Daily Prayer_Today's Reading from Butler's Daily Bible Reading

The End

 

"And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:15)

 

We've come to the end of the year, and our verse speaks of the end for the ungodly. It is not a pretty picture, but is a verse that ought to make everyone sit up and take notice. It deals with the eternal destiny of the ungodly. Nothing is so important as our eternal destiny. The destiny of the ungodly is judgment. Our text tells of the guide for the judgment, the grace in the judgment, and the greatness of the judgment.

Guide for the judgment. "Whosoever was not found written in the book of life." If your name is not written in heaven's book of life, you will be cast into eternal hellfire. There is no exception here. No matter who you are, if your name is not found in the book of life, you will be cast into hellfire. It makes no difference if you are in books of importance in the world or if you are in some church membership book or some other book; but the guide for judgment is if you are in the book of life in heaven. God has provided a way for a person to get included in heaven's book of life. The way is to come to Jesus Christ for your salvation. Without Christ you cannot get in the book of life.

Grace in the judgment. "Whosoever was not found." The word "found" suggests that there was a search made for your name. God will look in the book to see if your name is there. This searching is grace. And it reminds us that Divine judgment is fair. It is according to the facts. "The judgment of God is according to truth" (Romans 2:2).

Greatness of the judgment. "Was cast into the lake of fire." Being cast into the lake of fire says the judgment is indeed great for those not in the book of life. The greatness of the judgment speaks of the greatness of sin. If the judgment is so great, how great must be our sin. Never play down the seriousness of any sin, for sin leads to eternal hellfire. The greatness of the judgment also speaks of the greatness of suffering. "Lake of fire" speaks of the worst suffering possible. The human mind cannot fathom existing in a lake of fire. The suffering is indescribable, but it is the end for the ungodly.

Daily Bible Reading: Sermonettes #1.

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My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

1 Peter 2:2-3 (ESV)
² Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— ³ if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

 





 

Daily Prayer_December 9, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 9:10 (ESV)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 25:16-18 (ESV)
¹⁶ Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. ¹⁷ The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses. ¹⁸ Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Matthew 7:28-29 (ESV)
²⁸ And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, ²⁹ for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.

My observation:

Today we conclude our walk through the Sermon on the Mount. This is also the time that we take a break from writing for the remainder of December. We will be seeking God's direction for our life and our ministry for 2012. We will be back in January.

What a wonderful thing it is for us to be able to sit at the feet of Jesus, and listen to him speak with authority through the word of God. Unlike other religious teachers, they had to cite traditions and authorities in support of their teachings. Jesus didn't need to quote any authorities because he was the authority. He is the original Word, and he is in a class of one.

John 1:1 (ESV)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:14 (ESV)
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so grateful that you sent Jesus into the world to show us the way to God. Father, I thank you for the grace and mercy of the Lord, and that Jesus is sufficient for all of our needs. Father, I am so glad that Jesus can do anything but fail.

John 1:12-13 (HCSB)
¹² But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name, ¹³ who were born, not of blood, or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but of God.

My song:

Jesus Never Fails (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6-_jkYb1cc

--

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://www.herbcotton.org
To receive via email: Send request to me at: herb@herbcotton.org

1 Peter 2:2-3 (ESV)
² Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— ³ if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

 





 

Daily Prayer_December 8, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 8:34 (ESV)
Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors.

Proverbs 8:14 (ESV)
I have counsel and sound wisdom; I have insight; I have strength.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 25:15 (ESV)
My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for he will pluck my feet out of the net.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Matthew 7:26-27 (ESV)
²⁶ And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. ²⁷ And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it."

My observation:

Today's focal passage from Matthew continues the thought that we looked at yesterday. The choice word is foundation. No reasonable person would intentionally build a house on land that was a sink hole. I believe the same applies to building a life. The issue for most people who build their life apart from Jesus being the foundation is that they just don't think about the consequences.

This is where believers can serve a useful purpose. We can be a tool in the hands of Jesus to help people think about their life purpose, and the consequences of building their lives on an inferior foundation. Jesus is real, relevant, and reliable. Jesus is the rock you can build your life upon. Listen to his testimony of what he can do for you.

John 5:24 (ESV)
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I pray that today will be the day when someone takes the time to think about the purpose of life. Father, may they see Jesus as their only hope of eternal life.

2 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV)
For he says, "In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

My song:

The Only Hope We Have Is In Jesus (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3M_NbHxIiGA

--

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://www.herbcotton.org
To receive via email: Send request to me at: herb@herbcotton.org

1 Peter 2:2-3 (ESV)
² Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— ³ if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

 





 

Daily Prayer_December 7, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 7:1 (MSG)
Dear friend, do what I tell you; treasure my careful instructions.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 25:14 (ESV)
The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Matthew 7:24-25 (ESV)
²⁴ "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. ²⁵ And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.

My observation:

The choice word for today is foundation. What kind of building materials are you building your life upon? As for me, I have made my choice. You can have the world, but give me Jesus.

1 Corinthians 3:11 (ESV)
For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

The hymn writer expresses my heart in the lyrics from the hymn, "The Solid Rock".

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.

• Refrain:
  On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
  All other ground is sinking sand,
  All other ground is sinking sand.

John 1:12 (ESV)
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so grateful that you sent Jesus into the world to be the foundation on which I can build my life. I am so glad that I can sing, "I'm a child of the King". Father, I ask you to cleanse my heart, and bend my will so that I will be a hearer and doer of the word of God. Father God, make me a wise builder.

--

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://www.herbcotton.org
To receive via email: Send request to me at: herb@herbcotton.org

1 Peter 2:2-3 (ESV)
² Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— ³ if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

 





 

Daily Prayer_December 6, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 6:23 (HCSB)
For a command is a lamp, teaching is a light, and corrective discipline is the way to life.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 25:12-13 (HCSB)
¹² Who is the man who fears the Lord? He will show him the way he should choose. ¹³ He will live a good life, and his descendants will inherit the land.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Matthew 7:21-23 (HCSB)
²¹ "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord!' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but [only] the one who does the will of My Father in heaven. ²² On that day many will say to Me, 'Lord, Lord, didn't we prophesy in Your name, drive out demons in Your name, and do many miracles in Your name?' ²³ Then I will announce to them, 'I never knew you! Depart from Me, you lawbreakers!'

My observation:

Jesus has previously warned about false prophets. In our focal passage for today he warns about false disciples.

It is not the outward display of power that shows you are a genuine disciple. Rather, it is the inward relationship you have with the living Savior that marks you as a child of God. It is not your mighty works that saves you, it is the might work of God in Christ that saves you. Do you know the Savior?

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so grateful for the love of God for the world that caused you to empty heaven of your most precious possession to save sinners like me. Thank you Jesus for all that you have done for me. Where would I be if I didn't know the Lord?

John 3:16-18 (HCSB)
¹⁶ "For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. ¹⁸ Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the One and Only Son of God.

 

--

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://www.herbcotton.org
To receive via email: Send request to me at: herb@herbcotton.org

1 Peter 2:2-3 (ESV)
² Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— ³ if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

 





 

Daily Prayer_December 5, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 5:21 (MSG)
Mark well that God doesn't miss a move you make; he's aware of every step you take.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 25:11 (ESV)
For your name's sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt, for it is great.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Matthew 7:15-20 (HCSB)
¹⁵ "Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves. ¹⁶ You'll recognize them by their fruit. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? ¹⁷ In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit. ¹⁸ A good tree can't produce bad fruit; neither can a bad tree produce good fruit. ¹⁹ Every tree that doesn't produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ²⁰ So you'll recognize them by their fruit.

My observation:

The choice word for today's focal passage from the teaching of Jesus is the word "discernment". In this portion of his teaching Jesus returns to the theme of having the need for balance. He previous taught them not to be quick to judge, but also to beware of being naively accepting.

The Pharisees and the scribes had lots of professions, but Jesus put up a bright warning sign admonishing his followers to beware of false prophets. Today, we must beware of false teachers in the church.

2 Peter 2:1 (HCSB)
But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, and will bring swift destruction on themselves.

Jesus said his disciples should be prepared to be fruit inspectors of those who come proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom. Don't just listen to what they say without checking it out in the scriptures. If they are true teachers of the gospel their lives will show the evidence of spiritual fruit. It's not just about the talk, it's about the walk. The destiny of the false teacher is destruction. Listen to Jesus; beware of those you choose to follow.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I pray for the grace gift of being able to wisely discern those who are false prophets and false teachers among us. Father, surround your people with fruit bearing servants who will love and care for your people with the compassion that you have for us.

--

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://www.herbcotton.org
To receive via email: Send request to me at: herb@herbcotton.org

1 Peter 2:2-3 (ESV)
² Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— ³ if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

 





 

Sunday Morning Reflections_December 4, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 4:23 (HCSB)
Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 145:18 (HCSB)
The Lord is near all who call out to Him, all who call out to Him with integrity.

The Word of God for encouragement:

1 Corinthians 1:22-25 (HCSB)
²² For the Jews ask for signs and the Greeks seek wisdom, ²³ but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles. ²⁴ Yet to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is God's power and God's wisdom, ²⁵ because God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I cry out to you with my voice, and with my whole heart I make my supplication to you. Father, you are my only hope in the land of the dying. You and you alone are the source of life. Father God, I am so grateful that you are a God who answers prayer and is near all who call out to you with integrity. Father, I ask you to help me by your power and wisdom to guard my heart above all else.

--

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://www.herbcotton.org
To receive via email: Send request to me at: herb@herbcotton.org

1 Peter 2:2-3 (ESV)
² Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— ³ if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

 





 

Daily Prayer_December 2, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 2:1-5 (MSG)
¹ Good friend, take to heart what I'm telling you; collect my counsels and guard them with your life. ² Tune your ears to the world of Wisdom; set your heart on a life of Understanding. ³ That's right—if you make Insight your priority, and won't take no for an answer, ⁴ Searching for it like a prospector panning for gold, like an adventurer on a treasure hunt, ⁵ Believe me, before you know it Fear-of-God will be yours; you'll have come upon the Knowledge of God.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 25:8-10 (ESV)
⁸ Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. ⁹ He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. ¹⁰ All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Matthew 7:13-14 (NLT)
¹³ "You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. ¹⁴ But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.

My observation:

If you want to know the way to God which way do you choose? Jesus taught his disciples that the choice before them was the narrow way and the broad way. These two ways lead to different destinations; the narrow way to heaven, and the broad way to hell. Jesus reminded his disciples that the way of the Pharisees was not the way to God.

Matthew 5:20 (NLT)
"But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!

The narrow way is the only way to God. If your destination is heaven, then Jesus is the only way. The choice you make has eternal consequences. Think about it.

John 14:6 (HCSB)
Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

John 10:10 (HCSB)
A thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I thank you for sending Jesus to show us the way, and to be the way to spend eternity with God. Father, I thank you for the narrow way that leads to life. Thank you for Jesus, my Savior, and the Lord of my life.

My song:

He is Lord (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQaolD8FCwQ

--

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://www.herbcotton.org
To receive via email: Send request to me at: herb@herbcotton.org

1 Peter 2:2-3 (ESV)
² Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— ³ if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

 





 

Daily Prayer_December 1, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 1:7 (MSG)
Start with God—the first step in learning is bowing down to God; only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 25:6-7 (HCSB)
⁶ Remember, Lord, Your compassion and Your faithful love, for they [have existed] from antiquity. ⁷ Do not remember the sins of my youth or my acts of rebellion; in keeping with Your faithful love, remember me because of Your goodness, Lord.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Matthew 7:12 (HCSB)
Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them—this is the Law and the Prophets.

My observation:

Our focal passage from the Gospel of Matthew opens with the word "Therefore". I have been instructed that when I see this in the scriptures, I should ask the question, "What is the therefore "there for"?" Jesus did not speak the words of our passage in isolation. Let's look at what Jesus said previous to this statement.

Matthew 7:6 (HCSB)
Don't give what is holy to dogs or toss your pearls before pigs, or they will trample them with their feet, turn, and tear you to pieces.

The pearl in this passage is the kingdom of God. The dogs and pigs in this passage can be associated with people who don't value the things of the kingdom. There are some people that you will meet in this world who want to hurt and harm you. How do you avoid being a victim of the schemes of the enemy of your soul? The answer is to pray every day for discernment.

Matthew 7:7-8 (HCSB)
⁷ "Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

There are some people in this world that you can't apply the golden rule to. Don't give what is holy to dogs and pigs. Yet, we are to be merciful, forgiving, and slow to anger. Now, this should keep us on our knees in constant prayer. We need discernment to know when to move on.

Matthew 10:14 (HCSB)
If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that house or town.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I need the wisdom of God to be able to rightly apply the golden rule. Father, give me that wisdom that comes from spending much time in your presence in prayer. Father, without you, I cannot strike the balance between discernment and being slow to judge.

James 1:5 (HCSB)
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him.

 

--

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://www.herbcotton.org
To receive via email: Send request to me at: herb@herbcotton.org

1 Peter 2:2-3 (ESV)
² Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— ³ if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

 





 

Daily Prayer_November 30, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 30:7-9 (NLT)
⁷ O God, I beg two favors from you; let me have them before I die. ⁸ First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. ⁹ For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, "Who is the Lord?" And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God's holy name.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 25:4-5 (HCSB)
⁴ Make Your ways known to me, Lord; teach me Your paths. ⁵ Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; I wait for You all day long.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Matthew 7:7-11 (HCSB)
⁷ "Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. ⁹ What man among you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? ¹⁰ Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? ¹¹ If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

My observation:

The choice word for today is prayer. As a child of God, we are so blessed to have unlimited access to our heavenly Father. Whatever we need our heavenly Father is able and willing to provide. However, for prayers to be answered they must be prayed.

The words of one of my favorite hymns speaks about the consequences of neglecting to pray. Think about it.

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, we come to your throne room of grace this morning as needy people. We come as an empty pitcher before a full fountain. Father, will you fill my cup with what I need today; Lord, not my will, but thy will be done in me. What I ask for myself, I also ask for my family and my friends.

Father, I stretch my hands to Thee,
No other help I know;
If Thou withdraw Thyself from me,
Ah! whither shall I go?

--

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://www.herbcotton.org
To receive via email: Send request to me at: herb@herbcotton.org

1 Peter 2:2-3 (ESV)
² Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— ³ if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

 





 

Daily Prayer_November 29, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 29:20 (NLT)
There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 25:3 (HCSB)
No one who waits for You will be disgraced; those who act treacherously without cause will be disgraced.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Matthew 7:1-6 (HCSB)
¹ "Do not judge, so that you won't be judged. ² For with the judgment you use, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. ³ Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye but don't notice the log in your own eye? ⁴ Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and look, there's a log in your eye? ⁵ Hypocrite! First take the log out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. ⁶ Don't give what is holy to dogs or toss your pearls before pigs, or they will trample them with their feet, turn, and tear you to pieces.

My observation:

In our focal passage for today from the Sermon on the Mount Jesus teaches his disciples an important lesson about how to deal with a brother or sister in Christ who stumbles. He warns about judging, but does not completely prohibit it. Rather, he called for self-examination and eye surgery on self first.  God expects you to have discernment, and he will give it to you. Notice the admonition of Jesus in verse six.

As a Christian we all stumble. However, the good news is that we belong to a God who loves us supremely, and is a God of unending mercy. Where would you and I be without the grace of God? As for me, grace and mercy suits my case. Think about these scriptures:

Isaiah 63:9 (MSG)
In all their troubles, he was troubled, too. He didn't send someone else to help them. He did it himself, in person. Out of his own love and pity he redeemed them. He rescued them and carried them along for a long, long time.

Galatians 6:1 (MSG)
Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I pray that you would help me to align my attitude, and my activity with that of Jesus. Father, give me an attitude that is motivated by love, and activities that demonstrate love in action. Father, if you find in me a condemning spirit toward those who stumble, I ask that you replace it with a spirit of redemption.

--

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://www.herbcotton.org
To receive via email: Send request to me at: herb@herbcotton.org

1 Peter 2:2-3 (ESV)
² Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— ³ if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

 





 

Daily Prayer_November 28, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 28:20 (NLT)
The trustworthy person will get a rich reward, but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 25:1-2 (ESV)
¹ To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. ² O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Matthew 6:31-34 (ESV)
³¹ Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' ³² For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. ³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. ³⁴ "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

My observation:

We take up today where we left off on Friday. Our Lord continues to teach his disciples about the kingdom principle of the disciples of Christ having faith in God. If we have constant anxiety in our life we need to examine our faith.

Matthew 6:30 (ESV)
But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

The surest and clearest path to living without anxiety is to put God first in our life, and to learn to trust in God to supply all of our needs. We can trust in God to meet all of our needs, all the time, and on time. That is how good and how generous my God is.

There is an old wise saying that says, "Today is the tomorrow we worried about yesterday". Being anxious about tomorrow won't change the outcome.

Matthew 6:34 (ESV)
"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so grateful that I have a God in whom I can trust in for today, and for all of my tomorrows. Father, I am so thankful that my creator knows about all of my needs, and that includes the material things that are necessary for life. Father God, if you find my faith to be defective, will you fix it so that I will learn to trust in you absolutely and always.

--

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://www.herbcotton.org
To receive via email: Send request to me at: herb@herbcotton.org

1 Peter 2:2-3 (ESV)
² Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— ³ if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

 





 

Sunday Morning Reflections_November 27, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 27:9 (MSG)
Just as lotions and fragrance give sensual delight, a sweet friendship refreshes the soul.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 116:18-19 (MSG)
¹⁸ I'll complete what I promised God I'd do, and I'll do it in company with his people, ¹⁹ In the place of worship, in God's house, in Jerusalem, God's city. Hallelujah!

The Word of God for encouragement:

1 John 2:5 (NLT)
But those who obey God's word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him.

1 John 2:10 (NLT)
Anyone who loves another brother or sister is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble.

1 John 2:15 (NLT)
Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I thank you for the love of God who lives and abides in me by the presence of the Holy Spirit who is love. Father, help me by your divine power to love you with my whole heart, and to love others with your love.

Romans 5:5 (NLT)
And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

 

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My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://www.herbcotton.org
To receive via email: Send request to me at: herb@herbcotton.org

1 Peter 2:2-3 (ESV)
² Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— ³ if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

 





 

Daily Prayer_November 25, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 25:28 (MSG)
A person without self-control is like a house with its doors and windows knocked out.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 116:16-17 (HCSB)
¹⁶ Lord, I am indeed Your servant; I am Your servant, the son of Your female servant. You have loosened my bonds. ¹⁷ I will offer You a sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of Yahweh.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Matthew 6:25-30 (HCSB)
²⁵ "This is why I tell you: Don't worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn't life more than food and the body more than clothing? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the sky: They don't sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you worth more than they? ²⁷ Can any of you add a single cubit to his height by worrying? ²⁸ And why do you worry about clothes? Learn how the wildflowers of the field grow: they don't labor or spin thread. ²⁹ Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these! ³⁰ If that's how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow, won't He do much more for you—you of little faith?

My observation:

In our focal passage for today Jesus teaches his disciples a very important truth that flows from his prior teaching about God and possessions. The choice word is worry. The choice verse for me in this passage is this one.

Matthew 6:26 (HCSB)
Look at the birds of the sky: They don't sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you worth more than they?

Yes, I know how much I am loved and cared for by my heavenly Father. For me to worry is to lack faith in him. Worry is my enemy, but God in my friend. As for me, I will trust in the Lord; in his promises and in his provisions.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so grateful that there is a God in heaven who is able to keep every promise in the Word of God. Father God, I thank you for every promise in the book, and for every provision that you give freely to your believing children. Father, I choose the master over money. Father, I believe that you will do much more for me if I seek you first and trust in you.

Matthew 6:24 (HCSB)
"No one can be a slave of two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot be slaves of God and of money.

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My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://www.herbcotton.org
To receive via email: Send request to me at: herb@herbcotton.org

1 Peter 2:2-3 (ESV)
² Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— ³ if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

 





 

Daily Prayer_Happy Thanksgiving

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 24:27 (HCSB)
Complete your outdoor work, and prepare your field; afterward, build your house.

John 9:4 (HCSB)
We must do the works of Him who sent Me while it is day. Night is coming when no one can work.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 116:12-14 (NASB)
¹² What shall I render to the Lord For all His benefits toward me? ¹³ I shall lift up the cup of salvation And call upon the name of the Lord. ¹⁴ I shall pay my vows to the Lord, Oh may it be in the presence of all His people.

The Word of God for encouragement:

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (HCSB)
¹⁶ Rejoice always! ¹⁷ Pray constantly. ¹⁸ Give thanks in everything, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING – MAY YOUR CUP OVERFLOW WITH BLESSINGS FROM THE LORD TODAY AND EVERY DAY.

 

My prayer:

Psalm 100:1-5 (HCSB)
¹ Shout triumphantly to the Lord, all the earth. ² Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. ³ Acknowledge that Yahweh is God. He made us, and we are His — His people, the sheep of His pasture. ⁴ Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name. ⁵ For Yahweh is good, and His love is eternal; His faithfulness endures through all generations.

 

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My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://www.herbcotton.org
To receive via email: Send request to me at: herb@herbcotton.org

1 Peter 2:2-3 (ESV)
² Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— ³ if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

 





 

Daily Prayer_November 23, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 23:4-5 (HCSB)
⁴ Don't wear yourself out to get rich; stop giving your attention to it. ⁵ As soon as your eyes fly to it, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 116:5-7 (HCSB)
⁵ The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is compassionate. ⁶ The Lord guards the inexperienced; I was helpless, and He saved me. ⁷ Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Matthew 6:24 (HCSB)
"No one can be a slave of two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot be slaves of God and of money.

My observation:

Our focal verse for today summarizes the teaching of Jesus about God and possessions. The key point is that the believer belongs to one master. We are slaves of God, and not employees. Peter got it right when he asked this question.

John 6:68 (HCSB)
Simon Peter answered, "Lord, who will we go to? You have the words of eternal life.

When it comes to serving God there is no room for divided loyalty. A slave must provided exclusive service to their master.

Galatians 1:10 (HCSB)
For am I now trying to win the favor of people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ.

James 4:4 (HCSB)
Adulteresses! Don't you know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? So whoever wants to be the world's friend becomes God's enemy.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, since you have paid in full my sin debt, I belong to you exclusively. Father, help me, by your divine power, to live my life fully surrendered to you. Father, my life's goal is to please God.

My song:

Fully Surrendered – Lord, I Would Be (Click on link to listen to this song):

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/442

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My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://www.herbcotton.org
To receive via email: Send request to me at: herb@herbcotton.org

1 Peter 2:2-3 (ESV)
² Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— ³ if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

 





 

Daily Prayer_November 22, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 22:1 (HCSB)
A good name is to be chosen over great wealth; favor is better than silver and gold.

Proverbs 22:4 (HCSB)
The result of humility is fear of the Lord, along with wealth, honor, and life.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 116:3-4 (HCSB)
³ The ropes of death were wrapped around me, and the torments of Sheol overcame me; I encountered trouble and sorrow. ⁴ Then I called on the name of Yahweh: "Yahweh, save me!"

The Word of God for encouragement:

Matthew 6:22-23 (HCSB)
²² "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. ²³ But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. So if the light within you is darkness—how deep is that darkness!

My observation:

It is hard to keep the main thing the main thing. It requires spiritual vision to see life from God's point of view.

Matthew 6:33 (HCSB)
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.

You can know that you have poor spiritual eyesight when the love of things becomes the main thing in your life. We need things, but they should not be our master. The person with good eyesight is the person who has fixed their eyes on Jesus, and put him first in their life.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so thankful that I have the gift of faith that enables me to call you my Father. So then, with that same measure of faith, I can say, "Thy will be done on earth, and in me". Father, I am so grateful that I can look to my heavenly Father to supply all of my needs. What a blessing and a peace I have in knowing that the Lord is my shepherd, and I shall not want for anything today or tomorrow. In my Father's house are blessings overflowing with love.

Psalm 23:6 (HCSB)
Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live.

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My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://www.herbcotton.org
To receive via email: Send request to me at: herb@herbcotton.org

1 Peter 2:2-3 (ESV)
² Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— ³ if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

 





 

Daily Prayer_November 21, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 21:17 (MSG)
You're addicted to thrills? What an empty life! The pursuit of pleasure is never satisfied.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 116:1-2 (NASB)
¹ I love the Lord, because He hears My voice and my supplications. ² Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Matthew 6:19-21 (HCSB)
¹⁹ "Don't collect for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ But collect for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don't break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

My observation:

In today's focal passage from the Sermon on the Mount Jesus talks about the topic of possessions. Jesus knew love of things would consume us if we did not have the proper attitude toward them. Someone has said that we should love people and use things. Many get this backwards; they use people and love things.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I pray that you would help me to get my heart in the right place. Father, you are a good God, and you provide abundantly for your people who put their trust in you. Father, help me to be like the Psalmist who experienced the dark day of trouble in his life, but found that God was right there in the midst of his day of distress. Father, may I respond with a heart of gratitude like the Psalmist did. Father, I thank you for being a God of mercy who cares for those who take refuge in you.

Nahum 1:7 (HCSB)
The Lord is good, a stronghold in a day of distress; He cares for those who take refuge in Him.

 

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My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://www.herbcotton.org
To receive via email: Send request to me at: herb@herbcotton.org

1 Peter 2:2-3 (ESV)
² Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— ³ if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

 





 

Sunday Morning Reflections_November 20, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 20:5 (ESV)
The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 119:1-2 (ESV)
¹ Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! ² Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart,

The Word of God for encouragement:

John 15:12-15 (HCSB)
¹² This is My command: Love one another as I have loved you. ¹³ No one has greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life for his friends. ¹⁴ You are My friends if you do what I command you. ¹⁵ I do not call you slaves anymore, because a slave doesn't know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have heard from My Father.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am in awe of the privilege and power that we have because of our personal relationship with a God who resides in the hearts of his believing children. What a privilege we have to make deposits of love in the lives of others for their good and your glory. Father, help me to share what you have made known to me.

2 Corinthians 5:17-20 (ESV)
¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. ¹⁸ All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; ¹⁹ that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. ²⁰ Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

 

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My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://www.herbcotton.org
To receive via email: Send request to me at: herb@herbcotton.org

1 Peter 2:2-3 (ESV)
² Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— ³ if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

 





 

Daily Prayer_November 18, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 18:10 (HCSB)
The name of Yahweh is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are protected.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 30:4-5 (HCSB)
⁴ Sing to Yahweh, you His faithful ones, and praise His holy name. ⁵ For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor, a lifetime. Weeping may spend the night, but there is joy in the morning.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Matthew 6:16-18 (HCSB)
¹⁶ "Whenever you fast, don't be sad-faced like the hypocrites. For they make their faces unattractive so their fasting is obvious to people. I assure you: They've got their reward! ¹⁷ But when you fast, put oil on your head, and wash your face, ¹⁸ so that you don't show your fasting to people but to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

My observation:

Today we conclude our focus on the teaching of Jesus concerning the subjects of giving, praying, and fasting. In contrast to how the Pharisees did these things, Jesus emphasized secret giving, praying, and fasting.  The Pharisees did each for the eyes of other people. What Jesus said about fasting in today's focal passage, he also said about giving and praying.

Matthew 6:4 (HCSB)
so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Matthew 6:6 (HCSB)
But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I pray that my giving, praying, and fasting will be acceptable in your eyes. Father, I want to be like Jesus in everything I say and in everything I do. Lord, my aim is for thy will to become my will.

Psalm 19:14 (HCSB)
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.

My song:

Take My Life, and Let It be Consecrated, Lord, to Thee (Click on link below for the lyrics and to listen):

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/445

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My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://www.herbcotton.org
To receive via email: Send request to me at: herb@herbcotton.org

1 Peter 2:2-3 (ESV)
² Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— ³ if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.