Daily Devotional

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4: [14] Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

Observation: God has given me gifts to use for His glory, but most of my day I use them for me. I use the talents at work to earn money and yes I do use my gifts at times in service to others in His name. I don’t use them enough however in His service. Too much of my time is used doing nothing, as I let my gifts sit and waste away opportunities of service in His name are ignored.

Application: God has opened the door for me to use my gifts in the small group ministry. He has divinely guided me. Already I’m trying to make excuses why not to do it, that it will take too much time, but I need to persevere and bless God this time.

Prayer: Dear Lord only by your strength will I be able to succeed in accomplishing using my gifts for your glory. Help me please, fulfill the purpose you created me for.

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3: [9] They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.

Observation: I’m asking my Pastor to become a leader in the church, overseeing small group Ministry. I’m expected to keep hold of the deep truths of faith. Yet almost every day I lose faith and begin to worry. I can’t even write this journal without my mind wondering about job and finances. My faith is so weak and I lose hope so easy, I’m not sure if I can be a good leader.

Application: I need to increase my faith by trusting in God that He will guide me. I know I have trials and tribulations, but instead of losing hope I need to depend on God even more. I need His love, direction, guidance, mercy, wisdom and to know my purpose in this life.

Prayer: Dear Lord increase my faith and open my eyes to what You desire of me. Direct me today in what to do and say. Draw me nearer to accomplishing my purpose in this world.

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2: [4] who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Observation: God wants all men to be saved, yet we like to pick and choose who we think should be saved. I know not everyone will be saved, but I have a duty to reach as many people as I can for Christ. I need to make the same effort for those I like and those I dislike. If I was living as God calls me to live I would love everyone.

Application: I need to take the focus off me and start to become concerned for others as God expects me to be. Look for opportunities to tell others about Christ or at least show Christ’s love to others by the way I treat them.

Prayer: My Lord guide this servant today and each day to be your messenger. Have me go out of my way to witness to others, telling them of your gift of eternal life and the special purpose you have for them.

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1: [16] But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

Observation: I look back on my life and I feel at times I was the worst of sinners. There was no reason for God to show me mercy. I wanted to end my life, but God loved me and had other plans. My story should be told to others so they may see God still loves even the worst of sinners.

Application: Set goals and look for opportunities to share my testimony with others. Serve God with the love He uses to look after me. Love others enough that I wouldn’t want anyone spending eternity in Hell.

Prayer: My Lord use your servant. I thank you for your mercy and that you loved me so much you wouldn’t let go. Now use me to bring others to your saving grace.

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3: [13] And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.

Observation: I’m lazy and I do tire of doing right, because it takes effort. It takes time to do things right and for the right reason. I don’t understand why I think my time is so valuable doing nothing. There are things I should be doing, writing my book, organizing notes on small groups, making my outreach ideas a reality, etc., but it will take some of the spare time that I have.

Application: Come up with a plan on how to use my time better. Set aside time each day on a project that will glorify God. Start living my life in a way that is pleasing and honoring to God. Do what is right all of the time.

Prayer: Dear Lord give me the knowledge to know what is right and do it in glory and honor to you. Give me the strength and discipline to do it each day.

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2: 16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope,

Observation: God has blessed me with hope and encouragement. When my focus is on Him and His desires I know He is with me, working things out according to His will. My encouragement should come from the fact I have eternal life with God no matter what else happens.

Application: Need to focus my thoughts on what God desires of me and not the circumstances of this world. My hope comes from God and not the things that are done here.

Prayer: Dear Lord help me be this man you desire me to be. Open my eyes to the things of You and guide me this day encouraging me to do what is right and give me hope.

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1: 11 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.

Observation: It is not of my power that I can do anything, only of God’s power. God has created me for a purpose and through His power I may have this purpose fulfilled., but I need faith. Jesus healed by the measure of faith each person had. My faith is weak and I need to strengthen it if before I can accomplish the work God has for me.

Application: I need to set goals and have faith that God will accomplish them by His will and in His timing. I need to be called worthy of His calling and start being a better disciple and be obedient of what God wants me to do.

Prayer: Dear Lord increase my faith and guide me so that I may fulfill the purpose you have created me for.