Daily Devotional

Scripture: Matthew 7: [12] So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Observation: I recite this scripture, but I don’t always live it. I’m nice to some, but I the people I don’t care for and treat them different. God tells me not to judge others, yet I do. However, God means everyone and every situation to treat others the way I want to be treated.

Application: If I treat anyone with less than love the Father commands me to have for them, I need to stop and ask God’s forgiveness and theirs. There is no reason to treat someone poorly but the reason I use is they treated me poorly first and that is no excuse in God’s eyes.

Prayer: My Lord give me strength to love all your children, to treat others with the love you treat me with.

Scripture: Matthew 6: [20] But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

Observation: I continue to store up treasures in this place using my resources that God has given me to buy things here instead of using them to store up treasures in heaven. One of the greatest treasures is my time and lately I feel I’m hording my time from God. He asks so little of me yet I give him even less.

Application: I need to plan my time and treasures better for the kingdom. I need to get more involved with church or projects that honor God. Before buying something, I need to ask can this money be spent more wisely for God.

Prayer: My Lord, this sinner is selfish, please change my focus to you and your children and show me how to build my treasures in heaven.

Scripture: Matthew 5: 14 “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.

Observation: God saved me for a purpose and part of that purpose is to be a light in this world and to spread the gospel. If I’m not different from a person not saved what good am I? It needs to be obvious that I’m different, I need to be a light for those that are lost and point them in the right direction.

Application: I need to show the joy of the Lord to those around me. To show the people God puts around me or in my path there is something different about me. I need to stop worrying and being anxious and start being positive and tell others why.

Prayer: My Lord fill me with the Holy Spirit and light me up. May a glance of your spirit make others wonder about what I have, that they don’t. May I be bold in expressing how you have blessed my life.

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 become sinful. When I catch myself, I say these same words that Jesus said, “away from me Satan.” If I sin at all or not doing what God calls me to do I’m not worshipping God, but Satan.

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?

Application: Each day I should be serving God in a way that people would see the fruit I produce. 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 my fruit can be a harvest for you.

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 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 simply ask for a hug. He is my comfort and peace in this world.

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

Scripture: Revelations 22: :20 He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

Observation: I can’t wait until Jesus comes and the end of this world of fear, worry, and distress are gone. However, God has me here for a reason and as I look forward to my Lord’s return, I need to be obedient with the time He has given me to fulfill my purpose here.

Application: My motivation for doing God’s work should be that Jesus is coming soon. Whether I’m here for the rapture or I go home to my Father in His timing, I need to be ready. My reward is in heaven and I need to work hard to honor God so that I will be greeted with open arms.

Prayer: My Lord I can’t wait until you get here and rule over this earth as you rule my heart. Give me patience to wait, the strength and discipline to do your will.