August 31 devotional

Scripture
Proverbs 22:13 “The lazy person is full of excuses, saying, “If I go outside, I might meet a lion in the street and be killed.”
Observation
1) Don’t make excuses
2) My excuses are not rational. It is unlikely you would meet a lion on the street.
3) Take responsibility for my life, attitudes, and actions
Application
There are many things I cannot control. There are many people I cannot control but I can take responsibility for myself. I can control I how respond to people and circumstances. Between stimuli and response there is a gap of time. In that gap of time I have the power of choice. I can choose my response.
Prayer
Enable me to see myself accurately. Do not allow me to fool myself about me. I want to see me as you see me and as I really am.

August 30 devotional

Scripture
Psalm 44:4-5 “You are my king and my God. You command victories for your people. Only by your power can we push back our enemies; only in your name can we trample our foes.”
Observation
1) God is my source for victory. Victory does not come through my strength, intellect, or abilities.
2) God is the giver of victory. I can count on God when I face my enemies. He will make me victorious.
Application
1) Trust God when my enemies come against me.
2) Wait upon the Lord for victory. He will act on my behalf.
3) Do not grow impatient and take matters into my own hands.
Prayer
Father I trust in you. Give me victory over my enemies. May your name be glorified over all the earth.

August 23 devotional

Scripture
Job 9:33 “If only there were a mediator who could bring us together, but there in none.”
Observation
Job desired a mediator. He desired for someone to bring him and God back together but no one was worthy. There was no one qualified. Man needs a mediator today. Son has separated us from God. We need someone to build a bridge between us and God. The good news is that we have a qualified mediator today. He is Jesus. Through the cross Jesus built a bridge so I could cross over and be reunited with God. Through the work of Jesus I have been reconciled with God. Praise be to His name!
Application
I place my complete trust in the work of the cross. I do not add anything to it or take anything away from it. The work of the cross is complete and finished. I am saved by faith. I am justified by faith. Jesus made me righteous in the eyes of God. Jesus is my mediator.
Prayer
Thank you for the cross. Thank you for loving me so much that you sent Jesus to die for my sins that I may have eternal life. I am grateful. I am free. I am your child. Praise be to His name!!!

August 22 devotional

Scripture
Psalm 37:30-31 “The godly offer good counsel; they know what is right from wrong. They fill their hearts with God’s law, so they will never slip from his path.”
Observation
1) I need Godly counselors that can give me good advice.
2) Good counselors are godly people. They have a relationship with God.
3) Good counselors know right from wrong. They will steer me in the right direction.
4) Good counselors know God’s word. Their advice will be Biblically based.
Application
I must develop relationships with Godly people who can give me good advice. I need mentors. These types of relationships rarely develop on their own. I have to take the initiative.
Prayer
Father, send at least three men my way that will be mentors to me. Bring into my life Godly counselors that will give me good counsel. Enable me to recognize them and develop a friendship with them. I never want to slip from your path.

August 19 devotional

Scripture
Proverbs 21:21 “Whoever pursues godliness, and unfailing love will find life, godliness, and honor.”
Observation
I will become and get what I set my affections on. I should pursue godliness, to become more like Jesus. I pursue love, to love even those who hate and mistreat me. When I pursue these things I will find true life, I will really live! I will progressively become the person God wants me to be and others will give me honor. God promises that when I seek Him with all my heart, I will find Him.
Application
Set my affections on things above, not earthly things. Pursue God. Pursue the fruit of the Spirit. Desire to be pleasing to God.
Prayer
I pursue you today. I want to know you more. I need you more today than any other day. I set my affections on you. I want you. I desire to be pleasing to you. I want to make you smile.

August 18 devotional

Scripture
Proverbs 21:20 “The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.”
Observation
Wise people do not “spend whatever they get”. They live by good money management principles. The Bible teaches us to do four things:
1) Work
2) Give
3) Plan
4) Save
Application
I have to follow good money management principles. I will not be prepared for the future or retirement if I spend whatever I make. I have to work and make a living. I give to God. I have a plan for how I will spend my money. I will live on a budget and I will save money for the future. If I do these things, I will be wise and prepared for the future.
Prayer
Father, give me wisdom concerning the money you give me. I desire to be a good steward. I ask that you enable me to plan and save for the future. I ask that you enable me to give to your church and for the expansion of your kingdom. Remove selfishness from me. Give me a generous heart.

August 17 devotional

Scripture
1 Corinthians 11:1 “And you should follow my example, just as I follow Christ’s.”
Observation
Paul modeled the way. He told the church to follow him. He was an example of what a passionate follower of Jesus Christ looked like. He was the leader. He was the example.
Application
As a pastor, I need to model the way for the congregation. Whatever I want them to do, I must do first. I am the example. I am the leader. I go before the people.
Prayer
Make me a good example to the people. Do such a work in my life that I can say follow me as I follow Christ. Make me worthy of such a statement.

August 16 devotional

Scripture
1 Corinthians 10:24 “Don’t think only of your own good. Think of other Christians and what is best for them.”
Observation
1) Do not be selfish
2) Do not try to get your own way
3) Think of others first
4) Put their best ahead of your own
Application
I have to trust God. If I take care of his business, he will take care of my business. If I take care of his church, He will take care of my family. If I put the best interest of the church above my own, God will intervene on my behalf. I believe that.
Prayer
Father, enable me to put my words into practice. Give me the courage to put action to my faith. Forgive me for my unbelief. I place my trust into you. You are the only one who is truly trustworthy.

August 15 devotional

Scripture
Proverbs 21:13 “Those who shut their ears t0 the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need.”
Observation
1) To shut my ears to the cries of the poor means to ignore them. I turn away so that I cannot see or hear the needy.
2) I will reap what I sow if I help the poor in their time of need, others will help me in my time of need.
Application
Be a giver. Look for opportunities to help the needy. Pay attention to the needs around me. Do not put my head in the sand.
Prayer
Father, give me a generous heart. Remove selfishness from me. Allow me to hear the cries of the poor, needy, and hurting.

August 14 devotional

Scripture
Nehemiah 8:8 “They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage.”
Observation
My responsibility as a preacher/teacher is to:
1) Read the word. My Bible is the source of my teaching.
2) Clearly explain the meaning of it.
3) Help all the people to understand what it means and how they can live it out.
I am to make the Bible simple so that everyone who is present can understand it. I am not to worry about being eloquent or entertaining. I am to read, explain, and apply the Bible.
Application
I desire to motivate everyone to read their Bible’s on a consistent basis. I want to help them understand what the Bible is saying and then motivate and encourage them to live it our in their everyday life.
Prayer
Father, make me a better preacher/teacher. Give me a fresh anointing of your spirit. I cannot do this on my own. I need to be filled with your spirit.

August 12 devotional

Scripture
1 Corinthians 7:35 “I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible.”
Observation
My priority is to serve God to the best of my ability, to do that I need to simplify my life. I rid my life of distractions so that I can focus on doing God’s will and pleasing him.
Application
I have to take the time to evaluate my life. What is there that needs to be or could be eliminated? What distracts me from focusing on God? What am I doing that I should not be doing? What should I put on my “stop doing” list?
Prayer
Father, my desire is to be pleasing to you. Holy Spirit search my life. Reveal to me any thing that prevents me from doing God’s will. Give me the courage and faith to obey. Develop self control within me.

August 10 devotional

Scripture
Ezra 10:11 “Confess your sin to the Lord, the God of your ancestors, and do what he demands. Separate yourselves from the people of the land and from these pagan women.”
Observation
Repentance includes two actions:
1) Confession
2) Separation
It is not enough to be sorry for my sins and confess them to God. There must be change. It includes separation from the world. I turn away from my sins and wickedness and live my life according to God’s standards and ways.
Application
Holiness will not be developed in my life until I separate my self from the world’s culture, values, and ways. Christianity is counter cultural. I am to live counter to the ways and standards of the world. I am to live according to God’s word.
Prayer
I crucify my flesh. I humble myself before you. Remove any offensive way from within me. I desire to be pleasing to you. Empower me today to live a holy and pure life.

August 9 devotional

Scripture
Ezra 9:3-4“When I heard this, I tore my clothes, pulled hair from my head and beard, and sit down utterly shocked.”
Observation
When Ezra was informed of Israel’s sin, he went into a state of mourning. Where is the shock and mourning over America? We entertain ourselves with sin. We put them on daytime television and laugh at them and cheer them on. America will never experience revival until it turns from its sins, not be entertained by them.
Application
We need to be shocked by sin, embarrassed by sin, repulsed by sin. We should mourn over the spiritual condition of America. We must turn from our wicked ways. It is more than being sorry for our sins, there must be a change, a turning away from.
Prayer
Father, I mourn over the condition of America. I ask for your forgiveness and for you to purify us from all sin. I ask that you send a spirit of repentance and holiness to our nation. May we separate ourselves from evil and turn to what is good. Have mercy on us. We do not deserve revival but we ask that you pour out your spirit in these last days. We need you.

August 8 devotional

Scripture
Psalm 30:5 “His anger lasts for a moment but his favor for a lifetime! Weeping may go on all night but joy comes in the morning.”
Observation
God disciplines the children he loves but it is temporary but His love for me in eternal. It never ends. I will go through difficult and dark times but joy will always follow.
Application
I trust God during the difficult and dark comes. Whatever pain I may be going through, it is temporary. God’s love and favor are eternal. No amount of suffering will can cancel God’s love, favor, and joy.
Prayer
Teach me to trust at all times. Do not allow me to only see the darkness. Enable me to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Enable me to see the mountain top when I am in the valley.

August 7 devotional

Scripture
Proverbs 20:27 “The Lord’s search light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every motive.”
Observation
God knows my hidden secrets. God knows my real motives. The Holy Spirit searches every corner of my heart. It is his desire to clean my heart of any impurity. It is the responsibility of the Holy Spirit to make me holy, pleasing to God.
Application
I have to cooperate with the Holy Spirit. I yield and respond to his conviction. I obey his promptings. I partner with the Holy Spirit to progressively become the person God wants me to be.
Prayer
Remove any offensive way from within me. Burn away the dross, the impurities. Make me more like Jesus. I crucify my flesh and ask for a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit.

August 6 devotional

Scripture
1 Corinthians 2:9-10 “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. But we know those things because God has revealed them to us by his Spirit and his Spirit searches out everything and shows us even God’s deep secrets.”
Observation
The Holy Spirit reveals to me what God has prepared for me. I cannot learn it in on my own. It is taught to me by the Holy Spirit. He searches everything and shows me the secrets of God. God speaks to me by the Holy Spirit. God reveals his will and ways to me. The key to successful living is to be Spirit filled, led, and empowered. God has given me His Spirit to guide me in life.
Application
I need a fresh filling of God’s Spirit every day. I need to be filled and controlled by the Holy Spirit. I crucify me flesh and my selfish desires. I want no will but God’s will. I desire him and the advancement of his kingdom. I need the ministry of the Holy Spirit to be active in my life.
Prayer
Father, crucify my flesh. Enable me to die to selfishness and pride. I ask that I decrease and you increase. I ask that you fill me with your Holy Spirit today. Refuel me. May I be led and empowered by your Holy Spirit.

August 5 devotional

Scripture
1 Corinthians 1:30 “God alone made it possible for you to be in Christ. For our benefit God made Christ to be wisdom itself. He is the one who made us acceptable to God. He made us pure and holy, and he gave himself to purchase our freedom.”
Observation
1) God made it possible for me to be in Christ.
2) Jesus made me acceptable to God.
3) Jesus made me pure
4) Jesus made me holy.
5) Jesus purchased my freedom.
It is all in the past tense. I am acceptable to God. I am pure and holy. I am free from the power of sin. It is a finished work. I do not have to strive to become acceptable, free, pure and holy. I already am. The work was completed at the cross. I receive and apply to my life what Jesus has already done.
Application
I do not strive to be pleasing to God. I live in what Jesus did for me. I receive it by faith and I live by faith. The Holy Spirit makes real to me what Jesus did for me. I do not have to add to the work of the cross. I just live in it. Praise God!
Prayer
Father I ask that I will no longer try to become acceptable to you but that I will truly believe you have made me acceptable. I am pure and holy. I am free from the power of sin. I am in Christ. I am your child. I am victorious. I am more than an over comer. I am free indeed!

August 4 devotional

Scripture
1 Corinthians 1:10b “Let there be real harmony so there won’t be division in the church. I plead with you to be in one mind, united in thought and purpose.”
Observation
Paul pleaded with the church. He humbled himself and literally begged the church to be in unity. He gives a clear definition of what unity is. Unity is the absence of division and strife. Unity is going in the same direction. It is working together for the same goal and vision. They were to be one in thought and purpose.
Application
My responsibility as a pastor is to lead the church into unity. I am to stand against anything that would divide the church. I am to lead the church to fulfill one goal, to go into the same direction. The Holy Spirit works in an environment of unity. Division quenches the work of the Spirit. Jesus’ prayer was that his church be one.
Prayer
Father, bring and keep the unity of the church in First Assembly. Remove any dissension, strife, or division. Give us one vision. Enable us to work together in harmony. May we all go in one direction for the glory of God.

August 3 devotional

Scripture
2 Chronicles 34:3 “During the eighth year of his reign while he was still young, Josiah began to seek the God of his ancestor David. Then in the twelfth year, he began to purify Judah and Jerusalem, destroying all the pagan shrines, the Asherah poles, and the carved idols and cast images.
Observation
1) Josiah began to seek the lord while he was young. He was 16 years old. The youth can seek God. They do not have to wait until a certain age. Children and young people are capable of seeking God.
2) Josiah purified Judah after be began to seek God. People will not purify themselves today until they seek God. Seeking God comes first, purification comes second.
Application
My responsibility as a pastor is to lead people to seek God. My job is not to clean people up. The Holy Spirit does that. I am to lead people into God’s presence, into worship and prayer, and into the Word of God. When people begin to seek God, the Holy Spirit will make them holy.
Prayer
Father, enable me to lead people into your presence. Every Sunday morning we desire a fresh encounter with God. We desire the presence of Christ. I ask for a fresh outpouring of your Spirit upon all flesh. May we experience you this week.

August 2 devotional

Scripture
2 Chronicles 32:7-8 “Don’t be afraid of the king of Assyria or his mighty army. For there is a power far greater on our side! He may have a great army, but they are just men. We have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battle for us!”
Observation
Satan has limited power and an army of demons but his power is weak compared to the power of God. God’s power is far greater! Greater is he who is within me than he that is in the world. He fights my battles for me. He gives me victory over Satan and every demon.
Application
I have to trust God to fight for me. I have to wait upon the Lord and allow him to fight for me. When I pick up the battle and fight, it is because of my lack of faith. I do not really believe that God can or will fight for me. It is a lack of trust. I will trust in the Lord my God. I is all-powerful. He loves me and will protect me. He will fight my battle for me.
Prayer
Father, I trust in you. I will not fight the battle. I believe you will fight for me. You have already conquered death and the grave. He is victorious and has provided for me the victory!!!

August 1 devotional

Scripture
2 Chronicles 31:21b “Hezekiah sought his God wholeheartedly. As a result he was very successful.”
Observation
There was a direct correlation between Hezekiah seeking God and his success. His success was due to his seeking God with all his heart, mind, soul, and strength. I do not become successful by working harder and smarter. God gives me success as I seek and obey him.
Application
I need to seek God more. My flesh wants to work more. My mind wants to work smarter but I need to listen to my spirit. The Holy Spirit within me calls me to stand in his presence and minister to him. Then I am capable to minister to others. Then God will grant me success.
Prayer
I seek your face this morning. I desire to stand in your presence. I desire you. I love you. I need you. I want to experience your glory, presence, and power. I want more of you!!!