Month: February 2022

Scripture: Ephesians 1:11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,

Observation: It’s hard for me to believe God Choose me. Why would He pick someone like me to do His will. I’m the kid that got picked last when choosing up for teams, the one made fun of, the one that got bullied and who’s earthly father was embarrassed of. So why would the creator of all things pick me. I guess I’ll never know, but I would like to prove everyone else wrong and God right by the way I live this life.

Application: I need to treat the honor God has bestowed on me as just that an honor from God. He chose me I believe so that He can prove He can use anyone at any time. He has taken the most selfish man I knew and has given me a heart for others. He has used the testimony of a fool to help others find Him. I pray my Lord continues to use me to do His will.

Prayer: My Lord I am your servant and desire that you use me to do your will. That I will finish this race and that my eyes will always be open to see how you what me used each day. I love you Lord and I thank you for not giving up on a sinner like me.

Scripture: Galatians 6: [2] Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Observation: I can barely carry my own burdens let alone help others carry theirs. The sermon that brought me to the Lord was the one that told me Jesus died on the cross so that He could take my burdens from me and He did. I still choose to carry a few from time to time, not that they needed to be picked up at all. So how can I help others carry their burdens? I thought and have helped others with their burdens like the depression class, counseling, outreaches I helped by listening to someone in pain. I pray I helped them grow closer to Jesus so that they would trust Him with their burdens.

Application: To help others you need to be around them. I need to be more involved with others and the church. I need to do the depression class again, help with evangelism and not be afraid to reach out. There are so many people hurting and most need a listening ear and an introduction to the one who loves them more than anyone could possibly love them and take their burdens from them

Prayer: Dear Lord use me as your assistant to help draw others near to you. Give me wisdom and compassion for others so that I may say the right thing and have a heart for those that are hurting. I’m here to make a difference for you. Thank you for taking my burdens from me and help me help others.

Scripture: Galatians 5:16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

Observation: That is how I want to live by the spirit of God. I want Him to direct me and tell me how He wants me to live this life, but I seem to always get in the way. My sinful nature to be lazy, self-centered, prideful and lust get in my way of living a Godly life for my Lord. I know the spirit wants to guide me and He does at times, but too often I forget about the spirit and take things in my own hands and typically mess things up.

Application: I need to know that I’m not here for me but for my Lord and Savior. He has a plan for my life and He needs to take control and guide me each day. I need to what for Him to take first place in my life and that there is nothing else more important than that.

Prayer: My Lord I’m so sorry for continually allowing my sinful ways to take over. Give me wisdom to know what to do in every situation and guide me through this life that I may finish this race well.

Scripture: Galatians 4: [6] Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.”

Observation: I have God’s spirit in me, but so often I subdue it instead of letting Him reign in my life. I have all I need to live a Godly life, but I need to decide if I feed my faith or my worldly desires. I forget I’m a son of God and that He is my loving Father. I get so wrapped up in my day to day problems I forget I have a heavenly Father who wants to spend time with me.

Application: I need to prioritize my life, putting God first in everything. I’m a son of God and I need to act like one. Out of all the things I strive to be in this world there is nothing that compares to the title God’s child. I want people to see the changes within me and I want to brag about my Dad. I want to introduce Him to all my friends and share how truly wonderful He is.

Prayer: My Father forgive me for the way I live my life at times and strengthen me to be the son you desire. Show me how to introduce and help me use my testimony to draw others to you. I love you Dad, thanks for loving me.

Scripture: Galatians 3: [3] Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?

Observation: It’s amazing how many times God will get me going and once it’s going well I try to take over myself and mess it up. Why is it so hard for me to not make it about me? When people praise me why do I delay before giving the credit to God who made it happen? When I listen God will direct me in what He wants me to do but once I get comfortable instead of allowing the Holy Spirit to work through me I try to take it on myself.

Application: Apart from God I can do nothing. I need to tattoo that on my eye lids so I don’t forget. I’m a follower of Christ and that is what I should be doing following and obeying what God commands me to do. Whatever I do God’s goodness should shine through me and not around me. I need to humble myself before God and allow His spirit to work through me for His glory, not mine.

Prayer: Dear Lord I love you and what to do what is honoring to you. Help me be still and work through your servant that I may fulfill the purpose I’m created for. Humbly your servant Mark.

Scripture: Galatians 2:[20] I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Observation: I want to be like Paul so in love and so trusting in our Lord. Paul was so close that he no longer existed, but a new man whose inner being was Jesus and now he lives by faith and does whatever the Father tells him to do. That’s the man I want to be and that’s the man Jesus wants me to be. To live by faith knowing that He died for me and I now belong to Him as is faithful servant and not just part of the time but all the time.

Application: I need to realize there is no old Mark Buckley anymore, but a new creation that must abide in Christ to fulfill the purpose I’m here for. My sins were crucified with Jesus on the cross and along with taking away my sins He has given me gifts and talents to be used for His glory. I must have faith that Jesus will work out His plan in His timing and I’m to be patient and obedient and see how He wants to use me.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank you for your love and sacrifice. May I live a life that glorifies you so that your sacrifice would not be in vain in my life. Increase my faith and show me each day the path you want me walking on. Continue to change me to be more like you. I love you Lord.

Scripture: Galatians 1:[4] who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,

Observation: Jesus did rescue me from this evil age, so why do I continue to return. He gave me hope love and a renewed mind to be the person He wants me to be and yet I return to this world and do nothing for my Lord and Savior. I was saved for a purpose and that purpose is to do the will of the Father and not my own.

Application: I’ve been saved and need to shout it from the tallest rooftop so others may know they can be saved too. I don’t belong to this world anymore and I need to live in a way to show others I’ve been rescued from the bonds of this world. There are things I should be doing to glorify God and to draw other nearer to Him.

Prayer: My Lord thank you for rescuing me from this terrible place. I’m totally indebted to you and owe you everything. May I give in such a way that pleases you and show you my love and appreciation for all you’ve done for me.