Loving Jesus Style

  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: Exodus 29:45-46 (ESV) 45  I will dwell among the people of Israel and will be their God. 46  And they shall know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God. Devotion: One of the most amazing truths of the Bible is that God wants to dwell with his people. He is not a distant deity who watches us from afar, but a personal God who desires an intimate relationship with us. He created us for his glory and pleasure and invites us to share in his life and love. In the book of Exodus, we see how God rescued the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt and brought them to Mount Sinai, where he gave them his law and his covenant. He also instructed them to build a tabernacle, a portable sanctuary, where he would manifest his presence among them. The tabernacle was a visible sign of God's grace and faithfulness, foreshadowing God's ultimate dwelling place with his people: Jesus Christ. ...

  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: Psalm 91:9-11 (NIV) 9  If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, 10  no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. 11  For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; Devotion: One of the most comforting promises in the Bible is that God will protect and watch over those who trust in him. Psalm 91:9-11 says, "If you say, ‘The Lord is my refuge,’ and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." This is not just an assurance, but a profound declaration of God's unwavering protection. It's a reminder that we are not alone or helpless in this world, but we have a loving and powerful God who cares for us and sends his angels to shield us from harm. But what does making the Lord our refuge and dwelling mean? It means more than...

  Scripture: Psalm 145:17 (ESV) 17           The Lord is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works. Devotion: How do we know that God is good? How can we trust that he has our best interests at heart? How can we see his kindness in the midst of a broken and hurting world? The psalmist answers these questions by declaring that the Lord is righteous and kind in all his ways and works. This means that everything God does is consistent with his perfect character, holy justice, and tender mercy. For instance, when we experience a beautiful sunrise, we witness God's kindness in providing us with a new day. He never acts out of malice, caprice, or indifference. He never violates his own standards or promises. He always does what is right, fair, and loving, providing a reliable source of goodness in our lives. This truth gives us hope and confidence in every situation. We can rely on God's goodness when we face trials, ...

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: 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 the transformative power of God's 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 that he can declare God's praise. This implies that David's sin had silenced his praise. He had lost his ability and 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 ...

  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: 1 Corinthians 9:22-23 (ESV) I have become all things to all people, that by all means, I might save some. 23  I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. Devotion: In this passage, the apostle Paul describes his approach to evangelism and ministry. He says that he has become all things to all people, meaning that he adapts his style and language to different audiences, without compromising the core message of the gospel. He does this for two reasons: first, to win some people to Christ, and second, to share in the blessings of the gospel himself. Paul's strategy is based on his love for God and his love for people. He wants to glorify God by fulfilling his calling as an apostle and a preacher of the good news. He also wants to serve people by meeting them where they are and addressing their needs and questions. He does not impose his preferences or opinions on others, but respects their culture and background, fos...

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: Psalm 32:8 (NIV) 8  I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.   Devotion: God has a unique, tailor-made plan for your life and He longs to guide you in His ways. He is not a distant or indifferent God who leaves you to figure things out on your own. He is a loving and personal God who cares about every detail of your life and wants to bless you with His wisdom and peace. But how can you hear his voice and follow his direction? Psalm 32:8 gives us some clues. First, God says he will instruct you and teach you. This means that God wants to communicate with you through his word, the Bible. The Bible is not just a book of stories and rules; it is God's living and active word that reveals his character, his promises, and his will for your life. As you read, study, meditate, and memorize the Bible, you will learn more about God and his ways, and you will be able to apply his truth to your...

  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: Jonah 1:17-2:3 (NIV) 17  Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. 2  From inside the fish, Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. 2  He said: “In my distress, I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead, I called for help, and you listened to my cry. 3  You hurled me into the depths, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me. Devotion: The story of Jonah is well-known to many of us. We know how he tried to run away from God's call to preach to the wicked city of Nineveh, how he boarded a ship that was caught in a storm, how he was thrown overboard and swallowed by a great fish, and how he finally obeyed God and delivered his message. But do we ever stop to think about what Jonah felt and learned in the belly of the fish? The Bible tells us that Jonah pray...

  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 2:17-19 (ESV) 17  And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18  For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19  So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, Devotion:        Have you ever felt like an outsider? Like you don't belong or fit in anywhere? Maybe you have experienced rejection, discrimination, or isolation because of your race, culture, religion, or background. Maybe you have been hurt by people who were supposed to love you and accept you. Maybe you have wondered if God really cares about you and wants you to be part of his family. If so, you are not alone. Many people struggle with feelings of alienation and loneliness. But the good news is that God has a solution for this problem. He sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to preach peace to those who wer...

  Scripture: Ephesians 2:13-16 (ESV) 13  But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.  14  For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility  15  by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace,  16  and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility Devotion: Have you ever felt like an outsider? Like you don't belong or fit in? Like there is a wall between you and others that keeps you from enjoying true fellowship and friendship? If so, you are not alone. Many people struggle with feelings of alienation and isolation, especially in our modern world, where we are more connected online than offline. But the good news is that God has a solution for this problem. He has made a way for us to be...

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 ...