Acknowledging what God has accomplished in a person’s life is a testimony. Conveying a message to inspire those who hear or read to draw closer to God is a devotional. In most situations, devotionals and testimonies are combine in one message. When considering words to present in a devotional, communication with God is essential for receiving insight from Him. In addition, praying and talking to God or dwelling on Scripture opens communication and allows a person to receive a message that glorifies God and inspire others. God may drop a Word of Knowledge or a particular Bible verse or verses to elaborate on and help lead others to understand Him and His Word.
There are several ways to present devotionals to God, which include: One, providing a testimony of what God has done in a person’s life. Two, explaining a Word of knowledge that will edify another person. Three, giving encouragement to seek a deeper walk with God. Four, reiterating Bible verses to offer greater understanding that may prompt a desire in other people to read more of God’s Word. But most importantly, devoting time worshiping and praising with others while attending church, Bible study, or fellowshipping. As the Bible encourages, do not forsake assembling yourself together (Hebrews 10:25).
The word devotional is equated to religious worship, and the word devote is giving all or most of your time or resources to an activity, a person, or a cause (Oxford Language Dictionary). The word devoted is mentioned seven times in five verses of the Old Testament. In two verses, the word infers that no devoted thing shall be sold or redeemed because it is most holy and belongs to God (Leviticus 27:28; Numbers 18:24). Devoting time to God and acknowledging the things of God can be displayed in individual worship when reading and studying the Bible or in a spoken or written message.
The New Testament mentioned the word devotion once in a situation where the apostle Paul speaks to men in Athens. Paul addresses them as superstitious for acknowledging and worshipping many gods, which is most likely out of fear. In those days, the Athenian men would gather at Mars Hill to hear from fellow citizens. Therefore, in Paul’s observation of their worship, he delivers the following message:
“For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with the inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore you ignorantly worship, him I declare unto you. God that made the world and all things therein…as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring” (Acts 17:23-28).
Devotion to God is not just believing there is a God somewhere or acknowledging God out fear and misunderstanding. Devotion to God of the Bible is a relationship of getting to know Him and what He requires (Psalms 14:2; Micah 6:8).
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