Devoted + Blog Update

Devoted.

What exactly does this word mean?

According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, devoted means “characterized by loyalty and devotion.”

Why is it so difficult to be devoted to things that will help us in our faith then the things within this world? The Enemy tries to attack us every minute of everyday to get us to stray away from God. He does not want us to grow in our faith but instead be a servant to sin.

Currently, I’m participating in the National Bible Bee Summer Study and we’re specifically studying Acts 1-11 this year. In chapter 2, there is something that stood out to me that I’d like to discuss.

In verse 42, it talks about the devotion the church of believers had.

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers

Acts 2:42

Specifically, there are two things that they were devoted to which I desire to be more devoted in.

The Apostle’s Teaching

The apostle’s were pretty much the first pastors during that time. They taught believers and unbelievers a like about the good news of Jesus and what it meant to be saved. As Peter said, “For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself” (Acts 2:39).

At the moment, my family and I do not have a church home so on Sundays, we generally listen to a sermon by some of our favorite preachers, such as Charles Stanley and Adrian Rogers. I’ll be honest and say that sometimes, I don’t want to do that. I seriously do not know why, except the fact that it’s the work of the Enemy. I desire to be more dedicated in discovering what God wants me to learn through taking notes and studying the given passages. But I just can’t seem to.

But you know what God has been telling me over and over, even though I have not obeyed yet? “Come to Me for help.”

Do you know how much I dislike asking for help, even though this is for something that can help me grow spiritually? As I have said countless times, I want to try to handle things on my own, but time and time again, I’ve learned that I cannot. Yet, even though I know this, I try anyway.

However, in order to be devoted to hearing the Word of God being taught, it must start with the heart; having the desire to hear from Him.

Prayer

It’s quite refreshing to see how the apostles prayed about everything. At the end of Acts 1, they prayed to God for direction regarding who should replace Judas. Talk about bringing everything to God in prayer.

I will also admit that I’m not very devoted to praying. It’s always been a difficult thing for me to do, even though there are many times I can fit it in.

Just recently, my Mom was telling my Sister and I, “Ask the Lord to give you the desire to be in His presence. Not reading your Bible, but just being still.” (Your wisdom sticks with me more than you know, Mom. 🙂

Praying is how we can communicate with our Heavenly Father about anything and another way to make our relationship with Him more personal.

What it All Comes Down to

With anything that we want to do that will grow our relationship with Christ, yet can’t seem to do it, what do we do? Pray, pray, pray.

Only God can give us the strength to do anything, including the things we desire to do that we keep pushing off. He wants us to draw closer to Him, which is why He wants us to run to Him about everything.

Pray and ask God to show you where you can fit in extra time with Him or work on hiding the Word in your heart. He desires to help His children because He loves them. But it’s up to us to make the first move, which is going to Him and allowing Him to move.

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As I mentioned at the beginning of the post, I’m doing the National Bible Bee Summer Study. So that means I won’t have as much time to post on here. I was still definitely pop in whenever I feel led to share something, but it will be more irregular. I hope you have a lovely summer season. ❤