Devotion

January 29

(Acts 2:42 NIV) “They devoted themselves…”

(Matthew 6:24 NIV) “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”

(Ezekiel 33:31-32 NIV) "My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to listen to your words, but they do not put them into practice. With their mouths they express devotion, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. {32} Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice."

Acts 2:42 says, “They devoted themselves.” The Greek word translated “devoted” means “to latch onto and refuse to let go.” The early Christians “latched onto” Jesus and this new group called “the church”, and they refused to let go. The Lord wants us to be fully devoted to Him and His Bride, the church. He wants us to love Him with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. He wants us to latch onto him and not let go. He wants us to love our brothers and sisters in the church in the same way. This is devotion, and even though it is not in vogue today, it is God’s desire for every believing heart. In a world where long term commitment is rare, and loyalty has little stamina, Jesus calls us to exceptional devotion. Are you “latched onto” Jesus and His Church with a “never let go” commitment? It’s a daily choice that can lead to a lifetime of devotion. Devote yourself today, and refuse to let go. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day