What are you devoted to? Are you devoted to God or the world? As we rebuild we need to be able to answer that question. The right answer is wholehearted devotion to God by seeking him and obeying his word. Ezra 7:10 “For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.”  Acts 2:42 “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Colossians 4:2 “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”  Then even in a high position Nehemiah devoted himself to rebuilding. Nehemiah 5:16 “Instead, I devoted myself to the work on this wall. All my men were assembled there for the work; we did not acquire any land.” We are not to devote ourselves to the things of this world as “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. (Matthew 6:24) Timothy was to tell the people not to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies.”  1 Kings 11:4 “As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been.” 1 Kings 15:3 He committed all the sins his father had done before him; his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his forefather had been. Ezekiel 11:21 “But as for those whose hearts are devoted to their vile images and detestable idols, I will bring down on their own heads what they have done, declares the Sovereign Lord.” We need to choose wisely.
     
    I looked up the definition of devotion and saw this. “Devotion means a commitment or dedication to some purpose. Your devotion to recycling is noble, but can you wait until I've read the newspaper? The plural noun devotions can have a religious meaning too, meaning prayers offered to God.” Maybe the big reason many people struggle with devotions is that they are not devoted to God and to following Jesus, the way, the truth and the life. 1 Chronicles 22:19 “Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord your God. Begin to build the sanctuary of the Lord God.” As we rebuild take time to make sure you love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind.