"The more deeply we recognize our weakness and our need for a savior, the deeper our gratitude and motivation to show ourselves faithful to God." Kathy Spampinato

The words devotion, and devotional are obviously related, and share the same root. The dictionary tells us that devotion is the love, loyalty or enthusiasm that one has for a person, activity or cause. It reminds me of the care and affection many people have towards their pets. However, it could also describe the commitment they have to their grandmother, their favorite sports team, or their favorite dessert. We use the same word to describe our enthusiasm for food and family. As much as it defines our affection and attachment, it also hints at the dedication that is spurred in our hearts. Our devotion sparks action because our heart is moved to display faithfulness.

Devotion is also a word used to indicate the intensity, sincerity, and passion we carry for the Lord. Our love for Jesus is somehow described with similar language to our love for ice cream. Our devotion should also indicate our zeal for worship and the reverence we have for God. It needs to motivate us to respond and to change. Our devotion reveals and displays the depth of our passion for Jesus.

John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

1 John 4:9-11 ESV “In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loves us, we also ought to love one another.”

It is God’s love for us that motivated Jesus’ life on earth, His death on the cross, and His resurrection. God was making provision for us to be saved. The more deeply we recognize our weakness and our need for a savior, the deeper our gratitude and motivation to show ourselves faithful to God. Self-awareness provokes gratitude and dedication. When a sinful woman kissed Jesus’ feet and anointed them with expensive ointment, Jesus explained what was going on in her heart.

Luke 7: 47 “Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven- for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.”

My friends, an awareness of our flesh and our true character should motivate devotion and change in our hearts. The word ‘devotional’ commonly describes short scripture passages and words of encouragement. Devotionals are readings that can include prayers of dedication and motivate us to consistency in our walk with Christ. They are used to spark our worship. In using a devotional book, we are reminded of who Jesus is, and what He has done for us. Our response builds on our understanding of His love and how He has come to set us free. Let’s invite the Lord to rule in our hearts and transform our minds, until we too exemplify God’s love and His power in our lives.

Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.”