Daily Devotional

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8 [21] For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.

Observation: Since I’ve been born again I strive to do what is right in God’s eyes. So often however I fail and come up short, but I know when I do. How often do I do what is right in the eyes of men? My actions are my testimony of my Lord to others. If they’re righteous they will draw others near to Him, but if not then I’m a hypocrite and my words mean nothing.

Application: I need to take great pains to do what is right and honoring to God and show others that I belong to Him and how He has changed my heart. I need to be the man that others can look to and not find fault and may see glimpses of Jesus in my character.

Prayer: Dear Lord guide your servant. There is no good in me unless you place it there. Show me how to be a light in this world to direct others to you.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7 [10] Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

Observation: Seems so often I feel sorry about something, but normally it is something in the world, whether I’m sorry I got caught or the consequences of my act caused me harm. I will feel sorry for what I said or did but don’t repent and so often will do it again.

Application: There are things that I do and will do, because I am a sinner, but my sorrow should be that I hurt God or others by my action. If I say something that hurts someone I must repent and go to that person and apologize and then apologize to God and ask Him to help me not to do it again.

Prayer: Dear Lord this sinner needs you to guide my life. I want to be a light in this world as long as you have me here. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and show me how to live this life in glory to you.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6: 18 “I will be a Father to you,
and you will be my sons and daughters,
says the Lord Almighty.”

Observation: All through the Bible God is called my Father, so why don’t I talk to Him as a loving Father. He has given me everything and asks very little in return. He has never let me down, yet I don’t trust that He cares. I pray to Him but I don’t talk or listen. I’m anxious as if everything depends on me, even though He is always there next to me, loving me. He protects me from everything yet I’m still afraid. My Father has always been faithful, it’s me that can’t be trusted.

Application: Realize God has a plan for me and He is with me every step of the way. Nothing can happen to me without my Father allowing it to be and He loves me so it will always be for my own good. Realize I’m not living this life alone, but I have a loving Heavenly Father with me every step of the way.

Prayer: Dear Father forgive me for my lack of faith and the fear I carry with me all the time. Open my eyes to realize you love me and you are always with me. Guide me through this life that I will fulfill the purpose you have created me for.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5 [8] We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

Observation: So many times I ask God to bring me home because it’s so hard to live here at times. I just want peace and to be with my Maker and not deal with the struggles here. Deep down I know I’m here for a reason and it’s not my will, but God’s that must be done.

Application: I need to realize I’m only here because it’s God’s desire that I am and He will decide when it’s time for me to come home to Him. Give each day to God and be quiet and listen to what He has in store for me. Build up my treasures in heaven here so when I get home I will have something to offer.

Prayer: Dear Lord give me the strength and courage to live each day for you. Guide me on how to fulfill the purpose you have created me for and that I will hear the words will done good and faithful servant.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4: 1 Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.

Observation: God has given me two ministries, the CIA and the Depression Ministry, and I haven’t done much with either one of them. It’s so easy to do nothing and give up. God has given me the gifts and talents and the time , but I lost heart and feel like giving up.

Application: I need to make a decision to start every day to do something in these ministries and make a difference daily. I should go back to my depression ministry workbook and finish that. I’m not going to wait on others before I do anything and realize whatever I do I do for God, but not to forget if I do nothing I dishonor Him.

Prayer: Dear Lord I need the discipline and your strength to make a difference. Guide me each day to make a difference and to fulfill the purpose you have created me for.

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: That is what I’m supposed to be doing, not hiding my light but reflecting the Lord’s glory to others. I am to spread the gospel of Jesus and I can do it with the testimony He has given me through depression. I need to reflect the bright glory of God so others are drawn near to me so that I may share His glory to others.

Application: Spend more time planning and praying how I might reflect God’s glory. Get busy writing more letters to other Christian churches in the area to be able to share my testimony with others or find other venues to share the Lord’s love.

Prayer: Dear Lord open my heart and eyes to the people you want me to touch in your name. That I might reflect your glory to others by the man I am because of you.

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

Observation: I wish I could say that Satan does not outwit me, but it would be a lie. I know what God wants and I know what Satan wants me to do and yet I still fall into the trap. I battle every day because I still want worldly things and sinful desires and Satan is more than happy to deliver.

Application: I need to fight the desire and focus on my Lord. Reap the reward for honoring God instead of paying the consequences for disobedience.

Prayer: Dear Lord I can’t fight Satan alone. I need You to stand in the gap for me and give me a peace of mind and I desire to obey You.