What Has Your Devotion
What Has Your Devotion?
So, I have been thinking about this a lot lately. What has my devotion? Where do I devote my time? What am I committed to – no matter what else is going on around me? Let’s talk about it. What has your devotion?
First of all, I am devoted to my relationship with Jesus.
Hold on! I am not being self-righteous or fooling myself here. I didn’t say my perfect relationship with Jesus. No – like all relationships – it is a challenge. The hard part to admit is that He is not the one who makes it challenging. That would be me and my self-centeredness.
However, I can say that I am devoted to finding time to spend with Him. Somedays we spend more time together than other days. But it is definitely on my list of what must be done on a consistent basis. What about you?
The reason this is so important to me is because I lived most of my life with it not being important. Oh, I might read a 30 second devotional or the scripture of the day and pray before meals and at bedtime - but that is not having a real relationship. Relationships require intimacy – which requires an investment of our time.
I know life without an intimate relationship with Jesus and I know life with an intimate relationship with Jesus. And while the truth is, I bounce back and forth, I am devoted to doing what I need to do to keep our relationship on the intimate side and spend time in His presence. There is nothing better. (Let’s talk more about this intimacy next week.)
But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33
Secondly, I am devoted to my family!
If you know me, my second devotion is pretty obvious. Oh, my goodness, how I adore my family. Tom and I are incredibly blessed, for sure. When it comes to our families, the Bible teaches that we are to put our spouse first, then our children and grandchildren. Oh, how I love it when we are all together. My grands and I love to sing, “It’s the best day ever, when we’re together!”
I was reminded last week that my grandmother, Mama Dell, delighted in me and my children. She would come and stay with us and help my parents as I was growing up. She slept with me when I stayed at her house, told me stories and rubbed by back until I fell asleep. She cut out paper dolls from the Sears catalog, walked to town with me and sewed me clothes. We talked about everything. She loved to tell me about the Lord and pray with me. And as I had children – she was smitten with each of them and made sure to have time with them. I remember her being at our house on Halloween so she could see them dressed up and enjoy all of the trick or treaters. And when life was hard and I was struggling, she was usually the first to ask me what was happening.
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous. Proverbs 13:22
Mama Dell left an inheritance for me – one that I embrace. What I have to give and leave to my grandchildren is much more valuable than wealth. It begins with the knowledge of who God is and the inspiration to fall in love with Jesus. It includes knowing that true wisdom is seeking God’s will for your life and knowing that His way is always best. And it wouldn’t be complete without showing them how to love with all their heart and offer grace because they have been offered grace. I am devoted to leaving a legacy of loving Jesus to my grands. It requires sacrifice, but what could matter more? What legacy are you devoted to leaving behind?
And lastly, I am devoted to others…
When I look back on my life, I have been devoted to things that I shouldn’t have been. When I was young, I was devoted to being in the “in” crowd. I loved being poplar and surrounded by tons of friends – even when they led me astray. As I grew, I was devoted to acquiring all the things I needed to have the life I wanted – husband, children, house, boat, nice car, pool, etc. Then I became devoted to my ambition. I love to work and before long I began to love my work more that I should have. I remember the day that I read for the 100th time, but in a different way, “Let’ nothing be done for selfish ambition or conceit”. Hmmm… nothing. So, seeking a title, growing my income, being recognized – none of that should matter. Wow, I was way off track. Again – I had been doing it wrong way too long. I needed to change and surrendered that part of me to my Savior. Less me, more Him.
Now, I have become devoted to others and helping them experience life change. I blog and write, I speak at women’s event and I also sold Premier Designs jewelry. I struggled to tie it all together. But then, this great thing happened. Premier Designs transitioned into a Marketplace on a Mission called DVTD® (pronounced Devoted). They partner with brands who all give back to causes around the world. When a product is purchased a donation is prompted to causes like the fight against human trafficking, feeding the homeless, job creation, spreading the gospel, anti-bullying, supporting single moms, disaster relief, mental health programs, providing soap and clean water, & more. YAY! I love this so much and can hardly believe it is my job. So now – blogging, speaking and showing products featured on my marketplace – all serve others. Being a part of DVTD® allows me to be a tiny part of making a difference in the lives of others who can experience real life change – all around the world. That is being the hands and feet of Jesus.
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4
Are you devoted to what you do? What opportunities does it offer you to give back and make a difference? How can God use you where you are? (He can – think about it and talk to Him about it.) How can you be the hands and feet of Jesus where He has you?
I would love to hear what has YOUR devotion? Will you comment and share? Let’s inspire one another to devote ourselves to the things that matter – Jesus, family and others – and stop worrying about all the things that don’t – titles, status, people pleasing, being perfect, etc. Let’s put Jesus and growing in our relationship with Him first and He will guide us in all the rest.
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24
I love y’all!
A word from Pam….
Hi friends! Thank you for reading this post. I have no words to express have honored I am to get to chat with you. We need one another to keep nudging each other to look up and keep moving forward in our relationship with Jesus. If you are looking for a resource to help you grow more intimate with Him, check out my book, Saved by Grace, Now What? It is available on the MWM Marketplace along with some pretty cute faith based tees.
Also, be sure to check out my It Matters Marketplace where every product purchased prompts a donation to an incredible cause and YOU earn REWARDS. Your Christmas shopping can help us shape the world by spreading the gospel, feeding the homeless, fighting human trafficking, proving soap & clean water, and so much more. Plus, there is FREE shipping on $75 orders for a limited time. Hop over there and check it out.
Have a great rest of the week!
P