May 08

Devotion

I saw the Lord … Then I heard the Lord say, “Whom shall I send as a messenger to my people? Who will go for us?” And I said, "Lord, I’ll go! Send me.”

Isaiah 6:1,8 (NLT)

Once more he asked him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep….”

John 21:17 (NLT)

… something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized … And … he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!”

Acts 9:18,20 (NLT)

At an Adult Ministry team meeting, our leader, Judy Renner, shared these three Scriptures with us. The three men in these passages have much in common. All three were Jews, familiar with the law; all saw the Lord; and all would go on to serve Him well--even giving their lives as a result of His message. One of the greatest characteristics they shared was their devotion. Each one served from the heart.

Too many times, we serve out of a sense of duty and wonder why our service is such a burden. Service was not a burden for these three spiritual giants. Devotion, you see, builds passion. As we love the Lord, truly love the Lord as they did, our service will come naturally … as will His joy!

Lord, enter our hearts as You did with Isaiah, Peter and Paul, and fill our lives! Amen.