Daily Devotional

Scripture Ecclesiastes 1:2 “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher; “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.”

Observation: everything we do unless it is for the Lord is vanity. Doesn’t matter what it is whether feeding the hungry, helping others, attending church or even doing a ministry is all vanity unless we are doing unto the Lord. I know I’ve done things in my life that appeared to be serving my Lord, but I was doing it for me whether to look good to others or to feel good about myself and all was lost. There is no reward in heaven unless our purpose is to serve God with the time we have here.

Application: I need to take things in prayer and ask God what He desires of me and with no fanfare from others just do it focused on my God. I’m a servant of God first and He needs to be the one that commands me in what He wants of me.

Prayer: My Lord I need to hear from you. I seek to hear your voice in all of the distractions of this world and then obey whatever it is your calling me to do. You are my God, my Master and my Father, my purpose is to serve you. I love you, Lord.

Scripture Proverbs 31:10 Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.

Observation: When God created husband and wife it was special in His eyes. We become one flesh working together to fulfill God’s purpose, but to find that special woman is not always an easy task. God has truly blessed me with a virtuous woman as my wife. We met at church and allowed God to guide us into marriage. Teri has been the greatest blessing in my life and I can’t imagine my life without her.

Application: I can’t take my wife for granted and each day I need to make an effort to be a better husband for her. I need to treat her the way she deserves to be treated and in a way that honors God each day. My prayer is that she can see herself through my eyes, this beautiful wonderful woman that I have the honor to call my wife.

Prayer: My Lord thank you so much for my wife. She is a virtuous woman and I’m honored to be her husband. Guide me each day to be a better husband to her and that I will please you by the husband that I become.

Scripture Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.

Observation: Every word in the Bible is to help us draw closer to God. He tells us of his love for us, commandments we are to follow, the way we should live, treat others and that we are called to trust Him with all of our hearts. Until God is everything, we have nothing. He has called us to be His and to draw nearer to Him and allow Him to be with us in this journey on this earth.

Application: A long time ago God put on my heart Proverbs 3:5,6, to trust in Him with all of my heart and not to lean on my own understanding, but in everything acknowledge Him and He would make my path straight. God has my life under control if I follow his guidance and not stray from Him.

Prayer: Dear Lord increase my faith that I would trust in you always and in every situation. I’m here only as your servant command me in the way I should go and I will follow you.

Scripture Proverbs 29:11 A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back.

Observation: I’ve done that, vented my feelings without considering the consequences. Others typically don’t want to hear your troubles and it seems those that do can’t wait to tell someone else. There is a difference from asking someone to hold you accountable than just telling them all your feelings without thinking.

Application: I need to be the wise man and think before I speak. If I’m talking just to talk, then that is a sign I should not say anything at all. I need to be careful of what I say and to whom I say it. I need to take in consideration others feelings the one I’m talking to and the one I might be talking about.

Prayer: My Lord give me wisdom to only speak when I should be speaking. That my words would encourage others and that I would be an example of your love. I love you and what to be a better witness for you.

Scripture Proverbs 28:4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, But such as keep the law contend with them.

Observation: To forsake the law is to sin and do what is against God’s commands, which makes us wicked. I hate being called wicked but by definition that is what I am when I go against God’s law and if I obey God’s commands then I can be a light to the wicked. It I so easy to justify our actions so we can continue to sin, but if it against God’s law it is just purely sin.

Application: I need to stop justifying my wrong actions and start obeying God. I’m called to be a child of God, a light in this wicked world and I can only do that if I’m right with the Lord. Stop and pray before I do anything and make sure it honors my Lord.

Prayer: Dear Lord I continue to stray off course and need your law to guide me. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and keep me on the path that you have chosen for me.

Scripture Proverbs 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Observation: Sometimes it is hard to be honest. It’s easier just saying nice things without confrontation, even though honest rebuke might benefit a friend. Someone I love is going through a rough time and she is the victim of a violent attack, but the problem started with her. It seems that it would be heartless to mention her part in this downfall at this time, but would it be helpful to open her eyes?

Application: I need to stay in prayer and seek God’s counsel in what to do and say. What I might consider to be wise might not be wise at all. I need to take in consideration what God desires and if what I’m doing is for God’s glory or just interfering.

Prayer: My Lord give me knowledge and wisdom to make right decisions and do what you desire. May I speak when you call me to speak and be silent when you want me to listen.

Scripture Proverbs 26:11 As a dog returns to his own vomit, So a fool repeats his folly.

Observation: That’s me at times, making the same mistake over and over. God has saved me from depression and has given me a way out, but at times I return to the thing that has caused me so much pain. The enemy knows me too well and when I turn from my Lord he is right there telling me how unworthy I am and he’s right. I am unworthy of the greatest love ever, but it doesn’t seem to deter my God from giving it to me.

Application: It’s not whether I’m worthy or not, in fact it’s not about me at all. It’s about my God that is so loving that He wants to give it to me no matter what and if I trust in Him, He will guide me through this life until it is time to go home. I want to go home now and by pass all this pain, but it’s not about me, but about Him and I’m to stay until He calls me home. It’s a new day and I need not be the fool that repeats his folly, but to be a child of God that appreciates all that He give me.

Prayer: My Lord I am that fool, help me to be wise and see what you desire of this life you have given me. Please give me strength and courage to finish this race that I wish was over, but see it through your eyes and help make me the victor as I continue to the finish line.