GODLY and DEVOUT

 

Write From My Heart

September 15, 2021

GODLY  devoted to God; devout

DEVOUT  showing reverence; earnest; sincere; heartfelt

2 Peter 1:3-4 (NLT)  By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

            Yesterday we established the distinction between needs and wants. Today we will dig a little deeper into our understanding. God doesn’t just give us what we need, but he does this for a reason. There is a purpose to God’s provisions.  

…God has given us everything we need for living a godly life.

            Let that sink in for just a moment. The reason God provides for our needs is so that in turn we might live a life that is devoted to him—showing reverence to him. Through forgiveness in Christ, God has provided us with a heart that is earnest, sincere, and ready to worship him. If we truly believe that God provides for our needs, then we can take our wants list and remove it to its proper place far below what we need for honoring God. Wants are optional; what we need are those things which will help us keep our focus upon our Heavenly Father.

1 Thessalonians 4:1 (NLT)  Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you.

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

Colossians 3:17 and 23 (NIV)  And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. … Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men…

Philippians 4:19 (NIV)  And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.