Devotion

I was reading some of Jim Branch's "Blue Book" today, and the words about devotion struck me like lightning. Just thought I'd share a few quotes to encourage anybody that struggles as I do with giving all of yourself to God.

"Philosoher William James said: "In some people religion exists as a dull habit, in others as an acute fever." Jesus did not endure the shame of the cross to hand on a dull habit. If you don't have the fever, dear reader, a passion for God and His Christ, drop to your knees, and beg for it; turn to the God you half-believe in and cry out for His baptism of fire." (The Signature of Jesus by Brennan Manning)

"If you are weary of some sleepy form of devotion, probably God is as weary of it as you are."

-Frank Laubach

"Meister Eckhart wrote: "There are plenty to follow our Lord half-way, but not the other half. They will give up possessions, friends, and honors, but it touches them too closely to disown themselves." It is just this astonishing life which is willing to follow Him the other half, sincerely to disown itself, this life which intends complete obedience, without any reservations, that I would propose to you in all humility, in all boldness, in all seriousness. I mean this literally, utterly, completely, and I mean it for you and for me--commit your lives in unreserved obedience to Him." (A Testament of Devotion by Thomas R. Kelly)

"I ask you, Lord Jesus, to develop in me, your lover, an immeasurable urge towards you, an affection that is unbounded, longing that is unrestrained, fervor that throws discretion to the winds! The more worthwhile our love for you, all the more pressing does it become. Reason cannot hold it in check, fear does not make it tremble, wise judgement does not temper it." (The Fire of Love by Richard Rolle)