by Jamie Pantastico | Feb 3, 2025 | Daily Devotional |
…Love is the fulfillment of the law
Romans 13:10
Devotional Message:
Romans 13:9-10 beautifully sums up the relationship between love and the law. Paul explains that love is the key to fulfilling God’s commandments. Think about it: you can’t gossip about someone you truly love. You wouldn’t steal from someone you love, harm them, or betray their trust. When love is our guiding principle, our actions naturally align with the law.
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” These words echo the heart of God’s commandments. Love seeks the highest good of others; it causes no harm, no deception, and no injustice. Through love, we live out the purpose of the law.
This is only possible because of Christ. Galatians 2:20 reminds us that as believers, our old selves have been crucified with Christ. The life we now live is not by our strength but through faith in the Son of God, who loved us and gave Himself for us. His love is our example, and His Spirit within us enables us to love others as He has loved us.
In a world full of division, chaos, and brokenness, love stands as the most powerful testimony of Christ’s presence in believers. Today, ask yourself: How can I let Christ’s love flow through me? What steps can I take to fulfill the law through love?
Love is Always the Answer to What the Law Demands. It is through love that Christians fulfill the law. Love is the believers greatest witness.
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Bible Reading
‘I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. ‘
Galatians 2:20
‘For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.’
Romans 13:9-10
‘For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” ‘
Galatians 5:14
by Jamie Pantastico | Aug 28, 2024 | Daily Devotional, Daily Encouragement |
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)
The opening verse of the Bible introduces us to God’s incredible power as the Creator of all things. But this creation wasn’t just a random act of power—it was an intentional work by the Word of God. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” ‘He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made (John 1:2-3)’.
This “Word” is Jesus Christ, the One who was with God from the beginning and through whom all things were made. Paul reinforces this truth in Colossians 1:16-17: “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.”
Jesus Christ is not only the Creator but also the Sustainer of the entire universe. The One who spoke the world into existence is the same Jesus who loves you, sustains you, and promises you eternal life with Him in glory. What an amazing truth!
Take comfort and encouragement today knowing that the same Jesus who holds the stars in place is holding you. He loved you so much that He gave Himself for you on the cross. “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
No matter what you face, the Creator of the universe is on your side. Rest in His love, rely on His sustaining power, and rejoice in the eternal life He has promised you. Praise God!
by Jamie Pantastico | Apr 15, 2024 | Daily Devotional |
In this chaotic world we are living in, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, uncertainty sets in and then comes anxiety. But let the word of God remind us that: Jesus Christ is in control. He holds all power and authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). From the beginning of creation, all things were made by Him and for Him, and He sustains everything by His mighty word (Colossians 1:16-17).
In Ephesians 1:22-23, we are reminded that Jesus, God the Son, has been exalted above all things, and everything has been placed under His feet. He is the head of the Church, and we, as believers, are part of His body. This means that we are complete in Him, lacking nothing, for He is the source of all power and authority (Colossians 2:9-10).
No matter what challenges we face, we can take comfort in the fact that Jesus Christ is Lord of all (Acts 10:36). He is not only the creator of the universe but also the sustainer of all life. In Him, we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28). There is nothing outside of His control, and He works all things according to the counsel of His will (Ephesians 1:11).
As believers, we have been given the assurance (by the word) that Jesus is in control of our lives. We are His, and He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6). We can trust in His sovereignty and rest in His unfailing love.
Please don’t be anxious or worry, let us take heart and find strength in the fact the our Lord and Savior is not only the Creator and sustainer of all things. He is also the One who died for us, to pay the price for are sins, was buried and rose again three days later on our behalf. Victorious over sin, the law, Satan and even death itself, so we to are victorious with Him, and will be the Lord forever. The world is not falling apart around us, but instead, it is falling into place for His glorious return. He is working everything together for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28). Let us hold fast to our faith and live in full assurance of His control not only of the universe but in our every day life.
May this truth fill you with hope and peace today, knowing that the God of the universe is watching over you and guiding your steps. Cast your burdens unto Him, trust in His timing, and rejoice in His perfect plan.
Today’s Bible Reading
Matthew 28:18
Colossians 1:16-17
Ephesians 1:22-23
Colossians 2:9-10
Acts 10:36
Acts 17:28
Ephesians 1:11
Hebrews 13:5
Romans 8:28
by Jamie Pantastico | Apr 13, 2024 | Daily Devotional |
Introduction
In 2 Corinthians 10, the apostle Paul addresses the congregation at Corinth, defending his ministry and authority against accusations of walking in the flesh. Despite being a mere mortal, Paul’s power and authority were derived directly from the risen Lord Jesus. However, Paul did not rely on human strength or the ridiculousness of worldly wisdom in his mission to win souls. He understood that the flesh and the wisdom of men held no power in the spiritual realm, where the battle for souls raged.
The apostle Paul recognized the formidable stronghold of demonic power, which sought to ensnare humanity. Yet, he knew that this spiritual stronghold could be overcome only by the power of the gospel (Romans 1:16) and the truth of God’s Word (Hebrews 4:12). This power is available to all believers, but it requires diligent study of the Scriptures so that we can identify falsehoods, false teaching and the tsunami of deception all around us.
As believers immerse themselves in the Word of God through daily study, prayer, and fellowship with other believers, we become increasingly disobedient to the ways of the world. This disobedience to worldly influences is a testament to our growing obedience to Christ and our commitment to live according to His will. However, it also invites opposition and persecution from those who adhere to the world’s standards.
In the midst of spiritual warfare, believers must remain steadfast in their faith, armed with divine weapons and fortified by the truth of God’s Word. As we engage in this battle, we can be confident that the power of the gospel will prevail, breaking the chains of bondage and setting captives free (1 Corinthians 15:55-58). Beloved the bottom line is we must study the Bible, we must be in the Bible everyday because Satan and his demons never rest. The battle is 24/7.
We are in a Spiritual War
II Corinthians 10:3 – “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh.”
In 2 Corinthians 10:3, the apostle Paul reminds us that our battles as believers are not merely physical but spiritual. Despite living in the physical world, our warfare is waged in the realm of the unseen. In an age marked by rampant deception, Paul’s admonition to the Corinthians and to us today is clear: seek truth in the Word of God.
II Corinthians 10:4 – “(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)”
Verse 4 underscores the nature of our weaponry in this spiritual battle. Our weapons are not of the flesh but are divinely empowered to demolish strongholds. Paul himself exemplified this as he confronted the idolatry and pagan worship of cities like Ephesus, where his proclamation of the gospel caused upheaval among idolaters and stirred opposition from those who profited from the worship of false gods.
II Corinthians 10:5 – ‘casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,’
Furthermore, in verse 5, Paul urges believers to cast down every lofty idea that opposes the knowledge of God. In a world inundated with competing ideologies and philosophies, we are called to evaluate all things against the truth revealed in Scripture. Our thoughts, too, must be brought into submission to the obedience of Christ (How? By reading His Word, and Who is the Word, Christ Jesus), recognizing that our battles are often waged within the confines of our own minds.
II Corinthians 10:6 – “And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.”
Finally, verse 6 highlights the correlation between obedience to God’s Word and resistance to worldly disobedience. As we grow in obedience to Christ, we naturally become more resistant to the temptations and pressures of the world around us. Our readiness to avenge disobedience stems from our commitment to live in accordance with God’s will, even when it runs counter to the prevailing culture.
In conclusion, let us embrace our identity as soldiers (2 Timothy 2:3) in the spiritual battle, armed with divine weapons and fortified by the truth of God’s Word. As we engage in this warfare, may we remain steadfast in our obedience to Christ, knowing that in Him, we have the victory.
Takeaway
“Beloved, let this truth sink deep into your soul: the Bible isn’t just a book—it’s the ultimate weapon in the universe. In these challenging times, we must be rooted in the Word daily. While the world seems to be crumbling apart; covered with deception, confusion, and uncertainty, God has equipped believers with this unparalleled weapon. Those who wield (study) it understand that the world isn’t falling apart; it’s aligning perfectly for the glorious return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Praise God! Let’s dive into the Scriptures daily, for within its pages lies the power to overcome worldly strongholds, the wisdom to discern, and the hope to endure.”
If this post has encouraged you in anyway please consider sharing it with someone who needs encouragement.
by Jamie Pantastico | Apr 11, 2024 | Daily Devotional |
Scripture Passage: Ephesians 2:1-8
‘And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,’
Ephesians 2:1-8
Devotional
In Ephesians 2:1-8, the apostle Paul unveils an amazing joyful truth that lies at the heart of our faith — the transformative power of God’s grace. He begins by painting a vivid picture of our former state: spiritually dead in our trespasses and sins (old Adam), enslaved to the ways of this world and under the dominion of the prince of the power of the air; Satan.
But even in our state of spiritual death, God, rich in mercy and boundless in love, intervened on our behalf. Through the immeasurable greatness of His grace, He made us alive together with Christ, raising us up from the depths of our sin and seating us with Him in the heavenly places.
This transformation is not of our own doing but is a gracious gift from God. We are saved by grace, through faith — faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross. It is by faith alone, this our trust, believing in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, that we are reconciled to God and baptized into the body of Christ.
Reflecting on our past condition reminds us of the magnitude of God’s grace and the depth of His love for us. We were once dead in our sins, but through the power of the gospel, we have been made alive in Christ. This is a testament to the incomparable riches of God’s grace, lavished upon us in Christ Jesus.
As we move through this life, and encounter good or bad, let us never forget the amazing grace that God has poured out in our lives. May we live each day in awe of His grace, walking in the good works that He has prepared for us, and sharing the life-giving message of the gospel with a world in need of hope and redemption.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I come to you in Jesus name and thank You for Your boundless grace and unfailing love. Thank You for making us alive in Christ and seating us with Him in heavenly places. Help us to walk in the reality of our new identity as Your beloved children, empowered by Your Spirit to live lives that bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.
If you were encouraged in anyway by this devotional please consider sharing this with someone who needs encouragement.
In Christ alone.