Category: Daily Devotional

Scripture: 1 Peter 2: [15] For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.

Observation: I’ve been reading and praying about God’s will for my life. I really want God’s will for my life and not mine and I’m searching each day to know it. I realize through God’s word the things He desires of me like this scripture, I’m to do good. I’m to set the example to others and how easy it is to destroy that example through anger, selfish ambitions and treating others poorly.

Application: I need to die to myself and put the needs of others above my own, as God’s word tells me to. I know God’s will in most cases it is very clear how He wants me to be, but my own selfish desires and pride get in the way and I ask questions that I know the answers to. I’m to submit to His authority and obey His commands in my life. I need to continue to study God’s word so that I know each command and that I keep them.

Prayer: Dear Lord I do desire your will in my life. Fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I may do good that others will see and that you would be glorified through your servant. I’m here only to obey you and to draw others to you since you want none to perish. May I reach your goal for me in my life.

Scripture: 1 Peter 1: [8] Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,

Observation: I do believe and love my Lord, but so often my actions don’t show it. Jesus has taken my depression and has been able to use it for God’s glory and has filled my life with joy, but when my eyes are off of Him and I look at myself or this world I can get dragged right back down. I know my Lord exists and that He loves me and shows me each day His love.

Application: My focus should always be that I belong to my Lord and whatever I do I need to see if it pleases Him or am I just trying to please myself. My Lord is the source of my joy and without Him I am only a sinful man with no hope. I need to show my love for my Lord not only to Him but to others so that they may be drawn closer to Him.

Prayer: My Lord you are the source of my love and joy. Draw me closer to you so that I may feel your embrace and be guided by your love. Help me understand your desires for me and continue to fill my life with joy.

Scripture: James 5: [16] Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

Observation: Beside Teri I don’t really talk or confide in anyone else. I don’t have an accountability partner or someone I can call to pray with. Even now I’m writing this having one of the worst colds I remember having and I can’t think of anyone to call to pray with me. I talk to several people at church but it’s superficial and for that moment. To be a righteous man I believe you need to be around people and to be part of the body and now that I’m alone at home I see how I have distanced myself from others.

Application: I need to be more part of the church and others lives. I need others and I believe they need me to. I want to be righteous and part of God’s plan and I know His plan involves touching others with the gifts He has given me.

Prayer: Dear Lord guide me to others and may I not be selfish with the time you have given me. May I use it to be with others and to be part of your plan for our lives. Heal me if it is your will or open my eyes to see why I’m suffering now and that it wouldn’t be wasted time.

Scripture: James 4: [17] Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.

Observation: Sometimes I feel as long as I don’t sin that should be good enough, but this scripture is a little scary. During the course of each day there is always opportunities to do good, treat people better and witness to others. Most of the time I let those opportunities go by. I wish I can say I don’t know the good I’m supposed to do , but that would be a lie and a sin.

Application: Laziness and selfish desires is what stops me most of the time from doing the good God desires of me. I need to remember I’m going to have to answer to God one day about those times. Is someone burning in Hell because I was not concerned enough to help guide them in the right direction? One day I’ll know and I’m afraid of the answer. I need to live each day with my eyes wide opened and aware of the good I should be doing.

Prayer: Dear Lord I’m sorry please forgive me for all of the missed opportunities to do good in your name. Give me wisdom to see the things you desire of me and place the words in my mouth that you want me to share. I can’t wait to come home help me make it a wonderful home coming.

Scripture: James 3:9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness.

Observation: Out of the overflow of my heart I speak, unfortunately my heart must not be fixed on Jesus. During the course of the day I seem to make some sarcastic remark and try to pass it off as funny, but all that remark is doing is hurting my witness to others. How I act and what I say speaks loudly to others if it’s loving and kind it can help draw others close to God, knowing that I’m a Christian, or if sarcastic make me into the biggest hypocrite that they have come across.

Application: I need to think before I speak. Does what I say honor God and draw them close or make my belief in my Lord a wasted effort. All through the word it tells me to comfort others with my word and that should be my goal each day to make someone feel better because I was able to speak a kind word into their life.

Prayer: Dear Lord soften my tongue and open my eyes to realize how I’m treating others. Help me be like Jesus and have a heart to help and love. I’m your ambassador may I direct others into your kingdom.

Scripture: James 2: [17] In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

Observation: If we say we have faith and love God, but do nothing to prove it would good are our words? If I tell my wife I love her yet do nothing that proves my love why should see believe me and If I really do lover her why wouldn’t I show her. Basically God deserves our very best and our best isn’t just talking about it. We not only need to act out our faith for our Lord, but also for others so that they may be able to see God through our actions.

Application: I was planning a Christmas party and it’s not going exactly like I would like , so I’m thinking of cancelling it which leaves me nothing to do, which is what I seem to do best. I need to persevere and put actions to my words. Tonight I have an opportunity to teach again in the Depression class and I need to instill in each person that they must have actions for their faith.

Prayer: Dear Lord help get me moving for you. May my love for you be seen and not just heard. I’m called to serve and I can’t serve unless I’m doing something. Guide me today and what you would like to see me do and assist me in doing it.

Scripture: James 1: [4] Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Observation: Persevering is definitely not one of my strong suits. I give up easily and quickly, making excuses and giving God reasons why I can’t go on. Whenever I start a project that can honor God my laziness takes over or my pride to stop my momentum. I will be mature until I finish what I’m called to do. I can never graduate until I finish the course.

Application: I need to know that the enemy does not what me to persevere, but desires me to give up. He will help throw up road blocks in my path, but I need to focus on the prize, pleasing my Lord and fulfilling the purpose I was created for. I have gifts I can use to serve my Lord and to help others and I need to be using them every opportunity I get.

Prayer: Dear Lord help me persevere through this life so that I might finish this race well. Guide me so that I may mature and be more useful to you. Use me to lead others to you. I love you Lord and desire to please you, fill me with the Holy Spirit and show me how.