Daily Devotional

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.

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.