Devoted to Devotions?

Charlie 70How many times have you beat yourself up for not doing your devotions?  Me?  I used to constantly be black and blue!  I didn’t like it.  Am I not serious about serving God?  I used to ask myself.  I wanted to make God happy with me, so why did I constantly feel as though I was disappointing him?

It took a while, okay years, but one day I realized being devoted to devotions was not the same as being devoted to God.  I begin to walk in freedom, because now I was devoted to God, and I knew I could talk to him anytime I wanted to.  I could worship, read his word, and praise him throughout the entire day, and not just at a particular time of day.  There may be those that like having a set time each day, but that didn’t work for me.  Some people, I’m afraid, do their devotions, but then forget what they read or said to God as soon as they are done.  They experienced time gone by, but fail to experience God.

Just like I can’t make you mad, I can’t make God have an emotional response to me as well.  We choose our reactions to others and God chooses his reactions to us.  I’m sure it’s an easy choice for him though when we talk to him and are mindful of him all day long.  God, no doubt, wants to hang out with his children and listen to them, and have them listen to him.  God has a lot to say.

Therefore, your hearts are to be wholly devoted to the Lord our God, to walk in His statutes and to keep His commandments, as [you are doing] today.”  (1 Kings 8:61 AMP)

Copyright © 2019 Mark Brady.  All rights reserved.

Satan Spray

satan sprayThe other day someone said something that irked me to no end!  Even several hours later I was still upset.  Then I realized, Satan was using what was said to hurt me.  I decided to get out my “Satan Spray”.  I started singing songs of praise and worship.  Next thing I knew, he was gone.  I guess he doesn’t like hearing songs that lift up the name of Jesus.  Either that, or he doesn’t know the words.

Jam 4:7   So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you. (AMP)

Keep in mind Satan comes to kill, steal, and destroy.  YOU!  He will use anyone, at any time, to bring harm to you, God’s own creation.  The contents of your “Satan Spray” could include quoting scriptures, prayer, listening to a sermon, etc.  The key to “Satan Spray” is this:  Use often, and don’t use it sparingly, because Jesus purchased enough through His death and resurrection to last for eternity.

 Copyright © 2017 Mark Brady, All rights reserved