Category: Daily Devotional

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2 [4] On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.

Observation: Most of my life I needed approval from others whether it was my parents, family or other people around me. I would do whatever it took to get praise from people or even make up stories to impress others. Since I received Jesus as my Lord and Savior I’m doing better but far from where I should be.

Application: Before I do or say anything I just see how it affects my relationship with God. I should be a joy to God I want Him to look forward to being with me as I am with Him. I should be doing things that bring a smile to His face and live a life that pleases him.

Prayer: Dear Lord I strive for the day I meet you face to face and may I live my life in such a way that when I do see you I will hear the words I so desperately what to hear, “ Well done good and faithful servant.”

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1: [3] We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Observation: Obviously I didn’t go to the church of the Thessalonians, because that doesn’t describe me. Sometimes a work out of guilt, labor for recognition and I have a difficult time enduring. I do want to be the servant that pleases His master, but I’m so caught up in myself instead of God and others.

Application: I need to strive to do more work knowing that God will bless what honors Him and give me success. When I labor I need to labor out of love for my Father and for others so that it honors Him. I need to endure this race I’m in so that I finish well and remember I’m not running alone, but with Jesus by my side.

Prayer: Dear Father increase my faith that I will work for you with all my heart and that my labor will be out of love for you and others. Stay by my side has I continue to run this race until You tell me it’s over.

Scripture: Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Observation: How much time to I give to God in prayer and how special do I make this precious time? I wake up and take the dog for a walk and pray as I walk or maybe I don’t get up early enough and my prayer time is in the shower and the short drive to work. I may talk briefly during the course of the day when I think of it and at night both my wife and I will pray together for His blessing. That is not what I call being devoted in prayer.

Application: I need to be watchful and look at all God has done for me and how He has surrounded me with His presence. I can’t continue to ignore my master who loves me so much. God needs to be on my mind and heart constantly and not when it is simply convenient for me. I need to develop that thankful heart that I should have automatically in response to all the blessings He has given me.

Prayer: Oh Father I’m so sorry for ignoring you and taking You for granted. Please allow me to hear Your voice and to be quiet. I want to be obedient Lord and bring a smile to your face each day.

Scripture: Colossians 3 [23] Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,

Observation: This verse helped me be a better food service director for Culinart., before I was always abrupt and sarcastic with the customers and my managers. I always felt taken advantage of and not getting the proper recognition and respect. Doesn’t manner if it is true or not because there is no excuse for not giving it your all, if you’re working for the Lord and not men. I’ve gotten better but still have a ways to go before my work is honoring to God.

Application: Stay in constant prayer at work asking God for His direction. Remember I’m here for only a little while before I really will be working just onto the Lord. Treat my customers the way Christ would treat them.

Prayer: Dear Lord you are my boss no matter what. Help me be obedient to others in honor to You. May I work in such a way to draw others closer to You.

Scripture: Colossians 2 [7] rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Observation: Why am I not overflowing with thankfulness? I should be for all that God has done for me. He surrounds me each day with His love and protection and if He was number one in my life, which is where He should be my heart should be overflowing. The problem is that my faith is weak and my focus is not on my heavenly Father but in this stupid world.

Application: Realize every moment of every day that God is with me. When things get tough think of all that God has gotten me through and all that He has given me and embrace the love He has for me. Do not ever be overwhelmed with this world but realize this is not my home, but my home is with my heavenly Father.

Prayer: Dear Lord I believe, help my unbelief. Increase my faith my Lord and open my eyes always to Your love.

Scripture: Colossians 1: [10] And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,

Observation: How can I please God in every way? So many of the things that I do must be displeasing to Him so what do I do? I do very few good works and the ones I do or attempt to do don’t seem to bear much fruit, but I want more than anything to do these things.

Application: The last part growing in the knowledge of God is what I need to be doing. I need to understand what He desires of me so I can please Him, do the works that God has predestined me to do so they will bear fruit and most importantly spend more time with Him and listen without talking.

Prayer: Dear Lord I love you with all of my heart and I ask you to forgive me for not acting that way. Draw me nearer to You and open my heart and mind to the things you desire of me. I’m your creation, slave, servant and child do with me has you will.

Scripture: Philippians 4 [12] I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Observation: I also have been through all phases in my life where I made more money than I thought I could and being in bankruptcy. Yet in either situation was I content. I always had my desires measure whether I was content or not and my desires always were of the world. Even after becoming a Christian in some of my most spiritual moments and blessings of God, my mind would still dwell on the secular things of life.

Application: Stop measuring situations and things by the standards of this world and measure them by God’s. God has given me everything I need and this life is almost over and I’ll be home where I belong. My content should be based on how I’m living for God and not myself. At the end of each day my contentment should always be found in my relationship with Christ.

Prayer: Dear Father you have supplied beyond my needs and blessed me with things that I know I don’t deserve. Guide me each day in knowing what blesses You and then show me how I may please You.