READ IT ALOUD: And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him (Colossians 3:17).

PONDER IT PRAYERFULLY: I find myself increasingly surrounded by busy women. One thing they seem to have in common is the guilt they feel for not being able to do their morning devotions for the “correct” amount of time. To many people, it is wrong to start the day if you have not spent one hour reading the Bible and praying fervently. Many believe that devotions can and must only be done at dawn. But is this what devotion is about?

Think about it. Which option benefits you more: Reading five chapters a day and not retaining a thing, or meditating on one verse and asking God to speak to you as you go through your day or week? Is it really worth it to spend an hour “with God” (as if He will then leave you until the next morning) if you are going to be daydreaming or distracted by what you have to do that day? Is it not better to give him a 100% committed five minutes of prayer as you set out, and then continue in every single thing you do, still purposely speaking and listening to Him and trying to observe how the one or two verses you have read are living and active and can be applied in your life as you draw that plan, or type out a paper, or do laundry? Instead of spending that hour sleepily on your knees, why not spread it out and split it into several five-minute periods, during interludes?

Is devotion about having a prayer life that is separate from everything we do, or should we instead have a life of prayer?

Reading the Bible, praying and attending church is not devotion. Salvation breeds devotion, and therefore our devotion to God cannot be based on works. We are commanded to pray, but we are not better than anyone else if we get up at 3am to do it. As we continually become devoted to God, we understand His heart and the picture becomes so much clearer. It’s not about meeting Him in the morning and doing our own thing during the day. It’s about living every single moment with hearts that are sensitive and eager to hear the comforting voice of Jesus Christ.

BE A DOER (JAMES 1:22): Choose to turn your everyday commitments and assignments into deep communion with God. Be still and hear from Him even when you are in places where you think this is impossible. God loves to speak to us, and has promised to be found if we seek Him with all our hearts (Jeremiah 29:13). What better definition is there for seeking Him wholeheartedly than being devoted to Him in every thought, word and action?

HIDE IT IN YOUR HEART (PSALM 119:11): Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

PRAY IT PERSONALLY: Father in heaven, I thank You for Your heart and for Your word to me today. Today’s culture is largely about pleasing others and it is easy to forget that Your ways are not our ways. Help me to remember that You desire mercy, and not sacrifice. God, help me to understand that You are my Father and Friend, in Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.

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