The Devoted Series part 1
During the past few months we have been introduced to a new series entitled ‘Devoted’. This has been a cornerstone subject building us up as disciples. Over the next 3 blog posts we are going to look at the series.
Devoted: Dealing with disappointment
You may be surprised that Rob started with something that sounded so negative – disappointment. But it’s of little use in trying to build something without clearing the ground. God is calling us to a new place of devotion to him, calling us closer, to a place of intimacy and power. But first, we need to bring our disappointment to God. We need to deal with our disappointment freeing us to hope and believe again.
Click here for the podcast
Devoted to God
Ask yourself: who or what are you devoted to? There are many commitments that we have: to our work, our family even our church but what gets your devotion? It is usually something or someone that you love which is why…
Jesus wants all of our devotion. He tells his disciples: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’ (Mt 16:24). He wants no competition for our affection, no distraction, no other priority even if that means you – you are to deny yourself!
Are you devoted to him… because he is devoted to you? You are loved with an everlasting love by a faithful God!
Click here for the podcast
God’s pleasure over us
Paul Norris talks about God’s pleasure in us and over us. He explained with Biblical references how we know this to be true. A key issue is knowing our identity. Do we know who we are? We are those who God takes great pleasure in. We are defined not by what we do but what God thinks of us, who God says we are. And God’s pleasure is shown clearly in Zephaniah 3:17 (ESV) “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing”.
Click for the podcast here.
Devoted to God’s Word
The series continued with Rob emphasising how much the Word of God is important and significant to our lives. We need to be devoted to it.
There are consequences for not valuing it but incredible benefits if we do. Joshua says that God’s words will prosper us and give us success in all our ways. The Psalmist tells us that is word is a lamp to our feet and give us direction and stop us from stumbling.
But reading and studying alone is not enough. His word needs to govern our lives even to shape our worldview. Revival even depends on this! The bible is the story God’s love for us. We need to read it. We must devote ourselves to what he says because of our devotion to him.
Find out more by listening to the Podcast.
