Daily Devotional

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.

Scripture: Luke 7: [13] When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.”

Observation: I look back on my life and can see when my Lord’s heart when out to me. Even before I gave my life to Him, He was always there for me. I can remember so many times when I gave up and would be curled up crying, wishing to die, He must have been saying, “Don’t cry.” Even to this day with all of my thoughts racing through my head, anxiety and fear fill my heart, He is there to comfort me and bring me peace.

Application: Before I get to the point where I want to give up I need to stop and pray, then wait and feel my Lord’s heart and listen to His words. “I’m here don’t cry, don’t give up.”

Prayer: Dear Lord I know you’re near and I know you love me. Help me be a better man for you. Guide me this day open my eyes to see your open arms.

Scripture: Luke 6: 46 “Why do you call me, `Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?

Observation: God places his desires on my heart, yet because of my selfishness and laziness I don’t always do what He says. It’s so much easier to do what I want to do and when. God has a purpose for my life and not until I do what He wants me to do will I accomplish it.

Application: I need to be quiet and listen to God. When I know what He desires I need to do it. Jesus is my Lord and I need to obey, to honor Him and complete the work He desires me to do.

Prayer: Dear Lord, for you are my Lord, speak to me help me be obedient in all you desire of me.

Scripture: Luke 5: 5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”

Observation: I usually make excuses to God why I can’t do something or explain I already tried with no luck. However I’m not like Peter most of the time and go ahead and do what Jesus wants me to do. I believe God wants me to finish the counseling course and start writing again, yet I put it off saying I’m too busy and there are other things to do.

Application: I need to plan on getting the things my Lord wants me to do as first priority. I realize the gifts He has given me and recognize an opportunity when He puts it in my path. I need to pray and listen for direction and complete the tasks He sets before me.

Prayer: Dear Lord give me strength and discipline to fulfill the purpose you have created me for. Show me how to use this depression testimony you have blessed me for your glory.

Scripture: Luke 4: 8 Jesus answered, “It is written: `Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’ ”

Observation: I’ve been using this verse for years whenever I’m tempted or my mind goes astray. Whenever I sin I’m out of God’s grace and in practicality worshiping Satan. Only when I’m not sinning am I worshipping God and when I do His will I’m serving Him.

Application: To be aware of what I’m doing at all times. As soon as I feel myself moving away from God I need to worship him with a prayer, a thank you or simply tell Him how much I love Him.

Prayer: Dear Lord may I serve You only you and may I please you with my thoughts, action and speech, may they glorify you.

Scripture: Luke 3: [22] and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

Observation: I know God loves me, but I doubt that He is pleased with me. The decisions I make each day for the most part are selfish. Based on what I want and laziness to avoid doing what God wants. It’s so easy to do nothing instead of stepping out and pleasing God.

Application: My life should reflect the love God has for me. I shouldn’t be able to sit still, but be eager to please God. With little He asked of me, I should be excited about any opportunity to please Him.

Prayer: My God I am your child and servant command me what to do, how to live this life in a way that you would be well pleased.

Scripture: Luke 2: 51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.

Observation: Mary remembered all the things Jesus did and placed those memories in her heart. She felt the emotions when she thought of what her son did. That is what we are called to do is treasure in our heart what Jesus has done for us. His sacrifice, the miracles He has worked in our lives, past experiences that He has got us through, the people He surrounds us with and not just memories in our minds, but to look back and feel the love He has for us.

Application: I need to be more observant of how God is working in my life and take those moments and treasure them in my heart. Then I need to share them with others.

Prayer: Dear Lord open my eyes to see what you are doing in my life, then store them in my heart.