Devoted To God by Karen Ruhl
As I was thinking about what to write this article today, I thought I would look up the definition of devoted. Many times, we use common words and have an understanding of what they mean in our context, and yet, they have a far deeper meaning as well. Devoted: very loving or loyal Devoted: given over to the display, study, or discussion of Devotion: love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person, activity, or cause Devotion: religious worship or observance Devotion: prayers or religious observances Devoted to God: 1a: religious fervor: piety. b: an act of prayer or private worship—usually used in plural during his morning devotions. c: a religious exercise or practice other than the regular corporate (see corporate sense 2) worship of a congregation. There are many times while reading the Bible that I need to look up definitions. Depending on the version, I may use that dictionary more than others. Why do I look up the definitions? The evil one will try to confuse us just as he did with Jesus. (Example: The context of Psalms 91 is deliverance into the Kingdom. The salvation that will come at the 2nd coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Satan tried to tempt the Lord in Matthew 4 by quoting this verse. While the verse is the truth of God, it is not the truth for the 1st coming of the Lord. He came the first time to suffer and die. Dispensationally the verse applies to the 2nd coming. So, Satan knows how to use God’s Word and to confuse people by not applying it to the right dispensation. - by Grace Bible Church) As I read, I have a study Bible next to me. All too often, we are taught to memorize scripture so that we can use it when we need it. We may need it at times when we are anxious, sick, hurt, broken, lonely, or being tested. We can and should also use it when we are thankful, happy, sharing the word, and feeling blessed. Now I want to answer the question as to whether I am devoted to God. I try every day to devote my day to God. I pray for wisdom and direction, asking God to show me what He wants me to do each day. Prayer continues throughout the day by myself and with Craig. I am devoted to God, and yet, each day, I need to pray when I feel the struggle of spiritual warfare. It is real; it is powerful, and yet I know one verse that lets me know God is always with me. “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31 NKJV) YES, I am devoted to God because He is devoted to all of us. He is the one and only God who loves us more than we know. Thank you, God, Amen!
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