Month: January 2023

Scripture 1 Sam 1:27 For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition which I asked of Him.

Observation: How many times do we have answered prayers? I know for myself I can’t keep track it happens so often in my life. Now how many times do we thank Him for those answered prayers? Here Hannah made a vow that if God answered her prayers she would dedicate her son to His service and she did along with offering and sacrifices. God has answered my prayers and has given me so many blessings that if I spent every moment of my life thanking Him it wouldn’t be enough, yet I only spend moments if that in thanksgiving. With my lack of gratitude it’s amazing God hears me at all.

Application: I need to tell and show my gratitude for all the Lord does for me. I should never be depressed since I should have a thankful spirit. Whenever something doesn’t go my way I need to thank God for all the things that do and the things that He has blessed me with. I’m here and breathing and more important I have an eternal home that I don’t deserve compliments of my King and that in its self is more than enough to thank God every moment of every day for His grace.

Prayer: My Lord thank you for all you do and all that you are. I thank you for the Master you are and for the blessing you have bestowed on me and the blessing yet to come. I thank you for loving this sinner and that you love me so much you have built a home for me that I get to dwell for all of eternity. Forgive me when my heart turns cold and I forget your mercy. Give me a new heart, a heart that will serve you better.

Scripture Ruth 4:14 Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a close relative; and may his name be famous in Israel!

Observation: Naomi continued to say that God has cursed her, because of the things that happened in her life. Yet God supplied Ruth, her daughter-in-law to help take care of her and to supply an heir. God’s hand was in everything to make sure that she would be taken care of and that a child would be born who would become the father of Jesse who was the father of David, the line that Jesus would come from. God always supplies what we need, unfortunately we think we need so much more. We are here for a short time and God will give us what we need to make sure we can complete the purpose we are created for, but we have to decide are we here to serve the Lord or ourselves.

Application: I need to stop wanting things and look at what the Lord has already has given me and see how it can be used for His glory. I have so much an awesome wife who I love with all of my heart, a wonderful home, a great family and God has taken care of all of my needs and so many of my desires. I want for nothing except to serve Him with who I am.

Prayer: Dear Lord thank you for taking care of me and blessing me so much. Help me now understand the purpose you desire me to fulfill. Show me how to spread your word to others and make a difference for Your kingdom. Give me the heart to serve and draw me near to you. I love you my Lord make me a better servant.

Scripture Ruth 3:10-11 And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you request, for all the people of my town know that you are a virtuous woman.

Observation: How did the people of the town know that Ruth was a virtuous woman? It must be the way she lived her life and the things she dos for others. You can’t be self-centered and be considered virtuous. I wonder how people think of me? Do they think I’m righteous, honorable, trustworthy or do they look at me in a more negative light or do they even consider me at all? We can’t control how people think of us, but we should be living a life that pleases God and that is a virtuous life, a life with purpose and a life that others can see Christ through.

Application: I stop living a virtuous life when I but my needs and desires above anything else. God did not put me on this earth for me, who would create something for its own wellbeing. Things are created for a purpose and God created me for a purpose. It’s the start of another year and I have no idea what this year will bring, but I do know what God expects of me, to follow His commands and be the best me I can be in His eyes. So as I want to finish this race well I desire to start this year right by drawing closer to my maker and listening to His directions for this servant of His.

Prayer: My Lord here I am on bended knee wanting to understand the direction you desire your servant to go. There are so many things on my heart with the depression ministry you have placed on my heart, the assistance I can be to the outreach ministry at my church, the Heaven study you have placed on my heart. Please speak to me each day and put me on the path you desire me to be on and please take any distractions away from your servant. I’m here to serve you, my beloved master.