Daily Devotional

Scripture: 1Corinthians 11 [1] Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

Observation: I wish I could tell my children and grandchildren to follow my example. Yes there are a few things I do that honor God, but as for my life that is not an example of following God. At work it would be nice to think that the people who see me can see Christ through my actions and words, but too often I’m sarcastic and short with them. The example I give is not of Christ.

Application: I need to start the day trying to be that example to others. I need to stay in constant prayer and look for ways to be a good example. I need to be alert of the things around me and take advantage of moments to glorify God. I should be filled with His spirit and should constantly ask to be guided. I’m here for a short while and during that time people need to see Jesus play out in my life, I might be their opportunity to see Jesus and help guide them to salvation.

Prayer: Dear Lord help me be that example of your Son. Place in my spirit the things of you and take away this bitterness I wrestle with each day. Use me as a guide for those who don’t know you and show me how to lead them to you.

Scripture: 1Corinthians 10 [13] No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Observation: My mind wanders so much and I look at things I know I shouldn’t be looking at. I may stare at a woman, when I should turn away, I look at things that I want to buy, but have no need of and would hurt us financially, I judge people and think evil thoughts before I remember I’m looking at God’s child. I’m tempted every day and I put myself in situations to be tempted instead of doing things that can keep me away from that temptation.

Application: I know God will provide a way out I need to look for the exit instead of carousing inside. I should know whatever I’m looking at God can see through my eyes and I know it doesn’t please Him, but disappoints Him. I need to be stronger and start looking at things through God’s eyes, with God’s heart. I know I’m easily tempted so I need strength to stay away from temptation.

Prayer: My Lord forgive me for my weakness. I search out things I shouldn’t, please help me to be a better servant in this life. Keep me from temptation and guide me on the path you choose.

Scripture: 1Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

Observation: I know I’m in a race put how hard am I trying to win? Do win in a race you need to be prepared, you need to sacrifice to get in shape, you need to practice and put your whole effort into winning. In life it seems I’m walking the race and periodically I sprint a little or maybe jog, but I see so many people in front of me I’m sure I’m not winning.

Application: I need to do more running. I need to get up off the sidelines and participate with all my strength in the race God has put me in. That’s right I have a sponsor and I should be wearing His name proudly on my back. Property of God is what it should say and if anyone sees me they should know who I belong to. I need to study more, pray more, serve others more and be the best I can be for God.

Prayer: My Lord I’m sorry I run as if I’m in the back of the pack. Energize your servant so that I may run harder and longer in your name. Help me get to the finish line that I may receive the prize that you have sent before me and that I may receive the greatest gift, an embrace from my Father knowing that you are proud of your child.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 8: [12] When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.

Observation: Why can’t I look at others as Jesus does. I either judge them right away, treat them poorly or with little regard and I don’t love them as my Lord commands me to. I don’t why I think I’m better than anyone and that I deserve anything. I’m here to serve God and the way I do that is my serving His children, yet I keep expecting something in return, when I deserve nothing.

Application: I need to treat others the way I would treat Jesus. If I’m loving to others I’m being loving to Jesus. On the other hand if I treat people with little regard or with any contempt that is the way I’m treating Jesus and He only deserves my very best and so do others. I will never meet anyone that God hasn’t created.

Prayer: My Lord help me see others through your eyes. May I see your presence in each person I see and when they meet me they should walk away knowing they are loved and cared for. I’m here to glorify you and I can only do that my treating your children as you would treat them.

Date 6/17/12 Stay Where God Calls Page 1153

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 7 [24] Brothers, each man, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation God called him to.

Observation: I make so many plans and want to do so many different things. When am I going to learn it isn’t what I want, but what God wants of me. I repeat Jeremiah 29:11 each day about God’s plans for my life, but it doesn’t take long before I’m making plans of my own. I want a better job, better finances and more junk, yet God provides me with everything I need.

Application: I need to trust God, something I don’t do well. He looks after me and places me where He wants me. I need to open my eyes to what He desires. I know his will and I need to be doing it at all times. I can’t let the enemy into my thoughts I must trust in God to work out His plan for me. I should always be content to where God keeps me and finish the work He has set out for me to do.

Prayer: My Lord thank you for your provisions you give me each day. I’m here only to serve and obey you and what a blessing it is to do so. Put me where you desire and may I please you with what I do in your Name. I love you and I appreciate all you do for me.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6: [20] you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

Observation: All my life it’s been all about me. When Jesus came in my life it was better, but I am still selfish and look out for my interests most of the time. I forget this life doesn’t really belong to me but to God. Jesus paid the price and now I’m a child of God and I have a new Father and master. I did a terrible job of running this life before my Lord and almost destroyed it completely on more than one occasion. I’ve done better under God’s hand, but still haven’t given up complete control of what doesn’t belong to me anyway.

Application: I need to trust my Lord with all of my heart and mind. This life is only on loan and I need to return it in good condition. My body was created to honor Him, it is His temple. My time is a gift that should be used to serve others in Jesus name. When people look at me they should see the reflection of the owner of this life and praise Him.

Prayer: Dear Lord I thank you for redeeming your servant and I ask you to take full control of this life you have given me. Use it to serve others and to glorify your name. I know I can’t be in any better hands then yours. I love you Father take control.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 5: [11] But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.

Observation: It is easier just to be nice to someone even though he is going against the values of scriptures, but still calls himself a Christian. No one likes to confront someone, because we would have to do something about it. Yet if we let a person who claims to be a Christian go on like everything is okay, why would he repent, but if we confront him and point out his wicked ways and not accept him he may look within and repent and turn from his wicked way and be saved and a much better person, because we stood firm in the Lord.

Application: I’m not here to judge, but I am here to spread the gospel of Jesus and sometimes we need to spread it to other Christians. It is so easy to get entangled in sin and we may be so deep we don’t even see it and it is the duty of any Christian to point out in a loving way what may be wrong and if they don’t turn that person should be put out until he turns or until Satan takes him. If I love the way Jesus commands me to I will get out of my comfort zone to help a brother.

Prayer: Dear Lord I am no judge, but use me to bring others back to your grace. We are surrounded by this evil world and it’s so easy to get lost. Strengthen me that I don’t fall into it and help me help others see your grace.