Daily Devotional

Scripture: Mathew 20:27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave

Observation: We are called to serve but to be first (to please God the most) we need to take the characteristics of a slave.  Putting the desires of others above our own, giving completely of ourselves.

Application: I need to stop putting so much importance on my time serving myself.  To put off what I want to do when I can be doing something for someone else.  The most precious thing I have on this earth is time and I need to be giving more to others in Jesus’ name.

Prayer: Lord may my focus be on you and your desires for me to serve.  I freely give you my life as a living sacrifice, may it be pleasing to you.

Scripture: Mathew 20:26 Jesus looked at them and said,” With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Observation: When Jesus said with man this is impossible I realize how much that does happen is only with God’s mercy and grace.  I think of things I’ve accomplished without realizing I could have only done those things because God has given me the ability and opportunity.

Application: I need to stop taking things for granted and assuming I can accomplish things on my own.  When I do something I need to stop and thank God for allowing me to do it.

Prayer: Lord thank you for making me, me with the gifts and abilities you have given me, may I bless you with the way I use these gifts.

Scripture: Mathew 18:3 And he said, “I tell you the truth unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Observation: We become so cenacle as we get older not trusting anyone because of past experiences.  We focus on the things we need to do and the things of the world and then we miss out on what God wants.  A child is in amazement of the smallest thing and believes so easily.

Application: I need to be focused on my Father and listen to him with an open mind and heart.  Looking each day for what He has in store for me without looking at the past and worrying about tomorrow.

Prayer: My Lord give me the heart of a child, making it easier for me to love and accept what you have in store for me.

Scripture: Mathew 16:15 “But what about you?” He asked.  “Who do you say I am?”

Observation: It’s as if Jesus is asking everyone, not just the 12 apostles.  And if we say Jesus is Lord there is a responsibility for us to follow him with no excuses.

Application: I say Jesus is Lord and in doing so I have a commitment to live for my Lord.  He has told me what is required of me and now it’s time to do it.

Prayer: Dear Jesus my Lord and Savior you rule in my life, please take charge and give me the knowledge and wisdom to know what to do and the strength, discipline and courage to do it.

Scripture: Mathew 15:11 What goes into a man’s mouth does not make him unclean, but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him unclean.

Observation: No matter how holy we try to be eventually we will say something that shows our true feelings at times.

Application:. I need to think and pray before I speak.  I need to always check my attitude before I speak, is it pride, anger or another emotion and will my words build up the person I’m speaking to or tear them down

Prayer: Dear Lord make my words reflect your glory so when I speak every one will know I’m yours.  Make me a Barnabus.

Scripture: Mathew 14:25 “Lord if it’s you”, Peter replied, “Tell me to come to you on the water.”

Observation: Peter’s reply was if it is you Jesus I can do the impossible. I mean I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Application: I need to pursue the things God asks of me, knowing anything can be done if God’s involved, but I need to distinguish between what God wants and what I think He wants

Prayer: Dear Lord increase my faith. May I be still and hear your voice in what you desire of me and pursue the things of you. Grant me success in glorifying you.