This is the last Hello From Maple Grove for the 2004-2005 school year. I pray that in some way these e-mails have helped to turn hearts and minds to God. If there is a message that you would like to look back upon or one that you might like to share with someone you can find an archive of Hello From Maple Grove e-mails at the Maple Grove Church of the Brethren website at www.maplegrovechurch.net . Have a great summer! Lord willing, I will begin another year of Hello From Maple Grove e-mails in August with the start of the 2005-2006 school year. In Christ, Shan D. Hartsough

"This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone."
-Titus 3: 8

Devotion

Devotion: Ardent attachment or affection, as to a person or cause; faithfulness; loyalty. Religious ardor or zeal; piety. The act of devoting or the state of being devoted. This is the definition of devotion that I found in a dictionary. I have been thinking about devotion recently. The Christian musical group, The Newsboys, have a song out titled "Devotion". Here are some of the lyrics...

all my world
all I've lost
the wrecks I've made here
the lives it cost
Your hand restores
Your works make whole
with all my soul
I thank You
I owe You
all my
devotion
all that I have to give
here's my devotion
You're all that it means to live

Do you believe that God's hand restores? Does His works make whole? I can tell you, as a fallen man and as one sinner to another, the answer is YES, YES, YES, it does! 'he restores my soul...' (Psalm 23: 3). "...for I am the Lord, who heals you." (Exodus 15: 26) The Lord restores, He heals, His works make us whole. Read the verses below from Job 11: 13-20 and see what devotion to the Lord will bring you. It also serves as a warning for those who devote themselves to other paths.

So my question for you, 'What are you devoted to?' 'Where does your devotion lie?' My prayer is that our devotion would be for the Lord, God Almighty! Amen.

Take a moment and encourage someone this week!

I pray that all is well with you. Please let me know if you have any prayer concerns or praises. Have a great week and remember to smile :), the Lord loves you!

In Christ,

Shan D. Hartsough

"Yet if you devote your heart
to him
and stretch out your hands to
him,
if you put away the sin that is
in your hand
and allow no evil to dwell
in your tent,
then you will lift up your face
without shame;
you will stand firm and
without fear.
You will surely forget your
trouble,
recalling it only as waters
gone by.
Life will be brighter than
noonday,
and darkness will become like morning.
You will be secure, because
there is hope;
you will look about you and
take your rest in
safety.
You will lie down, with no one
to make you afraid,
and many will court your
favor.
But the eyes of the wicked will
fail,
and escape will elude them;
their hope will become a
dying gasp.
-Job 11: 13-20

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