Daily Devotional

Scripture: Genesis 27:20 Isaac asked his son, “How did you find it so quickly, my son?”
“The LORD your God gave me success,” he replied.

Observation: In this scripture Jacob lied about what God had done for him to hide what he was doing to his father. How often do we use God for an excuse. We may say I believe it’s God’s will, but in our heart we know we are just making an excuse. God is not to be used as an excuse, or a lie, He is our heavenly Father and deserves all of our love, praise and obedience and when we use His holy name in vain we are sinning.

Application: I need to honestly seek God’s will and not make Him an excuse, but the reason for my existence. People need to see how God rules in my life and they will look to see if there is any discrepancies in how I live in comparison to what I say. I need to always be careful not to use God as an excuse, but to show others He is the reason for our lives.

Prayer: My dear Lord may I never use your name in any other way but in worship. May I tell others of your wondrous ways and live a life that others may want to know you. My Lord I am a sinner help me stay focused on you and that you will always be the only reason I exist.

Scripture: Genesis 26: [24] That night the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bless you and will increase the number of your descendants for the sake of my servant Abraham.”

Observation: I was reading my original book that I wrote and so much of the time it appeared I was afraid of just about everything. I was afraid of situations, of failing, succeeding, others and life in general. Even now when I’m not focused on God I’m afraid of what might happen and yet in the Bible over and over again it tells me not to be afraid that God is with me.

Application: I need to be more focused on God and not on my situation. God knows where I am and He is with me and if I focus on Him and what He desires I have nothing to fear. My life is in His hands and if I will submit totally to Him I will be guided and protected. If I could show God how much I love Him, instead of showing my fear I know it would please Him.

Prayer: My Lord forgive me for my fear and strengthen me through each day of this life. I know you haven’t given me a spirit of fear but a spirit of love and a strong mind. Give me courage to live this life in glory and honor to you.

Scripture: Genesis 25:21 Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren. The LORD answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant.

Observation: All through the Bible and in my life I see answered prayer. How often do we take it for granted? God answers us and gives us what we need, but how do we show our appreciation? I know I might thank God when a prayer is answered or I might just receive His grace without saying anything at all. The only way I can really show my Lord my appreciation is by the life I live for Him.

Application: I need to live in a constant state of gratitude. A day never goes by without God answering a prayer or giving me something to be thankful for. Just waking up each morning is enough to earn praise and yet I take so much for granted. I need to be more aware of what is happening in my life and stop to thank my Lord for all he does.

Prayer: My Father I thank you for getting me up this morning and watching over me. I’m home safe now with the ability to write this journal and to get up in this home you supplied for me. You’ve blessed me with family and friend, gifts and abilities that I don’t deserve. May I use this life in glory and honor to you. Thank you Lord.

Scripture: Genesis 24:[48] and I bowed down and worshiped the LORD. I praised the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who had led me on the right road to get the granddaughter of my master’s brother for his son.

Observation: Each day God guides me, but do I give Him the praise and worship He deserves. God does so many good things for me I fear I take Him for granted. I can’t tell you the last time I bowed down and worshiped Him, or if I ever have. God has watched over me each day of my life and I barely praise him and give Him all the glory. I’m supposed to be the servant.

Application: Each day when I pray I need to worship my Lord and show my appreciation for all He has done for me. I owe Him everything and I need to treat Him with the love and respect He deserves from me. I need to recount all the times He saved me and put me back on the path he has chosen for me. I need to bow down and worship my Lord each day and show Him how much I love Him.

Prayer: My Lord and Master I owe you everything and there is nothing I have that you haven’t given me. I love you Lord and I need you to continue to guide your servant. Help me stay on the path that pleases you.

Scripture: Genesis 23: [2] She died at Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went to mourn for Sarah and to weep over her.

Observation: Sarah was 127 years old when she died so they have been husband and wife for most likely over 100 years. Sarah was not just Abraham’s wife, but a large part of him. When he wept over her he was saying good-bye to the life he knew. How hard is it to say good-bye to a loved one. It’s not just saying good-bye it’s saying I’m going to be different, something will always be missing.

Application: The loss of a loved one must be devastating, but fortunately for me I haven’t experienced it. I want to help others that are suffering with loss by sharing God’s message. That the part of their heart that is missing can be repaired with the love of God. I can’t comfort anyone all I can do is point them to the one that can. Sometimes a loss can bring us closer to God, because we need Him so much more.

Prayer: My Lord you alone are love, peace and joy. Help me grow closer to you and help others open their hearts to you. Please use me as a vessel to be used to bring others nearer to you. There is nothing I can do alone, but there’s nothing I can’t do with you.

Scripture: Genesis 22:1 Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!”
“Here I am,” he replied.

Observation: God tests us all and like in school we hate tests. If we do good however in a test we get to move on. That is what God’s tests are a way to advance in His kingdom. We need to prove that we know His Word, Kindness, faithfulness, grace and the only way to show that we know is by taking the test. If we will trust our teacher and know whatever test He gives us, He is also watching over us and that there is nothing on this earth that can harm us if we are going for the prize of eternal life with our Master.

Application: I need to be more willing to face the test and to do my best when they come. I need to have more faith, knowing that my Lord is my teacher and He will never leave me or forsake me. I’m only in this school for a little while until I graduate with Him. May I live a life as an honor student and not just squeak by with a passing grade.

Prayer: My Lord, My God, my savior and teacher. Help me get through the tests of this life. I know you are with me, may I never doubt or forget you are by my side and you have all the answers to pass this course.

Scripture: Genesis 21:1 Now the LORD was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what he had promised.

Observation: In the Bible are many promises that the Lord has given us and He keeps them all. We complain that He doesn’t at times, but that’s not true. Most promises have a condition on what we are to do and most times we don’t. My God has been faithful all of my life and He has been gracious to me and I know I don’t deserve it.

Application: I need to always keep my side of God’s agreements and have the faith to know God will always keep His promise to me. I need to live a life that shows others God grace in my life and that He wants to do the same with them. God is love and I need to share that love with others and show them how to receive His love in their lives.

Prayer: Thank you Father for the love you always show me. I thank you for your discipline because I know you look at me as your child. I will always stand on your promises and live a life that others will see how faithful you are.