The Blessing of the Devoted Life to God

Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt

Christians don’t all walk out their destiny in God in the same manner but we should all be devout in our pursuit of God. We should all seek God through prayer and His Word having great faith that He will order our steps. Jeremiah 10:23 NLT tells us, “I know, Lord, that our lives are not our own. We are not able to plan our own course.”

We should plan out our days and our life the best we can ascertain but the Bible makes it clear, that we will still fall far short unless we have a revelation that God alone is the one that can lead us down His path for our lives. Proverbs 16:9 (NKJV) says, “A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.” That means that we have to seek Him through prayer and the study of His Word and then learn to discern the promptings and leading of the Holy Spirit in our heart.

As we do this, we’ll realize that the life assignments of every person will be different. God has different things for each of us to do! What should not be different for us is the sincere and devout pursuit of God in our lives. Why? Because it is in being devout that the secrets of God’s heart are revealed to ours. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (NLT) says, “That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets.”

It isn’t that God won’t reveal His love and secrets to all. It’s just that they are only discovered through the pursuit of an intimate relationship and commitment to Him. It is much like the commitment of a great marriage. Most everyone wants one, yet far too few have them. Why? Because of the level of commitment and love it takes that reveals the mysteries of having a great marriage. Little commitment, little discovery.

Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV says, “Be very careful then how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” This verse confirms what we live in an evil world that will try to suck you in. You’re to be careful! Not only to NOT be sucked in, but to be something and someone different—one who lives for and represents God, not the ways of this world. This is living a devoted life.

Not only does God reveal secrets of His love and secrets of the supernatural life when you are devoted to Him, but He uses you. God uses the devoted in significant ways. Every great Bible character that loves God proves this out!

Ananias was a devout man who God used to help heal and launch the ministry of another devout man, the Apostle Paul. Acts 22:12 NIV “A man named Ananias came to see me. He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there.” Ananias was used to give Paul a word and direction from God which launched the Apostle Paul’s ministry.

Cornelius was a gentile man who did not know God but wanted to with all His heart. He prayed seeking God and giving alms to the poor and helping the Jews. He was absolutely devout in His pursuit of God. Acts 10:2 NIV “He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.” Because of the sincerity and desire to know and love God, God had an angel visit Peter and send him to Cornelius and his family. Peter preached the gospel to them and they became great believers and saints for God.

Although far too many Christians have not experienced the exciting and supernatural plan that God has for their life, that plan is there waiting to be discovered! It progressively unfolds as you walk it out step-by-step in faith! There’s only one way to discover it. Spend time praying and asking God to reveal it to you. And then live that life whole-heartedly before Him with great faith. He will move mightily in your life and you’ll discover what the Christian life was really meant to be!

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”

In His love,
Pastor Tim Burt

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