Month: January 2022

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6: [10] sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

Observation: It seems I’m always worried about money, how we are going to pay our bills and what will happen if we try to retire and yet God has given me everything. He meets my needs each day and has blessed me with so many desires, but what I really need He supplies and that is peace with Him. God has promised me an eternal home and has given me the gift of having a purpose in this life. I’m rich with the Holy Spirit, His love, my testimony and my salvation. I have so much I can share it with everyone I meet and it will never diminish, only increase as I share with the people God puts in my path.

Application: A day should never go by when I don’t try to give away the abundance that the Lord has given me. God gave me all that I have so that I may share with others and that they may receive the riches of Christ. I need to stop worrying about what I don’t think I have and rejoice of all that God has given me and share those gifts with others.

Prayer: Dear Lord forgive me for not being grateful all the time. You are always with me and give me more then I need. Help me not be selfish with my riches, but to give to everyone the gifts you have bestowed on me.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5: [5] Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

Observation: Over and over again in God’s word it tells us we are created for a purpose and given gifts and talents to fulfill that purpose. This morning God confirmed why He made me. I received a letter from a lady that goes to my depression class. She expressed how the class has helped her overcome depression. She is trusting in God, using scripture to battle the enemy and giving her burdens to the Lord. Just when I thought the class might be a mistake God confirms that He doesn’t make mistakes

Application: Work harder in making this depression ministry what God desires it to be. Stand strong in my faith and share the love God has for us through my testimony. To find opportunities to share and help others and to trust in God that He will bring the results that He desires. Stop looking at the number of people that might be helped, but look at each person as God would.

Prayer: Oh Dear Father, I thank you for the encouragement you gave me this morning through this letter and I ask you to speak to my heart and show me how I might serve you each day. I’m your servant, your creation and may I fulfill the purpose that I was created for.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4: [18] So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Observation: I tell people in my depression class how we feel is determined on what we focus on. If we focus on our blessings, life is good, but if we focus on our problems that is when depression sets in. This scripture is saying the same thing if we fix our eyes on God and what He has in store for us in heaven our joy will be complete, but if we fix our eyes on this world with all its evil only despair is left.

Application: I need to focus on what God has in store for me when I come home and ask him to guide me through this life while I’m still here. My thoughts and actions should be centered on my Father’s will and the purpose that He created me for. I’m still in the race and I need to focus on the finish line and not get distracted looking into the crowd.

Prayer: Dear Lord I have no idea what you have in store for me in heaven and I know it is too wonderful for me to imagine. Help me stay fixed on you and your desires for this life and help me not be distracted by the things of this world.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:[18] And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Observation: Some days I wonder if I’m being transformed to be more like Christ or if I’m drifting away. My heart is to do the will of the Father which is being like Christ so others can see that, but still too often I’m engulfed in this world and worry about myself and the things around me. It’s sad God wants to transform me and I don’t need to do much but sit still and listen to what He desires of me, instead I look away too often and go the way of the world.

Application: I need to focus on my Lord and His desires for my life. He has given me all that I need to show His glory in my life to others. I need to prioritize my life so that God is first and live each day showing His love through my life to others. Time is running out and I have a task to do for my King and that is what my focus should be.

Prayer: My Lord may your glory shine through me to touch others in this place. Help me reach the goal you set before me and to bring others into your Kingdom. I’m your servant, your slave, please command me each day to do your will in my life.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:[11] in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

Observation: We know that Satan prowls around like a lion to see who he can devour. We know he wants the worst for us and make us ineffective in doing God’s work. He is not going to let us alone and will use whatever means it will take to stop us and cause us pain. We should never be surprised when we step out to bring God’s children closer to Him that the enemy will be right there to try to stop us.

Application: Be prepared to face opposition when we try to touch others with God’s love. If we are prepared we can handle the situation with strength knowing that God is with us, but if we are taken by surprise our focus will no longer be on God but on our circumstances. I need to persevere because that is what God is calling me to do, so do I listen to the enemy or be obedient to my Lord?

Prayer: Dear Father I am weak and I know your strength is shown in weakness. Be with me each day and help me live a life that is honoring to you. Give me the courage to face opposition and mark my path with success in touching the lives of others in your name.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1 [4] who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.:

Observation: I use this scripture when I’m speaking of the testimony God has given me, that the pain of my past is no longer painful, because there is a purpose for it. That the comfort God has given me through my trials is now a useful tool in His hands to touch the lives of others. It’s amazing a life I hated before my Lord entered my life, a life I tried to end over and over again is now being used to open the eyes of others to my Lord. Now this life I hated I wouldn’t change for anything and would suffer it all over again to be where I am now, usable for God.

Application: To continue using my testimony for God’s glory and not give up. To touch as many lives as I can with what God has done for me and to make a difference in the kingdom of God. Only God knows who will be touched by my testimony of His love. May it strengthen those who know Him and draw the ones that don’t. My most precious asset is my testimony and it be used to help others on their journey before I go home.

Prayer: Dear Lord I thank you for your comfort, for not giving up on this sinner and I ask you to direct my life that this testimony will be used for your glory. Direct me each day and draw me nearer to you.

Scripture: 1Corinthians 16:13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.

Observation: Today Teri and I are going out to witness at the beach I don’t know why it is such a scary proposition, but I’m nervous. I know it is what God commands all of us to do and I should stand firm on His commands and have faith whatever might happen is of God. I don’t have the courage or strength within me, but I know God will give it to me as I call on Him to fulfill His purpose in my life.

Application: I need to have faith that today is ordained by God and when Teri and I go in faith to witness to His children that He will grant our ways with success. Not only today but in all things that are God’s will I need to trust in Him that He will work things out and no matter what the outcome may seem to be that He is pleased with my obedience.

Prayer: Dear Father bless all that go out today to touch the lives of others in your name. May we speak boldly about our love for you and that you will be pleased. Put the words in our heart that we may witness successfully to your children and draw them to you. I know you want none to perish may we do our part today to draw others to you.