Daily Devotional

Judging Can Condemn Us

Scripture Romans 2:1 Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.

Observation: I’m getting better not to judge others but I can’t get through a day without doing it at least once. It may be about simple things such as appearance or actions and yet I’m no better than those I judge. I’ll judge someone who is wearing a mask outside or who has had the COVID Vaccine as someone who is scared and conforms to society, but I’m no better. I still live in fear, maybe not of a disease, but can become afraid by other physical pains. Everyone is God’s creation and I have no right to judge anyone, except myself and that is enough reasonability for anyone.

Application: Each day live knowing the only control I have in this life is me and to be the best me I can be for Jesus. Not to judge others, but to love them as my Lord loves them. Bring a smile and laughter when I can and comfort those that may be hurting. I’m Jesus representative and I need to do the best I can.

Prayer My Lord give me a more loving heart. As I walk help me stay focused on You and why You have me here. Taking away any thoughts that are not of You and as I walk open my heart and eyes to your will in your servant’s life.

God’s Invisible Attributes Seen

Scripture Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,

Observation: I think of this verse often as I walk on the strand and look out on to the ocean. How magnificent it is and no matter how often I pass, the beauty still overwhelms me. That is my God magnificent and beautiful. There is no other explanation why that would stir my heart as much as it does except that I can see God in it.

Application: There are so many things that I’m in awe over waterfalls, mountains, babies, puppies, children and so much more and the reason is that God put that on my heart. As I see those things now, I need to see God’s attributes in them and look for Him and be grateful that He gave me the heart to see.

Prayer My Lord You are everywhere and all I need to do is look. May I share with others the beauty You have shown me and explain to them that they are really seeing your majesty.

Hearts Have Grown Dull

Scripture Acts 28:27 For the hearts of this people have grown dull.
Their ears are hard of hearing,
And their eyes they have closed,
Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears,
Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,
So that I should heal them.

Observation: The hearts of this world have grown dull and our focus is on all the evil that is being done. People aren’t searching for God therefore He will never be found by them. Unless people open their eyes, ears and hearts to the message of Jesus they won’t be saved. As Christians we may have to work harder to get the gospel message out to those who don’t believe and we need to start with our own actions and words we speak.

Application: We are each responsible for ourselves and nothing else. It is up to each one of us to fulfill the purpose God has created in us using what He has blessed us with. Look for the open doors that He puts before us and be ready to reach someone in the name of Christ.

Prayer My Lord, you have given me this amazing opportunity to talk to others fill me with the Holy Spirit and have me share the message of love you have given me.

An Angel of God

Scripture Acts 27:23 For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve,

Observation: I wonder how many times God has sent His angels to protect me. I had 6 suicide attempts; they must have been there each time. I must have kept God’s angels busy during my life with all that has happened to me. When I get to heaven, I look forward to meeting and thanking them in person. I’m sure they will have plenty of stories to share with me.

Application: I should be observant of my guardian angels. I’ve walked the strand for years without one incident and God has given me health. I shouldn’t take my life free from incidents as luck but a loving God with mighty angels protecting me daily.

Prayer My Lord, I thank you for my angelic companions and for the protection you have given me. Help me as I continue my journey and may I see my new friends as I walk on this earth.

Sanctified by Faith

Scripture Acts 26:18 to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’

Observation: This was Paul’s ministry and also ours. We’ll each do it in a different way with the gifts and talents God has given us, but the goal should be the same. We are called to be a light in this dark place and show others that we belong to Christ. We are called to proclaim the gospel. Some may preach it, others teach, care for others, serve but we should always be available to share what Jesus as done for us.

Application: God has called me to do different things at different times. Like any other job I must learn a task first before going onto the next. My job now is to go boldly at the beach and pray with those who need prayer and share my testimony when the opportunity arises. I need to be a good student and continue until God calls me to something else.

Prayer My Lord, I thank you for this opportunity you have given me to honor you and serve others in prayer. Thank you for always being with me as I walk and talk to others. May I always be aware of what you call me to do and that I will be obedient to your calling.

Questions About Jesus

Scripture Acts 25:19 but had some questions against him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who had died, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.

Observation: People have questions about Jesus if not we would all be believers. Those that are searching want to know about the Son of God and we are called to give an answer when they ask. The Holy Spirit can use us to tell others about our Lord and why we believe. One of our responses should be our testimony and how God has directed our lives and saved us.

Application: I’m blessed that I get to see new people each day and that I have an opportunity to share my testimony and pray with them. I don’t rehearse a speech but wait for them to approach and rely on the Holy Spirit to speak through me. I need to be in God’s will and this is what He has called me to do at this time and I never had some much joy in doing anything else.

Prayer My Lord, I thank you for assigning me this task to talk with your children. Continue to use me today and put anyone that wants to know more about you in my path and speak to them. May you enjoy your day with me today as I always enjoy each day with you.

Righteousness Can Make Some Afraid

Scripture Acts 24:25 Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.”

Observation: It’s hard to spread the gospel of Jesus to some because it makes them nervous. When you speak of heaven and hell it can confuse some and they don’t want to hear about either. We are all sinners and none of us are righteous apart from Christ. No one should look at a Christian and think any righteousness came from us but be able to see the righteousness of Jesus through us.

Application: If I get an opportunity to talk to someone about my savior I need to do it in a loving way, the way that would please God. God wants none to perish, but the choice is ours. They only fear they should experience is the thought of dying without knowing God’s son. That should be the greatest fear any of us should have.

Prayer My Lord, you have blessed me with gifts and talents that are at your disposal. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and use me as your vessel to speak to those you put in my path today. Thank you for spending time with me each day I pray that I please you.