Sharing the Word: May 2011

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Daily Prayer_May 31, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 31:10-11 (ESV)
¹⁰An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
¹¹The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 118:5 (ESV)
⁵Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.

The Word for encouragement:

1 John 2:3-6 (ESV)
³And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments.
⁴Whoever says "I know him" but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him,
⁵but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him:
⁶whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

My observation:

We live in a world that has many uncertainties. However, not everything is uncertain. A case in point is our focal passage from 1 John. This is the truth John is describing.

John 6:39-40 (ESV)
³⁹And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day.
⁴⁰For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day."

The grand work of salvation is the work of God. It is his work from beginning to end. I am so thankful for the blessed assurance that the one who saved me is able to keep me. God is faithful. He is not like an unfaithful person who is unable to finish what he starts.

Jude 1:24-25 (ESV)
²⁴Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy,
²⁵to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

My prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, my heart sings with joy for the blessing of salvation, and the gift of eternal life that you have so graciously given to your believing people. Father, I delight to join the choir of the ages in giving glory and praise to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

My song:

Glory to His Name (Click on link below to listen to this song):

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

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

Proverbs 3:5-6 (HCSB)
⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; ⁶ think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Daily Prayer_May 30, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 30:5-6 (ESV)
⁵Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
⁶Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.

The Word for inspiration:

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

The Word for encouragement:

Acts 10:1-4 (ESV)
¹At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort,
²a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God.
³About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, "Cornelius."
⁴And he stared at him in terror and said, "What is it, Lord?" And he said to him, "Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God.

My observation:

The passage I selected for today's meditation is a portion of the text that my pastor used in his sermon yesterday. The verse that captured my attention is the highlighted portion of Acts 10:4.

Today in the USA we are celebrating Memorial Day. It is a day for remembering those who have served our nation in all of its wars and conflicts. It is a day of remembering the fallen and the living. I pray that God bless them, their families, and the United States of America.

The focal passage for today is a reminder to me of the value of being devoted to prayer. When you pray you position yourself to hear a word from the Lord. The Lord still speaks to his praying people. He took note of Cornelius prayers and his service. Others may forget you or ignore you, but there is a God in heaven who remembers you. Think about this.

Acts 10:4 (AMP)
⁴And he, gazing intently at him, became frightened and said, What is it, Lord? And the angel said to him, Your prayers and your [generous] gifts to the poor have come up [as a sacrifice] to God and have been remembered by Him.

My prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, I praise and thank you that there is a God in heaven who listens to the prayers of his believing people, and that he remembers us. Father, I thank you that our prayers to you have the power to change our circumstances and our conditions. Father, I thank you for the prayers of the saints for one another.

Acts 10:43-44 (ESV)
⁴³To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."
⁴⁴While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word.

My song:

Saved By His Power Divine (click on link below to listen to this song):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jspgzOx6Zs

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Sunday Morning Reflections_May 29, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 29:11 (ESV)
¹¹A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 25:20 (ESV)
²⁰Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me! Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.

The Word for encouragement:

Psalm 138:6-8 (ESV)
⁶For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar.
⁷Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me.
⁸The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.

My prayer:

Father God, Abba, Father, I am so thankful that I can call you, my dear Father, and have the confidence that I can take refuge in you. Father, you are my rock, and a safe and secure shelter in the storms of life. Father God, I am so grateful for your steadfast love, and that you are a forever God.

Psalm 91:1-2 (ESV)
¹He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
²I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."

My song:

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VeQrymN568

Friday, May 27, 2011

Daily Prayer_May 27, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 27:19 (HCSB)
¹⁹As the water reflects the face, so the heart reflects the person.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 20:7-9 (HCSB)
⁷Some take pride in a chariot, and others in horses, but we take pride in the name of the Lord our God.
⁸They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand firm.
⁹Lord, give victory to the king! May He answer us on the day that we call.

The Word for encouragement:

Ephesians 6:18 (HCSB)
¹⁸With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and stay alert in this, with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.

John 6:63 (HCSB)
⁶³The Spirit is the One who gives life. The flesh doesn't help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.

My observation:

All of us who believe in prayer needs and wants what the Psalmist expressed when he said, "May He answer us on the day that we call".

In today's Word for encouragement we find the key that unlocks the door to an effective prayer life. That key is to "pray at all times in the Spirit".

Romans 8:15 (HCSB)
¹⁵For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, " Abba, Father!"

As a child of God you have the same privilege that Jesus had when he prayed to his Father in heaven. We can pray to the same God that Jesus prayed to because he is also our heavenly Father. If we pray in the Spirit, we can get the same results that Jesus got when he prayed.

Hebrews 5:7 (HCSB)
⁷During His earthly life, He offered prayers and appeals, with loud cries and tears, to the One who was able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence.

It is the Spirit of God that gives life. He is the one that Jesus said would be our guide. Surely he will guide us in our prayer life.

Romans 8:26-27 (HCSB)
²⁶In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings.
²⁷And He who searches the hearts knows the Spirit's mind-set, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

My prayer:

Father God, Abba, Father, I am so thankful that you have provided the Holy Spirit to be my helper in prayer. Father, life is too hard, and the problems are too complex for me to be able to form the words that would adequately express the deep needs that are in my heart. So, I welcome and receive with a grateful heart the aid and assistance of the Holy Spirit in my prayer life. Father, by faith, I yield my flesh, and all that is within me to the Holy Spirit of God who will enable me to "at all times pray in the Spirit".

My song:

Near to the Heart of God (Click on link below to listen to this song):

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

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Daily Prayer_May 26, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 26:24-26 (HCSB)
²⁴A hateful person disguises himself with his speech and harbors deceit within.
²⁵When he speaks graciously, don't believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart.
²⁶Though his hatred is concealed by deception, his evil will be revealed in the assembly.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 20:6 (HCSB)
⁶Now I know that the Lord gives victory to His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with mighty victories from His right hand.

The Word for encouragement:

2 Corinthians 4:7 (HCSB)
⁷Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us.

My observation:

The thing that encourages and enthuse me about this verse from Paul's letter to the church at Corinth is the revelation of how God uses our weakness to show his strength. It is true that God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. The issue for you and me is availability.

1 Corinthians 2:3-5 (HCSB)
³And I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.
⁴My speech and my proclamation were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and power,
⁵so that your faith might not be based on men's wisdom but on God's power.

Our human weakness, frailty, and abilities are not a hindrance to God using us to do great and mighty things for the advancement of the kingdom of God. We must remember that it is not about us, but about him.

John 3:14 (HCSB)
¹⁴Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,

My prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, I praise and thank you that the strength and the power to do the work of the Lord is not hindered by anything that is lacking in me. Father, you know that your children are weak, but I thank you Lord, that you are strong. Father, I surrender my life to you. Lord, I am available for you to demonstrate your power through me.

Isaiah 6:8 (HCSB)
⁸Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: Who should I send? Who will go for Us? I said: Here I am. Send me.

My song:

Have Thine Own Way, Lord (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/449

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Daily Prayer_May 25, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 25:19 (HCSB)
¹⁹Trusting an unreliable person in a time of trouble is like a rotten tooth or a faltering foot.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 20:5 (HCSB)
⁵Let us shout for joy at your victory and lift the banner in the name of our God. May the Lord fulfill all your requests.

The Word for encouragement:

Romans 8:1 (HCSB)
¹Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus,

My observation:

This world can be a daunting place to live. The problems we face are overwhelming if we are trusting in the resources of this world alone. The resources of man will eventual fail you. However, we don't have to depend upon the resources of man alone. Our Maker knows our condition, and he has provided a way out of our predicament.

John 3:16 (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.

Our focal verse, Romans 8:1 should give every believer a great deal of comfort and peace of mind in this trying time in which we live. In this temporal world we will never find peace, but those who are in Christ already have the peace of God abiding in them. When you believed in Christ you received eternal life.

What an amazing thing it is to know that for those who are in Christ that there is no condemnation. The person who is genuinely in Christ believes that their past sins, present welfare, and future destiny are covered by Christ Jesus.

Romans 6:3-5 (HCSB)
³Or are you unaware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?
⁴Therefore we were buried with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in a new way of life.
⁵For if we have been joined with Him in the likeness of His death, we will certainly also be in the likeness of His resurrection.

My prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, I am so thankful for my position of being in Christ. Father, everyday is a blessed day because of what Jesus has done for me. Father, I thank you for the overwhelming victory I have since Jesus came into my heart. I am so thankful that nothing can separate me from my God, in whom I completely trust.

Romans 8:37 (HCSB)
³⁷No, in all these things we are more than victorious through Him who loved us.

My song:

Without Him (Click on link below to listen to this song):

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

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Daily Prayer_May 24, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 24:17-20 (HCSB)
¹⁷Don't gloat when your enemy falls, and don't let your heart rejoice when he stumbles,
¹⁸or the Lord will see, be displeased, and turn His wrath away from him.
¹⁹Don't worry because of evildoers, and don't envy the wicked.
²⁰For the evil have no future; the lamp of the wicked will be put out.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 20:4 (HCSB)
⁴May He give you what your heart desires and fulfill your whole purpose.

The Word for encouragement:

Joshua 1:1-4 (HCSB)
¹After the death of Moses the Lord's servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, who had served Moses:
²"Moses My servant is dead. Now you and all the people prepare to cross over the Jordan to the land I am giving the Israelites.
³I have given you every place where the sole of your foot treads, just as I promised Moses.
⁴Your territory will be from the wilderness and Lebanon to the great Euphrates River—all the land of the Hittites—and west to the Mediterranean Sea.

Matthew 25:21 (HCSB)
²¹"His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master's joy!'

My observation:

The life of Joshua is an example of what faith can do, and how faithful service pleases God. The name of Joshua speaks volumes of the man, and God's purpose for him. His name had been Hoshea, which means salvation.

Numbers 13:8 (HCSB)
⁸Hoshea son of Nun from the tribe of Ephraim;

However, Moses gave to Joshua a new name. That new name means Jehovah is salvation. What a powerful message in a name.

Numbers 13:16 (HCSB)
¹⁶These were the names of the men Moses sent to scout out the land, and Moses renamed Hoshea son of Nun, Joshua.

My prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, I am so thankful that you know my name, and that you have a wonderful plan for my life.

Jeremiah 29:11 (HCSB)
¹¹For I know the plans I have for you"—[this is] the Lord's declaration—"plans for [your] welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Father God, I am encouraged that the Word says that you spoke to your servant Joshua. Since you are a God who does not change, I am confident that you will speak to me. Father, knowing this, I am determined to make prayer the priority of my life.

Jeremiah 33:3 (HCSB)
³Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and wondrous things you do not know.

My song:

In the Garden (click on link below to listen to this song):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UUf8iolHFY&feature=related

Monday, May 23, 2011

Daily Prayer_May 23, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 23:19-21 (HCSB)
¹⁹Listen, my son, and be wise; keep your mind on the right course.
²⁰Don't associate with those who drink too much wine or with those who gorge themselves on meat.
²¹For the drunkard and the glutton will become poor, and grogginess will clothe ⌊them⌋ in rags.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 20:1-4 (HCSB)
¹May Yahweh answer you in a day of trouble; may the name of Jacob's God protect you.
²May He send you help from the sanctuary and sustain you from Zion.
³May He remember all your offerings and accept your burnt offering. Selah
⁴May He give you what your heart desires and fulfill your whole purpose.

The Word for encouragement:

1 Corinthians 15:33 (HCSB)
³³Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals."

My observation:

It is a comfort to know that whatever we encounter in our walk through this world that we have a God in heaven who watches over his children. No matter what we have to face or where we may be, there is never a time when we are out of his sight or outside of his tender and compassionate care. Notice his promise in the latter part of this verse. It is a precious promise. The "He" in this verse is Jesus.

Hebrews 13:5 (HCSB)
⁵Your life should be free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for He Himself has said, I will never leave you or forsake you.

The disciples of the first century who had an opportunity to observe Jesus during his earthly ministry learned something from his life that benefited them greatly. The lesson they learned has been benefiting Christ followers of every age. The lesson they learned was that prayer was Jesus first priority, and they made it their first priority. Notice that the Apostles put prayer ahead of the preaching of the Word.

Acts 6:4 (HCSB)
⁴But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the preaching ministry."

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I pray that you would stir up in your people the desire and the devotion to be people who pray. Father, when you look at your people may you see an army of praying people, and I want to be in that number.

Colossians 4:2 (HCSB)
Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Sunday Morning Reflections_May 22, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 22:5 (HCSB)
There are thorns and snares on the path of the crooked; the one who guards himself stays far from them.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 57:7-11 (HCSB)
⁷My heart is confident, God, my heart is confident. I will sing; I will sing praises. ⁸Wake up, my soul! Wake up, harp and lyre! I will wake up the dawn. ⁹I will praise You, Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to You among the nations. ¹⁰For Your faithful love is as high as the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches the clouds. ¹¹God, be exalted above the heavens; let Your glory be over the whole earth.

The Word for encouragement:

2 Samuel 22:29-31 (HCSB)
²⁹Lord, You are my lamp; the Lord illuminates my darkness. ³⁰With You I can attack a barrier, and with my God I can leap over a wall. ³¹God—His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is pure. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am delighted and pleased to be able to associate myself with the Psalmist in singing praises to the Lord, the Sovereign God of all and who is over all. Father, my confidence is in you alone. Lord, you are my lamp that illuminates my path in this dark and dangerous world. Father, I thank you for being a trusted and sure shield in which I can take refuge from the storms I encounter in living in this present world.

My song:

Surely God is Able (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JZShvKn04A&feature=related

Friday, May 20, 2011

Daily Prayer_May 20, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 20:3 (HCSB)
It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool can get himself into a quarrel.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 32:8 (HCSB)
I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with My eye on you, I will give counsel.

Psalm 51:13 (HCSB)
Then I will teach the rebellious Your ways, and sinners will return to You.

The Word for encouragement:

Psalm 25:12 (HCSB)
Who is the man who fears the Lord? He will show him the way he should choose.

Psalm 32:9-11 (HCSB)
⁹Do not be like a horse or mule, without understanding, that must be controlled with bit and bridle or else it will not come near you. ¹⁰Many pains come to the wicked, but the one who trusts in the Lord will have faithful love surrounding him. ¹¹Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous ones; shout for joy, all you upright in heart.

My observation:

It never ceases to amaze me how the Sovereign God uses those who he chooses to be a blessing in the lives of others. In this passage we see the dramatic way in which the Lord uses David, a man who had committed grievous sins, to be a vessel to instruct others.

David had attempted to hide his sins, but in so doing he became a miserable and unusable man. There is nothing positive that result from attempting to hide our sins from God. David describes the pain and anguish that he experienced before he owned up to his sins.

Psalm 32:3-4 (HCSB)
³When I kept silent, my bones became brittle from my groaning all day long. ⁴For day and night Your hand was heavy on me; my strength was drained as in the summer's heat. Selah

There is no joy this side of heaven than the joy that comes when the heavy load of unconfessed sins is forgiven and cleansed. That is what David experienced, and that is what each one of us can experience if we are willing to submit to the Lord.

Psalm 32:5-6 (HCSB)
⁵Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not conceal my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord," and You took away the guilt of my sin. Selah ⁶Therefore let everyone who is faithful pray to You at a time that You may be found. When great floodwaters come, they will not reach him.

My prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, I am so glad that you have a heart that is full of compassion for sinners like David and me. Father, I pray that you will choose to use me in the same way that you chose to use David after he acknowledged his sins, and repented of them. Father, I thank you that with forgiveness also comes the cleansing of our hearts that allows us to instruct others.

1 John 1:9 (HCSB)
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

My song:

Child, You're Forgiven (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFVkxPP1pwQ&feature=related

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Daily Prayer_May 19, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 19:20 (MSG)
Take good counsel and accept correction— that's the way to live wisely and well.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 32:6-7 (HCSB)
⁶Therefore let everyone who is faithful pray to You at a time that You may be found. When great floodwaters come, they will not reach him. ⁷You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble. You surround me with joyful shouts of deliverance. Selah

The Word for encouragement:

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (HCSB)
²⁴Don't you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize. ²⁵Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. However, they do it to receive a crown that will fade away, but we a crown that will never fade away. ²⁶Therefore I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air. ²⁷Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

My observation:

In today's focal passage the Apostle Paul gives us an inside look at his heart, and the motive that drove his passion in fulfilling the call of God upon his life. Paul did not work for his salvation, but he did work for the rewards of a faithful servant.

1 Corinthians 3:11-14 (HCSB)
¹¹For no one can lay any other foundation than what has been laid down. That foundation is Jesus Christ. ¹²If anyone builds on that foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, ¹³each one's work will become obvious, for the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one's work. ¹⁴If anyone's work that he has built survives, he will receive a reward.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I praise and thank you that Jesus has already done everything that is required for my salvation. Father, I pray for the discipline to build upon the foundation that Christ has already laid down. Father, my goal is to build with works that will stand the test of time, and receive the rewards that you reserve for the faithful.

Hebrews 11:6 (HCSB)
Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him.

My song:

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

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Daily Prayer_May 17, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 17:9 (AMP)
He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love, but he who repeats or harps on a matter separates even close friends.

Proverbs 16:28 (MSG)
Troublemakers start fights; gossips break up friendships.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 32:3-5 (HCSB)
³When I kept silent, my bones became brittle from my groaning all day long. ⁴For day and night Your hand was heavy on me; my strength was drained as in the summer's heat. Selah ⁵Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not conceal my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord," and You took away the guilt of my sin. Selah

The Word for encouragement:

Titus 2:11-13 (HCSB)
¹¹For the grace of God has appeared with salvation for all people, ¹²instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age, ¹³while we wait for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

My observation:

One of the great truths of the bible is the universal availability of salvation for all people. The bible says that God loves you, and he proved that by sending his son to be the atoning sacrifice for your sins.

2 Peter 3:9 (HCSB)
The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.

The Apostle Paul gives us tremendous insight of how we can profit from the grace of God that allowed us to receive the gift of salvation when we trusted in Christ. The grace of God is not a license to sin. Rather, it is a demand for Godly living, and it comes with the enabling power to live an obedient Christ like life.

Paul gives God's set apart people all that we need to know to build that brick wall that will keep us from falling over the edge. The grace of God will teach you how to overcome the forces that are pushing you to the edge of the cliff.

Titus 2:12 (AMP)
It has trained us to reject and renounce all ungodliness (irreligion) and worldly (passionate) desires, to live discreet (temperate, self-controlled), upright, devout (spiritually whole) lives in this present world,

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I pray that the grace of God will train me to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly desires, and to say "Yes" to living a sensible, righteous, and godly life in this world.

Philippians 4:13 (HCSB)
I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Daily Prayer_May 16, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 16:25 (MSG)
There's a way that looks harmless enough; look again—it leads straight to hell.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 32:1-2 (HCSB)
¹How joyful is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! ²How joyful is the man the Lord does not charge with sin and in whose spirit is no deceit!

The Word for encouragement:

2 Peter 2:6-9 (NLT)
⁶Later, God condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and turned them into heaps of ashes. He made them an example of what will happen to ungodly people. ⁷But God also rescued Lot out of Sodom because he was a righteous man who was sick of the shameful immorality of the wicked people around him. ⁸Yes, Lot was a righteous man who was tormented in his soul by the wickedness he saw and heard day after day. ⁹So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment.

My observation:

Why is life so hard? That is the question I read recently in the social media. It was the question of a person who was feeling some pain in their life. There are powerful forces that we face in this world that makes life hard. The pastor said in his sermon yesterday that these forces, if unrestrained, will push us to the edge, and will ultimately result in us falling off the cliff. Pastor Randy illustrated this by using a prop of a brick wall that we need to keep us from going over the edge.

In our focal passage for today, the Apostle Peter gives us a word that should encourage each of us in our walk of faith in this world. I am encouraged by the promise that God knows how to deliver his people who will trust in him. It is true that life is hard. However, don't forget that God is good, and that he is a deliverer in a class all by himself. He is able to be that brick wall to keep you from falling over the edge.

2 Peter 2:9 (AMP)
Now if [all these things are true, then be sure] the Lord knows how to rescue the godly out of temptations and trials, and how to keep the ungodly under chastisement until the day of judgment and doom,

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so thankful that the forces aligned against us are not greater than the God who is for us. Father, I am so grateful that you are able to keep me from falling over the edge. Father, I thank you for being my deliverer and my keeper.

My song:

Draw Me Nearer (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://biblestudycharts.com/SH_Draw_Me_Nearer.html

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Sunday Morning Reflections_May 15, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 15:1-2 (MSG)
¹A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire. ²Knowledge flows like spring water from the wise; fools are leaky faucets, dripping nonsense.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 119:18 (HCSB)
Open my eyes so that I may contemplate wonderful things from Your instruction.

The Word for encouragement:

Philippians 4:4-7 (HCSB)
⁴Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. ⁶Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so grateful that I am a recipient of the grace of God that is more than sufficient for all of my needs. Father, I may not be able to rejoice in all of my circumstances, but I can always rejoice in the Lord.

My song:

Rejoice in the Lord Always (Click on link below to listen to this song):

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

Friday, May 13, 2011

Daily Prayer_May 13, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 13:2-3 (HCSB)
²From the words of his mouth, a man will enjoy good things, but treacherous people have an appetite for violence. ³The one who guards his mouth protects his life; the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 119:103 (HCSB)
How sweet Your word is to my taste— ⌊sweeter⌋ than honey in my mouth.

The Word for encouragement:

Ephesians 4:29 (HCSB)
No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear.

My observation:

The conversation in the marketplace appears to my ears to be as foul as I have ever heard in my lifetime. It is regretful how foul-mouthed the conversation of many has become. The bible says that a foul mouth is a symptom of an acute heart condition.

Matthew 12:34 (HCSB)
Brood of vipers! How can you speak good things when you are evil? For the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart.

The language of Christ followers should be different from the language of the ungodly. The words coming from the mouth of believers should be sweet to the taste of the hearers, and they should be words that encourage and strengthen others. If you are a Christ follower, think about how your speech affects those who hear it. Consider how it affects the Holy Spirit of God who lives in you.

Ephesians 4:30 (HCSB)
And don't grieve God's Holy Spirit. You were sealed by Him for the day of redemption.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I pray that you would grant to me the grace gift of sweet speech. Father, may the words of my mouth never be offensive to the Holy Spirit of God, who lives and abides in my heart until the day of redemption.

Ephesians 1:13-14 (HCSB)
¹³When you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed in Him, you were also sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. ¹⁴He is the down payment of our inheritance, for the redemption of the possession, to the praise of His glory.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Daily Prayer_May 11, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 11:20 (MSG)
God can't stand deceivers, but oh how he relishes integrity.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 119:132-135 (NIV)
¹³²Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name. ¹³³Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me. ¹³⁴Redeem me from the oppression of men, that I may obey your precepts. ¹³⁵Make your face shine upon your servant and teach me your decrees.

The Word for encouragement:

Mark 10:27 (NIV)
Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."

My observation:

Living in this world can be a daunting task. Doing so with human resources alone is a mountain that is too high to successfully climb.

The statement that Jesus made to his disciples in our focal verse for today is in reference to eternal life. However, I am so glad that in his response to his disciple's inquiry Jesus went further when he said, "All things are possible with God".

There is no mountain or obstacle you will ever face in your life that is too difficult to climb or overcome if you will turn to God, and allow him to do for you what you cannot do for yourself. The Lord takes delight in leading and guiding his children. If you put your trust in yourself you will fail, but if you put your trust in God he will never fail.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so glad for the promises of the word of God that our heavenly Father never fails. Father God, I pray that the gift of faith that you have planted in me will never grow dim or cease to trust in you. Father, may I never forget that with God all things are possible.

My song:

I Can't Even Walk Without You Holding My Hand (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bv6rLqdNDBc

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Daily Prayer_May 10, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 10:9 (HCSB)
The one who lives with integrity lives securely, but whoever perverts his ways will be found out.

Proverbs 28:18 (HCSB)
The one who lives with integrity will be helped, but one who distorts right and wrong will suddenly fall.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 119:127-128 (HCSB)
¹²⁷Since I love Your commands more than gold, even the purest gold, ¹²⁸I carefully follow all Your precepts and hate every false way.

The Word for encouragement:

John 4:23 (HCSB)
But an hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. Yes, the Father wants such people to worship Him.

My observation:

Living in this world has never been easy, and that is certainly true of the times in which we are currently living. We are living in a day when a vast number of people are rejecting that which is precious for that which is worthless. The way of the world is to value that which is temporal, and reject the things that are eternal.

In spite of the difficulties and troubles of our current circumstances, and the problems and the troubles in our world, there is hope for those who seek and embrace the truth. The troubles and problems you are facing are only for a season, if you are a true worshiper.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (HCSB)
¹⁷For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. ¹⁸So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

As you think about these scriptures, allow them to sink deep into your heart. Then ask yourself these questions: Is there a prayer to pray? Is there a song to sing? Is there something to thank God for? Let us who are true worshipers exalt his name together.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so grateful that you sent Jesus to be the Savior of the world, and that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Father, I thank you that because of Jesus I have hope for today, and a bright future for all of my tomorrows. Father, I thank you that I have found the truth, and the truth has set me free.

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.

Acts 4:12 (HCSB)
There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people, and we must be saved by it."

My song:

Since Jesus Came into My Heart (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://biblestudycharts.com/SH_Since_Jesus_Came_into_My_Heart.html

Monday, May 9, 2011

Daily Prayer_May 9, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 9:8-9 (HCSB)
⁸Don't rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. ⁹Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will learn more.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 119:121-122 (HCSB)
¹²¹I have done what is just and right; do not leave me to my oppressors. ¹²²Guarantee Your servant's well-being; do not let the arrogant oppress me.

The Word for encouragement:

1 Chronicles 28:9 (HCSB)
"As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands the intention of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.

My observation:

Today begins a week of High School graduations in the Anchorage, Alaska community. I heard from a friend yesterday that he would be attending the 60^th reunion of his college class. The former will be 18 year olds, and the latter will be 80 year olds.

The wisdom that is contained in the word of God is profitable to each of us if we have eyes to see and ears to hear. And, and one wise man has aptly said, "You have not heard until you have obeyed".

God created each of us with a purpose in mind. He had a purpose for David and Solomon, and he has a purpose for you and me. David gave some wise advice to Solomon. I encourage you to think about this advice, and apply it to your individual circumstance. Are you prepared to say that you will serve God with your whole heart and a willing mind?

My prayer:

Father God, I pray that the young people who are graduating this week will seek the Lord with a whole heart and a willing mind. Father, I pray that each one of them will learn to trust in you, and to lean not on their own understanding. Father God, the wisdom of David to Solomon is beneficial for each of us, and I pray that we will listen and obey.

My song:

I Have Decided (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOnh7saY2iw&feature=related

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Mother's Day Reflections

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 31:29-31 (HCSB)
²⁹"Many women are capable, but you surpass them all!" ³⁰Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised. ³¹Give her the reward of her labor, and let her works praise her at the city gates.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 91:1-2 (HCSB)
¹The one who lives under the protection of the Most High dwells in the shadow of the Almighty. ²I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."

Psalm 91:11 (HCSB)
For He will give His angels orders concerning you, to protect you in all your ways.

The Word for encouragement:

2 Timothy 1:5-7 (HCSB)
⁵clearly recalling your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois, then in your mother Eunice, and that I am convinced is in you also. ⁶Therefore, I remind you to keep ablaze the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands. ⁷For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.

My prayer:

Father God, on this Mother's Day we want to give honor to whom honor is due. Father, I thank you for mothers, and the sacrificial love that they give unreservedly to their husbands and their children. Father, I am so grateful that I had a mother who loved God, and who loved me. Father, I thank you for my wife who loves me, and who loves our children. Father, I thank you for my daughter, who loves her daddy, her husband, and her children.

Father God, I thank you above all for your love for all people. Father, I am so thankful that if our earthly mothers are no longer with us, or if our earthly mother fails their children that we have a God in heaven who will be a mother for the motherless.

Psalm 27:10 (HCSB)
Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord cares for me.

Friday, May 6, 2011

Daily Prayer_May 6, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 6:20-22 (ESV)
²⁰My son, keep your father's commandment, and forsake not your mother's teaching. ²¹Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck. ²²When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 119:114 (ESV)
You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.

Psalm 119:117 (ESV)
Hold me up, that I may be safe and have regard for your statutes continually!

The Word for encouragement:

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV)
³Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, ⁴who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

My observation:

The Spirit of God moved upon my heart this morning, and directed me to a passage of scripture that I had written about recently. Since the Spirit knows best, I thought it the better part of wisdom to go where he is leading.

In answer to prayer the heavenly Father has been increasing the number of people he is bringing into my circle of concern. In that circle he is bringing people who are hurting, and who need a helper to lead them and guide them to respond to their trials in a way that would be redemptive.

The focal passage from the Apostle Paul to the church at Corinth offers some encouragement to the person facing trials in their life. Paul was a man who was acquainted with trials. However, he found something within him that enabled him to be an over comer.

The one who gave Paul comfort in his affliction was the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our heavenly Father is the Father of mercies and God of all comfort. Whatever you are going through he is able to meet your need if you are willing to give him access to it. Why don't you ask the Father to help you? What the Lord has done for others he will do for you.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so thankful for the comfort that I have received from your compassionate heart and your tender and powerful hands. Father, I am so thankful that nothing that I have ever faced in my life was too difficult for you. Father, I am so grateful that I have learned to seek you first in my life, and to bring everything to you in prayer. Father, will you comfort those who need a helper with the comfort that I have received from you.

1 Peter 5:6-7 (ESV)
⁶Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, ⁷casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.