Sharing the Word: July 2011

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Sunday Morning Reflections_July 31, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 31:10 (AMP)
A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman—who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls.

Proverbs 31:26 (AMP)
She opens her mouth in skillful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness [giving counsel and instruction].

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 119:88-89 (NASB)
⁸⁸Revive me according to Your lovingkindness, So that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth. ⁸⁹Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven.

The Word of God for encouragement:

2 Timothy 3:16 (MSG)
Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way.

My prayer:

Father God, Abba, Father, it is a delight to begin this Lord's Day morning giving praise and thanks for your lovingkindness, and for your tender mercies. Father, out of the depths of my heart I express to you the highest praise that I can see with my mind's eye, and that my mouth can speak.

Father God, I ask you to revive my heart, and the hearts of your believing people so that together we may keep the testimony of Your mouth. Father, help us to learn to cast off the things that are temporal, and cling to the things that are eternal.

Father God, I love your word because out of your mouth you have said, "Forever, Your word is settled in heaven". Father, keep me in your word, and keep your word in me.

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

Matthew 24:35 (HCSB)
Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.

Friday, July 29, 2011

Daily Prayer_July 29, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 29:20 (MSG)
Observe the people who always talk before they think— even simpletons are better off than they are.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 130:5 (HCSB)
I wait for Yahweh; I wait and put my hope in His word.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Philippians 4:11-13 (ESV)
¹¹Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. ¹²I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. ¹³I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:19 (ESV)
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

My observation:

Today our focus is on Psalm 130.5, and the choice word in our key verse is the word "wait". This is not easy for us to do. Everything in our fallen nature drives us to take action based on our ability and strength.

We fall into the trap of believing the old saying, "Weight broke the bridge down". The two words are vastly different, but there is a relationship and a lesson that we can draw from them. Here is the lesson. If we don't learn how to wait on the Lord, the weight of the burdens of life will break us down. God did not make us to live independent of him.

To wait on the Lord and to rely upon his strength is the wisest and most proactive thing that we can do to get through the challenges that life throws at us in our journey through this world. Notice the encouragement that the Apostle Paul gives to the saints in the letter of Philippians.

In waiting we learn to be content while we wait on God. We also learn to become independent of the many things that we want, but do not need.

My prayer:

Father God, my loving heavenly Father, I am so glad that I have a provider who has the character I can trust in his promises. Father, I am so glad you are faithful to keep every promise you have ever made in your word.

Father, help me to learn to lean upon you more, and upon myself and the attractions of this world less. Father, as for me, I will trust in the Lord, and I will wait upon the Lord. Father, just as the sun rises in the east, the Son shows up to meet the needs of your children.

My song:

I Waited for the Lord (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMEaJPlFkn4

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Daily Prayer_July 28, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 28:7 (NLT)
Young people who obey the law are wise; those with wild friends bring shame to their parents.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 130:4 (HCSB)
But with You there is forgiveness, so that You may be revered.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Isaiah 43:25-26 (HCSB)
²⁵"It is I who sweep away your transgressions for My own sake and remember your sins no more. ²⁶Take Me to court; let us argue our case together. State your ⌊case⌋, so that you may be vindicated.

Ephesians 1:7 (HCSB)
We have redemption in Him through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace

My observation:

To get the full impact of today's focal verse, Psalm 130:4, and today's choice word, "forgiveness" allow your mind to picture yourself before God who is sitting as judge in the court room. What is your greatest need in that hour?

If you need a lawyer, the song says that Jesus will be a lawyer in a court room. However, I don't know about you, but I am glad that Jesus has done something far better than being my attorney. In my situation I have no defense for my sins.

Something extraordinary takes place in that courtroom. The judge pays the penalty. Jesus purchased my forgiveness with his precious and royal blood. What a blessing, forgiven and free.

John 8:36 (ESV)
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I will be forever grateful, and thankful to you for sending Jesus into the world to be my redeemer. Father, I thank you that your darling son Jesus paid the price for my redemption, and now I can stand before the judge of all the earth forgiven. Lord, I thank you that my sins have been marked, "PAID IN FULL" by the precious blood of Jesus. Lord, it you need a witness, "I will sing of your power to save".

My song:

There is a Fountain (Click on link below to listen to this song):

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

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Daily Prayer_July 27, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 27:2 (HCSB)
Let another praise you, and not your own mouth— a stranger, and not your own lips.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 130:3 (HCSB)
Yahweh, if You considered sins, Lord, who could stand?

The Word of God for encouragement:

Daniel 9:9 (HCSB)
Compassion and forgiveness belong to the Lord our God, though we have rebelled against Him.

Romans 3:23 (HCSB)
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Romans 6:23 (HCSB)
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

My observation:

The key verse for today's meditation is Psalm 130.3. The choice word for today's focus is sin. When I think about the awfulness of sin, I am ashamed. When I think about the consequences of sin, I am troubled and distressed. The poet captures what I am experiencing in the lyrics from the song, "It is Well".

My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought
My sin not in part but the whole
Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, oh my soul.

Our key verse deserves and demands our careful consideration. The consequence of how we deal with sin is eternal death or life. Oh, that we would each choose life. Jesus offers to each of you the gift of life.

My prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, I stand in awe of the awesomeness of your love for sinners like me. There is nothing that I know that is more profound than the love of God. I learned this lesson as a child in Sunday School so many years ago, and it has never left my heart.

"Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so".

Father, I thank you for loving me so much that you sent your only begotten son to die for me so that I wouldn't have to die for my own sins. Lord, I thank you that I can sing, "It Is Well With My Soul".

My song:

It Is Well With My Soul (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYFjikyp7mQ&feature=related

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Daily Prayer_July 26, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 26:12 (HCSB)
Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 130:2 (HCSB)
Lord, listen to my voice; let Your ears be attentive to my cry for help.

The Word of encouragement:

1 Peter 3:12 (HCSB)
because the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are open to their request. But the face of the Lord is against those who do what is evil.

Psalm 34:15 (HCSB)
The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry for help.

My observation:

The choice verse for today is Psalm 130.2 and the choice word in that verse is the word listen. It is comforting to know that when we cry out to the Lord that he hears and is attentive to our plea for help in our time of need. We have to mean business when we approach the throne room of Yahweh, and it behooves us to give him access to the deepest areas of our life.

The size of your problems may be overwhelming to you, but nothing is too difficult for the Lord. So, tell him all about your troubles and your problems. You can trust in the mercies of the Lord.

My prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, I praise and thank you that you are a God who listens and is attentive to your people when that trust in you, and cry out to you from the depths of despair for help. Father, I thank you that you are a God who rescues the perishing, and who restores the fallen.

Father, when I look back over my life I see a trail of the goodness of the Lord. Father God, I can say like David that you are a God who listens to "my voice" and is attentive to "my cry" for help.

My song:

God is Good, All the Time God is Good (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jl06RN5zRxk&feature=related

Monday, July 25, 2011

Daily Prayer_July 25, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 25:25 (HCSB)
Good news from a distant land is like cold water to a parched throat.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 130:1 (HCSB)
Out of the depths I call to You, Yahweh!

The Word of God for encouragement:

James 1:2-4 (HCSB)
²Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, ³knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. ⁴But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.

My observation:

Today we will begin a focus on Psalm 130. This is one of the Psalms that Martin Luther described as the Pauline Psalm. He saw in this Psalm the lavish mercy of God on full display.

Titus 3:5 (HCSB)
He saved us— not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

When your faith brings you into the presence of God, and causes the face of God to smile upon you there is something that takes place in the depths of your life. It is transformational, and you are not the same person you used to be.

Galatians 2:19-20 (HCSB)
¹⁹For through the law I have died to the law, so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ ²⁰and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

What kind of attitude toward God do you have in the depths of your heart? Do you have a heart that deeply and fully trust in God like David? Do you have the attitude James writes about in his letter?

Ponder these truths about the Sovereign God. When you find yourself facing trials and troubles, reach down deep into your heart and remember that God is a God of tender mercies. He is a God who wants to save you; it is Satan who wants to destroy you.

Knowing these truths should bring forth from the depths of our heart a profound sense of thanksgiving to God, and a jumping for joy. I am talking about a loud whooping and not a faint whispering display of joy, praise, and thanksgiving to God for all of his mercies to us. Every day is a good day because God made it, and God don't make any junk.

Psalm 118:24 (HCSB)
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

My prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, Abba, Father, out of the depths of my heart I am besides myself with an overwhelming sense of the mercy of God that has been so freely given to me by a God who chose to love me first. The only response that I can give to a love like this is to receive it with a grateful heart, and to give thanks to the one who gave me this amazing gift.

Father, I don't understand everything and I can't explain everything that happens in my life and the life of others. However, this one thing I know, that you are working in everything for my ultimate good, and for your glory. So Father, I believe in you with my whole heart.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Sunday Morning Reflections_July 24, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 24:2-3 (AMP)
²For their minds plot oppression and devise violence, and their lips talk of causing trouble and vexation. ³Through skillful and godly Wisdom is a house (a life, a home, a family) built, and by understanding it is established [on a sound and good foundation],

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 125:1 (HCSB)
Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion. It cannot be shaken; it remains forever.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Isaiah 41:9-13 (HCSB)
⁹I brought you from the ends of the earth and called you from its farthest corners. I said to you: You are My servant; I have chosen you and not rejected you. ¹⁰Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand. ¹¹Be sure that all who are enraged against you will be ashamed and disgraced; those who contend with you will become as nothing and will perish. ¹²You will look for those who contend with you, but you will not find them. Those who war against you will become absolutely nothing. ¹³For I, Yahweh your God, hold your right hand and say to you: Do not fear, I will help you.

My prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, I praise and thank you for the promise that you would hold on to your people with your righteous right hand. Father God, I acknowledge that I am weak and lack knowledge in so many areas. However, there is one thing that I know, and that is that the God I serve has all power in his right hand, and that you have knowledge of everything; past, present, and future.

Father God, I thank you that I can start this new day, and this new week with the calm assurance that everything will be alright. Holy Father, help me to remember that you are in control of everything in the earth below and the heavens above. Father, I am so grateful that in you I have hope, help, and someone who is able to hold me, and keep me from harm.

Isaiah 41:10 (HCSB)
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Daily Prayer_July 22, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 22:6 (AMP)
Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 97:12 (AMP)
Rejoice in the Lord, you [consistently] righteous (upright and in right standing with God), and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Ephesians 6:4 (HCSB)
Fathers, don't stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

2 Timothy 3:15 (HCSB)
and you know that from childhood you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

My observation:

The thought on my mind and in my heart today is our children. What an awesome privilege and responsibility God has granted to those of us who are parents. However, as the saying goes, "Being a parent is not for cowards".

The verse from today's Proverb that I selected emphasizes the importance of training of children. It is significant to note that God's plan for children includes starting well, which is the responsibility of the parents, and the result will be a life that will be pleasing to the Lord.

I fear that far too many parents have fallen down in this most basic responsibility. The problem with today's youth lies at the feet of disobedient parents. Regretfully, many of our children don't have the rich and rewarding heritage that Timothy had. Would God be able to look at your children and say what the Apostle said about Timothy?

2 Timothy 3:15 (MSG)
why, you took in the sacred Scriptures with your mother's milk! There's nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I praise and thank you for loving and caring parents who take serious their responsibility to bring their children up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Father, it is so shameful that so many of our children are not getting any training at home.

Father, we ask that your church would step up to the plate and address this issue. Father, give your church a burden to equip parents for their primary responsibility. We need Christian homes to save our children and our nation. Lord, help us.

Joshua 24:15 (MSG)
"If you decide that it's a bad thing to worship God, then choose a god you'd rather serve—and do it today. Choose one of the gods your ancestors worshiped from the country beyond The River, or one of the gods of the Amorites, on whose land you're now living. As for me and my family, we'll worship God."

My song:

God Give Us Christian Homes (Click on link below to listen to this song):

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

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Daily Prayer_July 21, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 21:23 (MSG)
Watch your words and hold your tongue; you'll save yourself a lot of grief.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 97:10-11 (HCSB)
¹⁰You who love the Lord, hate evil! He protects the lives of His godly ones; He rescues them from the power of the wicked. ¹¹Light dawns for the righteous, gladness for the upright in heart.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Isaiah 25:1-3 (HCSB)
¹Yahweh, You are my God; I will exalt You. I will praise Your name, for You have accomplished wonders, plans [formed] long ago, with perfect faithfulness. ²For You have turned the city into a pile of rocks, a fortified city, into ruins; the fortress of barbarians is no longer a city; it will never be rebuilt. ³Therefore, a strong people will honor You. The cities of violent nations will fear You.

Isaiah 25:10-12 (HCSB)
¹⁰For the Lord's power will rest on this mountain. But Moab will be trampled in his place as straw is trampled in a dung pile. ¹¹He will spread out his arms in the middle of it, as a swimmer spreads out [his arms] to swim. His pride will be brought low, along with the trickery of his hands. ¹²The high-walled fortress will be brought down, thrown to the ground, to the dust.

My observation:

Although God is high and lifted up, and he has the whole world on his heart, he is also a God who draws near to his people. He is a loving father to his believing children. It is humbling to be able to say to the Sovereign Lord, "You are my God".

The prophet Isaiah was a man of God. He had knowledge of God, but his knowledge of God did not puff him up. In this passage we see the prophet turning his attention from the people, and turning his eyes upon God.

When you turn your focus to fix your eyes and your heart upon God what you see and what you experience will lift you to heights that will bring peace to your heart, and thrill your soul. You will not be able to contain yourself because joy unspeakable and full of glory will fill your heart, soul, mind, and body.

Are you ready to join with the saints of the ages in giving praise to the Lord for the wonderful works that he has done?

Isaiah 25:9 (HCSB)
On that day it will be said, "Look, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He has saved us. This is the Lord; we have waited for Him. Let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation."

My prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, Abba, Father, I delight to associate myself with the saints of the ages in giving honor, glory, and praise to the God of my salvation. Father, I stand in awe of your greatness and your goodness. Father, you are a faithful God, and for this I am grateful. Father, I am so grateful to you for all you have done for me. My heart delights to sing I'm Grateful.

My song:

Grateful (Click on link below to listen to this song):

?Grateful - Hezekiah Walker?? - YouTube

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Daily Prayer_July 20, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 20:3 (MSG)
It's a mark of good character to avert quarrels, but fools love to pick fights.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 97:8-9 (HCSB)
⁸Zion hears and is glad, and the towns of Judah rejoice because of Your judgments, Lord. ⁹For You, Lord, are the Most High over all the earth; You are exalted above all the gods.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Isaiah 17:7-11 (HCSB)
⁷On that day people will look to their Maker and will turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel. ⁸They will not look to the altars they made with their hands or to the Asherahs and incense altars they made with their fingers. ⁹On that day their strong cities will be like the abandoned woods and mountaintops that were abandoned because of the Israelites; there will be desolation. ¹⁰For you have forgotten the God of your salvation, and you have failed to remember the rock of your strength; therefore you will plant beautiful plants and set out cuttings from exotic vines. ¹¹On the day that you plant, you will help them to grow, and in the morning you will help your seed to sprout, [but] the harvest will vanish on the day of disease and incurable pain.

My observation:

The focal passage today reminds me that every decision we make in life has consequences. The phrase "On that day" is included three times in this chapter. It is included twice in our focal passage (verses 7 and 9), and in verse 4.

The northern kingdom of Israel made an alliance with Syria. However, that alliance proved to be the wrong decision for Israel and for Syria. Both of them were defeated in battle by the Assyrians. This is an example to us that if we put our trust in people that do not trust in the Lord, we may find ourselves receiving the judgment that they receive. The people you link your life with have consequences.

If only are words that we often use when we look back on life after we have suffered the consequences of unwise decisions. The mistake that Israel made was a spiritual one. The problem that Israel had was her disobedience of God. This failure to remember the God of her salvation resulted in the judgment of God upon the people.

Isaiah 17:10-11 (HCSB)
¹⁰For you have forgotten the God of your salvation, and you have failed to remember the rock of your strength; therefore you will plant beautiful plants and set out cuttings from exotic vines. ¹¹On the day that you plant, you will help them to grow, and in the morning you will help your seed to sprout, [but] the harvest will vanish on the day of disease and incurable pain.

My prayer:

Father God, Abba, Father, I pray that I will guard my heart so that the spirit of disobedience will not result in me forgetting the God of my salvation. Father, I don't want to have to look back on my life and have to say, "If only". Instead, Father, may the response of my heart be, "Yes, Lord".

My song:

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

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

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Daily Prayer_July 19, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 19:11 (MSG)
Smart people know how to hold their tongue; their grandeur is to forgive and forget.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 97:7 (HCSB)
All who serve carved images, those who boast in idols, will be put to shame. All the gods must worship Him.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Philippians 2:5-11 (HCSB)
⁵Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus, ⁶who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage. ⁷Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men. And when He had come as a man in His external form, ⁸He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death— even to death on a cross. ⁹For this reason God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, ¹⁰so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow— of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth— ¹¹and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

My observation:

Yesterday we read in Isaiah 14:12-15 of Satan. In that passage Satan has an attitude of arrogance. In today's focal passage we see a picture of Jesus. His attitude is one of humility.

When people look at you today who do you resemble the most in your attitude? Is your attitude more like Satan or like Jesus? Our heavenly Father is most pleased, and grants his favor to those who most resemble Jesus.

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

My prayer:

Father God, Abba, Father, I pray that I might have greater grace in my life. Father, I ask that you remove from me any attitude of arrogance that is unpleasing in your eyes. Father, I desire to flee from what you resist, and run to what you favor. Father, give me sufficient grace so that I might have in my life the attitude of humility that Jesus had in his life.

My song:

Grace Greater than Our Sins (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://biblestudycharts.com/SH_Grace_Greater_Than_Our_Sin.html

Monday, July 18, 2011

Daily Prayer_July 18, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 18:4 (AMP)
The words of a [discreet and wise] man's mouth are like deep waters [plenteous and difficult to fathom], and the fountain of skillful and godly Wisdom is like a gushing stream [sparkling, fresh, pure, and life-giving].

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 97:1 (HCSB)
The Lord reigns! Let the earth rejoice; let the many coasts and islands be glad.

Psalm 97:6 (HCSB)
The heavens proclaim His righteousness; all the peoples see His glory.

The Word for encouragement:

Isaiah 14:12-15 (HCSB)
¹²Shining morning star, how you have fallen from the heavens! You destroyer of nations, you have been cut down to the ground. ¹³You said to yourself: "I will ascend to the heavens; I will set up my throne above the stars of God. I will sit on the mount of the [gods'] assembly, in the remotest parts of the North. ¹⁴I will ascend above the highest clouds; I will make myself like the Most High." ¹⁵But you will be brought down to Sheol into the deepest regions of the Pit.

My observation:

Today's focal passage shines a bright light upon our greatest adversary. He is at the root of the origin of our problems. He is the great deceiver and destroyer. Notice what the declared motive of Satan is in his own words.

Isaiah 14:14 (HCSB)
I will ascend above the highest clouds; I will make myself like the Most High."

He has that as his primary goal, and he seeks to entice you to have that as your goal in life. He had that plan from the beginning. Notice his appeal to Eve in the garden.

Genesis 3:5 (HCSB)
"In fact, God knows that when you eat it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."

I woke up this morning with a simple thought on my mind. I have been thinking about the power of words recently. I have discovered that words don't have to be big to be powerful. There are two very powerful words that if you use them appropriately it will get you through life and eternity, and you will end up at the best destination conceivable.

Here are the two most powerful and transformational words in any language, "Yes" and "No". Think about the eternal consequences of saying "Yes" to God, and "No" to Satan. This response yields eternal life with God. The reverse of this leads to death, and eternal separation from God.

My prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, I am so grateful that I don't have to face the enemy of my soul in my strength alone. Father, I thank you that the triune presence and power of God lives in me, and in the life of every child of God. Father, I thank you that I can call upon that power to enable me to say, "No" to Satan, and "Yes" to the will and way of God.

Father God, in every situation I have ever faced in life I have found that the only viable response has been to look up to you and say, "Yes, Lord".

My song:

Yes, Lord (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MuUrPbFzIo&feature=related

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Sunday Morning Reflections_July 17, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 17:14 (AMP)
¹⁴The beginning of strife is as when water first trickles [from a crack in a dam]; therefore stop contention before it becomes worse and quarreling breaks out.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 72:12-14 (HCSB)
¹²For he will rescue the poor who cry out and the afflicted who have no helper.
¹³He will have pity on the poor and helpless and save the lives of the poor.
¹⁴He will redeem them from oppression and violence, for their lives are precious in his sight.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Philippians 2:8-12 (HCSB)
⁸He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross.
⁹For this reason God also highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name,
¹⁰so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow— of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth—
¹¹and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
¹²So then, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

My prayer:

Father God, Abba, Father, I am so thankful for this reminder from the word that I read today of your wisdom, lovingkindness, and your humility. Father, I pray that today, and everyday I will reflect more of these Christlike qualities in my life.

Friday, July 15, 2011

Daily Prayer_July 15, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 15:14 (HCSB)
A discerning mind seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 97:1 (HCSB)
The Lord reigns! Let the earth rejoice; let the many coasts and islands be glad.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Micah 3:12 (HCSB)
Therefore, because of you, Zion will be plowed like a field, Jerusalem will become ruins, and the hill of the temple mount will be a thicket.

Jeremiah 26:17-19 (HCSB)
¹⁷Some of the elders of the land stood up and said to all the assembled people, ¹⁸"Micah the Moreshite prophesied in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah and said to all the people of Judah, 'This is what the Lord of Hosts says: Zion will be plowed like a field, Jerusalem will become ruins, and the temple mount a forested hill.' ¹⁹Did Hezekiah king of Judah and all [the people of] Judah put him to death? Did he not fear the Lord and plead for the Lord's favor, and did not the Lord relent concerning the disaster He had pronounced against them? We are about to bring great harm on ourselves!"

My observation:

Yesterday in my reading of the book of Micah, the verse that I selected for today's focal passage leaped off the page and into my heart. The lesson learned was the power of the words of God.

The people wanted to kill Jeremiah because of the words of God that he spoke to those in power. However, there were some elders of the land that stood up, and reminded the people of the word of God that another prophet gave to God's people. The elders had read the words that God gave to the prophet Micah. The people listened and obeyed.

Oh, today, how wiser and better we would be if we would only listen to and obey the words of God. The words of God are wonderful words and they give life to those who hear them and obey them. As the elders and wise among would say, "You have not listened until you have obeyed".

My prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, I praise and thank you for the Holy Bible. Father God, I pray that you will give me ears to hear, and open heart to receive, and a will to do everything that your word commands your people to do. Father, keep me in your word, and your word in me.

James 1:19 (HCSB)
My dearly loved brothers, understand this: Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.

My song:

Wonderful Words of Life (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://biblestudycharts.com/SH_Wonderful_Words_of_Life.html

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Daily Prayer_July 14, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 14:12-13 (MSG)
¹²There's a way of life that looks harmless enough; look again—it leads straight to hell. ¹³Sure, those people appear to be having a good time, but all that laughter will end in heartbreak.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 96:11-13 (HCSB)
¹¹Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let the sea and all that fills it resound. ¹²Let the fields and everything in them exult. Then all the trees of the forest will shout for joy ¹³before the Lord, for He is coming— for He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with His faithfulness.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Mark 14:3-9 (HCSB)
³While He was in Bethany at the house of Simon who had a serious skin disease, as He was reclining at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of pure and expensive fragrant oil of nard. She broke the jar and poured it on His head. ⁴But some were expressing indignation to one another: "Why has this fragrant oil been wasted? ⁵For this oil might have been sold for more than 300 denarii and given to the poor." And they began to scold her. ⁶Then Jesus said, "Leave her alone. Why are you bothering her? She has done a noble thing for Me. ⁷You always have the poor with you, and you can do what is good for them whenever you want, but you do not always have Me. ⁸She has done what she could; she has anointed My body in advance for burial. ⁹I assure you: Wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told in memory of her."

My observation:

Our focal passage for today was the text for my pastor's sermon last Sunday. The choice word for this week seems to be "worship". We saw it yesterday in the song of Miriam, and today we see it in what Martha did for Jesus in anointing him with an alabaster jar of pure and expensive fragrant oil of nard.

This was special because of what she did for Jesus, and for what God revealed to her about Jesus. Something extraordinary happens to the worshipper when they draw near to Jesus, and lavish him with the praise, honor, and glory that he alone deserves.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I acknowledge that the Lord is worthy of the highest praise that my mind can conceive, that my heart can feel, and my lips can utter. Father, I thank you for sending Jesus to be my Savior. Father, Jesus is so precious to me, as the song says, "He's Sweet I Know".

Psalm 135:1 (HCSB)
Hallelujah! Praise the name of Yahweh. Give praise, you servants of Yahweh

My song:

He's Sweet I Know (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTC2WDR6c6k&feature=feedu

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Daily Prayer_July 13, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 13:7 (MSG)
A pretentious, showy life is an empty life; a plain and simple life is a full life.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 96:12 (HCSB)
Let the fields and everything in them exult. Then all the trees of the forest will shout for joy

The Word of God for encouragement:

Isaiah 12:1-6 (ESV)
¹You will say in that day: "I will give thanks to you, O Lord, for though you were angry with me, your anger turned away, that you might comfort me. ²"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation." ³With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. ⁴And you will say in that day: "Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted. ⁵"Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth. ⁶Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel."

My observation:

There is nothing like singing the songs of Zion to lift the spirits of God's people. I have a friend who describes herself as a worshipper. I like the attitude that she has about worship, and I love the object of her worship. She is a worshipper of Yahweh.

Our focal passage today from Isaiah is the song of Miriam. You don't have to be in a church service to worship the Lord. Has the Lord done something for you that no one else could do? If, so, why don't you sing praises to his most holy name.

Psalm 118:14 (ESV)
The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.

My prayer:

Father God, Abba, Father, I delight to lift my voice in praise to the God of my salvation. Lord, you mean everything to me. Lord, I can sing with the Psalmist that you are my strength, my song, and my salvation. Can I get an Amen?

Numbers 21:17 (HCSB)
Then Israel sang this song: Spring up, well—sing to it!

My song:

River of Life (Click on link below to listen to this song by Alaska Mass Choir):

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

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Daily Prayer_July 12, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 12:13-14 (MSG)
¹³The gossip of bad people gets them in trouble; the conversation of good people keeps them out of it. ¹⁴Well-spoken words bring satisfaction; well-done work has its own reward.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 96:11 (HCSB)
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let the sea and all that fills it resound.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Isaiah 3:8-11 (HCSB)
⁸For Jerusalem has stumbled and Judah has fallen because they have spoken and acted against the Lord, defying His glorious presence. ⁹The look on their faces testifies against them, and like Sodom, they flaunt their sin. They do not conceal it. Woe to them, for they have brought evil on themselves. ¹⁰Tell the righteous that it will go well [for them], for they will eat the fruit of their labor. ¹¹Woe to the wicked—[it will go] badly [for them], for what they have done will be done to them.

Isaiah 4:5-6 (HCSB)
⁵Then the Lord will create a cloud of smoke by day and a glowing flame of fire by night over the entire site of Mount Zion and over its assemblies. For there will be a canopy over all the glory, ⁶and there will be a booth for shade from heat by day, and a refuge and shelter from storm and rain.

My observation:

This past weekend I begin reading the book of Isaiah in the chronological plan of reading through the bible in a year.

I highlighted these two passages because they spoke into my heart. These passages are a reminder that no matter how bad things may get down here, I can look forward to a brighter future.

We don't have to wait until some date in the future to start enjoying the blessings that God wants to give to his people. God will bless us with his presence today if we will receive his offer of salvation. He will do for us what no other power can do.

Isaiah 1:18 (HCSB)
"Come, let us discuss this," says the Lord. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will be like wool.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so grateful for the love of God. Father, I hunger and thirst for your blessings to be poured out into my life. Father, I know that you have a big heart, and that everything belongs to you. Therefore, in faith, I ask you to shower your believing people today with blessings overflowing. Father, give us what we need to be pleasing in your eyes.

My song:

There Shall be Showers of Blessings (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/260

Monday, July 11, 2011

Daily Prayer_July 11, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 11:3 (MSG)
The integrity of the honest keeps them on track; the deviousness of crooks brings them to ruin.

Proverbs 11:13 (MSG)
A gadabout gossip can't be trusted with a secret, but someone of integrity won't violate a confidence.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 96:10 (HCSB)
Say among the nations: "The Lord reigns. The world is firmly established; it cannot be shaken. He judges the peoples fairly."

The Word of God for encouragement:

2 Kings 4:42-44 (HCSB)
⁴²A man from Baal-shalishah came to the man of God with his sack full of 20 loaves of barley bread from the first bread of the harvest. Elisha said, "Give it to the people to eat." ⁴³But Elisha's attendant asked, "What? Am I to set 20 loaves before 100 men?" "Give it to the people to eat," Elisha said, "for this is what the Lord says: 'They will eat, and they will have some left over.'" ⁴⁴So he gave it to them, and as the Lord had promised, they ate and had some left over.

My observation:

Today we conclude our look at the ministry of Elijah and Elisha. What I have observed is that God gives people different ministries. We should be willing to receive the ministry of different type of ministers. Every minister is not the same, and we should not expect them to be alike.

The big idea in our focal passage for today is that God is the source; he is the provider of the needs of his people.

Elisha, the man of God, lived a lifestyle of communing with God, listening to God, and doing what God told him to do. That is a trait that is worthy of imitating. I read recently that the legendary basketball coach of UCLA, John Wooten said, "Everything that we know we learned from somebody else". The Lord is a good teacher to learn from.

The need of the people was for food. Elisha in his daily conversation with God prepared him to be able to meet this need. In this case, we see another example of how God uses what we have to meet our needs. Our little in God's hands yields an abundance when we put it in his hands. Are you willing to give God all that he asks for? If you are, you will be the richer for your obedience.

2 Kings 4:44 (NLT)
And when they gave it to the people, there was plenty for all and some left over, just as the Lord had promised.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I praise and thank you that you are Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides. Father, I pray that I will be willing to do my part so that you can take my little, and make of it an abundance that will meet my needs, and have leftovers that I can give to others. Father, I thank you that I am a receiver of your abundant provisions.

My song:

Jehovah Jireh (Click on link below to watch this worship video):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgU8re8b8aA&feature=related