A LIFE DEVOTED TO GOD

PSALMIST CHALLENGE: PSALM 141-145

PROVERBS CAPSULE: PROVERBS 29

When asked to identify the most important commandment that should be obeyed, our Lord Jesus instantly spoke of personal devotion: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). Christ observed that when one demonstrates overwhelming devotion in reverence to God and service to fellow man, then following the other teachings of the Scriptures is a natural outgrowth of that devotion (Matthew22:40).

The Christian’s life may seem like an obsession to those around him. Everything in his life is focused through the lens of devotion. He finds great satisfaction in living his Christianity. This obsessive devotion is not to be an extreme that dictates life without choices. Rather, devotion is the basis for the choices in life. It is because of devotion to the Lord that the Christian lives, chooses, acts, and loves as he does! Numerous illustrations of this compelling devotion are given throughout the Scriptures. The widow’s giving her last two mites illustrates the extent to which she was devoted to God (Mark 12:42ñ44).

Epaphroditus is forever known as having been controlled by his devotion to help brethren (Philippians 2:25-30). In the Old Testament is the story of Ittai the Gittite, who, in his devotion to King David , said, “Wherever my lord the king may be, whether for death or for life, there also your servant will be” (2 Samuel 15:21). Who can forget Caleb’s devotion? This godly man is still known by the Lord’s commendation, in which He called him “My servant Caleb.” Why was Caleb so distinguished? God’s own words answer: “Because he has had a different spirit and has followed Me fully” (Numbers 14:24).

Since you are now a Christian, you are living a life devoted to God! It is a sanctified life, a consecrated life. It is a life totally different from the way you lived before you decided to believe and obey God’s commands. The life of devotion is blessed with spiritual riches! The Christian is devoted to the standards of God, not those of the world. He has died to sin and the world and is alive to God (Romans 6:11). You will be devoted to something in life. Many are devoted to some political cause, financial objective, or humanitarian project. As a Christian, you are to demonstrate devotion to God and His works through your personal relationship. The first step into a journey of devotion is love. Do you have it? What do you devote your time to? The preacher says, “Remember, now, thy Creator in the days of thy youth”. What are you using the days of your youth for? Dance in a club? Drink in a beer parlour? Studying of the Word of God? Singing in the Choir? Preaching on the pulpit? Whatsoever you devote your time to, you will find. But will God remember you as His servant? Decided that!

Word Affirmation: “And there shall be no more curse." - Rev 22:3 (Don't just say it, mean it!)

“The first step into a journey of devotion is love."

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