Daily Devotional

Scripture: 1 John 4:19 We love because He first loved us.

Observation: When I was saved one thing surprised me. I would look at children, seniors and the homeless in a different way. Where I used to ignore them or just never noticed, I started to see them. I got joy watching children playing and would always stop to talk to them. I left gift cards for the homeless and would stop to give them money and I would lead some of the outreaches at senior and nursing homes. God put that love in my heart that I never had before.

Application: I need to love everyone as God commanded me, not because I have to but because God wants me to. I can fight what God is putting on my heart, but I need to surrender, because of the love He shows me.

Prayer: My Lord, I thank you for your mercy, grace and love. May my love show through to you as I love others this day.

Scripture: 1 John 3:24 Those who obey His commands live in Him, and He in them. And this is how we know that He lives in us. We know it by the spirit He gave us.

Observation: The only way I can do what God calls me to do is by the Holy Spirit. I want to please God, but without His help I can do nothing. I can see the way God has come into my life since I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Only He would have been able to use a sinner like me.

Application: I need to allow the Holy Spirit to take over and to continue to change me into the image of his Son. I want to finish this race well and glorify God with this life and I need His help and love to accomplish this.

Prayer: My Lord continue to change me into the man you want me to be. I’m here to glorify your name and fulfill the purpose you desire of me.

Scripture: 1 John 2: [17] The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

Observation: It reminds me how much of my time is spent on the world’s desire and how much on God’s will. Most of my time is used up in worldly things. Work, house, chores, finances, etc. My leftover time is then focused on God instead of the other way around.

Application: I need to make God’s will top priority at all times. The way I love, work, interact with others, all things need to honor God. My focus above all is what does God want of me? That should be my first priority.

Prayer: My Lord even as I write this my mind is wondering about other things. Help me be focused on you first, may my heart be on you and not this world.

Scripture: 1 John 1: [7] But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

Observation: If I follow what God desires I don’t just grow closer to Him, I also grow closer to my brothers and sisters in Christ. God asks me to be holy by following what He wants for my life, to keep in prayer, to understand and apply His word, to keep His commands and to be open to His will for my life. All the things that are good for me then on top of that He blesses me and purifies me from my sin.

Application: I need to stop straying from the light and stay out of the darkness of this world. During the course of the day, I need to be aware of where I’m going, am I anxious, angry, afraid, if so then I need to run to the light.

Prayer: My Lord help me walk in the light at all times, keep me from the dark and put me back on your path.

Scripture: 2 Peter 3: [9] The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Observation: I am blessed that God is patient with me. He should have given up long ago when I gave up on myself. My purpose is to help bring others to his name so they won’t perish. There are times I think how wonderful it would be if Jeus would come and get me out of here, but He put me here for a purpose.

Application: I need to have patience in dealing with others, realizing God does not want anyone to perish. I need to get busy with my job to make sure the people God puts under my influence will be able to see Jesus in me and not perish.

Prayer: My Lord you have shown your mercy and grace to this servant and have saved me from what I truly deserved. Help me fulfill the purpose you have created me for.

Scripture: 2 Peter 2. [19] They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity–for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.

Observation: At different times in my life, I’ve had different masters whether it was work, the desire to please others, pride or money. I love God and I’m so thankful for all He has done and I want to serve Him with this life. However my thoughts stray and I get focused on the things of this world instead of my Master.

Application: I need not only to wake up in the morning praying to my master, but live every moment of this life in honor to Him. That there is nothing that will replace my God and that He is the first priority in my life.

Prayer: My Lord, my Master I’m here to serve and please you. Guide me each day and help me not stray from my first love, You.

Scripture: 2 Peter 1: [8] For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Observation: So many times I feel ineffective and unproductive. The word tells me if I take on the qualities of Jesus it will keep me from being ineffective. So instead of trying to be productive I need to focus more on having the qualities of Jesus.

Application: I need to make a commitment to obtain more faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control and brotherly love. My goal needs to be more like Jesus. As I get closer, I will become more effective.

Prayer: My Father, my desire is to become more like your Son Jesus, as I know that is your desire for me also. Make me effective and productive in this life that your name may be glorified through me.