Daily Devotional

Scripture: Matthew 27: 54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”

Observation: Sometimes I feel I take Jesus too lightly. He is the Son of God, my Lord and my Savior. I shouldn’t be able to say His name without wanting to bow and worship Him. It should pain me to hear His name used in vain and I should always defend and speak out to others.

Application: I need to always recognize the name of Jesus with the reverence He deserves, the Son of God and part of the trinity. My savior He loves me so much that He gave His life for me.

Prayer: Dear Lord may my life reflect how important you are and may my actions honor you. May I point others to you in love and worship.

Scripture: Matthew 26: [41] “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

Observation: So many times I have good intentions in doing the right thing, but my laziness takes over and I end up doing nothing. The temptation of taking the easy way out wins and more wasted time is added and my time draws near to an end.

Application: Once I have a plan of doing something good I need to pray and ask God for strength to complete it. I need to remove any obstacle from the path of completing the mission God has in store for me and ask God to strengthen the spirit within me.

Prayer: Dear Lord be my strength and guide me to the completion of the task you set before me. Use the talents you have given me that I may honor you this day.

Scripture: Matthew 25: 40 “The King will reply, `I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’

Observation: There is always a special feeling when you go out of your way to help someone. My best memories are the times when I was able to do something nice for someone else. I can feel the presence of my Lord and a gentle embrace. It seems the only time I know for sure that I’m pleasing God is the time I’m helping others.

Application: I want to build a memory of times I stepped out and helped others, so I need to plan ways of reaching out and daily take opportunities to do something for someone else. Then always realize by doing so I’m more in God’s will then ever.

Prayer: My Lord guide me and show me how to reach out to others in your name. May I bring a smile on your face as I touch the life of someone today.

Scripture: Matthew 24: [44] So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

Observation: Am I ready? I know I’m saved through the love and blood of Jesus, but am I ready to meet Him. Will He welcome me with open arms or will there be an expression of disappointment on his face? Will I have completed the work He wanted me to do or at least be on the path when He comes? If He came right now, what kind of reception would it be?

Application: I need to make his work for me number one in my life. I need to be busy doing His work in my life when He comes. My goal should be when I enter heaven my Lord will welcome me by saying, “well done good and faithful servant.”

Prayer: My Lord, guide me this day that I’m on the path of pleasing and glorifying your name.

Scripture: Matthew 23: [12] For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Observation: I continue to want to be important and recognized. Even when I’m trying to do something for God I want to be recognized by others. I know this is wrong and I need to humble myself and do things that honor God in secret, just for Him. Why is this so difficult? Is it my sin nature?

Application: I have nothing to be proud of, all I have comes from God. I need to be pointing others to Him, not me. There is nothing I can do apart from God, yet I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Whenever I even think of exalting myself I need to stop and humble myself and exalt God.

Prayer: My Lord, you know every thought I have. Help me be this humble man you call me to be, exalting your name above all, especially mine.

Scripture: Matthew 22: 37 Jesus replied: ” `Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’

Observation: This shouldn’t have to be a command but a natural reaction to a God who loves and cares for us so much. I should love Him from my heart and soul with passion, so I can’t wait to be with Him and my mind. God should be in every thought and action I take to make sure He is honored by me.

Application: As much as I love my wife, God should be so far above her in my affection, thoughts and deeds. I need to fall in love with my God each morning and live a life that would please all day long.

Prayer: My Lord, my love. Be with me each day and guide me how to show my love for you. Before I make a decision, have a thought or make a move. May I consider how each thing will show my love for you.

Scripture: Matthew 21: [22] If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

Observation: I pray each day, but do I believe my prayers will be answered? My faith is weak and I don’t know why. God has proven Himself faithful in my life over and over again, yet I doubt. This is a promise from God that if we believe we will receive it’s as simple as that. What stopping me from believing?

Application: I need to remember all of the things God has done in my life an that He never breaks a promise. I need to step up my faith when praying and know God will answer according to His will.

Prayer: My God increase my faith. Open my eyes each day to your miracles and promises.