Thought Starter

By: Rev. Jeremiah Thomas, pastor of Centennial ARP Church

Greetings! Here’s a nice “thought starter” for the week: how’s your devotion to God? Here are a couple of ways we can go about assessing this.

The time test. How much time do you spend seeking after God on a daily or weekly basis? This can include prayer, Bible reading, conversations, church “stuff,” and so on. Compare it to your social media or TV use. 

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

• The heart test. Quantity is one thing, but what about quality? When we focus in on our intentional time seeking after the Lord, is our heart in it? It’s one thing to act like we are devoting ourselves to God and another to actually be about the act of devotion. What are our desires? How are they reflected in the things we are doing (Bible study, prayer, and so on)?

With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! (Psalm 119:10)

• The content test. Quantity and quality (of desire) forces the question of what? What exactly are you devoting yourself to God with? This is an interesting test because it can vary greatly, but there is also danger in the variance! For instance, I read 3 chapters of the Bible a day, I commit to memory a Bible verse, and I sing a Bible Song are three unique but very good devotional practices. These are much different than I play golf to the glory of God! Now, golf isn’t bad in and of itself, nor is playing golf for God’s glory necessarily a lie, but we must be careful to consider this the primary content of our devotion! The golf example sounds silly, but our primary devotional content can wind up “on the course” in our lives quicker than you might think.

But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. (Psalm 1:2)

• The effect test. Time, heart, and content all make sense, but what effect is it having on you? If you have been diligent in devotion, have you been changed any? Is there renewal and joy? Have you experienced the conviction of sins in your life and the comfort of the Gospel refreshed? Has your desire to share what you are learning with others grown (for encouragement and even evangelism)? God’s Word is living and active, and by his Holy Spirit, we are changed in our devotion!

So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11)

Take this “thought provoker” to heart! Take the test to see where your devotional life is, and recommit to the Lord with me, even this week. Many blessings and regards.

P.S.- I’d love to hear what y’all’s devotional practices are. Give me a call or text to let me know! I might even tell you about one of my personal favorites that I use… Licht Auf Dem Weg!