Month: September 2015

Scripture: Matthew 4: 10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: `Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ ”

Observation: So often my mind wanders and Satan comes in to tempt me or my thoughts give way to sin. When I catch myself I say these same words that Jesus said, “away from me Satan.” If I sin or don’t do what God wants me to do I’m not worshipping God.

Application: I need to be aware of the devil’s schemes and catch myself instantly when I stray from the path God wants me on. As soon as my focus strays toward sin I need to call out, “away from me Satan for it is written worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.”

Prayer: My Lord make me aware of the enemy’s traps and keep my mind and heart on you. May my life serve you and worship you.

Scripture: Matthew 3: [10] The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

Observation: That is what I want to produce, good fruit. I call myself a Christian and desire to do God’s will, but how much fruit am I producing? When the day is done can I look back and see the fruit of my faith? Not very often is it evident.

Application: I need to set goals on accomplishing each day something to show God I love Him. To produce fruit at work, home or wherever I go. To make that my main job and not something that I do if I have time.

Prayer: My Lord guide me, grow me to be a producing, loving man that honors you to others. That the fruit I produce with this life you have given me will be a harvest for you.

Scripture: Matthew 2: [11] On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

Observation: Jesus deserves my worship, praise and obedience. He deserves all of my treasures, all that I have. My gift to Him should be my all, nothing should be more important then honoring God.

Application: Start each day by bowing down to my Lord and Savior and presenting my life as a gift, holy and pleasing to my Lord. He is worthy and should be first place in my life.

Prayer: Dear Lord I thank you for your love, mercy and grace and ask you to forgive this servant of yours for all the time You took a back seat to my desires. Help me put you first in all that I do.

Scripture: Mathew 1: [23] “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” –which means, “God with us.”

Observation: So much of the time I forget God is with us. I pray and look up to heaven and forget He is kneeling next to me, He is at work when I’m stressed, He is beside me when I’m feeling down or confused. He is everywhere I go and all I have to do is turn to Him for direction.

Application: Next time I get caught up in this world and begin to feel lost or sorry for myself I’m going to turn next to me and ask my Lord what do you want me to do or can I have a hug, I need comfort or remind me again why I’m here.

Prayer: My Lord thank you for thank you for always being there for me. May I continue to draw closer to you as I know you are with me.

Scripture: Mark 6:6 And he was amazed at their lack of faith

Observation: I believe God must look at me at times with amazement of my lack of faith. He has gotten me through so many hard times and has blessed me with a wonderful life. Yet as soon as a problem comes up instead of turning to him and remembering all He has done I immediately start to worry and wonder how I’m going to get out of this trouble.

Application: I need to focus on my God and not my problems. Also to trust in him and learn through my trials

Prayer: Lord increase my faith that I will trust you with all my heart and not lean on my own understanding but in all things acknowledge you and then you will make my paths straight.

Scripture: Mark 5:19 Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how He has had mercy on you.”

Observation: When I was first saved people in my life saw the difference in me and I told everyone what Jesus had done for me. Lately I’ve been not as outspoken as I should be. He continues to work in me and shows me mercy each day and I should be sharing that with others and they should be able to see that in my life.

Application: We are here to spread the gospel, but first we need to introduce others to Jesus and tell them why we love him.

Scripture: Mark 4:40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

Observation: I’ve been worrying about so many things lately. I’m really afraid of what might happen with my job and health. I can’t stop thinking negative thoughts and realize it’s because of my lack of faith. God has got me through so many things and yet I quickly forget and start worrying as soon as something comes up.

Application: I need to receive God’s protection and have faith that He is in control. When ever I begin to worry I need to start praying.

Prayer: Lord you are in control give me guidance and fill my heart with your love. Increase my faith.