“My Name is Devotion” by Anita Scott

“My Name is Devotion” By definition, devotion means, “ to be profoundly dedicated or earnestly attached to someone, loyal and committed.” “You can give without loving. But you cannot love without giving.” — Amy Carmichael

“My Name is Devotion” Who was Mary Magdalene? Who was Mary Magdalene? In Mark 16:9, we read, “When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons.” “You can give without loving. But you cannot love without giving.” — Amy Carmichael

“My Name is Devotion” Who was Mary Magdalene? Who was Mary Magdalene? 1.Jesus cast seven demons out of Mary. 2.She was devoted “You can give without loving. But you cannot love without giving.” — Amy Carmichael

“My Name is Devotion” Are we like Mary? Are we like Mary? 1.We need to reevaluate our own gratitude and devotion to Christ 2.What has Jesus healed you of? 3.What should you be grateful for? “You can give without loving. But you cannot love without giving.” — Amy Carmichael

“My Name is Devotion” Key Verse: “And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, and Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.” (Luke 8:2-3). Key Thought: Whatever our calling or life situation, we can financially support the work of the Kingdom. FINANCIAL DEVOTION TO GOD

“My Name is Devotion” We are not all gifted or called to be or do the same thing. Ephesians 4:11 says, “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers.” So, we must pay attention to what God is calling us to do.

“My Name is Devotion” Mary Magdalene and several others provided for Jesus financially (Luke 8:2-3). But what if we have no money to give? All of these actions add up. Together, they make it easier for those who have been called to go.

“My Name is Devotion” Introduction: Read Luke 8:1-3; Luke 6:38; and Matthew 6:33. Exploration: Consider these other Scriptural examples of believers who provided financial support for God’s work. Record one key detail or phrase from each passage. Acts 4:32-37 Philippians 4:11-20 Acts 11:29-30

“My Name is Devotion” Reflection: Reflect upon God as El Shaddai, The All-Sufficient One. Offer praises for His sufficient supply of gifts and resources—blessings given us to use for His glory.

“My Name is Devotion” What other women’s names do we find in Luke 8, women who also provided for Jesus from their substance? Ask God to personally reveal your level of financial devotion to Him. On a scale of 1-10, what would it measure? Devise a plan of action to improve this area of your life. Pray for guidance, strength and wisdom each day to accomplish your goals.

“My Name is Devotion” Key Verses: “Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene” (John 19:25). “But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb” (John 20:11). Key Thought: Spiritual devotion—characterized by a yearning in our hearts to praise, thank and spend time with the Lord—requires putting words into actions. SPIRITUAL DEVOTION TO GOD

“My Name is Devotion” Let’s review the definition of devotion: to be profoundly dedicated or earnestly attached to someone. Spiritual devotion should be: the deepest type of devotion we can possess.  Lip service  The soul is where our truth lives. “Prayer is the acid test of devotion.” — Samuel Chadwick

“My Name is Devotion” Jesus states in Matthew 26:41 and Mark 14:38, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” “Pray without ceasing,” 1 Thessalonians 5:17. 1.Mary Magdalene 2.Anna “Prayer is the acid test of devotion.” — Samuel Chadwick

“My Name is Devotion” Introduction: Read Mark 15:40, 47; John 20: Exploration: Look up these references to Mary Magdalene. Note the event or happening. Describe her actions in this situation. reference event/happening actions Mark 15:40 Mark 15:47 Mark 16:1 John 20:1 John 20:11 John 20:16

“My Name is Devotion” Would you say that Mary Magdalene was spiritually devoted to Jesus? Why or Why not? Consider your level of spiritual devotion. On a scale of 1-10, where would you currently rate yourself? Write an action plan, detailing steps for improving at least one area of devotion to Christ.

“My Name is Devotion” Reflection: Reflect upon Mary’s declaration of Christ as Rabboni, or teacher. Then consider Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11: Are you currently learning of Him? What or how is He teaching you?

“My Name is Devotion” Key Verses: “The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre” (John 20:1). Key Thought: Devotion to Christ fuels devotion and care for others. PHYSICAL DEVOTION TO GOD “A man ought to live so that everybody knows he is a Christian… and most of all, his family ought to know.” — D. L. Moody

“My Name is Devotion” We take great strides to care for others— particularly our families. Devotion to Christ fuels devotion and care for others. We take great strides to care for others— particularly our families. Devotion to Christ fuels devotion and care for others. Virtuous woman - Proverbs 31 Outstanding examples to follow in the Bible: Moses’ mother Moses’ mother Rahab Rahab Ruth Ruth Not all women possess this high level of family devotion. PHYSICAL DEVOTION TO GOD “A man ought to live so that everybody knows he is a Christian… and most of all, his family ought to know.” — D. L. Moody

“My Name is Devotion” Introduction: Read John 20; Ephesians 4:32; 1 Peter 3. Exploration: Choose one of the biblical examples from the previous page (or find another biblical example of devotion), study her story and write key thoughts about these areas. Attitudes:Actions:Influence: Spiritual qualities

“My Name is Devotion” What lessons can you learn from this person’s devotion to her family? How can you apply these to your life? On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your devotion to others— specifically your family? From your answers above, develop an action plan for improving at least one area of devotion to others.

“My Name is Devotion” Reflection: Think upon this name for God: Abba, Father (Romans 8:15). Then read Isaiah 66:13. As a father and a mother, God cares for His children. Offer praise that He has adopted you into His family.

“My Name is Devotion” Key Verses: “It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who told these things to the apostles” (Luke 24:10). Key Thought: Spiritual devotion involves both living out our faith and sharing the good news of His Resurrection with others, including those in our families. SPIRITUAL DEVOTION TO OTHERS

“My Name is Devotion” Providing for physical needs is vitally important, but providing for spiritual needs is eternally crucial. People, especially children, need to know about Jesus Time Management Bible story Bible story Devotions Devotions Prayer Prayer SPIRITUAL DEVOTION TO OTHERS “If your Gospel isn’t touching others, it hasn’t touched you!” — Curry R. Blake God entrusts us with the responsibility

“My Name is Devotion” Introduction: Read Luke 24:10, 22-24; 2 Timothy 1:3-5. Exploration: Paul writes about this devotion in 2 Timothy 1:5 concerning Timothy’s grandmother Lois and mother Eunice. Were you blessed with a spiritually devoted family member—someone who instilled faith and influenced you toward salvation? How did this person express his/her spiritual devotion?

“My Name is Devotion” If you did not have such a family member, what qualities of spiritual devotion do you see expressed within your church family toward others? Leviticus 10:11, Deuteronomy 4:9-10, 6:7, and 11:19 proclaim the same message. What is it?

“My Name is Devotion” On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your spiritual devotion and concern for the salvation of others? Leviticus 10:11, Deuteronomy 4:9-10, 6:7, and 11:19 proclaim the same message. What is it? Ask God to guide you in developing an action plan for improvement. Write down at least one thing you know should be included in your plan. Then pray for strength and wisdom to accomplish this.

“My Name is Devotion” Reflection: Spend time reflecting on these names for Christ: the Way, the Truth and the Life. What do these names mean to you? Offer your answers to the Lord in praise.