Giving to Jesus:  devotion--priority in your mind and heart.

Hello. 

Walking through New York City department stores in the last several days, there were signs that read ‘For the one who is difficult to buy for on your list’ and ‘For that special man in your life—the one with discriminating taste’ and ‘Creative Gift-Giving Ideas’, etc.  I suppose some of the most difficult people to whom we give gifts are those who are really creative gift givers themselves; and if they are generous besides, wow, it is tough!  The gift-giving bar is high indeed.

So, permit me to ask you this question again: What are you giving Jesus, (the most creative and generous Gift-giver of all) for Christmas?  After all, he is not in need of any material good, he is not waiting for a new high-tech sleek bicycle, nor will he be better off with a beautiful new watch.  No, the only things God wants from us are those that we can individually give him--those from our hearts, from our minds …  So, how about this idea?  For Christmas, how about becoming more devoted to God--giving him greater priority in your heart and in your mind? 

Devotion to anything always requires time and energy.  When we endeavor to lose weight, we take the time to consider better nutrition and more strident exercise regiments—both of which take time.  Devotion to Jesus is no different; it can only be expressed by giving him more of your time.  Simply, consider these three ways:  private prayer, reading his Word, and going to a house of worship where you engage in both. 

A prayer:  “O God, won’t you speak to our hearts right now?  In the so-called busy-ness of the Season, cause us to think less of ourselves, and more of you.  Draw us to yourself, Jesus!  Give us an overwhelming desire to be in your presence, to be drawn to the Light.  For there is nothing, and no One greater than you. Amen”

Here’s how:  set your alarm to get up 10 minutes earlier each day.

Have your stuff ready to go, or you will fritter your time away gathering things (your Bible, notebook, whatever).  ‘Like me, and have to make your coffee first?  Allow time for that too.  I always say that my morning cup of Peet’s coffee is my first spiritual experience of the day! J

1 - Read the Bible.  Read these Morning Briefings, particularly focusing on the Scripture, or some other passage of Bible verses.  Is there something God wants to say to you from the passage—some action you should take?  Sometimes, I take the time to type the verse into the ‘notes’ in my Iphone or commit it to a 3 X 5 card or a post-it note, so I can carry it with me.  Scripture is supernaturally powerful, and able to comfort, inform, instruct and bring you peace.  Scripture sharpens your mind.

2 - Pray. The psalmist said, ‘O Lord in the morning, will I direct my prayers and wait expectantly.’  Just sit down, or kneel down, and talk to God like you would your very best friend, only bring him your requests too.  Tell him your needs and don’t forget to thank him for his good gifts to you.  Ask for forgiveness of your sins . . . be free, carry no guilt in your mind, Man!  Shed the heavy backpack of remorse you carry on your back, Woman!  God is “for” you.  Ask him for wisdom, to lead and guide your day.

3 - Worship.  So many of us these days miss out on this one.  While it is true that we do not have to go to church to be a Christian, we are crippled, malnourished Christians if we do not.  Practice reverence for the Sabbath, keep it holy, honor God and take time to worship him by going to his house.  Sing praises to God . . . give, look to encourage others, listen to a message from Scripture.  After all, ‘Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.’  (from Romans 10)

Come on!  Increase your devotion to God by giving him just TEN minutes to start your day.

                      Devotion … your gift to Jesus.

Funny thing is, if you make this ten-minute practice your habit, you will ask yourself, ‘now was this a gift for Jesus, or a gift for me?  Hmmm . . .’

Be devoted.