Loving Jesus Style

  Scripture: Philippians 2:12-13 (NIV) Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Devotion: The passage from Philippians 2:12-13 calls us to a profound and active engagement with our faith. It begins with an exhortation from the Apostle Paul to the believers in Philippi, urging them to continue their obedience in his absence. This call to action is not a mere suggestion but a directive to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling." Obedience, as mentioned by Paul, is a recurring theme in his letters. The Philippians were known for their steadfastness in faith and adherence to Paul's teachings. Yet, Paul emphasizes that their commitment should not waver in his absence. This notion of obedience goes beyond mere compliance; it is about a deep-ro...

Scripture: John 6:66-69 (NIV) From this time, many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. “You do not want to leave, too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.” Devotion: In John 6:66-69, we encounter a poignant moment in Jesus' ministry. The passage describes a pivotal point where many of Jesus’ followers decided to abandon Him. His teachings, particularly the discourse on the Bread of Life, had become difficult for them to accept. Jesus had spoken of eating His flesh and drinking His blood, a metaphorical expression of embracing His sacrifice, which proved too challenging for many to grasp or accept. This metaphor symbolizes the need to fully accept and internalize Jesus' sacrifice for our sins, a concept that was difficult for many to understand at the time. As a result, they turned away, no longe...

Scripture: Revelation 5:11-12 (NIV) Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures, and the elders. In a loud voice, they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Devotion: In this powerful passage from Revelation 5:11-12, we witness a celestial scene of worship that transcends time and space. In his vision, the Apostle John sees and hears an innumerable host of angels surrounding the throne of God, lifting their voices in unison to proclaim the worthiness of the Lamb. This Lamb, revered and exalted in their praises, is none other than Jesus Christ, the crucified and risen Savior. The title "Lamb" is profoundly significant in Christian theology. It harkens back to the Old Testament sacrificial system, where a spotless lamb was offered as a sin offeri...

Scripture: 1 John 1:13-16 (N(V) This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. Devotion The passage from 1 John 1:13-16 declares the intimate relationship we share with God through Jesus Christ. It begins with the assurance that we, as believers, live in God and He in us, a relationship made possible by the gift of His Spirit. This indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit is a testament to our acceptance and transformation through faith in Jesus Christ. The apostle John emphasizes the certainty of this relationship by stating that the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world. This foundational truth is the cornerstone of our faith. We enter int...

  Scripture: Mark 8:27-29 (NIV) Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way, he asked them, “Who do people say I am?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.” Devotion: In Mark 8:27-29, Jesus poses a profound question to His disciples, and by extension, to each one of us: 'But what about you? Who do you say I am?' This inquiry is not merely about seeking validation or praise; it is an invitation to a deeper understanding and personal conviction of who Jesus truly is. Peter's response, 'You are the Messiah,' reveals a moment of divine revelation and faith. It signifies the acknowledgment of Jesus as the promised Savior and the recognition of His divine authority and mission. This question and Peter's answer not only beckon us to reflect on our own perception of ...

Nehemiah 9:38 to 10:39 Chapters 9 and 10 of Nehemiah present an exceptional moment in Israel's history. After a period of reflection and confession, the people of Israel make a covenant with God, reaffirming their commitment and dedication to following His commandments and decrees. This passage offers profound insights into the nature of repentance, commitment, and the collective responsibility of a faith community. Nehemiah 9:38 marks the beginning of this covenant, where the Israelites, led by their leaders, priests, and Levites, put their seal on a written agreement. This act symbolizes a collective acknowledgment of their past failures and a renewed commitment to live according to God's laws. It is a powerful reminder that true repentance involves both confession and a decisive turn towards righteousness. As we delve into chapter 10, we see the specifics of this covenant. The people pledge to adhere to various aspects of the Mosaic Law, including prohibiting interma...

Nehemiah chapter 9 is a profound and moving chapter that calls for deep reflection on God's faithfulness and our own hearts. The chapter begins with the people of Israel fasting, wearing sackcloth, and putting dust on their heads as signs of mourning and repentance. These actions were not mere rituals, but profound expressions of their deep sorrow and repentance. This united act of contrition sets the stage for a powerful prayer that recounts God’s unwavering loyalty despite Israel's recurring unfaithfulness. As spiritual leaders, the Levites lead the people in a prayer that covers the entire history of Israel, from the calling of Abram to the moment they stand in. This prayer is divided into several parts, each highlighting a different aspect of God's character and Israel's responses: The prayer begins by acknowledging God as the Creator of the heavens, the earth, and all that is in them (Nehemiah 9:6). It reminds us that everything we see around us is the work o...