in godliness holds value for both this life and the life to come. Train...

  Matthew 6:24 (NIV) 24  “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Devotion: One of the most challenging decisions we face as followers of Christ is how to handle our money and possessions. The world tells us that money is the key to happiness, security, and success. It urges us to pursue wealth, accumulate more, and enjoy the pleasures it can buy. But Jesus warns us that money can also be a dangerous trap, a false god that competes for our loyalty and devotion. Jesus does not say that money is evil or that having wealth is wrong. He acknowledges that money is a necessary and helpful resource in this life. He benefited from some wealthy supporters' generosity (Luke 8:1-3). He also praised those who used their money wisely and faithfully, such as the poor widow who gave all she had (Mark 12:41-44), or the shrewd manager who made friends w...

Scripture: Luke 11:27-28 (ESV) 27  As he said these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!” 28  But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” Devotion: What does it mean to be blessed? Often, we associate blessing with material prosperity, health, happiness, or success. We may think God blesses us when He gives us what we want or need. But Jesus teaches us a different perspective on blessing in this passage. He was teaching the crowds about the kingdom of God, and a woman in the crowd praised His mother, Mary, for giving birth to Him. She must have thought that God highly blessed Mary for being chosen to bear the Messiah. And indeed, Mary was blessed in that sense (Luke 1:42-45). But Jesus did not affirm her remark. Instead, He pointed to a higher blessing available to anyone following Him. He said, 'Blessed rather are those who hear the ...

  Scripture: Luke 20:21-26 (ESV) Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God. 22  Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” 23  But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, 24  “Show me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?” They said, “Caesar’s.” 25  He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” 26  And they were not able in the presence of the people to catch him in what he said, but marveling at his answer, they became silent. Devotion: The Pharisees and the Herodians tried to trap Jesus with a tricky question. They asked him whether it was right to pay taxes to Caesar, the Roman emperor who ruled over Israel. If Jesus said yes, he would anger the Jews who hated the Roman occupation. He would be accused of rebellion against the government if he said no. Either way, they hoped to disc...

Scripture: Galatians 3:27-29 (ESV) 27  For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29  And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise. Devotion: What does it mean to put on Christ? Paul uses this metaphor to describe the radical transformation that takes place when we are baptized into Christ. Baptism is not just a ritual or a symbol, but a powerful act of God, a divine intervention that unites us with Christ in his death and resurrection. Our old identity no longer defines us, but by our new identity in Christ. This new identity transcends all the divisions and distinctions that the world makes. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female. These categories are not erased, but they are no longer the basis for our status, value, or belonging. We are...

  Scripture: Galatians 6:1-2(NIV) Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2  Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ. Devotion: We all, as human beings, make mistakes and fall into sin at some point in our lives. No one is perfect, except Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose again to give us new life. But how do we respond when we see a fellow believer struggling with sin? Do we judge them, ignore them, or condemn them? Or do we follow the example of Christ, who came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance? Remember, we are all equally vulnerable to sin, and it is our shared humanity that calls us to respond with empathy and understanding. Paul tells us in Galatians 6:1-2 that we who live by the Spirit should restore those caught in sin gently and humbly, without being self-righteous ...

Scripture: Romans 8:16-17 (ESV) 16  The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17  and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. Devotion: What does it mean to be an heir of God and a co-heir with Christ? It means that we have a glorious inheritance that awaits us in heaven. It means that we are part of God’s family and that we share in his love, his grace, his power, and his glory. It means we have a hope that surpasses anything this world can offer. And most importantly, it means that we are not alone. We have the Spirit of God living in us, confirming our identity as God's children and our destiny as co-heirs with Christ. But being an heir of God and a co-heir with Christ also means we share in his sufferings. We will face trials, persecutions, hardships, and temptations in this life. We will have to deny ourselves, take up our c...

Scripture: Revelation 21:3-4 (ESV)   And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them; they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Devotion: What is your ultimate hope in life? What are you longing for and looking forward to? Some people may hope for success, happiness, health, or love. But as Christians, our hope transcends all these earthly desires. Our ultimate hope is the eternal presence of God with us. The book of Revelation gives us a glimpse of the glorious future that awaits those who belong to God. In the new heaven and new earth, there will be no more sin, evil, suffering, or death. All the things that cause us pain and sorrow will be gone. God himself will dwell with his people and be t...

  A Knock at the Door Scripture: Revelation 3:20 (NIV) 20  Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. Devotion: Imagine that you hear a knock at your door. You are not expecting anyone, and you are busy with your own plans. You wonder who it could be and whether you should answer it. You might be curious, annoyed, or afraid. You might ignore it or open it cautiously. Now imagine that the one knocking at your door is Jesus. He is not a stranger, but a friend. He is not a threat, but a blessing. He is not demanding, but inviting. He is not forcing, but waiting. What would you do? Would you welcome him or turn him away? Would you rejoice, or be ashamed? Would you make room for him, or keep him out? Would you share a meal with him, a meal of spiritual nourishment and communion, or keep him at a distance? Jesus is knocking at the door of your heart. He wants to have ...

  Scripture: John 8:32 (ESV) 32  and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Devotion: Jesus said these words to the Jews who had believed in him but were still holding on to their traditions and laws. He challenged them to abide in his word, the trustworthy source of freedom from sin and death. He also exposed their false claim to be Abraham's children since they did not do the works of Abraham and wanted to kill him. He revealed that he was the Son of God, who came from the Father and spoke the truth that the Father had given him. What does it mean to know the truth? It is not just an intellectual knowledge of facts or doctrines but a personal and experiential knowledge of Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). To know him is to love him, trust him, obey him, and follow him. It is a transformative journey, guided by his grace and power, and leading to a life of purpose and fulfillment in his mission and glory. How does the ...

  Scripture: Ephesians 2:20-22 (ESV) 20  built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21  in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22  In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. Devotion: What is a temple? In the ancient world, a temple was a sacred place where people worshiped a deity and experienced his or her presence. A temple was also a symbol of the deity's sovereignty and glory, as well as the identity and unity of the people who belonged to him or her. A temple was not just a building; it was a reflection of the relationship between God and his people. When Paul writes to the Ephesians, he uses the image of a temple to describe the church. He says that the church is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, who proclaimed the gospel of Jesus Christ. He says that Christ himself is the cornerstone...

Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-12 (ESV) 11  Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12  remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. Devotion: One of the gospel's most profound transformations is that God, in his abundant grace, has united us in Christ. We, who were once distant, isolated, and without hope, have been brought close, reconciled, adopted, and given hope through God's grace and our faith in Jesus. This transformation is not just for us as individuals but also for us as a diverse community of believers from various backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities, and languages. Paul reminds the Ephesian Christians, who were mostly Gentiles, of their former condition before they knew Christ. They were called ...

Scripture: Romans 11:28-32 (NLT) 28  Many of the people of Israel are now enemies of the Good News, and this benefits you Gentiles. Yet they are still the people he loves because he chose their ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 29  For God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn. 30  Once, you Gentiles were rebels against God, but when the people of Israel rebelled against him, God was merciful to you instead. 31  Now they are the rebels, and God’s mercy has come to you so that they, too, will share in God’s mercy. 32  For God has imprisoned everyone in disobedience so he could have mercy on everyone. Devotion: In this passage, Paul reveals a profound truth about God's plan for Israel and the Gentiles. It's not just a historical account, but a living reality that directly impacts our lives today. He shows us how God's use of their disobedience and His mercy are not a distant concept, but a present-day truth we can experience. He reassures us that...

A Devotion on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice Always In his letter to the Thessalonians, the apostle Paul issued a powerful command: 'Rejoice always' (1 Thessalonians 5:16). This is not a mere suggestion, but a directive that holds immense significance for our spiritual journey. The key to maintaining a constant state of joy, even in the face of trials, troubles, and temptations, lies in understanding that our joy is not contingent on our circumstances, but on our unchanging relationship with God. He is the wellspring of our joy, and His love, Salvation, strength, and eternal presence are our constant sources of rejoicing. No matter our challenges, we can find solace and joy in the Lord, our unfailing hope and help. Pray Continually Paul's instruction, 'Pray continually' (1 Thessalonians 5:17), “It is not in the moving of the lips, but in the elevation of the heart to God, that the essence of prayer consists’ (Lightfoo t ), and it is this that enables us t...

Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV) All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20  teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Devotion:  In the concluding words of the Gospel of Matthew, we encounter the Great Commission, a timeless directive that has propelled the church forward through the ages. Matthew 28:18-20 encapsulates the essence of Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples, a profound call to action that resonates with every believer’s heart and forms a crucial part of our faith journey.  Jesus begins by declaring, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” This assertion of supreme authority sets the stage for the mission He is about to impart. It reminds us that the one who commands us is the sovereign ruler over all cr...

  Scripture: Revelation 21:3-4 (ESV) 3  And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4  He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Devotion:                 These verses, like a soothing ointment, heal the weariness of our spirits and illuminate the path of hope for our grieving hearts. They speak directly to our present, a time when the fractures of our fallen world are yet to be healed, when the distance that sin has placed between our Creator and us is still a chasm. Envision, with eager anticipation, a world unmarred by sorrow, untouched by loss. Picture a reality where the sting of death is but a dis...

 Scripture: John 14:27 (ESV) : “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (ESV)   In this verse, Jesus speaks directly to His disciples during the Last Supper. He knows that soon He will face betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion. Yet, amidst these impending trials, He offers them a profound and transformative gift: peace. This peace is not just for His disciples, but for each one of us, a personal and intimate gift from our Savior.   The peace that Jesus bestows is not a fleeting or superficial offering. It transcends the peace that the world can provide, as it is not limited by time or circumstance. The peace of Christ is more than a mere facade of tranquility, more than a warm smile and a firm handshake on a Sunday morning. It's like a calm sea that remains undisturbed even in the midst of a storm. Once you have this peace, it becomes an inte...

Scripture: 1 John 5:13-15 (ESV) 13  I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. 14  And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15  And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. Devotion:  The Apostle John writes with a pastoral heart in his first epistle, particularly in the concluding affirmations of chapter 5. Verses 13 to 15 serve as a beacon of assurance, illuminating the path of every believer with the promise of eternal life and the confidence we can have in approaching God. Verse 13  begins with a profound purpose: “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” This statement is not merely informative; it is transformative. It has the power to shift the believer’s per...

  Scripture: Colossians 3:15-17 (NIV) 15  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts since, as members of one body, you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16  Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts 17  And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Devotion:             These verses offer a profound invitation and command to Christ's followers. They call us to let the peace of Christ arbitrate in our hearts, to be thankful, to let the word of Christ dwell richly among us, and to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Our journey through these verses begins with a powerful appeal to let the transformative...

  Scripture: Hebrews 13:5 (ESV)   5  Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”   Devotion: In a world that constantly urges us to seek more, Hebrews 13:5 offers a counter-cultural message of contentment and divine assurance. "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'" We find ourselves in a society that often measures success by the things we accumulate. Advertisements, social media, and even our peers can subtly make us feel inadequate if we don't constantly strive for more money, possessions, and accolades. However, this societal pressure often leads to a cycle of dissatisfaction. No matter how much we acquire, it's never enough. In stark contrast, Hebrews 13:5 offers a counter-cultural message of contentment and divine assurance, empowering u...