Daily Devotional

Scripture Deuteronomy 17:19 And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God and be careful to observe all the words of this law and these statutes,

Observation: Since I’ve been saved I’ve read the Bible almost every day. I’m reading now for the fourteenth time and I still find something new in God’s word. I’m getting to know God’s laws and desires and I find myself more of a sinner since I realize the things I do are against God at times. I’m learning more about God in His word and I know His laws better now than I ever had, but I still don’t observe them all the time, because I still do what I desire above what God desires of me.

Application: I need to continue to read God’s word and to understand in my mind and heart what He desires of me. I need to continue doing this journal, because it helps me hear God more clearly as He directs my steps through His word. I need to do more than just read however, I need to study and have God’s word in my heart so that I can use it throughout the day.

Prayer: My Lord I want to finish this race well before I go home to you. Place on my heart your word and laws and help me obey each one. Help me hear you and point me in the direction you desire me to go. I can’t wait to come home to you, help me glorify you while I’m still here.

Scripture Deuteronomy 16 [17] Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the LORD your God has blessed you.

Observation: How could I give a gift like that? God has blessed me so much what gift could I bring to Him that would be proportioned to how He has blessed me? The only way to come close is to give Him me, all of me and all that I have in His service. Everything that I have is only because my God has given it to me and the only reason I exist is because He allows it. I should be giving this gift every day, a whole hearted commitment to serve Him.

Application: I know what I should be doing and now I need to do it without any excuses God needs to be first in my life. I’m the gift and once given I can’t take it back. My time and possessions are His, a living sacrifice that should be holy and pleasing to my Lord. I’m God’s, created for Him.

Prayer: My Lord a day doesn’t go by that I don’t fall short of not giving you fully what you deserve. Show me how to give you me and not take it back during the course of the day. I desire to please you with the gift of myself, but I can’t do it alone. Help me be better for you. I love you and truly want to please you. Your servant Mark

Scripture Deuteronomy 15 [10] Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.

Observation: I’m not a generous giver, I make sure my needs are met before giving to others and even more than my needs my wants. I’m much more generous now than I was before Jesus filled my heart, but I’m still lacking the gift of giving unconditionally. At times when I give I give out of the knowledge that I should because of God, but not out of the love of God, which is what he desires. I can’t expect Him to bless me if I’m not obedient and this is an area I need to be more obedient in.

Application: To stop trying to justify everything I give and to give out of the love for God. To acknowledge when I give to others I’m only giving them what God gave me in the first place. I own nothing, it all belongs to God and I’m called to be a good steward of His treasures. God has been so generous with me giving me everything that I could possibly need and so much of what I simply wanted and I know I’m being tested to see how faithful I will be with what He has put me in charge of.

Prayer: My Dear Lord, thank you for your generosity and I ask you to give me the same heart for others. There is nothing that I have including gifts and abilities and time that You haven’t given me. Show me how to be that faithful steward and servant of what you entrust me with. I thank you for all of your blessings, make me the man you want me to be.

Scripture Deuteronomy 14 [2] for you are a people holy to the LORD your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the LORD has chosen you to be his treasured possession.

Observation: This scripture was for the Jews, but since Jesus bought us from sin with His sacrifice it now applies to those who are saved through Jesus’ sacrifice. I’m holy, because my Lord is Holy and he has taken my place. God choose me along ago, I’ve been predestined to serve him as so many have and because I’ve been bought at a price I’m God’s possession, His treasured possession for all of eternity.

Application: So much of the time I take my salvation too casually. Jesus paid an unbelievable price for me so that I may have eternal life with Him. I need to be more grateful for the most precious gift that I will ever receive. I can’t take this lightly and should be telling many more people about how they can be God’s treasured possession and live a life that will glorify and honor our Lord.

Prayer: My Lord thank you isn’t even close to being enough for what you have done for me you have not only given me the greatest gift of eternal life you have also given me life here on this earth. You’ve saved me more than once from death and have given me a purpose while I’m here. May everything I do glorify you and that you will use me to draw others to you. I love and humbly thank you for this life you have given me.

Scripture Deuteronomy 13 [4] It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.

Observation: To hold fast to something you must have it in your sight and in your presence. To hold God fast I must be in His word and He must be in my thoughts always. To follow His commands I must know them and understand them and I would need to want to follow His commands because I love and revere him. To hold fast He must be my goal in life and only Him should I follow, if I follow the things of this world or my own desires outside of my Lord I will no longer be holding fast, but in truth be letting go.

Application: God needs to be on my mind more and in my thoughts and actions. I can’t settle for a quick prayer or 15 minutes of reading the bible, but I must be with Him throughout the day and always in my thoughts and heart. My joy comes from Him and I want to live a joyful life. I need to share how I’m feeling with my God and ask what He desires of me throughout the day not just at the end. I can’t let go, I need to hold on tight each day.

Prayer: My Lord help me hold fast unto you. Hold unto me so that I don’t let go. Keep my eyes and ears on you and your word so that I may grow closer to you and be more like your son. I’m here only for one purpose guide me each day in fulfilling that purpose in glory and honor to your name.

Scripture Deuteronomy 12 [7] There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the LORD your God has blessed you.

Observation: Most of the time I don’t even thank God for what He has given me let alone rejoice in it. I have so much to be thankful for, my Lord blesses me at my work and ministry, but I’m so involved in me I forget to thank Him and if I took a moment and realize all my God has given me I would rejoice. Rejoice is more than thanking my God it’s being full of joy so that others can see the work the Lord is doing in me. God doesn’t just bless me but He desires me to help others realize how God has blessed them.

Application: Today someone told me I’m known as the grumpy old man at work, and they are right. I’m more interested in doing what I want and in the way I want to do it I don’t take others feelings in account. I need to ask my Lord for help to represent Him in a much better fashion and to honor Him with the way I treat others. I’m God’s ambassador to so many that He surrounds me with and I would love to become a tour guide when I do get to heaven for those who saw my Lord through my life.

Prayer: Dear Lord forgive this grumpy old saint of yours. Help me not be sarcastic and rude to others and help me put their needs above my own. You called me to be a servant, help me be the best I can be. I need your help, grace, wisdom and mercy to honor you in front of others. Soften my heart and draw me closer to You.

Scripture Deuteronomy 11:13 So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today–to love the LORD your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul–

Observation: When you love someone you want to serve them. I know I love my wife, Teri and I want to serve her and please her, it brings me joy. The Bible tells me to love my Lord with all of my heart and soul and now it tells me to serve Him in the same way. Serving isn’t a chore when you are doing it for someone you love, it’s a privilege. This is not a onetime service either it tells me to faithfully serve my Lord and that means always, with any opportunity that might arise I should be serving with a joyful heart.

Application: When I serve others in my Lord’s name I’m serving the Lord and obeying his command. I need to find more ways to serve His children and my brothers and sisters. I need to humble myself not just before my Lord but before others as well so that God can be glorified in what I do. I want to finish this race in a way that is honoring to Him and I want to do it serving using the gifts and abilities that were given to me.

Prayer: My Lord you’re are worthy of all of my love and service. Guide me each day in what you desire of me and help me be obedient in all you call on me to do. I’m here as your servant, may I please my Master each day.