Yes, the title of this post is somewhat contradictory since a blog can be considered devotional to a degree. However, my prayer and hope is that what I write challenge and cause those who read them to delve further into God’s Word and seek Him earnestly. Now, consider the Scripture…
Heb 11:6, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.”
Essentially, devotions are short and designed primarily to help people feel better. They can be likened to smelling breakfast cooking in the morning but not partaking of the meal. There is an initial good feeling through smell, but not nourishment by eating the meal. When people are struggling they can’t feel better by reading a one page devotional. The best path to peace and comfort is working through the hard times, the difficult problems, working through Scripture over time, wrestling with difficult texts, and includes four things from Hebrews 11:6…
Requirement 1: FAITH. Heb 11:1, “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” When a person has faith, it is a gift that has been given to them by God (Eph 2:8-10). Faith is not just believing… it is ASSURANCE. Not assurance to obtain what is desired… but that God will give what, 1) Glorifies Him, 2) Is ultimately good, 3) And being totally satisfied with those two things.
Requirement 2: DRAWING NEAR. James 4:8, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” Drawing near means wanting, desiring, and longing for God’s presence in life. Being totally satisfied with HIM as all we need. Knowing HE is sufficient and therefore all that is needed in any given situation.
Requirement 3: BELIEVE GOD EXISTS. This is being convinced that God is first and more importantly consumed with His glory rather than our temporal temporary fleshly desires AND that He exists to fulfill the former rather than the latter. God’s existence is an all consuming affirmation that God IS sovereign, IS providential, IS worthy to be worshiped, IS of supreme importance, AND there is no other god in existence. Believing God exists means embracing there is ONE God as revealed in The Bible and all other gods are false.
Requirement 4: BELIEVE HE REWARDS SEEKERS. This means HE is our ultimate reward. HE is enough for every need. HE is sufficient in all things. God rewarding seekers is overwhelmingly consumed with God’s presence in life over and above any “thing” desired. The reward is choosing to be a “door boy” in His presence in place of all the riches and power this world can offer.
Now… go meditate on these things. Mull them over in your mind for the day. Make a “Daily devotional” something that lasts all day.