Daily Prayer_February 28, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 28:14 (HCSB)
Happy is the one who is always reverent, but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 147:1 (HCSB)
Hallelujah! How good it is to sing to our God, for praise is pleasant and lovely.

The Word for encouragement:

Luke 19:45-48 (HCSB)
⁴⁵ He went into the temple complex and began to throw out those who were selling, ⁴⁶ and He said, "It is written, My house will be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves!" ⁴⁷ Every day He was teaching in the temple complex. The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people were looking for a way to destroy Him, ⁴⁸ but they could not find a way to do it, because all the people were captivated by what they heard.

My observation:

In today's focal passage from Luke we find Jesus near the end of his earthly ministry in Jerusalem. When he goes to the temple complex he finds things going on in the temple that are not right. Jesus had a lot on his mind at this critical junction in his life, but he took strong action to clean up the temple. Here we see him acting with authority. When he said, "It is written", Jesus was referring to this scripture.

Isaiah 56:7 (HCSB)
I will bring them to My holy mountain and let them rejoice in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be acceptable on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations."

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I pray that we will look within our places of worship, and remove anything that would detract from the purpose for which you have established it. Father, would you cleanse our churches and make them a house of prayer.

Father, would you look within us, the temple that you have made with your own hands, and the place where you have chosen to live, and cleanse your people within and without. Father, make your people a people of prayer so that you can send the revival that we so desperately need in these last days.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV)
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

My song:

We Bring the Sacrifice of Praise (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2OmaKsVfxs&feature=related

--

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

Psalm 37:23 (HCSB)
A man's steps are established by the Lord, and He takes pleasure in his way.

Psalm 103:14 (HCSB)
For He knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust.

 





 

Sunday Morning Reflections_February 27, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 27:1 (HCSB)
Don't boast about tomorrow, for you don't know what a day might bring.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 27:1 (HCSB)
The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom should I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom should I be afraid?

The Word for encouragement:

Luke 19:37-40 (HCSB)
³⁷ Now He came near the path down the Mount of Olives, and the whole crowd of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the miracles they had seen: ³⁸ The King who comes in the name of the Lord is the blessed One. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heaven! ³⁹ Some of the Pharisees from the crowd told Him, "Teacher, rebuke Your disciples." ⁴⁰ He answered, "I tell you, if they were to keep silent, the stones would cry out!"

My observation:

I have found the wisdom of the Proverb to be so true this past week. It begins last Sunday with the notice in the obituary announcing the funeral of a distant relative and ended yesterday with a phone call reporting the death of a member of our local church. In between, I heard of the death of a high school classmate, and childhood neighbor. I didn't know the day I woke up that I would be attending funeral services the next day as it happened on Monday and Friday.

Philippians 3:20 (HCSB)
but our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I thank you for the wisdom of today's Proverb, and the inspiration of today's Psalm.

Father, I thank you for being the Rock that I can live my life upon in this dark, sinful, and unstable world. Father, I thank you that this world is not my home that I am just a pilgrim passing through, that I am on my way to my heavenly Father's home.

My song:

This World is Not My Home (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://my.homewithgod.com/heavenlymidis2/nothome.html

--

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

Psalm 37:23 (HCSB)
A man's steps are established by the Lord, and He takes pleasure in his way.

Psalm 103:14 (HCSB)
For He knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust.

 





 

Daily Prayer_February 25, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 25:23 (NLT)
As surely as a north wind brings rain, so a gossiping tongue causes anger!

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 146:8 (NLT)
The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down. The Lord loves the godly.

The Word for encouragement:

Luke 18:35-43 (HCSB)
³⁵ As He drew near Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the road begging. ³⁶ Hearing a crowd passing by, he inquired what this meant. ³⁷ "Jesus the Nazarene is passing by," they told him. ³⁸ So he called out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" ³⁹ Then those in front told him to keep quiet, but he kept crying out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" ⁴⁰ Jesus stopped and commanded that he be brought to Him. When he drew near, He asked him, ⁴¹ "What do you want Me to do for you?" "Lord," he said, "I want to see!" ⁴² "Receive your sight!" Jesus told him. "Your faith has healed you." ⁴³ Instantly he could see, and he began to follow Him, glorifying God. All the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

My observation:

This event of Jesus healing the blind man is one of the final events in his earthly ministry. Jesus was just a few days from his divine appointment at Calvary.

This blind man had positioned himself alongside the road to beg for money from those who would be passing by. This was a good place to beg because pilgrims going up to Jerusalem would likely be generous.

However, the blind man got more than money on that day. He asked those near him what was all the commotion about.  Somebody told him, "Jesus the Nazarene is passing by". The blind man believed their report. He knew about Jesus, so in faith he cried out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me".

The blind man came to that place on the road to Jerusalem to beg for money from the pilgrims going up to Jerusalem. However, he experienced a divine appointment, and he seized the opportunity. As a result he got a miracle of physical and spiritual healing.

This blind man walked away that day with his physical sight, and with personal salvation. This is borne out by what Jesus told the man in Luke 18:42-43 (see above).

My prayer:

Father God, I thank you for the confidence we can have in prayer because of who you are. Father, I am so grateful that you are able and willing to help those who cry out to you in faith. Father, I pray that I will be as persistent in prayer as the blind man, and as faithful as he was in following and glorifying you after he received his miracle.

--

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

Psalm 37:23 (HCSB)
A man's steps are established by the Lord, and He takes pleasure in his way.

Psalm 103:14 (HCSB)
For He knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust.

 





 

Daily Prayer_February 24, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 24:1-2 (MSG)
¹ Don't envy bad people; don't even want to be around them. ² All they think about is causing a disturbance; all they talk about is making trouble.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 146:1-2 (MSG)
¹ Hallelujah! O my soul, praise God! ² All my life long I'll praise God, singing songs to my God as long as I live.

The Word for encouragement:

Luke 18:18-27 (HCSB)
¹⁸ A ruler asked Him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" ¹⁹ "Why do you call Me good?" Jesus asked him. "No one is good but One—God. ²⁰ You know the commandments: Do not commit adultery; do not murder; do not steal; do not bear false witness; honor your father and mother." ²¹ "I have kept all these from my youth," he said. ²² When Jesus heard this, He told him, "You still lack one thing: Sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me." ²³ After he heard this, he became extremely sad, because he was very rich. ²⁴ Seeing that he became sad, Jesus said, "How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! ²⁵ For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God." ²⁶ Those who heard this asked, "Then who can be saved?" ²⁷ He replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."

My observation:

This man in this story from outward appearances seems to lack nothing. However, he saw something in Jesus that was attractive to him. It prompted him to ask Jesus a question. Jesus said something very important to the man, "No one is good but One – God".

There is a lesson about prayer that I see in this passage. We cannot pray aright until we know in a personal life changing way the God to whom we pray.

The outside of this man appeared to be okay. However, he was lacking something on the inside. He did not have spiritual understanding of the will and ways of God. He was so close to heaven, but he was too much in love with his riches.

The tax collector went away justified, but the rich ruler went away sorrowful.

Luke 18:14 (HCSB)
I tell you, this one went down to his house justified rather than the other; because everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

Luke 18:23 (HCSB)
After he heard this, he became extremely sad, because he was very rich.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I pray that the experience I will have when I pray will be like that of the tax collector who went away from his time of prayer justified.

Father, I pray that you would open the eyes of any who may be like the rich ruler. Give them eyes to see Jesus, and receive by faith the gift of eternal life that he offers without cost to those who believe in him.

Father, I thank you that when we have Christ in us that nothing is impossible.

Luke 18:27 (HCSB)
He replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with 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

Psalm 37:23 (HCSB)
A man's steps are established by the Lord, and He takes pleasure in his way.

Psalm 103:14 (HCSB)
For He knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust.

 





 

Daily Prayer_February 23, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 23:10-11 (HCSB)
¹⁰ Don't move an ancient boundary marker, and don't encroach on the fields of the fatherless, ¹¹ for their Redeemer is strong, and He will take up their case against you.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 146:3-5 (TLB)
³ Don't look to men for help; their greatest leaders fail; ⁴ for every man must die. His breathing stops, life ends, and in a moment all he planned for himself is ended. ⁵ But happy is the man who has the God of Jacob as his helper, whose hope is in the Lord his God—

The Word for encouragement:

Luke 18:15-17 (HCSB)
¹⁵ Some people were even bringing infants to Him so He might touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. ¹⁶ Jesus, however, invited them: "Let the little children come to Me, and don't stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. ¹⁷ I assure you: Whoever does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

My observation:

Jesus was the master teacher, and in this passage we see how he uses repetition in his teaching to make sure that his followers got the message. Our focal passage for today is a follow-up to the parable which precedes it.

In this short story Jesus reinforces the central message of what is required to be acceptable in God's eyes. Jesus had taught in the parable the importance of humility. In this story Jesus shows how childlikeness is like humility.

Luke 18:16 (TLB)
Then Jesus called the children over to him and said to the disciples, "Let the little children come to me! Never send them away! For the Kingdom of God belongs to men who have hearts as trusting as these little children's.

In order for our prayers to be effective we must come as children to a Father because He is our Father, and we can trust him to hear the requests of his beloved children.

My prayer:

Father God, I pray that those of us who have the privilege of being children of God would never lose the childlike faith that Jesus taught his disciples. Father, help us to remember that the Kingdom of God belongs to men and women who have hearts as trusting as the little children that Jesus received.

--

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

Psalm 37:23 (HCSB)
A man's steps are established by the Lord, and He takes pleasure in his way.

Psalm 103:14 (HCSB)
For He knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust.

 





 

Daily Prayer_February 22, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 22:1-2 (HCSB)
¹ A good name is to be chosen over great wealth; favor is better than silver and gold. ² The rich and the poor have this in common: the Lord made them both.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 145:21 (HCSB)
My mouth will declare Yahweh's praise; let every living thing praise His holy name forever and ever.

The Word for encouragement:

Luke 18:14 (HCSB)
I tell you, this one went down to his house justified rather than the other; because everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

My observation:

Today we come to the concluding verse of the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. The main lesson in this parable is justification. In God's eyes the tax collector was justified, and the Pharisee was not.

What made the difference? In this parable there are two biblical truths that standout. First, justification is a divine transaction whose source is God alone. It is a gift of God offered to needy sinners. Without it the sinner will die the second death, which is separation from God for eternity. The sinner must recognize his condition, in faith, ask for mercy, and with an open heart receive the gift of justification.

Romans 5:1 (HCSB)
Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

The second biblical truth in this parable is that a proud approach to God is not acceptable to him. The proud is out of favor, but the humble are justified.

Luke 14:11 (HCSB)
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

The justified person is not righteous, but God counts that person as righteous.

Romans 4:22-24 (HCSB)
²² Therefore, it was credited to him for righteousness. ²³ Now it was credited to him was not written for Abraham alone, ²⁴ but also for us. It will be credited to us who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so grateful that at the foot of the cross there is level ground. I am so thankful that the rich has no advantage over the poor. Father, I thank you for giving us the gift of faith without which we could never be justified.

1 Peter 5:6-7 (HCSB)
⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, ⁷ casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you.

 

--

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

Psalm 37:23 (HCSB)
A man's steps are established by the Lord, and He takes pleasure in his way.

Psalm 103:14 (HCSB)
For He knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust.

 





 

Daily Prayer_February 21, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 21:1-2 (MSG)
¹ Good leadership is a channel of water controlled by God; he directs it to whatever ends he chooses. ² We justify our actions by appearances; God examines our motives.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 145:18-19 (MSG)
¹⁸ God's there, listening for all who pray, for all who pray and mean it. ¹⁹ He does what's best for those who fear him— hears them call out, and saves them.

The Word for encouragement:

Luke 18:13 (HCSB)
"But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even raise his eyes to heaven but kept striking his chest and saying, 'God, turn Your wrath from me—a sinner!'

My observation:

Today we continue our examination of the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. Today's focal verse is the prayer of the tax collector.

For the purpose of comparison, let us look back at the prayer of the Pharisee. This is the prayer that the Pharisee prayed.

Luke 18:11-12 (HCSB)
¹¹ The Pharisee took his stand and was praying like this: 'God, I thank You that I'm not like other people—greedy, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. ¹² I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of everything I get.'

Notice the humility and the contrition of the tax collector, and the self-assurance of the Pharisee. The tax collector was so remorseful for his sins that he would not even raise his eyes to heaven.

However, he had room in his heart for God. Unlike the Pharisee whose heart was so full of self-righteousness that he did not have any room in his heart for God.

The big idea in this parable is that those who trust in themselves and their righteousness already have their reward. They get what they can accomplish. However, those who trust in God, and his righteousness, get what God can accomplish. Our problems may be big in our eyes, but when we, by faith, put our problems in God's hands, everything is small in his hands.

My prayer:

God our Father, I praise you because you sit in a high and holy place, and I thank you because you stoop low to live with the oppressed and lowly of spirit.

Father, I ask you to revive our hearts, and renew us and energize us with your Spirit. Father, I pray that you would empty our hearts of self, and fill us with more of thee. In Jesus name, Amen.

Psalm 79:9 (HCSB)
God of our salvation, help us— for the glory of Your name. Deliver us and atone for our sins, because of Your name.

 

--

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

Psalm 37:23 (HCSB)
A man's steps are established by the Lord, and He takes pleasure in his way.

Psalm 103:14 (HCSB)
For He knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust.

 





 

Sunday Morning Reflections_February 20, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 20:22 (MSG)
Don't ever say, "I'll get you for that!" Wait for God; he'll settle the score.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 128:1-4 (HCSB)
¹ How happy is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways! ² You will surely eat what your hands have worked for. You will be happy, and it will go well for you. ³ Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house, your sons, like young olive trees around your table. ⁴ In this very way the man who fears the Lord will be blessed.

The Word for encouragement:

Psalm 1:1-3 (HCSB)
¹ How happy is the man who does not follow the advice of the wicked or take the path of sinners or join a group of mockers! ² Instead, his delight is in the Lord's instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. ³ He is like a tree planted beside streams of water that bears its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

My prayer:

Holy Father, Sovereign Lord, I thank for the blessings that you pour out upon your people who fear the Lord, and who obey your instructions.

Father, renew within me the desire to love you more dearly, to obey you more promptly, and to serve you more faithfully. Father, I know that I cannot do these things in my strength, but I can do all things in the strength of my God.

My song:

In the Name of the Lord (Click on link below for the lyrics and to listen to this song):

http://my.homewithgod.com/heavenlymidis2/name2.html

--

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

Psalm 37:23 (HCSB)
A man's steps are established by the Lord, and He takes pleasure in his way.

Psalm 103:14 (HCSB)
For He knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust.

 





 

Daily Prayer_February 18, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 18:10 (NLT)
The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 145:17 (NLT)
The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness.

The Word for encouragement:

Luke 18:11-12 (NLT)
¹¹ The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: 'I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don't cheat, I don't sin, and I don't commit adultery. I'm certainly not like that tax collector! ¹² I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.'

My observation:

Today our focal passage brings us to the prayer of the Pharisee. Some texts say that he prayed with himself. In either case, the Pharisee reveals the contents of his heart. The five "I's" in his prayer reveals his self-absorption.

The Pharisee fits the description that Jesus pointed out before he began teaching this parable. Jesus had already looked into his heart, and found him to be lacking.

Luke 18:9 (HCSB)
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and looked down on everyone else:

The prayer of the Pharisee will not find a sympathetic ear in the throne room of heaven. The arrogance of the Pharisee revel the uncleanness of his heart. It would have been more profitable for him to look within his own heart rather than looking with contempt at others.

A humble heart will help you to see yourself as Jesus sees you. Notice what Jesus saw when he looked into the hearts of the church at Laodicea.

Revelation 3:17 (HCSB)
Because you say, 'I'm rich; I have become wealthy and need nothing,' and you don't know that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.

My prayer:

Father God, how precious is the privilege of being able to come into the presence of a God who is holy and righteous in all his ways.

Father, I come in the most humble way that I know how, and I come to you seeking grace, mercy, and your unfailing love. Father, I come as one who knows that my right standing before you is a gift, and is not something that I earned. Father, I thank you for loving me enough to blot out all of my transgressions.

Isaiah 43:25 (HCSB)
"It is I who sweep away your transgressions for My own sake and remember your sins no more.

My song:

Jesus Paid It All (Click on link below to listen to Crystal Lewis singing this song):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBsgWKMxdmE&feature=related

--

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

Psalm 37:23 (HCSB)
A man's steps are established by the Lord, and He takes pleasure in his way.

Psalm 103:14 (HCSB)
For He knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust.

 





 

Daily Prayer_February 17, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 17:27-28 (NLT)
²⁷ A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. ²⁸ Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 145:14 (AMP)
The Lord upholds all those [of His own] who are falling and raises up all those who are bowed down.

The Word for encouragement:

Luke 18:10 (HCSB)
"Two men went up to the temple complex to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.

My observation:

We have spent the past three days looking at the previous verse in which Jesus gave the purpose of telling the parable.

Luke 18:9 (HCSB)
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and looked down on everyone else:

Jesus states the purpose of the parable upfront. First, righteousness is not found in self, but in God alone. And, that you should not view others with contempt.

In today's focal verse Jesus begins the parable by telling of two men who went up to the temple to pray. These two men were vastly different. The Pharisee was an elite of the religious class. He was the ultimate insider. Conversely, the Publican was a Tax Collector. He was viewed a sinner by the religious elite, and he was the ultimate outsider.

Both men went to the most prominent place to pray. They went to the temple, which is the house of prayer.

Isaiah 56:7 (HCSB)
I will bring them to My holy mountain and let them rejoice in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be acceptable on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations."

Both men went to the right person. They went to seek God. The focus of prayer and the object of prayer should always be God. He is the standard for righteousness, and he is the provider of the righteousness wherein we stand.

Deuteronomy 4:29 (HCSB)
But from there, you will search for the Lord your God, and you will find ⌊Him⌋ when you seek Him with all your heart and all your soul.

My prayer:

Father God, I thank you for the privilege that I obtained through the provisions of Jesus that allows me to come directly to you in prayer. Father, I pray that the attitude of my heart will be acceptable to you when I approach you in the holiness of your exalted throne room in heaven.

Father, I pray that when you look into my heart you will find a heart that is humble, and that desires above all else to be pleasing in your eyes. Father, please hear and answer your servant's prayer. In Jesus name, Amen.

Psalm 5:3 (HCSB)
At daybreak, Lord, You hear my voice; at daybreak I plead my case to You and watch expectantly.

My song:

Hear Our Prayer, O Lord (Click on link below to listen to this meditative plea in song):

http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=DPWLNNNX

--

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

Psalm 37:23 (HCSB)
A man's steps are established by the Lord, and He takes pleasure in his way.

Psalm 103:14 (HCSB)
For He knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust.

 





 

Daily Prayer_February 16, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 16:5 (MSG)
God can't stomach arrogance or pretense; believe me, he'll put those upstarts in their place.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 145:9 (ESV)
The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.

The Word for encouragement:

Luke 18:9 (ESV)
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt:

My observation:

Today we complete our look at this introductory verse to the Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican. In this parable Jesus gives traits of three types of people that will not get their prayers answered. We have seen in the previous two days that the self-sufficient and the self-righteous will not get their prayers answered. Today we will see that those who treat others with contempt are also included in that number.

These three attitudes of heart have no place in our hearts or in the language that we use in talking to our heavenly Father. The prayers of the arrogant will never reach the ears of our heavenly Father. He hears and blesses the humble.

James 4:6 (HCSB)
But He gives greater grace. Therefore He says: God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

We need to be careful of how we treat others. I don't know about you but I want to avoid the things that God is opposed to, and embrace the things that he blesses. God gives grace to the humble, and that graces enables us to love others rather than looking down at them.

Romans 14:3 (HCSB)
One who eats must not look down on one who does not eat, and one who does not eat must not criticize one who does, because God has accepted him.

Romans 14:10 (HCSB)
But you, why do you criticize your brother? Or you, why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before the tribunal of God.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so thankful that you give greater grace to your needy children.

Father God, I thank you that the grace that you give is a sufficient grace, and that it is a sustaining grace. I am so thankful that I can trust in the grace of God to get me, not part of the way, but all the way through whatever trials and difficulties I may face in my earthly journey. Father, keep me humble, and always trusting in you. Grant your needy people the grace to love you, and to love others.

My song:

Let Others See Jesus in You (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://home.fuse.net/rust/189.html

--

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

Psalm 37:23 (HCSB)
A man's steps are established by the Lord, and He takes pleasure in his way.

Psalm 103:14 (HCSB)
For He knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust.

 





 

Daily Prayer_February 15, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 15:8 (MSG)
God can't stand pious poses, but he delights in genuine prayers.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 145:8 (AMP)
The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and abounding in mercy and loving-kindness.

The Word for encouragement:

Luke 18:9 (HCSB)
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and looked down on everyone else:

My observation:

Today we will look at the second of the three types of people that Jesus addresses in his parable of the Pharisee and the Publican. Yesterday we looked at the self-sufficient, and today we will examine the self-righteous.

The self-righteous person feels like they are already good enough to be acceptable to God. They are different then the self-sufficient in that they believe in God, and in righteousness, but they believe that God will accept the righteousness that they have.

Proverbs 21:2 (ESV)
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.

There is another way that characterizes the self-righteous person. This type of person believes that they can please God by doing good works. These people strive within themselves to do as much as they can for as many people as they can in order to gain the favor of God.

If people could please God in this fashion, why did God feel the necessity to sacrifice his only begotten Son for the salvation of the human race?

John 3:16 (HCSB)
"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.

Galatians 2:16 (HCSB)
know that no one is justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ. And we have believed in Christ Jesus so that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no human being will be justified.

My prayer:

Father God, I acknowledge that you are holy and righteous in all your ways. Father, I thank you that you love the whole world, and sent your son to die for each one of us so that we would not have to die for our own sins. Father, I trust your wisdom above my wisdom.

Father God, I pray that you will help each one of us to see ourselves in the mirror of the law, and cry out woe is me. Father, by the power of the Holy Spirit, I pray that you will show us the folly of being self-sufficient, and self-righteous. Grant those who trust in themselves the faith to trust in Jesus.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (HCSB)
⁸ For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift— ⁹ not from works, so that no one can boast.

My song:

Just As I Am (Click on link below to listen to this song by David Phelps):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7X7FbYILM9o

--

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

Psalm 37:23 (HCSB)
A man's steps are established by the Lord, and He takes pleasure in his way.

Psalm 103:14 (HCSB)
For He knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust.

 





 

Daily Prayer_February 14, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 14:1 (MSG)
Lady Wisdom builds a lovely home; Sir Fool comes along and tears it down brick by brick.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 145:3 (MSG)
God is magnificent; he can never be praised enough. There are no boundaries to his greatness.

The Word for encouragement:

Luke 18:9 (HCSB)
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and looked down on everyone else:

My observation:

Today we continue our walk through the gospel of Luke in search of what Luke recorded in his gospel about the subject of prayer.

Our focus this week will be on the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican. In this parable Jesus gives a warning to three kinds of people. A little self-examination is in order as we mediate upon these words of Jesus.

The first of the three that Jesus mentions is the people who trust in themselves. These are the people who believe that everything they need is within, and they don't need God or anyone else in their life. This is an unwise and dangerous position to be in.

Isaiah 5:21 (HCSB)
Woe to those who are wise in their own opinion and clever in their own sight.

1 Corinthians 8:2 (HCSB)
If anyone thinks he knows anything, he does not yet know it as he ought to know it.

Galatians 6:3 (HCSB)
For if anyone considers himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

My prayer:

God, our Father in heaven, I bow low at your feet, and exalt your name above every other name in the earth below and in the heavens above.  Father, you are great and greatly to be praised.

Father God, give me a heart that is pure and acceptable in your eyes, and the wisdom to know that I am not self-sufficient. Father, I am not too proud to say I need you in my life.

My song:

I Need Thee Every Hour (Click on link below for lyrics and to listen to this song):

http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/I_Need_Thee_Every_Hour/midi/

--

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

Psalm 37:23 (HCSB)
A man's steps are established by the Lord, and He takes pleasure in his way.

Psalm 103:14 (HCSB)
For He knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust.

 





 

Sunday Morning Reflections_February 13, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 13:13-14 (ESV)
¹³ Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded. ¹⁴ The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 73:28 (NLT)
But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.

The Word for encouragement:

Matthew 5:13-16 (HCSB)
¹³ "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It's no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men. ¹⁴ "You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

My prayer:

Holy Father, Sovereign Lord, I am so grateful for your great and mighty power displayed in creation. However, I have greater joy in knowing that you live in, and empower your people to be salt for this decaying world, and light to drive out the darkness in this world. Father, shine in me, and through me so that others may honor, praise, and glorify your precious name.

My song:

Jesus the Light of the World (Click on link below to watch video of this song led by Jessy Dixon and Guy Penrod from the Gaither Homecoming series in South Africa):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0LVhdZfJKg

--

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

Psalm 37:23 (HCSB)
A man's steps are established by the Lord, and He takes pleasure in his way.

Psalm 103:14 (HCSB)
For He knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust.

 





 

Daily Prayer_February 11, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 11:4 (MSG)
A thick bankroll is no help when life falls apart, but a principled life can stand up to the worst.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 143:7-8 (MSG)
⁷ Hurry with your answer, God! I'm nearly at the end of my rope. Don't turn away; don't ignore me! That would be certain death. ⁸ If you wake me each morning with the sound of your loving voice, I'll go to sleep each night trusting in you. Point out the road I must travel; I'm all ears, all eyes before you.

The Word for encouragement:

Luke 18:1-8 (HCSB)
¹ He then told them a parable on the need for them to pray always and not become discouraged: ² "There was a judge in a certain town who didn't fear God or respect man. ³ And a widow in that town kept coming to him, saying, 'Give me justice against my adversary.' ⁴ "For a while he was unwilling, but later he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or respect man, ⁵ yet because this widow keeps pestering me, I will give her justice, so she doesn't wear me out by her persistent coming.'" ⁶ Then the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. ⁷ Will not God grant justice to His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He delay ⌊to help⌋ them? ⁸ I tell you that He will swiftly grant them justice. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find that faith on earth?"

My observation:

Today we look at the parable of the persistent widow in its entirety. This parable is a comparison of the lesser to the greater. The case is that if the lesser is true, then how much more is the greater true. Jesus used this method of teaching on other occasions so it was not new to his disciples.

Luke 11:11-13 (HCSB)
¹¹ What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead of a fish? ¹² Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? ¹³ If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?"

We conclude our focus this week with this thought for you to ponder. If you are a member of God's elect, consider the question that Jesus asked his disciples, "Will not God grant justice to His elect who cry out to Him day and night?"

My prayer:

Our heavenly Father, I am so thankful that you love us with an everlasting love and that you delight to spend time with your people in prayer. Father, quicken within your people a passion to be devoted to prayer that is consistent with the way that Jesus taught his disciples to pray.

Father God, I pray that you will work through the office of the Holy Spirit to unleash a bombardment of prayer from your people during these last days. I pray that when Jesus comes again he would find a multitude of your people with the faith that will persist in prayer.

My song:

Michael W. Smith – The Lord's Prayer (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7LJEUcmtw8&feature=related

--

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

Start the Day Concentrating On:

1. Our power instead of our problems.

2. Our faith instead of our fears.

3. Our Savior instead of our sins.

4. Our triumphs instead of our troubles.

5. Our home instead of our house.

 





 

Daily Prayer_February 10, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 10:25 (MSG)
When the storm is over, there's nothing left of the wicked; good people, firm on their rock foundation, aren't even fazed.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 143:1 (HCSB)
Lord, hear my prayer. In Your faithfulness listen to my plea, and in Your righteousness answer me.

The Word for encouragement:

Luke 18:8 (HCSB)
I tell you that He will swiftly grant them justice. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find that faith on earth?"

My observation:

I am always interested when I see the word nevertheless in the scripture. It gets my attention for what will follow. In our focal verse for today I was not disappointed to hear the encouraging words that Jesus spoke to his disciples to conclude his explanation of the parable of the widow and the unjust judge.

Jesus is speaking of his second coming, and he asks his disciples that when he comes again will he find people who have faith. Of course there will be people of faith, but the question is personal. Will he find you among those who have the faith to persist in prayer?

The last days will be difficult times, and the way to deal with these days is to expect them to be dangerous and difficult to deal with. That is the admonition that the Apostle Paul gave to his son in the faith near the end of his departure from this world.

2 Timothy 3:1 (HCSB)
But know this: Difficult times will come in the last days.

The way for the people of God to live in these times, the time between the departure of Jesus from this world and his return, is to have faith in God, and remain faithful in prayer. God is able to see you through any difficult you will ever encounter in this world.

We need to remember his promises, believe in him and his promises, and ask him to meet our needs. It pays to pray, and then watch and wait on God.

Romans 5:1-2 (HCSB)
¹ Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. ² We have also obtained access through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so glad of the encouragement that you gave to your disciples to be among those who have the faith that persist in prayer for God to show up. Father, I thank you that you always show up, and that you show up on time.

Father, I thank you that through prayer we have access to your treasury, to your riches in glory through Christ Jesus our Lord.

My song:

I'm A Child of the King (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjhKrwYvrD0&feature=related

--

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

Start the Day Concentrating On:

1. Our power instead of our problems.

2. Our faith instead of our fears.

3. Our Savior instead of our sins.

4. Our triumphs instead of our troubles.

5. Our home instead of our house.

 





 

Daily Prayer_February 9, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 9:7-9 (HCSB)
⁷ The one who corrects a mocker will bring dishonor on himself; the one who rebukes a wicked man will get hurt. ⁸ Don't rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. ⁹ Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will learn more.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 142:5-7 (MSG)
⁵ I cry out, God, call out: 'You're my last chance, my only hope for life!' ⁶ Oh listen, please listen; I've never been this low. Rescue me from those who are hunting me down; I'm no match for them. ⁷ Get me out of this dungeon so I can thank you in public. Your people will form a circle around me and you'll bring me showers of blessing!"

The Word for encouragement:

Luke 18:6-8 (HCSB)
⁶ Then the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. ⁷ Will not God grant justice to His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He delay ⌊to help⌋ them? ⁸ I tell you that He will swiftly grant them justice. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find that faith on earth?"

My observation:

In today's passage from Luke Jesus gives his disciples the explanation of the parable he had just told them (Luke 18:2-5).

Jesus used the example of the unjust judge, and compared him to a loving, caring, and just heavenly Father. Jesus invites his disciples to make the comparison. The unjust judge had no respect for God or the widow woman, yet she wore him down with her persistence, and he responded to her cry for help.

Now Jesus makes the point to his disciples about prayer. The lesson for the disciples then and for us today is that we can come to our heavenly Father and know that he delights to answer our prayers. He waits for us to come to him in prayer. He is not unjust and uncaring like the crooked judge in the parable. You don't have to bribe or beg God to hear and answer your prayers.

The words from the lips of Jesus convince me that God will not only help us, but that his help will be at the right time and on time. Jesus said, "I tell you that He will swiftly grant them justice". God will hear and answer your prayers. However, you must come to him, and ask him to help you. He is your Father and you can come to him anytime of the day or night.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so grateful that you are able to meet every need, and keep every promise that you make to your people. I am so glad that the answer to my need is just a prayer away.

Father, I am so grateful that you are a just God, and that you love, care, and provide for your people. Father, I pray that my first instinct will be to run to you in prayer whenever I have needs in my life. Why should I try everything else before I come to the one who loves me best?

--

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

Start the Day Concentrating On:

1. Our power instead of our problems.

2. Our faith instead of our fears.

3. Our Savior instead of our sins.

4. Our triumphs instead of our troubles.

5. Our home instead of our house.

 





 

Daily Prayer_February 8, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 8:14-15 (MSG)
¹⁴ Good counsel and common sense are my characteristics; I am both Insight and the Virtue to live it out. ¹⁵ With my help, leaders rule, and lawmakers legislate fairly;

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 142:2 (HCSB)
I pour out my complaint before Him; I reveal my trouble to Him.

The Word for encouragement:

Luke 18:2-5 (HCSB)
² "There was a judge in a certain town who didn't fear God or respect man. ³ And a widow in that town kept coming to him, saying, 'Give me justice against my adversary.' ⁴ "For a while he was unwilling, but later he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or respect man, ⁵ yet because this widow keeps pestering me, I will give her justice, so she doesn't wear me out by her persistent coming.'"

My observation:

Jesus used a parable to teach his disciples the power of persistence. In this parable a poor widow was able to obtain justice from a wicked judge because of her persistence. This judge did not fear God, and he had no respect for this woman. He was out to get what he could for himself. The rich bribe him, and the powerful could get a fair hearing, but this poor widow didn't stand of chance of getting justice.

The injustice in the world can cause you to get discouraged. Jesus taught his disciples that being persistent in prayer will keep you from getting discouraged. Don't focus on injustice; there will always be people like the judge in this parable.

Ecclesiastes 3:16 (HCSB)
I also observed under the sun: there is wickedness at the place of judgment and there is wickedness at the place of righteousness.

In this parable the wicked judge got tired of the woman's persistence and he caved in to her demands for justice. Why did the judge grant this woman her request? The judge tells us why.

Luke 18:5 (HCSB)
yet because this widow keeps pestering me, I will give her justice, so she doesn't wear me out by her persistent coming.'"

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so thankful for this parable that emphasizes the importance of perseverance in obtaining justice. Father, I thank you that I don't have to seek justice from an unjust judge, but that I can bring all of my needs to you in prayer.

Luke 11:9-10 (HCSB)
⁹ "So I say to you, 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. ¹⁰ For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

 
--

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

Start the Day Concentrating On:

1. Our power instead of our problems.

2. Our faith instead of our fears.

3. Our Savior instead of our sins.

4. Our triumphs instead of our troubles.

5. Our home instead of our house.

 





 

Daily Prayer_February 7, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 7:1-2 (MSG)
¹ Dear friend, do what I tell you; treasure my careful instructions. ² Do what I say and you'll live well. My teaching is as precious as your eyesight—guard it!

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 142:1 (HCSB)
I cry aloud to the Lord; I plead aloud to the Lord for mercy.

The Word for encouragement:

Luke 18:1 (HCSB)
He then told them a parable on the need for them to pray always and not become discouraged:

My observation:

We have seen throughout our walk through the gospel of Luke how persistent Jesus was about prayer. Today's focal verse relates what he told them about the necessity of persistent prayer.

People could not keep Jesus from his time of communion and conversation with his Father. Whether it was the pressing crowds or his opponents, he always found a way to escape from the intruders, and get alone with his Father to pray.

The example is clear. Until you make prayer a top priority in your life, you will subject yourself to becoming discouraged. If Jesus had to pray, then certainly you and I need to pray. The only way we can fulfill our mission and ministry from the Lord is to learn to pray always.

This was Paul's testimony, and it should be our testimony.

2 Corinthians 4:1 (MSG)
Since God has so generously let us in on what he is doing, we're not about to throw up our hands and walk off the job just because we run into occasional hard times.

2 Corinthians 4:1 (HCSB)
Therefore, since we have this ministry because we were shown mercy, we do not give up.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I pray that you will help us who have received mercy to learn how to be persistent in prayer. Father, we realize that unless we persevere in prayer, we will lose heart, become discouraged, and give up. Father, by the power of your Spirit living in me, help me to never give up the privilege of prayer.

Ephesians 6:18 (ESV)
praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

 
--

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

Current topic: A Proverb a day for wisdom, and a Psalm a day for inspiration.

 

Philippians 4:6 (HCSB)
Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

 





 

Sunday Morning Reflections_February 6, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 6:16-19 (MSG)
¹⁶ Here are six things God hates, and one more that he loathes with a passion: ¹⁷ eyes that are arrogant, a tongue that lies, hands that murder the innocent, ¹⁸ a heart that hatches evil plots, feet that race down a wicked track, ¹⁹ a mouth that lies under oath, a troublemaker in the family.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 86:5 (KJV)
For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

The Word for encouragement:

Galatians 6:10 (MSG)
Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I pray that you would quicken the desire in the hearts of your people to hate the things that you hate.

Father God, I ask that you fill our hearts with your love, and empower us by your Spirit, so that we will be able to love as you have commanded us to love.

Matthew 22:36-40 (HCSB)
³⁶ "Teacher, which command in the law is the greatest?" ³⁷ He said to him, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. ³⁸ This is the greatest and most important command. ³⁹ The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. ⁴⁰ All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands."

My song:

Let Others See Jesus in You (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://kendricklanebaptistchurch.com/LET-OTHERS-SEE-JESUS-IN-YOU.html#anchor_1594

--

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

Current topic: A Proverb a day for wisdom, and a Psalm a day for inspiration.

 

Philippians 4:6 (HCSB)
Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

 





 

Daily Prayer_February 4, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 4:7 (NLT)
Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 143:8 (TLB)
Let me see your kindness to me in the morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for my prayer is sincere.

The Word for encouragement:

Luke 17:11-19 (HCSB)
¹¹ While traveling to Jerusalem, He passed between Samaria and Galilee. ¹² As He entered a village, 10 men with serious skin diseases met Him. They stood at a distance ¹³ and raised their voices, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" ¹⁴ When He saw them, He told them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And while they were going, they were healed. ¹⁵ But one of them, seeing that he was healed, returned and, with a loud voice, gave glory to God. ¹⁶ He fell facedown at His feet, thanking Him. And he was a Samaritan. ¹⁷ Then Jesus said, "Were not 10 cleansed? Where are the nine? ¹⁸ Didn't any return to give glory to God except this foreigner?" ¹⁹ And He told him, "Get up and go on your way. Your faith has made you well."

My observation:

Today we conclude our focus on these ten men who had enough faith to pray. The story of these ten men should encourage us to take our needs, no matter the size, to our Lord in prayer.

This is our third day in looking at this passage. We conclude our observation on the passage by focusing on the response of the Samaritan. He did something that the other nine did not do. He returned to Jesus to give thanks, and with a loud voice he gave glory to God. The scripture says that, "He fell face down at His feet, thanking Him".

Jesus did something for this Samaritan that he did not do for the nine. What Jesus did for this man was because he came to Jesus to give glory to God, and show his gratitude to Jesus. All of the ten men were healed.

Luke 17:14 (HCSB)
When He saw them, He told them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And while they were going, they were healed.

However, only the Samaritan, who returned to give glory to God, and thanks to Jesus for his healing heard these words from the lips of Jesus, "Your faith has made you well". The Samaritan man received assurance from Jesus that his sins had been forgiven.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I praise and thank you for giving me the gift of faith that allowed me to do the wisest thing I ever did in my life. One day I met Jesus, and I came to him as I was. He did something for me that no one else could do. I also heard his words speak into my heart, by his Spirit, "Your faith has made you well". This is my story, and I pray that it is also your story. It can be if you come to Jesus.

My song:

Thank You Lord (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cv2e-OTb4eQ

--

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

Current topic: A Proverb a day for wisdom, and a Psalm a day for inspiration.

 

Philippians 4:6 (HCSB)
Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.