Category: Daily Devotional

Scripture: John 5:44 How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God?

Observation: I realize how many things I do, to try to win the praise of others. Even when I think I’m doing something for God I look for the praise of the people around me. When I do something private for God however, I feel his praise which so surpasses that of men.

Application: I need to do more things for God quietly, just for him. Even though most of the things I do are for other people and are visible by others, God needs to get all the glory.

Prayer: My Lord may I live each day seeking your praise.

Scripture: John 4:34 “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.”

Observation: Doing God’s work is so important that I should need to do it to live. It should be my nourishment and sustain while I continue to fulfill my purpose in life. I’m created by God to fulfill his will and when I do it blesses me and brings me joy to know that I honor Him.

Application: I need to act as if I don’t do God’s will I will starve. To be in the midst of God’s will is like being at a banquet.

Prayer: My Lord may I do your will and have the knowledge and wisdom to know what to do and the strength and courage to do it.

Scripture: John 3:30 He must become greater; I must become less

Observation: Becoming less is so hard for me to do. I think of myself most of the time (what do I want, I’m hungry, I’m tired, etc.) I do have a selfish attitude. But until I become less no one is going to see Jesus through me, all they’ll see is me.

Application: In the way I talk and all that I do Jesus needs to be greater in my life. Before I do anything, I need to pray and ask God how I may glorify him.

Prayer: My Lord you are so much greater than I, may I live this life becoming less while you increase.

Scripture: John 2:17 His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.”

Observation: I take church for granted (God’s House) I criticize the leaders at times or the way things are done. I partner and help where I can, but I lack zeal. A need a true love and excitement for my church. I should be devoted in doing God’s work in his house.

Application: I need to remember it’s not just my church it’s God’s house. I need to be excited that God allows me to even be in His house. It’s time I bless God by helping out in his house no matter what task He gives me.

Prayer: My Lord may I have the zeal for your house as Jesus does.

Scripture: John 1:16 From the fullness of his grave we have received one blessing after another.

Observation: Most of the time I don’t realize the blessings of God because I get focused on negative thoughts or things of this world. When I do stop and think or pray I realize the blessings I receive they are one after another. I take the blessings for granted maybe because there is so many.

Application: I need to be more aware of the grace of God and the blessing I receive because of it. I need to stop and thank him each time I get blessed.

Prayer: Lord forgive me for taking your grace for granted and give me a thankful heart. You deserve all my praise.

Scripture: Luke 24:45 Then He opened their minds so they could understand the scriptures

Observation: Sometimes I wish Jesus would open up my mind so that I could understand the scriptures better. My mind is so preoccupied with the things of this world I have a hard time focusing on the meaning of God’s Word.

Application: To pray that God will open my mind before I begin my reading to understand what He is trying to tell me. To be more focused in my reading and to give my full attention during that time. To memorize scripture and use them in the course of the day.

Prayer: Dear Lord open my mind that I may receive your Word into my heart and to understand what it is you desire of me.

Scripture: Luke 23:34 Jesus said, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

Observation: Jesus had just suffered more than anyone could imagine. Then nailed to the cross and then He asked for the people who put him there to be forgiven. If someone does anything I feel is wrong towards me I can’t seem to let it go. Why is it so hard for me to forgive? I need to be more like my Lord.

Application: I need to remember how much God has forgiven me. No one has ever hurt me more than I have hurt God with my actions and thoughts.

Prayer: My God give me the heart of your Son so that I may be able to forgive anything anyone can do to me.