Simplicity of Devotion

Simplicity of Devotion



But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness,

Your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:3 (NASB)



My mind is abuzz this morning. As a result, I’m having trouble concentrating on the scriptures. You know my heart, Lord. Lead me through these thoughts.

I finished reading 2 Corinthians 11:3. Those words, “the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ,” captured my mind. What does a life of simplicity and devotion to Christ look like? What can I do to make my busy, sometimes distracted, devotional time more effective? What should I eliminate? What should I change? Show me, Lord. Then help me be brave enough and ambitious enough to follow through.

Simplicity – ridding myself of much.

Ridding Myself of …

Much clutter; Much stuff; Much human nostalgia

The lure of more “stuff”

Boxes, boxes, boxes

Keepsakes that haven’t seen the light of day in years

Projects meant to be finished and given as gifts – years ago

Now, token symbols of good intentions; of failure; of unfinished goals

Disappointing reminders of incomplete gestures

Endeavors that were never completed nor given to an unsuspecting recipient

Ridding Myself of…

The obsessive lure to check the phone, always in my pocket

The demanding to-do list I’m forever putting together

The “shoulda, coulda, woulda” phrases flitting in my mind

Purity of Devotion—

Add on…

All diligence in faith

Moral excellence, knowledge, and self-control

Perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness

Christian love

Love— A life of simplicity and pure devotion to God looks like a life where I focus on “adding on” more of Christ in my life. The cluttering thoughts and lures of this life dissipate slowly when I choose time with my God. Indeed, human emotions and my mind weave such tangled webs. The enemy goads me with tears and remembrances of past failures. I still prepare meals and make appointments. Busyness rarely ends. Yet, my God is more than a conqueror! He wants to help me. He wants me to ask. James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” That assurance is the comfort I need when “my” to-do list seems impossible or when I feel lacking.

Today, I chose to live a life of simplicity. A life of pure devotion to God. A life of faith. A life starting and ending my day with focused attention on God’s movement in life.

As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,

By which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

2 Peter 1:3-4 (NKJV)

Don’t beat yourself up. God knows your heart and mind better than you know yourself. Allow Him to show His divine power in your life. Ask God to reveal to you what you need to release and what you need to add to your life. Jot those thoughts in your prayer journal.

Delve Deeper: Read this verse from Matthew 6:33 (NKJV): “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Write it on a notecard. Read it regularly throughout the day. When you turn out the lights tonight, reflect on how God revealed this truth in your life today.

Words of My Mouth; Meditation of My Heart. Some “go-to” verses

I reached for my Bible as I sipped the hot coffee. Thank you, God, for awakening me early before anyone else is up. My mind, already abuzz with its never ending “to-do” list must be reined in – in Silence before the noise of a busy day.

Where would I begin? My Bible fell open to the tattered edge of Psalm 19, a familiar Scripture. The faded underlining and notes jotted in the border reminded me of God’s intimate voice, speaking to me personally over the years. Each comment or colored line stirred up memories from the past. I smiled as one of my “go-to” verses seemed to pop off the page. Its rich newness this morning juxtaposed itself against the worn paper. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” I spoke Psalm 19:14 aloud. No need to read those words; they embedded themselves in my heart well over 50 years ago.

“Great is Thy Faithfulness, oh God my Father.” The familiar hymn flowed through my mind and heart in worship. Yes, God again spoke through His Word. Your Word is truly new every morning. Thank you, God.

I slowly turned the pages. Underlined verses leapt from the pages in comfort and promise. God’s Word, although as old as time itself, spoke to me as clearly and personally today as they had year after year, season upon season. My go-to verses.

The “go-to” office worker is that dependable staff member who will definitely get the job done. I prepare my “go-to” recipes at a moment’s notice. The ingredients for these quick and easy recipes are always in the pantry, the recipe is memorized from years of use, and I know dishes will be tasty and colorful. My “go-to” clothing consists of my jeans and a comfortable V-neck sweater. Dress it up or dress it down. I laugh: this world’s “favorites” change over time, when jeans give way to stretch pants, or a tasty new recipe comes to the forefront. Yet, God’s Word never changes. Never fades. Never fails.

 A Little Bit More …

• List and meditate on five “go-to” verses for yourself. Memorize them. 

• Check out your closet’s “go-to” clothing. Donate anything else. 

• Sort out your “go-to” recipes. Stock up on the necessary ingredients, so you’ll always be ready for a quick meal or dessert.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (NASB)

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)