Devotion
In the Bible, devotion signifies a profound commitment and dedication to God, characterized by love, worship, and obedience. It encompasses various aspects of faith, including prayer, study of Scripture, and acts of service. The term often implies a relationship where individuals express their loyalty and reverence toward God, reflecting a deep personal bond. For instance, in Deuteronomy 6:5, believers are commanded to "love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength," which encapsulates the essence of devotion.Furthermore, devotion is often illustrated through the lives of biblical figures who exemplified unwavering faith. For example, David, in Psalm 86:12, expresses his devotion by stating, "I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever." Similarly, the New Testament emphasizes the importance of devotion in the life of a believer, as seen in Acts 2:42, where the early church devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. This illustrates that true devotion manifests in community and action, highlighting the relational and active dimensions of faith in God.
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An Example of Devotion
By E.M. Bounds0PSA 145:18MAT 7:7LUK 18:1ROM 12:12EPH 6:18PHP 4:6COL 4:21TH 5:17HEB 4:16JAS 5:16E.M. Bounds emphasizes the profound importance of communion with Christ, urging believers to engage deeply in prayer and devotion, as exemplified by the life of David Brainerd. Bounds highlights Brainerd's extraordinary dedication to prayer, which transformed not only his own life but also the lives of those around him, leading to a significant spiritual awakening among the Native Americans he served. Through fervent prayer and a life of holiness, Brainerd became a vessel for God's power, demonstrating that true spiritual might comes from a life committed to constant communion with God. Bounds calls on Christians to labor in prayer, as it is through this devotion that they can experience the fullness of God's love and grace. Ultimately, he illustrates that the legacy of prayer endures, as seen in Brainerd's lasting impact on the world.
Devotion: The Heart of Prayer
By E.M. Bounds0PSA 42:1PSA 95:6ISA 29:13MAT 6:6ROM 12:11COL 3:231TH 5:17HEB 10:22JAS 5:16REV 4:8E.M. Bounds emphasizes that true devotion is the essence of prayer, characterized by a heart fully committed to God, reverence, and a serious spirit. He warns against the modern church's tendency to engage in religious activities without genuine devotion, leading to empty prayers and a lack of spiritual fervor. Bounds illustrates that devotion transforms all aspects of life, making even mundane tasks sacred and ensuring that prayer is heartfelt and effective. He calls for a return to a spirit of devotion that permeates both worship and daily life, highlighting that true prayer is fueled by a fervent love for God. Ultimately, he stresses that without devotion, prayer becomes a mere routine devoid of power and meaning.
(Youth and the Fires of Devotion) the Fire That Illuminates
By Denny Kenaston1.3K48:50MAT 5:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeing spiritual reality and allowing it to change one's life. He highlights that when the Spirit of God moves among people, they begin to see the truth of God's word in a new light. This revelation leads to a transformation that influences others and becomes a bright light in a dark world. The preacher encourages the audience to keep the fire of their faith burning and to approach the Bible with a desire to see and understand spiritual realities.
Prayer and Devotion
By E.M. Bounds0PSA 42:1PSA 63:1ISA 40:31MAT 15:8ROM 12:1PHP 4:6COL 3:231TH 5:17HEB 10:22JAS 5:16E.M. Bounds emphasizes the profound connection between prayer and devotion, asserting that true devotion is a heartfelt commitment to God that fosters genuine worship and effective prayer. He critiques the modern church's tendency to engage in religious activities without true devotion, leading to a lifeless form of worship. Bounds illustrates that a devout spirit transforms all aspects of life, making even mundane tasks sacred and ensuring that prayer is fervent and meaningful. He warns against the dangers of busy activity that lacks spiritual depth, urging believers to cultivate a spirit of devotion that permeates their entire lives. Ultimately, Bounds calls for a return to heartfelt devotion as the foundation for authentic prayer and worship.
Extravagant Devotion
By C.J. Mahaney1.5K1:05:48MRK 12:28MRK 14:1In this sermon, the preacher addresses the challenge of using superlatives effectively and genuinely in a culture that has trivialized profound words. He acknowledges that words like "historic" and "profound" have lost their meaning due to overuse and exaggeration. The preacher then turns to the Bible, specifically Mark 14:1-11, where Jesus makes a truly historic and profound statement. Jesus declares that wherever the gospel is proclaimed, the act of a woman anointing him with expensive perfume will be remembered. The preacher emphasizes the need for an eternal perspective and prays for the transformation of hearts through the preaching of God's word.
Ye Cannot Serve God and Mammon
By A.B. Simpson01KI 18:21PSA 91:14MAT 6:24MAT 22:37LUK 10:42ROM 12:11CO 10:21GAL 2:20PHP 1:21JAS 1:8A.B. Simpson emphasizes that Jesus clearly states one cannot serve both God and mammon, warning that attempting to do so leads to serving only one master, ultimately resulting in spiritual deception and failure. He illustrates this with examples of biblical figures like Saul, Balaam, and Judas, who faced dire consequences for their divided loyalties. In contrast, he highlights Mary and Paul, who exemplified a singular devotion to Christ, leading to divine favor and deliverance. Simpson urges believers to fully commit their hearts to God, assuring that such dedication will not go unrewarded. The sermon challenges listeners to reflect on their own commitment to Jesus as their sole master.
Undivided Devotion
By Phil Beach Jr.9121:17:17In this sermon, the preacher discusses the danger of having a divided devotion and being distracted from God. He uses the example of Demas, who had forsaken the apostle Paul because he loved the present world. The preacher emphasizes that when our hearts are divided and distracted, our taste for heavenly things diminishes. He urges the listeners to guard their hearts and deal with any distractions in their lives so that they can have undivided hearts devoted to Jesus Christ.
Devotion to Jesus - Offenses and Servanthood
By Phil Beach Jr.161:03:13MRK 14:3Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of devotion to Jesus through the lens of servanthood and the dangers of offenses within the church. He reflects on his recent trip to Scotland, where he witnessed the transformative power of prayer and the need for humility and reconciliation among believers. Using the story of the woman who anointed Jesus, he illustrates that true devotion comes from recognizing our brokenness and the love of Christ. Beach warns against the pride that leads to division and encourages a heart posture of servanthood, reminding the congregation that greatness in the kingdom of God is found in serving others. Ultimately, he calls for a return to heartfelt worship and a deeper relationship with Jesus.
Devoted
By Glenn Meldrum92756:31LUK 9:57LUK 9:59ACT 2:41ACT 2:47In this sermon, the speaker describes a series of events where Jesus encounters three individuals who express their desire to follow him. However, the speaker emphasizes that the concept of "following" Jesus should not be understood in the same way as our modern society does. He explains that true devotion to Jesus requires a deep understanding of who he is and what he has done, including his death, resurrection, and ascension. The speaker also uses the analogy of a young boy learning to plow a field to illustrate the importance of staying focused and committed to following Jesus without distractions.
Dynamic, Difference of Devotion
By Alan Martin2.0K00:002PE 1:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of diligently adding virtues to one's faith. He references 2nd Peter chapter 1, specifically focusing on verses 5-7. The qualities to be added include virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. The speaker encourages believers to possess these qualities in increasing measure, as they will prevent them from being unfruitful in their knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. The sermon also highlights the significance of serving the Lord faithfully and being fully devoted to Him, using examples of individuals who have made sacrifices for their faith.
Last at the Cross, First at the Grave
By J.R. Miller0LUK 8:2JHN 20:11J.R. Miller reflects on the profound devotion of Mary Magdalene to Christ, emphasizing that her love stemmed from a deep understanding of her redemption. Despite being traditionally labeled a great sinner, the New Testament does not support this view, instead highlighting her transformation through Christ's love. Mary’s unwavering commitment was evident during the crucifixion and after, as she remained devoted even in grief, ultimately being rewarded as the first to witness the resurrected Christ. Her story serves as a powerful example of how true love for Jesus can transform and inspire a life of devotion.
First Love
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.1K26:56EPH 2:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a passionate love for God. He explains that when we were dead in our sins, God's great love for us ignited a fire within us. This fire of love for God should drive us to shout His praises, share the gospel, and be fervent in prayer. The speaker compares this love to the rising sun, which dispels darkness and dominates everything. He encourages listeners to prioritize their love for Jesus above all else, as it is what truly matters to God.
(Youth and the Fires of Devotion) the Fire That Makes Bread
By Denny Kenaston1.3K49:40JOS 1:8LUK 24:32In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making God's word a priority in our lives. He encourages young people to love God and His word, even if they don't feel a special call in their lives. The speaker highlights the transformative power of immersing oneself in the Bible, citing examples of men and women in the past who prioritized God's word and accomplished great things for Him. He urges listeners to fill their hearts and lives with the Bible, as God seeks out those who are deeply rooted in His word to use for His kingdom-building purposes.
The Secret of Devotion
By Zac Poonen3.1K59:05MAT 6:33LUK 16:131JN 2:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our hunger for God over worldly distractions, such as excessive television consumption. He shares the story of David Wilkerson, who was convicted by God to give up watching television and instead spend that time in prayer. This discipline led to God burdening Wilkerson's heart to help troubled youth in New York. The speaker encourages listeners to view things from an eternal perspective and not become entangled in earthly disputes. He also highlights the danger of accumulating knowledge without prioritizing the study of the Bible, which has resulted in a generation that lacks biblical understanding.
The Anointing of Jesus by Mary of Bethany Matt. 26:6-16
By R.A. Torrey0MAT 26:6R.A. Torrey explores the profound act of Mary of Bethany anointing Jesus, emphasizing her deep love and understanding of Him, which contrasted sharply with the criticism from Judas and the other disciples. He highlights how Mary's uncalculated devotion brought joy to Jesus amidst His impending suffering, while Judas's betrayal stemmed from a heart hardened by greed. The sermon illustrates the significance of true love for Christ, which often goes unappreciated by others, and the eternal recognition that comes from acts of genuine devotion. Torrey also reflects on the nature of Jesus, who was both divine and human, and how He valued love over material concerns. Ultimately, the message calls believers to express their love for Jesus without reservation, regardless of societal judgment.
Adoniram Judson’s Devotion
By K.P. Yohannan0MAT 28:19ROM 12:1K.P. Yohannan reflects on Adoniram Judson’s unwavering devotion to his mission in Burma despite immense personal loss, including the deaths of his wife Nancy and their daughter Maria. Judson faced overwhelming challenges in a hostile environment but remained committed to translating the Bible and preaching the Gospel, understanding the eternal significance of his work. His dedication led to the conversion of over a million Burmese believers, demonstrating the profound impact of obedience to God's calling. Yohannan emphasizes that true blessing comes from walking in the fear of the Lord and living sacrificially for His glory. The sermon calls for believers to offer their lives as living sacrifices, echoing Romans 12:1.
Prayer and Devotion United
By E.M. Bounds0PSA 51:10MAT 6:6ROM 12:1EPH 3:19PHP 4:6COL 4:121TH 5:171TI 2:1HEB 4:16JAS 5:16E.M. Bounds emphasizes the critical need for spiritual influence in ministry, highlighting that true power comes from a deep devotion to God through prayer. He argues that modern ministers must embody saintliness and fervent prayer to effectively combat the world's challenges and to inspire their congregations. Bounds asserts that prayer and devotion are inseparable, serving as the lifeblood of a preacher's ministry, which should be solely focused on glorifying God. He warns against superficial piety and stresses that genuine devotion is essential for impactful preaching. Ultimately, Bounds calls for a revival of earnest prayer to cultivate holiness and Christlikeness in the church.
(Youth and the Fires of Devotion) the Fire of His Glory
By Denny Kenaston1.4K46:35PSA 46:10PSA 119:11MAT 6:33MAT 14:23MRK 1:35LUK 5:16JAS 4:8In this sermon, Brother Denny from Charity Ministries encourages listeners to prioritize their spiritual growth and devotion to God. He outlines a daily routine that includes prayer, Bible reading, memorization, meditation, and listening to sermons. He emphasizes the importance of developing a personal relationship with God and experiencing His presence and guidance. Brother Denny also encourages individuals to journal their thoughts and reflections and to make their own personalized routine for spiritual growth.
The Women Friends of Jesus
By J.R. Miller0LUK 8:1J.R. Miller emphasizes the unwavering devotion and fidelity of women in the Gospel narrative, contrasting their loyalty with the betrayal and denial exhibited by men. These women, who had been touched by Jesus' kindness, ministered to Him and were the first to honor His body after His hurried burial. Their journey to the tomb on Easter morning reveals their love and dedication, as they encounter the empty tomb and receive the angelic message of His resurrection. The sermon illustrates how the transformation from sorrow to joy and despair to hope is epitomized in the resurrection of Christ, symbolized by the legend of the crown of thorns turning into a crown of roses. Ultimately, the message highlights the profound impact of women's faithfulness in the story of Jesus.
Distractions! Distractions! Distractions!!
By A.W. Tozer0PSA 46:10MAT 6:33LUK 10:41ROM 12:2PHP 4:8COL 3:21TH 5:17HEB 12:1JAS 4:81PE 5:8A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of maintaining a devotional mood characterized by a constant awareness of God's presence and genuine worship in spirit and truth. He warns that distractions are the greatest enemies to devotion, as they scatter our thoughts and shift our focus from God's kingdom to worldly concerns. Tozer acknowledges the challenges posed by modern civilization, which has increased distractions while diminishing our spiritual focus. He encourages believers to adapt and find victory over these distractions rather than retreating to quieter times. Ultimately, true public worship stems from individuals who are devoted and reverent in their personal relationship with God.
(Youth and the Fires of Devotion) the Fire That Burns Incense
By Denny Kenaston1.3K53:22GEN 1:1MAT 6:33REV 22:21In this sermon, Brother Denny discusses the importance of maintaining a fervent and passionate prayer life. He uses the analogy of a fire in a wood stove to illustrate how our prayer life can sometimes become like hot embers instead of a blazing fire. He encourages young people to cultivate a deep prayer life and not let pride quench their fire. He also addresses the potential pitfalls of corporate prayer and emphasizes the need for personal, fervent prayer.
(Youth and the Fires of Devotion) the Fire on the Altar That Consumes
By Denny Kenaston1.4K47:101CO 6:19In this sermon, the speaker addresses young people who have dreams and goals but struggle to see them come to fruition. The speaker acknowledges that many young people have the right dreams and ideals, not just focused on material success. However, the speaker emphasizes that in order for these dreams to be fulfilled, commitments must be made and choices must be aligned with God's will. The speaker reminds the audience that as children of God, they no longer belong to themselves but to the Lord, having been bought with the price of Jesus' shed blood. The sermon encourages young people to fully surrender their lives to God and be motivated by the realization of what Christ has done for them.
Devotion to Jesus - Part 3
By Michael Koulianos971:26:45PSA 100:4ISA 55:1MAT 6:6JHN 4:14ROM 8:262CO 8:2EPH 4:31TH 5:16HEB 10:24REV 3:20Michael Koulianos emphasizes the importance of devotion to Jesus, encouraging the congregation to bless the Lord and express gratitude for His presence. He highlights the significance of worship and prayer, urging believers to seek a deeper relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. Koulianos reminds the church that true satisfaction comes from being in communion with Jesus, and that generosity should flow from a heart filled with gratitude. He calls for unity among believers, emphasizing the need for a humble and loving heart as they worship together. The sermon culminates in an invitation to lay down burdens and receive communion, symbolizing a commitment to follow Christ wholeheartedly.
Value of Worship
By Leonard Ravenhill7354:17LUK 7:36Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the profound value of worship through the story of a sinful woman who anoints Jesus' feet with expensive ointment and her tears, contrasting her genuine devotion with the indifference of the Pharisee Simon. He illustrates that true worship comes from a heart that recognizes the depth of one's sin and the magnitude of God's grace, highlighting that those who have been forgiven much will love much. Ravenhill challenges the congregation to reflect on their own worship practices and the sincerity of their devotion to Christ, urging them to offer their best to Him rather than mere rituals.
The Weight Could Not Be Found Out.
By F.B. Meyer02CH 4:18MAT 6:3F.B. Meyer emphasizes the beauty of unmeasured generosity in serving God, illustrating that true devotion transcends the need for accounting what we give. He draws parallels between the liberality of Solomon's people and Mary's extravagant gift of spikenard, highlighting that genuine giving comes from a heart overflowing with love rather than a desire for recognition. Meyer reflects on God's boundless generosity, which surpasses our understanding and expectations, encouraging believers to give freely and joyfully without keeping score.
Devotion to Jesus - Part 1
By Michael Koulianos1501:05:19PSA 91:1MAT 6:6JHN 3:8JHN 15:4ROM 12:11CO 11:24GAL 2:201TH 5:16HEB 10:25JAS 4:8Michael Koulianos emphasizes the significance of personal devotion to Jesus in the coming year, urging the church to prioritize communion and the presence of the Lord. He highlights the need for a deeper relationship with God, warning against the dangers of relying solely on corporate worship without private devotion. Koulianos encourages the congregation to yield to the Holy Spirit and to embrace longer worship sessions, fostering an environment where the Lord can move freely. He stresses that true growth comes from a heart that seeks Jesus in the secret place, rather than merely performing in public settings.