Loving Jesus Style

Scripture: 2 Samuel 22:31 (ESV) This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.   Devotion:                         This verse records part of David’s song at the end of 2 nd Samuel. He is praising God for all the times the Lord has delivered him from danger during his life. His song can be our song too if we will but trust in the Lord. Truly, all the ways of our God are perfect, and we can trust that he will never lead us astray. We can trust that the Lord will guide us and bring us safely to heaven if we will put our complete trust in him.                         David then declares that the word of God is true. We can always rely on what it says. Though the world may tell us...

Scripture: Hebrews 4:14-16 (ESV) 14  Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16  Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Devotion:             As we navigate this world with all its trials and tribulations the words above give us great comfort and strength to face our challenges whatever they may be. In them we learn that we have Jesus for a priest who intercedes on our behalf in heaven. Therefore, we must grab on to and hold on to him that we may receive help at all times.             Jesus is our special high priest bec...

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (ESV) 23  For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24  and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25  In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26  For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. Devotion:             The words above should seem familiar. At least to anyone who has been a Christian for any length of time. These very words or words very much like them are said every time we celebrate communion. Let us take a closer look at these words and what they mean for us today.           ...

Matthew 26:17-19 (ESV) 17  Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Where will you have us prepare for you to eat the Passover?” 18  He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’” 19  And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover. Devotion:             This scripture contains elements of mystery and preparation. The day in question is the day when devout Jews prepared their houses for the celebration of the Passover meal. All traces of leaven had to be removed from the house. Down to the last bread crumb. Following the example of God’s instructions for the actual Passover when the Jews were captive in Egypt. The next day the lamb would be sacrificed for the Passover meal.          ...

  Betrayed! Scripture: Matthew 26:14-16 (NIV) 14  Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests  15  and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So, they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver.  16  From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over. Devotion:             Our scripture passage for today is not one of the brightest and happiest moments in the scripture record. Indeed, except for the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus, this is probably the darkest moment recorded for us. The facts of the story are beyond all doubt as it is mentioned in Mark, and Luke gospel’s as well. All four gospels list Judas as the disciple who betrays Jesus. We wonder why someone who had been with Jesus during his three-year ministry would seek to betray him. We are never explicitly told why he would do this terrible deed.  ...

  Jesus, Lifted Up Scripture: John 12: 31-33 (NRSV) 31  Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out.  32  And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”  33  He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die. Devotion:             The scene in which today’s scripture plays out is important to understand. Some Greeks who are in Jerusalem for the Passover feast have asked to see Jesus. Perhaps they have heard about his miraculous raising of Lazarus from the dead or other miracles, and they want to see this teacher for themselves. Jesus, however, is acutely aware that his time on earth is running out and he will soon be crucified. So, here we find Jesus teaching a mixed crowd of Gentiles and Jews about what must take place shortly there in Jerusalem.             Jesus first state...

Scripture: Luke 13:34-35 (NLT) 34  “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me. 35  And now, look, your house is abandoned. And you will never see me again until you say, ‘Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!’” Devotion:             In these words of scripture, Jesus is calling out to that great city Jerusalem. Jesus felt both an earthly and divine sorrow for the city. These were his people. His kinfolk. So many times, in this city’s history God had longed for their repentance and salvation. But the people always refused their own rescue. Now at last their messiah was coming to them and still they refused to repent and believe. Luke would have Jesus utter a similar saying on his way into Jerusalem in Luke 19 this time coupled w...