Month: September 2021

Scripture: Matthew 4: [34] He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.

Observation: I spend time with God in the morning praying, but my mind wanders a lot. This is the first time I noticed this scripture where it says that when the disciples were alone with Jesus then He explained everything. This world is so confusing and most of the time I don’t understand what God is trying to tell me, but then I’m not alone with Him enough.

Application: I need to spend more quality time alone with my Savior and listen to Him explain what He wants of me. I’m here for a purpose and I need to understand each day what is expected of me. I also need to be comforted and when I’m alone I can be still and know that He is God.

Prayer: Dear Lord take me aside with you just the two of us so I might hear what you have to say to your servant. Explain please to me the things you desire of me that I might understand and obey.

Scripture: Mark 3:5 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.

Observation: He must see my stubborn heart when I refuse to do the things He desires me to do. I make so many excuses to why I can’t do things I know would honor Him. I’m too tired, too busy, and basically I just want to do what I want to do. I let self-pride and my desires get in the way of doing God’s will. If He was angry and distressed at the Pharisees I wonder How He feels about me at times.

Application: I wonder how long it will be before I get tired of letting Jesus down. I need to set my priorities right, putting God first in my life. I’m supposed to do a staff appreciation dinner, yet not enough people have responded and I want to call it off. I need God’s guidance and not my own to know what to do.

Prayer: Dear Lord speak to my heart on what to do. You need to sit at the throne of my heart and command me what to do in every situation. Speak to me and let me know whether to call off the dinner this Monday. Reign in my life my Lord.

Scripture: Mark 2:17 On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Observation: I am definitely a sinner. When Jesus came into my life I was the worst of sinners, not caring for anyone or anything more than myself. My destructive ways had taken its toll on my whole family and the people around me. I’m sure there was no one who thought that I might be a righteous man. Jesus called me when I was as low as I could go and nowhere else to turn.

Application: I need to remember where Jesus found me and try to understand His love for me when I had no love for anything. I need to try to find that love in me that I may give it to others in His name. I am a sinner who can relate to other sinners and that is why God wants to use me to bring others to Him.

Prayer: Dear Lord I thank you for your forgiving heart and I ask that you fill me with a love that will draw others near. Give me the heart and wisdom to say the right things to those you put in my path that they may see you through the light I shine.

Scripture: Mark 1:38 Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else–to the nearby villages–so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.”

Observation: Jesus came to tell us what God wants of us and what we must do to have eternal life. Jesus mission was to bring us to heaven with Him through His sacrifice and how to live this life that was given to us. Now that I am saved I have a purpose with the same goal. To tell others of Jesus and the Father’s great love for us and the gift of eternal life. My life will never touch the lives of so many as Jesus, but God loves us so much if my entire life was to save just one of His children, it would be a life well spent.

Application: I can only fulfill my mission by listening and obeying directions from my master. I need to get rid of this laziness and selfishness I have and devote myself on doing God’s will not mine. I need to step out and take some risks without worrying about myself or being embarrassed. This is the only time I will have to bear fruit for my Lord.

Prayer: Dear Father help me I am so weak and afraid. I want to do your will and fulfill the purpose you have created me for, but I need your guidance and strength to do so. Take charge my Lord and fill me with the Holy Spirit.

Scripture: Matthew 28: [17] When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.

Observation: I try to worship God with all of my heart, but at times I doubt. Does He really love and care for me? Does it matter what I do to Him. My mind is constantly going and most of the time in a negative direction and I doubt that the creator of all things would care what happens to me.

Application: I need to see all the miracles and answered prayers I have received from my Lord. There is no reason I should be alive writing this journal, yet God has a plan for me.
He has blessed me with the most wonderful woman as my wife and takes care of all of my needs and wants to use me to touch the lives of others and that should be my goal for the rest of the time He has me here.

Prayer: Dear Lord forgive me my doubts as you forgave Thomas. I know you’re there and I know you love me, I just don’t know why. Give me direction and strength to do your will.

Scripture: Matthew 27: [46] About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”–which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Observation: Sometimes I feel forsaken, lost and all alone. I pray each morning but my mind wanders and I’m not sure why I’m still here. I ask to hear from my Father, but each day goes by and I’m not sure what to do. My mind is so busy God would have to yell that I could hear. I feel so out of place here and hope to hear what He wants me to do before coming home.

Application: God’s word tells me that He will never forsake me. I need to look at the past where God’s hand has pulled me out of so many trials. I need to learn to trust and be patient and wait on the Lord, as His word tells me to do. I need to find more quiet time and really listen to hear His voice.

Prayer: Dear Father please speak to me that I might hear and understand your will for your servant’s life. Give me peace and understanding and guide me through this life.

Scripture: Matthew 26: [41] “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

Observation: I do want to do the things God has called me to do but I’m always making excuses. Even last night we didn’t have to serve so we stayed home to relax. This is the second week we have done this. Why do I think relaxing is when I sit around and do nothing? Instead I could have been with my brothers and sisters getting fed and worshiping my Lord. I am so weak and I need strength do fulfill the purpose God has given me.

Application: I need to do what I know is right and ask God for the strength to do it. My Lord is always there and wants me to use the gifts and talents He has given me to bear fruit and I can’t do that lying on the couch. My heart and spirit is to finish this race well and I need to push on for the prize and I need the strength only my Lord can give me.

Prayer: Help me please Lord. There are days I feel I can barely move and all I want to do is sleep. Give me the strength do run this race in a way that will honor you. I do love you, may I live this life proving that.