Devo for 1/25/2026 - Message by Pastor Clint
Pastor Clint brought the third message in his series “Devotion” this past weekend. His main statement was “Devotion is Scrappy!” We looked at the story of Daniel being thrown into the lions' den to demonstrate a person who was “Scrappy” in his devotion to God.
As you recall in the story, King Darius was tricked into issuing a decree that no one in the country could worship anyone but the King. However, in Daniel’s devotion to God, he did not let the decree keep him from bowing down and worshipping God, even though it would probably result in his death. He was Scrappy in his devotion to God.
We know the rest of the story: King Darius, bound by the decree he had written, reluctantly had Daniel thrown into the den of lions. The next morning, after much anguish over what he had done, he rushed to the den calling out to Daniel, and found him unharmed. He immediately removed Daniel from the den of lions and was amazed by what had happened. The King then issued another decree:
“I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel.“For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. Daniel 6:26
Daniel could have been angry that Darius had sentenced him to death, but instead, as written in Daniel 6:21-22, he blessed the king (May the king live forever!). He bragged about God to the King (My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions), and he honored the King (Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty). Daniel allowed his devotion to God to be on full display, and he was Scrappy doing it!
Pastor Clint shared a definition of Scrappy in his message:
Someone who is determined, spirited, and ready to compete, often against odds.
Having spirit, showing courage, and being combative or aggressive in a positive, resilient way (e.g., a scrappy underdog)
Having a strong and determined character
Willing to fight for what you believe in
After reading those words, can you say that you are Scrappy in your devotion to God? Do people around you know you are devoted to Him? Would they tell others that you are all into Jesus? (Like King Darius did)
I asked myself this question and was reminded of what took place at my last job. Whenever a new person was hired, someone would always warn them, “watch out for Tim, he will take you over to the dark side” (they were warning them about me talking about Jesus). I might have been just a little Scrappy in my devotion to God!
What is your devotion story?
Don’t forget to invite God into your day!
Topic for Study
Unity
Psalm 133:1
Colossians 3:14
John 17:23
January Memory Verse:
Galatians 6:2
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ"