Constant Praise - Revelation 4

S - Revelation 4:8 "Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God Almighty,
Who was and is and is to come!”
O - John is telling about what he is seeing in heaven and here he is talking about four creatures and what they are saying.
A - These four creatures were constantly saying this and praising God. I too need to be constantly praising Him and giving Him honor and thanks. He is everlasting and stays the same always.
P - God, you are holy and worthy of my constant praise! Thank you for being constant, never changing so I don't need to wonder who you are or what you want from me. Help me today and guide my thoughts, words, and actions.

God hates Lukewarm - Revelation 3

S - Revelation 3:16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot,[g] I will vomit you out of My mouth.
O - God is talking to the city that is lukewarm and how He would prefer it to be either hot or cold, not lukewarm.
A - God also wants me to be hot or cold. Lukewarm is that point in my life where I may say that I'm a Christian and talk a good talk but my actions don't reflect that. I need to be passionate about living a life that is full of love, peace, and grace that only He can give me. I want to show this daily and be a light for Him and His kingdom.
P - Heavenly Father, Help me today to be a Christian on fire for you. Help me to do the best I can at everything I do and be an example for the world to see. Give me opportunities to share your great news and the love that you have for everyone. Thank you for coming to this earth and being the ultimate example for us to follow and live up to. Give me the strength to strive for perfection daily and to be a husband and father that they need and deserve. I love you Lord! Bless my family and me today.

Clean the inside - Matthew 23

S - Matthew 23:25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence.
O - Jesus is rebuking the Pharisees in this chapter and in this verse He is telling them that they are more concerning about their outward appearance than what is on the inside of them.
A - I too need to focus on what is on the inside more than what others can see on the outside. If my heart is right and I am full of integrity, the outside will just follow that and will display righteousness. However, no matter how hard I try to cover up the inside with good action and words, eventually the wrong thinking and wrong motives will show themselves and show my heart. Only with the love of Jesus can I change my heart and follow His example and straighten it out.
P - Heavenly Father, Thank you so very much for sending your Son Jesus to set the perfect example for us to follow. Give me the wisdom and strength to change into that man of God that you want me to be and that my wife and children deserve. Bless my family and me and keep us healthy and safe. Be with our families and guide us through our journeys that you have put out in front of us.

Faith Moves Mountains - Matthew 17

S - Matthew 17:²⁰ for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. ²¹ However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

O - Jesus was telling the disciples that the reason they weren't able to cast out the demon was because they lacked faith. Also, some kinds of demons required a larger amount of faith. Faith with prayers and fasting.

A - Jesus' statement was not just for His disciples but also for us. If I truly believe nothing is impossible. With difficult decisions and/or situations that present themselves, like this adoption journey, I know that nothing is impossible for Him. As Jesus said, some require prayer and fasting to really know what and how to move forward.

P - Heavenly Father, You are amazing and have given us the same power that you have. Help me to harness that power and not be afraid to use this and expect that it will work for me as well. Help me to know your path for me and to believe with all of my heart. I want to follow your ways and be a light for your kingdom. Bless my family and me today and bless our adoption journey.

Die for Christ - Matthew 16

S - Matthew 16:²⁵ For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

O - Jesus is talking to His disciples here about what how He is about to suffer and die and then He tells them that they to should be willing to lay down their lives for Him.

A - I too need to be willing to lay down my life for Him. Most likely I will not face death for Him but I need to stand up strong regardless of what is coming against me and stand for Him. The path that He has given me is good and right and that is the path that I need to stay on regardless of the difficulties that I may come up to. He has promised to be with me and guide me.

P - Heavenly Father, You alone are worthy to follow and to die for. I pray that you protect my family and me today. I am willing to die for you if it will bring others to know you and am willing to "die" to my flesh to help my family know you. Bless our day today and be with us.

Miracles cannot happen without faith - Matthew 13

S - Matthew 13:58 Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
O - Jesus was preaching in His hometown and they couldn't understand how He had become so wise. Because of this it says that they were offended by Him and He in turn did not perform any miracles there.
A - In order for the miraculous things to happen in my life and in my family's lives, we need to have belief. For healing God has clearly said that "By His stripes we are healed". He has promised to protect us in Psalm 91. He has promised to provide and watch over us by telling us that I am more important than all the birds of the air that He watches over as well. These types of promises should fuel my belief and I need to lean on these promises when needing a miracle to happen. Without this belief, I cannot expect a miracle to take place.
P - Heavenly Father, Thank you for your promises to me and my family. You are truly amazing and I stand in awe before you today. I expect miracles to happen in my life and in my family's lives and when they do I will give you the glory and the honor. Thank you for the sacrifice that Jesus gave for us and for the grace that you have showered on us because of Him. Bless my family and me today and everyday.

Choose Jesus - Matthew 12

S - Matthew 12:³⁰ He who is not with Me is against Me

O - Jesus is explaining that He didn't cast out the demon by the power of Satan. He is warning the Pharisees that if they are not with Him that they are then against Him.

A - I also have this same choice to be for or against Jesus. The choice is more subtle though than just choosing a side once and being done. Instead this is a daily and hourly choice. Do I choose to go along with something that others are saying or doing to not cause any offense to them even though this is clearly against what Jesus has told me to do? Do I stand up to others when they may directly or indirectly question Jesus? These are the times that I need to show that I for for Him!

P - Father, Thank you so very much for your Son Jesus and the works that He did for us and the wisdom that He has showered on us. Help me to live a life full of boldness and confidence and to stand up for you daily and to always be on your side. Help me to pass this same desire on to my children and to equip them with the wisdom and understanding to stand firm in what they believe. Bless me and my family today and be with us.

Lean on Jesus - Matthew 11

S - Matthew 11:²⁸ Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
O - Jesus told the crowd to come to Him as He would give them rest.
A - This same command still exists for me today. As the trials and troubles of life come crashing down on me I tend to bear them on my shoulders and look for a solution and/or live with the weight. What a great God we have in that He tells me to instead come to Him with these trials and troubles and He will give me rest! That means that I need to be in constant communication with Him to give Him these issues that I may be facing. He will give me guidance through these challenges and bring rest.
P - Father, you truly are amazing! You care for me even though there are millions and millions of other people in this world. You care about the labor that I'm going through and want to help. Thank you so very much for the sacrifice your son Jesus did for me to give me this rest and for eternal life. Help me to be bold with helping others to understand that you care for them as well and want to help them. Be with me and my family today and bless us.

Confess Jesus - Matthew 10

s - Matthew 10:³² “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. ³³ But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven

O - Jesus is sending out his 12 disciples to teach and heal the lost people of Israel. He is talking about persecution that they will endure and that in the end those people that can hurt the body are not those that they should fear. But instead they should confess his name boldly.

A - I too have opportunities to confess Jesus to others around me. I need to be bold with this confession so that others may know Him as I do and may know everlasting life and live in grace while they are alive. Not only will I be helping these people but because of my confessing Jesus, He says that He will confess me before God the Father.

P - Heavenly Father, Help me to be bold with confessing Jesus to those around me and those that I meet. Give me the words to speak that will touch their hearts and make them desire more. Help me to pass this same boldness on to my children so that they to can touch people's lives for your glory. Bless my family and I today and guide us every single minute.

Let Your Light Shine - Matthew 5

S - Matthew 5:¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
O - Jesus is talking to the disciples hear and explaining that they are to let their light shine so that others may see the Father and worship Him.
A - This is something that I need to daily remind myself. I can not only be a nice person and treat people well but I need to go above and beyond that. The light in darkness is such a contrast; so too needs to be my actions that they vividly contrast what the world is doing. There are a lot of nice unbelieving people in the world but I should stick out and everyone should take notice as my actions are even so much more noticeable. However, the key to this is not that people will see these actions and words and think good of me but to instead wonder what I have and ultimately worship God.
P - Father, I desire to be near you and hear you daily. Help me to shine my light so brightly and without fear to bring you honor and glory. Help me to instill that same desire in my children so that they too may bring you glory and affect people's lives.

Bear Fruit - Matthew 3

S - Matthew 3:¹⁰ And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
O - John the baptist is talking to the Pharisees here and telling them that they are a brood of vipers and that they do not bear the fruit of belief but instead of the birthright of Abraham. Because of this, he says they will be cut down because they lack the fruit of belief and repentance.
A - I need to look at my life daily and ask the question am I bearing the fruit of belief and repentance. Do I truly have both of these in my heart? I believe that Jesus came to this earth and that He died for my sins and to bless my life; but do I truly believe this in the bottom of my gut? This should be flowing from deep down inside me and coming out as fruit in everything I do. Additionally, I should be repenting of the sins I commit without being prompted to be someone else. I should desire to do this to be right with Him that didn't just humble Himself with admitting a mistake but in giving His life for me.
P - Heavenly Father, I truly love and adore you. Thank you for the extreme sacrifice that you gave for me and my household. Let me proclaim your great deeds through and in my life daily. Please forgive me of my sins and help me to live a holy life in you. Bless me and my family today and be with us.

Am I Willing to Die for Him? - Daniel 3

S - Daniel 3:¹⁷ If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. ¹⁸ But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”
O - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego didn't bow down to the statue of the king and explained to him that God could save them from the furnace but even if He didn't they were not going to bow down and worship anyone or anything other than God Himself.
A - Am I willing to go into a fiery furnace for God even if He doesn't spare me from it? More than likely I will never have to face the fiery furnace for Him but the challenge I face is how people react to my faith which is 100% easier these these men had to face. I need to continue to grow in my faith and willingness to stand up for Him in times that others may laugh at me for my beliefs.
P - God, I want to be that light for you and show people that I'm willing to stand up for you even if I endure some persecution. Give me the strength and courage to do that and strengthen my faith in you daily. Bless my family and me today.

Confidently Expecting God's Voice - Daniel 2

S - Daniel 2:¹⁶ So Daniel went in and asked the king to give him time, that he might tell the king the interpretation. ¹⁷ Then Daniel went to his house, and made the decision known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions, ¹⁸ that they might seek mercies from the God of heaven concerning this secret, so that Daniel and his companions might not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.
O - The king had a dream and wanted the interpretation of the dream as he was very bothered by the dream. He called all of his magicians and they were unable to tell him the dream and the interpretation so the king made a decree that all of the magicians and wise men in Babylon would be killed. When Daniel heard this he told the king he would tell him the interpretation of the dream before he had the revelation of the dream. He and three others sought mercies from God for the dream and the interpretation of the dream to save Daniel.
A - Daniel was so confident that God would tell him the dream and the interpretation that he went to the king and told him that he could reveal his dream and the interpretation of it before he knew for sure that he would get this wisdom. I too can feel this same confidence as God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Daniel was a man of God and prayed and talked with Him constantly. That is why Daniel could feel so confident as he had heard God's voice and had visions before. I need to spend that same time with God and encourage and expect to hear Him. This is not for my glory but for the glory of God to shine through me.
P - God, Use me and my life for your glory. Speak to me daily and give me the same wisdom that you had given Daniel. Let me use that wisdom for you and your kingdom and to touch people's lives so that they can see you through my words and actions. Bless my family today and give healing to everyone in my house.

We are Healed - Isaiah 53

S - Isaiah 53:⁵ But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.
O - This is one of the most prophetic books in the Bible regarding Jesus' coming and what He will do for mankind. He was to be wounded and bruise with chastisement and stripes. All this was for our good.
A - Jesus was to come and take the worst form of punishment possible for our sins. In addition to forgiving our sins, the last verse talks about healing. Because of what He did for me, I can expect healing as well. This healing is physical healing and also emotional healing. I can thoroughly expect healing to happen because of the love of Jesus and the sacrifice that He did for me. By not expecting healing I am squandering away some of the benefits that He died for me; I need to proclaim this to my family and those that may be in need of healing.
O - God, Thank you so very much for the sacrifice that your son endured for me. I walk in faith that my family and I have everlasting life with you and also that you will be with us during this life and will heal us. I love you and want to be with you always and show others your light through my life.

Don't Wait - 2 Kings 7

S - 2 Kings 7:³ Now there were four leprous men at the entrance of the gate; and they said to one another, “Why are we sitting here until we die?
O - Israel was under siege and many people were dying in the city. These lepers were also dying they because they couldn't go to the city for any food and they couldn't go to the Syrians as they would kill them. Finally they decided they had to do something otherwise they would die were they were.
A - I too sometimes feel as though I am paralyzed and stay were I am because I don't think there is another option. I need to look at this as a reminder that God is there with me and will provide for me. All I need to do is to decide to do what He's called me to do and carry this out and He will provide, just as He did for these lepers.
P - Heavenly Father, I desperately need your help and your guidance. I know without your help I am just wandering through life that you are the only provider and protector. Give me your word to follow in my journey and give me courage and strength to follow the path that you have laid out for me. Protect and bless my family and me today and everyday.

Showing God - 1 Kings 18

S - 1 Kings 18:³⁷ Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that You are the LORD God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again.
O - This verse takes place after Elijah has built an alter to the LORD and after the prophets of Baal did all they could to have Baal send fire down on their offering. Elijah is seeking the Lord's hand to show and prove the He is truly God.
A - There are times in my life where I will be facing an enormous obstacle and I too can boldly come to the Lord and ask for His favor and help. Just as He had helped Elijah and went even beyond what he had asked, He too will do the same for me. The key was that God told Elijah to get up and go to Ahab and Elijah listened. It doesn't mention any other word that he was given but he did follow the guidance that he was given. I too need to follow God's guidance and then I can feel comforted knowing that He will provide and help. All of this that He does for me should be a testimony of His goodness and His grace. No one looking should be able to question whether or not this came from the Lord.
P - God, I need you in every area in my life and need your guidance and grace. Let your help be so obvious and apparent that no one can deny that it was because of you. Be with my family and me today and guide us all. I worship you today and your goodness.

God will provide - 1 Kings 17

S - 1 Kings 17: ⁴ And it will be that you shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.
O - God has told Elijah that there will be a famine in the land and that he is to go east and find a brook and there the ravens will bring him food to eat.
A - Elijah was about to go into a very, very trying and scary time with this severe famine that was coming and the thought of how to survive was the biggest worry. God did indeed provide for him through a raven, which is an animal that definitely wouldn't do this normally. God is the same today, yesterday, and tomorrow and therefore He will also provide for me and my household during our time of need. Just as Elijah has his needs met, we to will have our needs met if/when we follow His commands. Elijah had to obey this somewhat crazy command in order to be under God's blessings; so do we.
P - God, You truly are amazing and have promised to take care of us as well. I come to you today asking for that blessing, specifically for financial blessings for this adoption. We need your help and guidance in this area as well as every area in our lives. Bless my family and me today and use us for your glory.

God's Word is Pure - Proverbs 30

S - Proverbs 30:⁵ Every word of God is pure;
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
O - God's word is pure and He is a shield for those that trust in Him
A - God's word is pure. When doubts or fears come into my life, this phrase reminds me that God is good and is providing and protecting me. Psalm 91 talks about being my refuge and fortress and that He will always protect me. Since in this verse he says that God's word is pure, this means that God's promises in Psalms 91 as true. I need to put my trust in Him and know that He will always provide and protect me. As I do place my trust in Him He will be a shield for me. This shield will help deter attacks from the devil and deflect the fiery darts that he is hurling at me.
P - God, You are amazing! Thank you for your word that you have given to me, directly and through the Bible. Help me to always place my trust in you for all areas in my life and to give you control. You have promised protection and that you will provide for my family and me, so I give you control of my life and I will follow where you lead me. Use me to advance your kingdom. Bless my family and me today in everything that we do.

Venting Feelings - Proverbs 29

S - ^{Proverbs29:11} A fool vents all his feelings,
But a wise man holds them back.
O - Someone who airs out every feeling is labeled a fool.
A - There are some things that are better off unsaid. The way I feel shouldn't direct everything that I do in life. I need sometimes to do things even though I don't feel like doing it because it is the right thing to do. Also, others don't need to hear that I don't want to do it or that I feel like doing something else. I need to hold my tongue and instead show that I am a wise man by doing what is right.

How the World See Us - 1 John 3

S - 1 John3:¹³ Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you.
O - John is talking about how the children of God should be living in love and without sin. Those that are not children of God will not walk in these and therefore may not understand the children of God even to the point of hating them.
A - I, like almost everyone in the world, care at least a little of what people think of me. There should be no surprise if I'm really living my life according to the word of God that some people may not like me and/or even hate me. If I'm not seeing this, it may mean that I'm not living my life in a way that is bold enough for him or reaching those people that are lost. I don't need to be weird and someone that no one can relate to but I do need to stand up for what is right and love unconditionally, just as Jesus did everyday that He was on this earth.
P - God, help me to stay up for what is right regardless of how others may look at me. Give me the heart of your Son so that I can view people with the same love that Jesus did. Bless my family and me today as we go about living our lives for you and being a peculiar people.

We Are in Him - 1 John 2

S - 1 John 2:⁵ But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.
O - Whoever keeps God's word is in Him.
A - I have the love of God perfected in me! Because I keep His word I know that I am in Him! What comforting statement these are. Because I am in God and have the love of God in me I should be a shining light for others to see. Also, I need not be concerned with challenges that I may face in life as He that is in me is greater than he that lives in this world. However, the first part of this scripture has a condition to receiving these promises; keeping His word. I need to be ever diligent in keeping His word and living a life full of honor and integrity. This is a calling on my life and on my children's lives that I need to display daily.
P - Thank you so much for giving me your perfect love Heavenly Father. I need you more than ever and am comforted to know that you are with me. Help me to diligently keep your word and to train my children with this as well. Be with us today and speak to us Lord.

We are Sinners - 1 John 1

S - 1 John 1: ⁹ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ¹⁰ If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
O - Everyone is a sinner and is in need of confessing their sins.
A - As much as I'd like to say that I'm not a sinner, I sin daily and am in need of confessing these sins as He has promised to forgive these. To pretend that I am perfect makes me a liar and the second part of verse 10 says that His word is not in me. This doesn't give me the right to do whatever I want to do because I now have a "get out of jail free" card with confessing my sins and receiving forgiveness. Instead, He tells us to be holy as He is holy. I can only do this with God's help though and I need to continually strive to attain this and be the example to my children and my wife.
P - Heavenly Father, Please forgive me for the sins that I commit daily. Help me to reach for holiness and to be more like you. I want to be the example for my family so that they can have a tangible representation of you in me. I love you and want to hear your voice daily. Fill my life and my heart!

God Doesn't Want Anyone to Perish - 2 Peter 3

S - 2 Peter 3:⁹ The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
O - Peter is talking about the end of the world coming and that some people do not believe that it is coming and that the Lord is slacking in bringing the end. However, He is just waiting so that people can hear the word and not perish.
A - God clearly doesn't want anyone to perish. Because of this, I need to be one that boldly proclaims His message so that these people can hear and have an opportunity to know the true Jesus Christ. He is so great and powerful and full of love and this is the message that I need to share both with words and actions on a daily basis.
P - God, you are good! I want to be a messenger for you and to boldly proclaim your name in everything I do. Give me the courage and the words to do this. Help me to constantly have a good attitude and a positive outlook in everything so that others see that goodness through me and want to know who and what I know. Thank you for all of the many, many blessings that you have given to my family and me. Help me to use this blessings to further your kingdom every single day.

Love One Another - 1 Peter 4

S - 1 Peter 4: ⁸ And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”
O - Peter is commanding the people to love one another.
A - I should constantly be loving those around me. If I truly love someone, the faults and/or sins of these individuals will be easily covered up and/or forgiven by me. This holds true for those that are my family, or an acquaintance, or a stranger, or an enemy. Regardless of the relationship that I have or don't have with a person, I should have love for them as that will only bring them closer to me and, more importantly, God.
P - God, help me to show love to everyone that I meet and know. Let this love be an unconditional love that shows them that regardless of how they treat me or others that they are loved. This love can only be shown by your presence and conviction in my life. Thank you for your promise to be with me daily. Thank you also for your example of true love through your son Jesus Christ. I worship you and stand in awe before you.

Suffer for Doing Good - 1 Peter 3

S - 1 Peter 3:¹⁷ For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
O - Peter is talking about that it is better to suffer or persecuted for doing good than it is for doing evil.
A - There will/may be times in my life that I suffer and/or are persecuted for doing good. However, it is better to suffer for doing good things than for suffering for doing bad things as once the dust settles, people will see that I'm still standing and confident in the fact that I have God with me and that the suffering was temporary. The key phrase in this verse is, "if it is the will of God". God never gives me more than I can handle and those obstacles that he does give me are those that will help refine me and make me a better person. With God on my side and protecting me from sufferings that I may not be able to handle, I know that I can get through any suffering that may come my way and I will continue to focus on just doing good all the time, no matter what.
P - Heavenly Father, thank you for your promise to watch over me and protect me. I need your protection and wisdom daily. Bless my family and me today and use me to further your kingdom and for your glory.

Honor All People - 1 Peter 2

S - 1 Peter 1:¹⁷ Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
O - Peter is talking about submitting to authority in this section. He makes the statement though to honor all people and to love the brotherhood while talking about authority.
A - I need to always honor those in authority in my life, but as Peter says here I also need to honor ALL people and to love the brotherhood or other Christians. I think that Peter says this so that it is easier for me to honor the government. If I am already honoring all people then honoring the government just falls into place as I am already honoring them. This doesn't mean that I can't disagree with them nor should blindly follow them. I believe that God will speak into my heart and mind and show me if there are any areas that I can work with the government to improve on things.
P - Heavenly Father, Thank you for the governing authorities in my life. Bless them and give them wisdom and understanding from you to do the right thing for those that they are governing. Help me to be that leader that those that follow me want and desire to follow and to make decisions that will be good and beneficial to them.

Tested Faith - 1 Peter 1

S - 1 Peter 1:⁷ that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ
O - Peter is talked about the faith that they have and the glory it will send up to God. He says that it will be tested by fire but that it will continue to praise, bring honor and glory to God.
A - I am no different than the receivers of this epistle. I too will have trials come against me but because of my faith I will be able to get through these, but more importantly, show praise, honor and glory to God that others can see. This will be a testament to God and His great glory. I need to lean on my faith and know that God will only allow those trials in my life that I can handle and when I get through them, I will be better off than before.
P - God, You are amazing. I am now able to see your goodness and your true love! I want to serve you regardless of the struggles and trials that I may face in order to give you glory, praise and honer. Bless my family and me today and strengthen our faith. Give us your wisdom and your discernment.

Living Honorably - Hebrews 13

S - Hebrews 13:¹⁸ Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to live honorably.
O - He is ending the letter and asking them to pray for him. He wants to remain having a good conscience and live honorably.
A - I too want to live a life with a good clean conscience and I desire to live a 100% honorable life. This can only be done through the grace of Jesus Christ. Others see this lack or fullness of honorable living regardless of how much I think they can and it is a testimony for Jesus. Additionally, I need to display this ALL of the time as an example for my children.
P - God, I desperately need your help and guidance. I desire to have a good clean conscience and to always live honorably. Help me to be very cognisant of my conscience and an ability to see the honorable path in every choice that I am confronted with. I really want to be more like you and to be that man that leads and is full of integrity every single day. I also want to be that father that holds the heart of my children and is respected and adored but more importantly gives them an example of what it really means to be a follower of Christ.

Be Holy - Hebrews 12

S - Hebrews 12:¹⁴ Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord
O - We are to look for and strive to have peace with all people and to display holiness. These characteristics will show people the Lord.
A - In many people's lives they don't know and see the Lord. I am to be that image of the Lord by being holy. When I create peace with people and think, speak, and act with holiness this may be the only image that they have ever seen of the Lord. Additionally, my children see the Lord through me so it is vital that I be the holy father that they can then have that relationship with the Heavenly Father.
P - Father, help me to be more and more like you. Help me to be that father that my children so desperately need and want. I want to strive for excellence and holiness in everything that I do and to stand out in a crowd as one that is holy and full of integrity in everything that I do. Bless my family and me today and be with us always.

Faith - Hebrews 11

S - Hebrews 11:¹ Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
O - This if the faith chapter where the old testament characters are talked about in dealing with faith. Faith is what is used when hoping for something and all that exists when something is not seen.
A - Faith, to me, is more than just rhetoric. Faith is so essential in life and needs to be continually built up in many areas. Since faith is the only evidence of things not seen, my faith needs to be rock solid to withstand that tests of time and the tests from the devil. The devil and this world will come against my faith in a blatant attempt to through me off course and to rattle my cage. Faith comes by hearing the word of God, therefore, I need to be continually searching and reading His word to strengthen my faith and to talk about it frequently.
P - Heavenly Father, Thank you for your Word. Thank you for your sacrifice. Help me to be well grounded in your word and to strengthen my faith daily so that none of the fiery darts from the devil can penetrate my faith. Help my family also have that strong and sincere faith and help me to encourage and build that up inside each and every one of them.

Hold Fast - Hebrews 10

S - Hebrews 10:²³ Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
O - Here he is talking about how Jesus paid the price for our sins and no longer need to give sacrifices to God. In addition to this, we are to hold fast to the hope that He has given to us.
A - There are times that I may want to give up hope in going through life as well as question did Jesus really die for ME. This verse is a great reminder to never, never lose that hope as what He did for us was really for us and He remains as faithful today as He was when He was on the earth in human form.
P - God, Thank you for sending you son Jesus to take away our sins and to give us grace and power to live as you did. Help me to focus on your sacrifice daily and to remember that you are always faithful. Be with me and my family today and watch over us all.

Better than the Law - Hebrews 7

S - Hebrews 7:¹⁹ for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.
O - The law can not make anyone perfect but because of Jesus there is now hope and through Him we are able to draw near to God.
A - The law was created by God to give direction and guidance to the Israelites as they were waiting for the messiah to come. These laws were there to keep their minds and bodies clean and to also show sorrow and repentance for sins that they committed. Once Jesus came and paid the ultimate sacrifice for us we no longer are under the law and as the verse says, we now have better hope and can draw near to Him. Let me focus on Him and the marvelous deeds that He did to bring me that hope instead of trying to live up to the law and/or judge others based on the law as He lived up to the law perfectly for us. This however, does not mean that we should not strive for perfection.
P - Heavenly Father, Thank you for your son and the sacrifice that He gave for us to be brought near to you. I want to live my life for you and to be perfect but I thank you for the forgiveness that you have given me. Help me to use that grace and power to overcome the sins that try to creep into my life and help me to train my children in these ways as well.

God's Oath - Hebrews 6

S - Hebrews 6:¹⁴ saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.” ¹⁷ Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath
O - God had promised to bless and multiple Abraham in verse 14. Then in verse 17, He is promised this to the heirs, which is us.
A - God is a God that cannot lie and He had made an oath to Abraham which also applies to us. In this oath He has promised both blessings and multiplication. Anytime that I am felling beaten down or frustrated in pursuing the goal that God has laid out before me, I need to focus on this oath. What an amazing blessing He has promised to me!
P - God, Thank you so much for promising blessings and multiplication in my life. I need your help and guidance and ask for you to speak ever so clearly to me so that I can fulfill the goals and path that you have set for me. Bless my day today and bless my entire family as you have promised.

Don't become dull of hearing - Hebrews 5

S - Hebrews 5:¹¹ of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.
O - He is talking to the Hebrews in this verse about Christ being the High Priest but that they can't understand this because they have become dull of hearing. The Amplified version says since you have become dull in your [spiritual] hearing and sluggish [even ^[f]slothful in achieving spiritual insight].
A - I need to continually be in the Word and hunger for more truth. If I'm not going forward in my growth I am by default moving backwards and becoming dull in my spiritual hearing and slothful in achieving spiritual insight. By striving and gaining this insight I am able to hear Him more clearly and let what is inside of me out and let others see that light that only comes from Him.
P - God, I worship you today as you have paid the ultimate sacrifice for me. I know that you only did this because you love me and everyone else. Help me to show that same love to everyone that I come into contact with but especially my family. Thank you for your Word and letting us have ready access to it to continue to grow with insight. Bless our day today and be with us all.

Tools to Assist in Life - Hebrews 4

S - Hebrews 4:¹² For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. ¹⁶ Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
O - The word of God if living and powerful and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And by going to the throne of God, mercy and grace will be given.
A - These verses show that there are two very important things that can help provide power, grace, discernment, and mercy; the Word of God and going to Him boldly. Everyday I need wisdom and discernment in my life and it says here that the Word of God can provide that. I need to daily be in the Word to fill my inner being completely so that the Word flows out of me and that I am able to easily discern things. Also, there are times of need and trials in life and it says to boldly go to Him and I will receive mercy and find grace. This is a truth that I need to tuck deep down in my heart and call on in times of trouble as He will provide way more grace and peace in times of trouble than anyone or anything else can.
P - Heavenly Father, Thank you so very much for your word and for allowing us to boldly come to you in times of need. I praise your name and know that you reign above all else and are the only one worthy of my praise and attention. Keep me and my family ever near you and help us feel your presence daily. I pray for wisdom and discernment as we go through this journey of adoption. Let us know exactly your will for us and these children. Use me as a vessel for your kingdom.

Partaker of Christ - Hebrews 3

S - Hebrews 3:¹⁴ For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end
O - We are partakers of Christ because of what He did for us. We, however, need to remain committed and steadfast throughout our lives.
A - A partaker is someone who has a portion of or shares something. Being a partaker therefore means that we actually has a portion of Christ in us. Because of this, I can act and think as He does and need to shine my light so that other can also she Him through me. I also need to be aware that there are trials and tribulations that will come against me through my life and that I need to stand steadfast with Him. He has promised to be with me everyday and I need to lean on Him and not on my own understanding to be steadfast to Him all the days of my life.
P - God, You are truly amazing and worthy of every ounce of praise that you receive. I love you and want to live my life for you. Thank you for the promise of always being with me and my family and letting us have a portion of you inside of us. Bless our day today.

Humility - Proverbs 25

S - ⁶ Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king,
And do not stand in the place of the great;
⁷ For it is better that he say to you,

“ Come up here,”
Than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince,
Whom your eyes have seen.
O - Solomon is talking about being being less visible to the king and having the king request you to come to him instead of being right in front of him and having him move you out of his presence.
A - This talks about humility; the correct meaning of humility, in my mind. Humility is not when an person thinks less of himself or is unwilling to step up to the plate when there is need because it might put himself in the spotlight. Instead, it is when a person does what is needed or necessary but doesn't need to tell others about it. In having this true humility and being led by the Spirit, I will be one that kings, or leaders, will take notice of and want me in their presence.
P - Heavenly Father, help me to be filled with humility and be led by you daily. Give me the strength daily to do what is right and to fulfill your calling on my life. I know that by doing this I will be noticed without having to shout it from the rooftops. Bless my day and bless my family and keep them safe.

Do Not Fear - Proverbs 24

S - ¹⁶ For a righteous man may fall seven times
And rise again,
But the wicked shall fall by calamity.
O - The righteous man man stumble and fail multiple times but since he is righteous and has the Lord on his side, he will rise again. Without being righteous, you may not rise again.
A - There are things in life that may be very scary and I hesitate to try them since I may fail. However, because I am a righteous person and I have the Lord on my side a failure is not something to fear because I will rise again. Instead I should embrace that failure because it will be a way to learn and improve in my life. A man never willing to fail will surely never succeed.
P - Lord God, help me to remember that you are with me always and that you have promised to be there for me and help me up when I fail. I want to do great things for you and your kingdom and I ask for the strength to go out and do what you have called me to do. Help me to be that example to my children as someone who goes and does what they say they are going to do and to be a world-changer. Bless me and my family today and help us all to feel your presence.

Do Not Fear - 2 Timothy 1

S - 2 Timothy 1:⁷ For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
O - Paul is telling Timothy that God has given us the ability to overcome fear.
A - In our lives, we too have this same spirit. When fear grips us, I need to remember that this has now power against the Spirit of God that lives inside us as "Greater is He that lives in me than he that lives in this world". The Spirit is greater and full of power and love and a sound mind that we can tap into and beat fear right out of us. We are victorious because of Christ and we need to live in that victory instead of cowering in fear.
P - Heavenly Father, Thank you so very much for your Holy Spirit that lives inside of me. Help me to remember daily that fear has no place in my life. Help me to live 100% in your power and love and to tap into the sound mind that you have given me.

Act Without Partiality - 1 Timothy 5

S - 1 Timothy 5:²¹ I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality.
O - Paul is talking about how to treat the elders of the church in this section. In the previous verse he talks about bringing accusations against the elders with two or more witnesses so that they would be able to determine if the accusation was valid or not.
A - I am also put in situations where I need to "judge" whether or not something was an issue. I need to first of all listen to what is said, then listen to the Lord, and finally remove any prejudice or partiality from the situation. By removing any prejudice, I will be able to hear the still small voice of God openly and will be able to make a fair and "right" decision.
P - God, Help me to hear your voice continually. I want to be even nearer to you and to "know" you more. Be with me in times that decisions are made so that I can lean on your wisdom and understanding and away from any prejudice or partiality I may have in the situation. Bless my family and I today and be with us.

Commandments Regarding Food - 1 Timothy 4

S - ¹ Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith... and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. ⁴ For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving;
O - Near the end of time, he is saying that there will be people who depart from the faith and a few other signs including that people with COMMAND to abstain from certain foods. The list of the items that people will be doing are obviously not in agreement with God's will.
A - There are some, including me at times, that now try to make rules out of what type of food we should be eating. We need to be thinking of this verse in that we do not COMMAND to abstain from certain foods as it also says that "every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving." This to me sounds like if there are certain foods that may not be a nourishing as others, if we give thanks for the food it is good to eat.
P - Heavenly Father, Help me to minimize the number of rules that I make when you have not descriptively made the rule. Also help me to abstain from judging people and the choices that they make when they may do something that is not against your word. You have broken the chains of the law and I want to live in your grace and be able to also give that same grace to everyone that I meet and especially to my wife and children.

Associating with the Unchurched - 2 Thessalonians 3

S - 2 Thessalonians 3:¹⁴ And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.
O - Paul is wrapping up his letter and is pointing out that the Thessalonians should be very careful about what they do and to make sure that they do not keep company with those that do not follow what he has been talking about in this epistle.
A - At first glance this makes me think that I should be careful to not associate with people that are not Christians at all, but looking into this further this epistle takes a lot of time talking about the end times and that there will people that come and tell them that the end is coming when indeed it is not. This makes it more clear that we are to not keep company with those people that are spending false witnesses or false religions, not those that just don't know who God is. It is imperative that we do indeed take time with unbelievers so that we can be a light and a witness for God and His glory. However, there are still times that we do need to remove ourselves from unbelievers to renew our spirits and to be encouraged by believers. I just can't spend all of my time away from those that don't know God otherwise I can't spend the gospel.
P - God, help me to be a shining light to the world. Forgive me for the times that I have not treated my wife and family in a way that is right and that others would look at and want to know what and who I know and follow. Help me to be aware of the eyes that are watching me, both my family and unbelievers, so that I can be an example and a breath of fresh air that they want to follow and imitate.

Unbelievers' Punishment

S - 2 Thessalonians 2:⁸ in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power
O - Paul is talking about the people that do not believe in God and what the everlasting consequences will be for them. He paints the picture with phrases like flaming fire and everlasting destruction.
A - God is very serious about the fact that people should follow and accept Him as Lord and Savior. The consequences of not making Him Lord is eternal damnation. This makes me think of two things. First, for those outspoken atheist individuals that try to "convince" us believers that God isn't real and that we are being sucked into something that is made up, if they are unwilling to change their mindset and accept Jesus into their hearts, I don't need to prove anything to them; in the last day they will be faced with eternal damnation that will "convince" them that they were wrong after all. Second, even though individuals like that really rub me the wrong way, I need to have compassion on them and display actions of love toward them to try and explain the true love and grace of God. I need to show that same grace to people that Jesus did when He died on the cross so that they don't ignorantly go to their grave and face this type of punishment.
P - Heavenly Father, thank you so very much for the sacrifice that your Son Jesus gave for all of us when He died on the cross. I long to be near you in eternity and want my whole family to be their with me. Help me to have a heart for those that are turning their backs on you and to show and say things that help them understand the truth. Use me as your vessel to enlarge your kingdom.

Living Holy

S - 1Thessalonians 4:⁷ For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. ⁸ Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given^[a] us His Holy Spirit.
O - Paul is talking about sexual purity in this section and has told the Thessalonians that they are to be holy.
A - I am no different than the Thessalonians. God expects and wants me to live in holiness in every area of my life. He has given me the Holy Spirit to guide me through this walk and to speak to me. When I veer away from the course that he has mapped out for me I am rejecting Him and not man. It is vitally important that I hear the still small voice of God and then follow His message. Fight the old man daily! Jesus has overcome the grave and the devil and has given me this same power!
P - God, thank you so very much for your Son and the work He did on this earth to redeem us and to show us the example to live by. I think you for the Holy Spirit that you has placed inside of me. Help me to heed the call and to live a life that others will look at and want to know what I know. Bless my family and me every single day. I love you Lord!

Living Your Faith

s - 1 Thessalonians 1:8 Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.
O - Paul is recounting what took place when they first talked with the Thessalonians and how they accepted Jesus. He says that He does not even need to explain or tell others about their faith as they must have been showing it so much that words were not necessary.
A - My faith too should be so strong that no one needs to question or explain who and what I believe in. There is a difference in living your life as a good person and obeying the commandments and in living a radical life for Jesus. I have the power and grace from Him and I not only need to show that I obey His commands but that I can rise above the crowd and live abundantly. When I do this, I need to verbalize how I got here and be bold with the name of Jesus.
P - God, I praise you and worship you for who you are and what you have done for my family and I. Bless our lives and help us to live abundantly. Help me to be bold with your name and be confident in the life that I am living for your glory.

Laziness Kills

S - Proverbs 22:¹³ The lazy man says, “There is a lion outside!
I shall be slain in the streets!”
O - A lion was a larger threat to society back in the days of Solomon and would easily kill people. The lazy man that he is talking about is the man that knew the lion was near but instead of fleeing or finding a weapon to defend himself, he says to himself, "Why bother, I'm just going to die anyhow".
A - There are many situations in my life similar to this life-threatening situation with a lion in Biblical times. I may feel that there is no way to win or it doesn't matter, therefore, why even try to do something to make it better. These are the times that I need to look to God for clarification about the situation. He will help me to understand when The situation calls for a fight and when it doesn't. I need to be ready and willing to fight when He says to even when I'm tired or maybe don't want to. Also, I need to head His voice when He says not to fight when I really want to take on the challenge. This may be a situation that He is protecting me from some unwanted outcome.
P - Heavenly Father, I desperately need and want you near me daily. These daily decisions and questions that I have I need your guidance. Speak ever-so clearly to me and guide me every step of the day. Help me to overcome the laziness that tries to creep into me on a daily basis. I cast that out in the name of Jesus.

The Heart Behind Actions

S - ² Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,
But the LORD weighs the hearts.
O - Solomon is talking about the fact that every single person feels that what they do is right. However, God is the only one that truly can determine why something is being done.
A - There are two things that I can apply to my life. First, I shouldn't be judging people as I don't know what is going on in someone's life and/or heart. Judging someone based on a single act may not be the wisest decision as the heart is really what I would need to understand. This is extremely important as I train our children; focus on the heart not as much about the actions that can be seen. Once the heart is right, the actions will follow. Second, when I am making decisions I need to step back and look for God's guidance as He may be leading me in a direction that goes against what I feel is right. Paying attention to and seeking God's direction will save a lot of heartache as He will never lead me down a path that I can't handle.
P - Heavenly Father, I love and adore you! Bless my ways today and speak to me. Help me to not judge others but to instead learn and search for what may be in their heart instead so I can better help or love them. I pray for healing today for my family and I, 100% restoration in our health.

Letting God Speak Through Me

^{S - 11} But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate^[c] what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.
O - The disciples were asking Jesus about the end of times and He was describing the events that would take place before the end would come. He mentioned that they would be persecuting because of Him. When this was to happen he warned them not to worry or practice what they would say but to rely on the Holy Spirit for the words to say.
A - Most likely I won't have the same level of persecution that the apostles did but I will still have opportunities to talk about Jesus. In these instances, I need to also rely on the Holy Spirit for the words to speak that will be affective. In order for me to hear these words I need to be even closer to Him and "know" Him at an even deeper level.
P - Heavenly Father, I long for a deeper understanding of you and to be intimate with you. Fill my heart with your wisdom and understanding. Thank you for all of the blessings that you have showered on my life and the lives of my family. Be with us as we go about our days and let us always feel your presence.

Rigtheous Anger

S - ¹⁵ So they came to Jerusalem. Then Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves.
A - After Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem he came into the temple and found that there were many merchants selling things there. He became angry and started driving those people out and over-turning tables. When Jesus did this, I'm sure there were many people that were shocked at his behavior and probably many that thought it was wrong. However, the Bible has said that Jesus never sinned so even in this incident He also did not sin.
O - There are things worth fighting for in life. I need to realize when these cases come up and have the courage and strength to fight for what is right. When I do fight, I also need to remember to have a righteous anger and not one that is based in jealousy or envy or selfishness. I need to check my anger and make sure that it also falls in line with what God has told us through the Bible and what He has told me personally.
P - Heavenly Father, thank you so very much for sending you Son to save us and to show us the example that we can strive to live like. Help me to fight for those things that are important to me and my family and when I need to stick up for you. Give me the strength and courage to do that and give me a heart that loves people even if/when I may be angry with them.

August 26, 2011 - Proverbs 20

S - ⁴ The lazy man will not plow because of winter;
He will beg during harvest and have nothing.
⁷ The righteous man walks in his integrity;
His children are blessed after him.
O - David says here that the lazy man will have nothing but that the children of the righteous father will be blessed because him.
A - These two scriptures go hand and glove. If I am a man that neglects to do what I need to do to support my family, I and they will have nothing and beg for our needs. But it goes even further than this. I have not only been placed here to support my family but also to show them what it means to be righteous and to do what I have called to do. When I go to that level, not only will our needs be met but my children will be blessed because of it. I want to bless my children and future generations abundantly!
P - Lord, I come to you asking for help in these times to not only give me a desire and will to provide for my family but the ability and strength to be righteous and complete what you have call me to do. I pray for finances and for peace. Take away any of the anxieties that I have with our future and how we can provide for our family. I give you my body and spirit to do with me as you would please to further your kingdom.

August 24, 2011 - Proverbs 18

S - ¹ A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire;
He rages against all wise judgment.
²⁴ A man who has friends must himself be friendly,
But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
O - David is talking about two points above. First, taking counsel; and second, friendship.
A - A man who isolates himself is being selfish and seeking only what he wants. It is vital that I look to and follow the counsel of those that are more knowledgeable than me in a specific area in my life. Instead of the way I do it now, looking to only the very sharp and polished individual that I look up to and respect for counsel, I should be looking to everyone that I meet for their specific guidance in their area of expertise. This doesn't mean that I should blindly follow anyone but that I test the advice against what God says to validate it.
I also want to be a man that influences people and have a wealth of friends. However, I need to be friendly to generate and draw these friends to me. I need to be the one starting conversations and really caring about what these people are saying. Being understanding and granting grace and not looking down on them for something that may have been said or done. I need to be interesting and fun as well.
P - Lord, help me to really live a life of excellence and draw people to me for your glory and purpose. Put people in my life that I can look to for your word to come through. Help me to value every single person for the goodness that they have and as children of yours. Help me to be a person that people generally want to be around and know that they can call and I would be there to help them. Give me the desire to go out of my way for them and put my selfish desires behind their needs. Be with my family and me today and bless our actions.

August 23, 2011 - Judges 16

S - ¹⁵ Then Delilah pouted, “How can you tell me, ‘I love you,’ when you don’t share your secrets with me? You’ve made fun of me three times now, and you still haven’t told me what makes you so strong!” ¹⁶ She tormented him with her nagging day after day until he was sick to death of it.
O - Samson loved this woman, Delilah, but she was trying to hurt him. He lied to her three times about how his strength could be squelched and three times she did exactly what he said would make him weak. The fourth time she comes to him pouting, nagging, and tormenting him.
A - There are people in our lives and those that we have not yet met that may at first look like they like us and want to be friends but we need to keep a objective eye open toward this relationship and see if they are truly acting in both their and our best interests. This doesn't mean that if someone screws up one time we up and leave them but in the case like Samson where if he were to step back and look at the situation, he would have seen three blatant attempts to hurt him and that would have been a good time to leave the relationship as it was clearly not in his best interest.
P - Heavenly Father, I praise you for what you are doing in me and my family's life. You truly are the giver of life and the enricher of life. Give me wisdom and discernment as I go through life and meet people to understand what their perspective is of our relationship. Help me to be bold and confident when there is danger and be able to do what is right for them and me. I love you. Thanks for always being with me.

August 16, 2011 - Joshua 6

S - ²⁰ So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat.

O - This is one of the great miracles that is recorded in the Bible. God has told Joshua that the city of Jericho would be given to the Israelites, but they would need to follow His plan in order to receive this promise. One thing that must have happened as all of these Israelites marched around the city for the previous six days is that the wall took a ton of vibrations and made the rocks unsettle. This was not the only reason that the wall fell on the seventh day but if Joshua would have short-cutted the plan, I believe the wall wouldn't have fell.

A - I too have a God-given plan for my life and the times that I have looked for a short cut all that I was doing was sabotaging the plan that I was to follow and my work was in vain. I need to continually look to the Lord for guidance on what I should be doing to ensure that I am following the plan that He has laid out for me. Without His guidance and help my actions my succeed but not nearly to the extent that they would by following Him.

P - Heavenly Father, I praise you for your wonderful works that you did for Joshua and continue to do for me and those that follow you. Please guide me in my daily actions and bless the work that I do so that I can achieve the plan that you have set out for me. Not for my glory but that my success can be that light on the mountain-top that others look at a wonder how I did this and I can be a testimony for you and your kingdom. Bless me and my family today and everyday. Amen

August 11, 2011 - Proverbs 16

S - ²⁶ It is good for workers to have an appetite;
an empty stomach drives them on.

O - David is talking here about having motivation to work. When he was alive there was probably the same types of wants and needs that we still have today that would drive people to succeed and/or live.

A - I need to always find what is motivating me and focus on that dream to help me to continue on and fight for what He has called me to do. Daily I should be looking to this dream to help me to stay focused and not to get bogged down with the day to day grind.

P - Heavenly Father, help me to stay focused on the goal that you have set out before me. Place people and things in my life that will help me to stay committed daily to the work that I need to do to achieve this goal. I know that without you all of my work is in vain so I ask you now to bless my work today and everyday; not for my glory but so that I can be a shining light on the hilltop that proclaims your goodness.

August 10, 2011 -Psalm 15

S - 4 but honors those who fear the LORD;

who keeps an oath even when it hurts,
and does not change their mind;
⁵ who lends money to the poor without interest;
who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.

Whoever does these things
will never be shaken.

O - David is talking about who will and will not be able to be in God's presence. He has just went through those traits that remove people from His presence. Now he goes on to talk about those traits that bring people into His presence. The theme of these positive traits is integrity.

A - Integrity doesn't mean to me that you can't still fight for what you want as this may cause someone else to not achieve what they want. What integrity means is that I am a man of my word, ALWAYS! If I say I am going to do it, regardless of the importance or if anyone is paying attention, I do it, ALWAYS. Integrity means standing up for those that can't stand up for themselves, even if it costs me something or is looked down on by others, ALWAYS. Integrity means doing the right thing regardless of the cost or the missed "opportunity" because it's right, ALWAYS!

P - God, Please give me the wisdom to know what is the right thing to do and give me the strength to do it even when there may be a perceived cost associated with it. You have promised that you will bless the righteous and take away from those that walk in corruption; I cling to that promise and want badly to be that righteous person daily.

August 7 - 2 Corinthians 12

S - My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.

O - Paul was talking about how he pleaded with God to take away his thorn in the flesh and this is what God told him.

A - I too have many weaknesses and flaws and because of these I can see that the only way that I could stand in front of God and be certain of where I was going is through the grace of God. But in addition to that, God's grace is for here on earth. He has given me the ability and strength to face these fiery darts that the evil one throws against me to derail me from my purpose and to come out on top and be victorious. I need to always remember that I can't do things on my own without His help because as much as I might try; I can't be perfect.

P - Heavenly Father, thank you for your grace which is sufficient for me. Help me to daily remember what you have done for me and to look to you for strength when I face the challenges and weaknesses in life. I love you!

Amen

August 2, 2011 - 2 Corinthians 7

S - ⁶ Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us...

O - Paul is talking here about the conflicts that he was seeing in the world and the fears that he had on the inside but when Titus same and told the report of the Corinthians it gave him great joy. God used Titus' report to lift Paul's spirit.

A - There are and will be troubles, conflicts, and fears in my life but God is the only one that can bring comfort. Many in the world, and even myself at times, run to things that bring them happiness but only to find out that this type of happiness or fun seeking fades quickly. God's comfort and peace is long lasting and he promises to take all of our burdens on and that he cares for even the smallest of birds so why wouldn't He do even more for one of His children. I need to constantly run to Him for this peace and remind myself daily of His love, protection, and grace so that I don't run to pursue a thrill seeking experience that will just make me feel even worse once the adrenaline has worn off.

P - God, Thank you for your comfort, protection and peace. Help me to daily remember this and to look to you for guidance throughout life. You truly are amazing!

August 1, 2011 - 2 Corinthians 6

S - 1 We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain.

O - The Corinthians had a special opportunity to hear the word of God from Paul who must have been quite the speaker as he was full of conviction. I wonder if there were some people, just like there is today, that believed what he said just because of the way he said it with so much confidence. However, when he left there wasn't a lot of knowledge to back up this decision they made and therefore they started falling away and/or doing nothing to spread this word.

A - I am no different than these Corinthians. I have heard the word of God from some very powerful speakers and from some passionate speakers and have answered God's call. I need to daily remind myself of this decision and regardless of what I may feel, I need to stay the course and praise God for His grace in my life. I should be propelled to spread His word and to fulfill His call on my life.

P - Heavenly Father. I thank you so much for speaking into my life and calling me to be one of your childern. Help me to daily remember your grace and to share this with others as I go about living my life according to your plan. Thank you for being with me and my family today and help me to lead my family in love and with protection always looking to you for strength. Amen.

July 6 - Romans 14

S - ⁷ For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. ⁸ For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.

O - Paul is talking about not condemning their fellow Romans if they choose to eat certain foods or if they abstain from certain foods. When it comes down to it he says that whether or not you choose to eat the food or not they are to do it for the Lord because their life is for the Lord either way.

A - There are many things in life that I don't have the answer for and if I don't hear specifically from the Lord on these issues I may never know the answer. However, as Paul states, I am to live my life for the Lord and these things then don't matter as He knows that I don't have all of the answers. I am to be a vessel of hope and love and joy for others to see and to ask "what got into him?". I want to do amazing things for the Lord. I want to serve Him everyday of my life through everything that I think, say and do.

P - Dear Heavenly Father. You are truly amazing and worthy of every ounce of praise! Thank you for blessing me life with a tremendous family, tremendous home, and tremendous life. Help me to daily look to you for answers and to think, say, and do what you've called me to do to serve you and your kingdom. I lay my life before you and ask for your wisdom and guidance as to how to best serve your kingdom. Help me to be the husband and father that my family needs and desires. Forgive me when I have failed in this and sinned in other areas. I thank you for your forgiveness and your covenant that you made with Abraham and that carries over to me. Help me today to stay away from any temptations. You are awesome Lord! In Jesus' name I pray.

Amen

May 27, 2011 - Act 5

S - Acts 5:4b You have not lied to men but to God
O - Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, had sold their posessions and, as many were doing at this time, brought the proceeds to the house of the Lord so as to share this with the other believers. However, they decided to bring only a portion of the proceeds and keep the rest. This in itself was not wrong but they told the leaders that they brought it all. Due to this lie, later on in the chapter one by one they told this lie and both died instantly.
A - Throughout life there are ample opportunities to tell the truth or to lie without anyone knowing what is the truth. However, there is always one that knows the truth and sees everything, God. When we decide to bend or twist the truth or flat out lie, they are all the same; it's a lie. God knows this lie and even if we think we get away with this lie, ince no one found out the truth, He knows it and ultimately He is the only one that we should really be worried about. Due to all that He has done for us, we should do all that we can to not only please Him but serve and honor Him.
In addition to this, another reason we should refrain from lies is that when we tell the truth we never have to remember what we told other people. When there are lies thrown out, we need to be aware of who we told what so as to not get 'caught' in our lie, even though we have already been caught by our Heavenly Father. Telling the truth is just so much easier and we've been commanded to do so.
P - Heavenly Father, thank you for alll that you have done for me. Help me to honor you by always telling the truth and being a man that others can count on truth and integrity from. Forgive me for those lies that I have told in the past and help me be an example to my family on what it really means to tell the truth and have integrity in every area of my life. Amen.

Galations 3 - April 26, 2011

S - ²⁶ For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
O - We have become sons of God through our faith in Jesus and what he has done for us.
A - When I think about being a son, I think about what it means to be a father to my sons. I want only the best for my sons and want them to enjoy life, prosper in life and influence many people throughout their life. Is it that much different how God feels towards us as His sons? He has promised life and life more abundantly to us. He has told us to go and make disciples of all the world. He not only wants for us what I want for my sons but He has went and demonstrated perfectly how we are to live and be an influence to the world around us through His son Jesus Christ. He has given us that same power to live victorious but we can only live that life when we are in tune with Him and have that authentic relationship with Him.
P - Heavenly Father, help me to be that father that my sons can look to as an example of how to live and to see what you as their heavenly father are like as well. Give me the desire to have that close relationship with you and that burn to be near you every single minute of every day. Thank you for the sacrifice of your only son to redeem me, my family, and the entire world. Help me to look on every person that I meet today as that dear child of yours and treat him/her as special and precious as they too are you children and may be in need of hearing about you through my word and/or actions. Amen.

2 Samuel 7 - April 14, 2011

O - David has talked to Nathan about building a temple for God. However, God doesn't want David to build him a temple.
A - Even though building a temple would be a very good thing for David to do for the Lord, he is directed not to do this. There are things in my life as well that are good and most people would assume that these might be what we should do, however, it is very important that I seek God's will for my life to ensure that I'm following what He wants me to do. Most times people don't miss doing great things because they are busy doing bad things but because they are busy doing only good things. God wants to use my life for GREAT things. I have to relinquish control of my life to Him so that He can use me.
P - God, Speak very clearly to me and guide me through this life. Use me for your kingdom and your glory. Help me to give control of my life to you and not struggle with want you want me to do but to immediately submit to you and obediently do want you want. I know that you will only use me for your glory and for my blessing and that you know all things. Help me to instill this same desire in my children.
Amen

1 Samuel 24 - April 11, 2011

S - ¹⁷ Then he said to David: “You are more righteous than I; for you have rewarded me with good, whereas I have rewarded you with evil.
O - Saul realized that David had the ability to kill him while he was in the cave with him. However, David restrained himself from killing Saul even though there were members of his group that were urging him to do so. David had to think about that as he was running for his life and he now had the opportunity to kill Saul and get back to his life and even better yet, be the king.
A- People tend to judge us more by what we do and how we act than what we say. We are to be a shining light for the whole world to see. Even when the world may seem to be coming against me, I need to show loving kindness to others. How can I win others to my cause and to Christ without rewarding people to goodness and not evil.
P - Dear Heavenly Father, help me to show goodness to people. Use me to further your kingdom in heaven and to bless people on this earth. I want people to see you through me in everything that I do. Help me especially show this goodness to my family and to my wife. Forgive me for the times that I have not show this goodness and help me to be a great examples for my children to follow. I love you Lord!
Amen

1 Samuel 20 - April 8, 2011

S - ⁴¹ As soon as the lad had gone, David arose from a place toward the south, fell on his face to the ground, and bowed down three times. And they kissed one another; and they wept together, but David more so.
O - Jonathon and David had such a tight relationship that even though they found out that Saul was trying to kill David they both had a very difficult time saying goodbye to one another. Jonathon was choosing sides in his father's eyes and also faced death as he through a spear at him when Saul found out that Jonathon allowed David to leave.
A - Not everyone in our lives will we bond with as Jonathon and David did but there will surely be a few that we do. It is extremely important to remember this bond and not let anything get in-between this relationship.
What better relationship than that of a husband and wife. I need to remember that even though there are many other people in the world, I need to put Christa's needs above everyone else besides God. This is not only good but what God desires.
P - God, help me to value those relationships that you have put into my life. Help me to nurture them and daily look for ways to improve them. Bless my wife and help me to value her and show her this more than anyone else that I know. Amen

1 Samuel 16 - April 5, 2011

S - For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.
O - As Samuel was looking at Jesse's sons and trying to determine which son would be the next king, the first son Eliab must have been quite a strong and good looking man as Samuel was convinced that he must be the chosen one. God said otherwise as He is more interested on what is on the inside of a person than the exterior.
A - As I'm walking through life I need to be aware that things that I can see are not always the most important. It is critical that I hear God's voice and follow obediently as only He can see the heart and character of a person. As I work with many people that need to understand who they really are, I know that I can only understand this through God's help. I can use all of the self-help and good communication skills that have ever been written about but without God's guidance there is still a good chance the I'll be judging a book by it's cover and be mistaken by some individuals as to who they really are.
Additionally, I always need to remember that every person is a gift from God. Later on in the chapter Samuel chooses David to be king, much to the surprise of probably everyone there. Even as everyone dismissed David and didn't even think it important enough for him to be there in the first place, we tend to dismiss people because of the way they look or talk or even walk. I need to remember that these people are still God's creation and value them as highly as I value myself and my family.
P - Lord, help me to continually hear your voice. Speak to me daily and guide me throughout life. Help me to see people through your eyes and to work and talk with those that have the true characteristics that you show me. Help me to value all people even as your Son died for every single person in the world. How amazing and completely selfless to die for even those that you knew would reject Him but you still love them. Give me that same heart toward every person that I run into throughout my life. In Jesus' name, Amen