Daily Devotional

Scripture: Luke 14: [10] But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, `Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests.

Observation: So many times I want to be recognized and have the seat of honor. I want to speak instead of listen, I want people to say good things about me more than I want to say good things to others. I try to be humble but it doesn’t come naturally. I shouldn’t want to take the lowest seat in hopes to be brought up, but to glorify God.

Application: Start focusing more on God than myself. Stop trying to get the attention of others, but think how should I act to honor God. Stop trying to be put first and put God First.

Prayer: Dear Lord may I honor you by putting others before me, that I will not be concerned by being in the light of this world, but be the light to guide others to you.

Scripture: Luke 13: [9] If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’ ”

Observation: It is our calling to bear fruit. If we are truly saved and gave our heart to Jesus we would bear fruit. It would be our desire to use the gifts and talents given us to glorify God. We can not call ourselves Christians and not bear fruit. If we stay disobedient and refuse to honor God with what He has given why would He want to waste the soil on us when someone else is willing to bear fruit.

Application: I need to make an effort each day to do something that will glorify God. People around me should be able to enjoy the fruit of my love for Christ. There should be no doubt to others that my life is planted in the richness of Christ.

Prayer: Dear Lord enrich me with your word and guide me this day and direct me in your presence to show others by what I do and say that I belong to you.

Scripture: Luke 12:8 “I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God.

Observation: How often in a day do I acknowledge God before people? Do I let them use His name in vain without saying anything? How many times do I say His name in appreciation? Do the people around me know how I feel about my Lord and Savior? Do people what to be introduced to Him by observing me?

Application: I need to be a better witness for Jesus. I need to seek opportunities to tell others about my Lord and Savior. I need to be a better example of what a follower of Jesus should be.

Prayer: My Lord give me an opportunity to acknowledge you before others. Give me that heart to honor you.

Scripture: Luke 11: 28 He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

Observation: I continue to read each day and do the In Touch to hear the Word of God. Do I obey? Sometimes I feel good about obeying, then I think of all the times that I’m disobedient, when I decide to sleep in, instead of walking and praying, when I watch TV instead of reading or writing, when I put my desires above others.

Application: I need to continue to read and understand God’s Word, but I need to put it into practice. My goal should be to be obedient each day with my thoughts, time, money and actions.

Prayer: My Lord I love you. May I show my love by being obedient to you, fulfilling your purpose in my life.

Scripture: Luke 10: 37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

Observation: Jesus commands me to help others, to reach out putting the needs of others above mine. Every once in a while I’ll stop to give money to someone begging, but most of the time I pass by. I make sure I have enough before giving to someone else instead of trusting God to provide and obey Him.

Application: I need to increase my faith by being generous to others in giving of the resources God has given me and my time. I should look at everyone as an opportunity to honor God. Who knows I might be entertaining angels.

Prayer: My Lord take this selfishness from my heart. May I be generous in your name, giving out of love and trusting you.

Scripture: Luke 9: [43] And they were all amazed at the greatness of God.
While everyone was marveling at all that Jesus did, he said to his disciples,

Observation: I should be amazed each day by the greatness of God. I should look around me at all He has created and drop down on my knees in humble praise to my Creator. I should be amazed that the God of all creation has a personal interest in my life. Once I appreciate His greatness and live in awe of Him will I be able to live a life honoring Him.

Application: I need to realize who I serve every day and know in my heart how great He is. That He has everything under control no matter how out of control I think things are. Each day live in amazement of God’s greatness.

Prayer: Dear Lord open my eyes each day to your greatness. Place in my heart your love and may your servant honor you this day.

Scripture: Luke 8: 16 “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.

Observation: Where is my light most of the time? Do I hide it at work when I get upset or anxious? Do I hide it at home when I get angry or selfish? At church when I am prideful or gossip? When do I let my light shine?

Application: I am called to be a light to this world, to point others to Jesus. In every situation I should act accordingly to the way that would glorify God. I should always be loving, controlled, compassionate so that others may see the light of Christ in me.

Prayer: My Lord turn up my light that others will see. That after I meet someone they would know I belong to you. May I not hide my light in any situation.