Daily Devotional

Scripture: 1 Peter 5: [7] Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Observation: I seem to pick and choose what I will give God and that includes my anxiety. I don’t know if I don’t give Him the things I think I can handle or keep the pain that I have no hope to lose. God calls me to give Him all of my anxiety and to trust Him in everything, so why don’t I. My father and my Lord have proven their love for me and their power to take care of anything that might come up so why am I so stubborn to reject such love and compassion?

Application: When I don’t trust my Lord it is showing Him I don’t believe He can help or that I don’t love Him as much as I tell Him I do. I need to trust God with all of my heart and all of my situations, this is the faith He is looking for in me. To get rid of my pride and draw nearer to my loving Father. I don’t have to live in fear anymore, because God is with me and no matter what He will be there.

Prayer: My Lord strengthen my faith that I will trust you in everything. I may not understand your love or why you want to take my burdens upon yourself, but I know what your word says and that you are faithful. Help guide me today and may I see you all day long wherever I go.

Scripture: 1 Peter 4: [2] As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.

Observation: I know how I lived most of my life, but am I going to finish well? I lived my life for evil human desires and hurt everyone around me including myself. I now have the desire to live the rest of my life for the will of God, but can I? Satan knows my number and only with God’s strength and power can I combat it. My heart belongs to God, but it’s a fight every day and I need to win to glorify God.

Application: Ask God constantly for the wisdom and strength it’s going to take to live this life in glory and honor to God. I need to search his will in my life by studying his word and keeping in prayer with my focus on Him. To remind myself of my place on this earth and who I belong to, to be the servant I’m called to be and to be obedient to all God asks of me.

Prayer: My Lord, my King direct me each day to do your will and not to stray. My mind wanders so easily and I get so involved in the things of this world. Help me finish well always searching for your will in every situation. May I bring a smile to your face each day and honor you.

Scripture: 1 Peter 3: [15] But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

Observation: Every second my heart pumps blood to my body and my thoughts of my Lord should be the same in my life. I should see Jesus in everything and in everything I do the thought of my Lord should guide. With Jesus in my heart I will see those that are lost, hurting and in need because I will be looking through his eyes and with my heart filled with the love of my Lord I will be able to express love to others and the need for a savior.

Application: My time is so consumed looking after my needs I need to fill that time with having Jesus take the proper position in my life. It should be obvious to those around me that Jesus guides my life and that my heart is full of love for him so that it may pour over to others. Decide to see everything through the eyes of my Lord and do not let him be lost in my mind during the course of a day but make Him the reason I got up this morning.

Prayer: My Lord help me stay focused on you and your love. As I read Mathew may I be on your right when you call me that I would be grateful for taking care of me and that I will help take care of other in your Name. I love you Lord.

Scripture: 1 Peter 2: [15] For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.

Observation: I’ve been reading and praying about God’s will for my life. I really want God’s will for my life and not mine and I’m searching each day to know it. I realize through God’s word the things He desires of me like this scripture, I’m to do good. I’m to set the example to others and how easy it is to destroy that example through anger, selfish ambitions and treating others poorly.

Application: I need to die to myself and put the needs of others above my own, as God’s word tells me to. I know God’s will in most cases it is very clear how He wants me to be, but my own selfish desires and pride get in the way and I ask questions that I know the answers to. I’m to submit to His authority and obey His commands in my life. I need to continue to study God’s word so that I know each command and that I keep them.

Prayer: Dear Lord I do desire your will in my life. Fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I may do good that others will see and that you would be glorified through your servant. I’m here only to obey you and to draw others to you since you want none to perish. May I reach your goal for me in my life.

Scripture: 1 Peter 1: [8] Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,

Observation: I do believe and love my Lord, but so often my actions don’t show it. Jesus has taken my depression and has been able to use it for God’s glory and has filled my life with joy, but when my eyes are off of Him and I look at myself or this world I can get dragged right back down. I know my Lord exists and that He loves me and shows me each day His love.

Application: My focus should always be that I belong to my Lord and whatever I do I need to see if it pleases Him or am I just trying to please myself. My Lord is the source of my joy and without Him I am only a sinful man with no hope. I need to show my love for my Lord not only to Him but to others so that they may be drawn closer to Him.

Prayer: My Lord you are the source of my love and joy. Draw me closer to you so that I may feel your embrace and be guided by your love. Help me understand your desires for me and continue to fill my life with joy.

Scripture: James 5: [16] Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

Observation: Beside Teri I don’t really talk or confide in anyone else. I don’t have an accountability partner or someone I can call to pray with. Even now I’m writing this having one of the worst colds I remember having and I can’t think of anyone to call to pray with me. I talk to several people at church but it’s superficial and for that moment. To be a righteous man I believe you need to be around people and to be part of the body and now that I’m alone at home I see how I have distanced myself from others.

Application: I need to be more part of the church and others lives. I need others and I believe they need me to. I want to be righteous and part of God’s plan and I know His plan involves touching others with the gifts He has given me.

Prayer: Dear Lord guide me to others and may I not be selfish with the time you have given me. May I use it to be with others and to be part of your plan for our lives. Heal me if it is your will or open my eyes to see why I’m suffering now and that it wouldn’t be wasted time.

Scripture: James 4: [17] Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.

Observation: Sometimes I feel as long as I don’t sin that should be good enough, but this scripture is a little scary. During the course of each day there is always opportunities to do good, treat people better and witness to others. Most of the time I let those opportunities go by. I wish I can say I don’t know the good I’m supposed to do , but that would be a lie and a sin.

Application: Laziness and selfish desires is what stops me most of the time from doing the good God desires of me. I need to remember I’m going to have to answer to God one day about those times. Is someone burning in Hell because I was not concerned enough to help guide them in the right direction? One day I’ll know and I’m afraid of the answer. I need to live each day with my eyes wide opened and aware of the good I should be doing.

Prayer: Dear Lord I’m sorry please forgive me for all of the missed opportunities to do good in your name. Give me wisdom to see the things you desire of me and place the words in my mouth that you want me to share. I can’t wait to come home help me make it a wonderful home coming.