Daily Devotional

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5: [18] give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Observation: How easily I get distracted and fall into temptation of feeling sorry for myself when something bad happens. I forget about God and all He has done for me and focus on poor me. I thank Him when the good comes and I can see Him clearly at work on my behalf, but when things go sour, so do I. At some of my worst times I look back and see how God was working and I can be thankful now. If I would have stopped at the time to thank God I could have seen His purpose more clearly.

Application: Every day and all the time I need to have a thankful heart. There is so much to be thankful for, God has blessed me so much and He is working the good in each situation in my life to make me the man He desires.

Prayer: Dear Lord I thank you for this life that you gave me, for the man I am and who you are creating me to be. Use me in glory and honor to you.

Scripture: Thessalonians 4: [18] Therefore encourage each other with these words.

Observation: That is a main role in the Christian life to encourage each other. So many places in the Bible it tells us to support each other, there is more strength in two then one. Barnabus was the encourager and Jesus set the example as He encouraged those that were around Him. Just yesterday God put on my heart to encourage Justin and guide him back to teaching and to call Anthony to encourage him and to let him know he is not alone.

Application: I need to seek out every opportunity to encourage others and I can only do that if my focus is not on myself but on others and God’s desires.

Prayer: Dear Lord open my eyes to others today that may need to be lifted up and reminded of Your love.

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3: [12] May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.

Observation: I still get so wrapped up in myself that I don’t show my love as I should. I still think negative thoughts of others and judge them or ignore them. God has demonstrated His love over and over again for me and He demands that I show my love for His children.

Application: When I look at someone, look at them as God’s child and realize how I treat them reflects how much I love God. If I honor and obey my Father I will treat His children with love and acceptance.

Prayer: Dear Lord strengthen me and fill my heart with love for others. Open my eyes today and show me how to bless your children.

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2: 13 And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.

Observation: God is at work in me and I need to be more aware of what He desires of me. My purpose, as all Christians is to speak the Word of God and to spread the gospel. To make sure my actions, speech and thoughts are all based on God’s word.

Application: I need to find more opportunities to spread the word of God. To continue to study God’s word and put it into action each day while giving God all the credit, honor and glory.

Prayer: Dear Lord open my eyes to your desires and guide me with your word and show me how to fulfill the purpose you’ve created in me.

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1: 4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,

Observation: One thing I know, I’m loved by God. To think I’ve been chosen by God is so unbelievable. The Creator of all things chose me to do His will. What an honor that my heavenly Father loves me so much He chose me to live this life for Him and gave me the gift of eternal life.

Application: I need to act like the son, God has called me to be. There should be no doubt that I belong to God and have been chosen for a special purpose. I need to spread the word of God and live a life honoring Him.

Prayer: Dear Lord thank you for choosing me and loving me. Guide me this day to fulfill the purpose you have created me for.

Scripture: Colossians 4: 2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Observation: I pray each day, but I don’t devote myself to prayer. Prayer should be a much higher priority in my life. I need to draw closer to God and spend more time with Him so I can understand what He wants of me.

Application: Make my prayer time more focused on God and try harder not to be distracted while I pray. Pray throughout the day for guidance, God’s will, patience and to learn more what He wants of me.

Prayer: Dear Lord draw me closer to you, may I hear your voice and be obedient to what You desire of me.

Scripture: Colossians 3: [2] Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Observation: My mind always seems to be set on earthly things. Even when I pray or read my mind wanders to the things of this world. I want what God wants for me and I want to finish this race well, but I always drift back to the things of this world.

Application: The Word says to set my mind on the things above. I need to make a deliberate attempt each day to set my mind on what God desires of me and work all the time to stay focused on these things. I know my mind will wander from time to time, but I need to stay focused on what God desires of me.

Prayer: Dear Lord strengthen my mind and my thoughts so that I may be focused on You throughout the day.