Sharing the Word: August 2011

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Daily Prayer_August 31, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 31:8 (HCSB)
Speak up for those who have no voice, for the justice of all who are dispossessed.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 113:3 (HCSB)
From the rising of the sun to its setting, let the name of Yahweh be praised.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Malachi 1:11 (HCSB)
"For My name will be great among the nations, from the rising of the sun to its setting. Incense and pure offerings will be presented in My name in every place because My name will be great among the nations," says Yahweh of Hosts.

My observation:

Today our focus continues on Psalm 113. This Psalm is about worship of the Lord. The choice word that leaps off the page for me today is "everywhere". Isn't it wonderful that God will meet us where we are?

There is coming a day where the name of the Lord will be recognized and praised everywhere. The good news is we don't have to wait for that to happen for us to worship; we can worship the Lord today, and receive the blessings that come to those who praise the Lord. It is true that when the praises go up to God, the blessings come down to his people.

James 1:17 (HCSB)
Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I delight to sing your praises because it thrills my soul just to be in your presence, and to think about the greatness and goodness of the Lord. Father, there is nothing this side of heaven, that is sweeter than to gather together with your people, and to sing praises to your name. Father, I bless your most holy and righteous name. Father, may your people everywhere bless the name of the Lord. Hallelujah!

My song:

The Name of the Lord –Gaither Homecoming Friends (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZvYozROF_0&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

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

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Daily Prayer_August 30, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 30:3 (AMP)
I have not learned skillful and godly Wisdom, that I should have the knowledge or burden of the Holy One.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 113:2 (ESV)
Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore!

The Word of God for encouragement:

Psalm 115:18 (HCSB)
But we will praise the Lord, both now and forever. Hallelujah!

My observation:

Today we continue our meditation on Psalm 113. This Psalm is an encouragement to Praise the Lord. It begins and ends with the exhortation to, "Praise the Lord".

The choice word for today is "time". The Psalmist answers the question of when the servant of the Lord should worship God. The answer is simple. God's people should worship him now, and forever. We should start right now to worship the Lord, and keep on worshipping him as long as we have breath. It will get you ready for what you will be doing when we all get to heaven. Truly, we shall worship him forever. Hallelujah!

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, what a delight and joy it is to my heart to be able to sing the praises of him who has brought me from death to life. Father, I thank you for doing for me what I could not do for myself.

2 Corinthians 5:21 (HCSB)
He made the One who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

My song:

When We All Get to Heaven (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://biblestudycharts.com/SH_When_We_All_Get_to_Heaven.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 119:105 (HCSB)
Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path

Monday, August 29, 2011

Daily Prayer_August 29, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 29:1 (MSG)
For people who hate discipline and only get more stubborn, there'll come a day when life tumbles in and they break, but by then it'll be too late to help them.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 113:1 (MSG)
Hallelujah! You who serve God, praise God! Just to speak his name is praise!

The Word of God for inspiration:

Philippians 2:3-4 (NLT)
³Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. ⁴Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

My observation:

Today's choice word is "servant". Our featured Psalm for this week is Psalm 113. We will examine it in small bite size pieces, and attempt to apply the word to our everyday life.

One of the amazing things about God is the concern he has for others. He who is the greatest has compassion for those who are the least.

One of the most difficult things for the servant of God to do is to have the same amount of concern and interest in others as we have in ourselves. We have a high regard for self, and a lesser regard for others.

In our scripture from Philippians the Apostle Paul addresses this issue in his letter to the church at Philippi. The servant of God must be like his Master. Jesus has set the example for servant hood. It is the role of the servant to humble self. The reward of humility is that the Master will exalt you.

God is great and God is good. Who should praise the Lord? Surely those who are servants of the Lord, those who trust in him, and seek to live for him, should want to praise his name. Let the people of God sing with a grateful heart, "Praise the Lord!"

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I delight to associate myself with those who are called servants of the Lord. I delight to give honor, glory, and praise to the name of the Lord. Father, I exalt your name. Hallelujah!

My song:

The Doxology Hymn (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lM5mGugb8A&NR=1

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 119:105 (HCSB)
Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Sunday Morning Reflections_August 28, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 28:14 (ESV)
Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 37:3-6 (ESV)
³Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. ⁴Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. ⁵Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. ⁶He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Isaiah 26:2-4 (ESV)
²Open the gates, that the righteous nation that keeps faith may enter in. ³You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. ⁴Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so grateful for the perfect peace that you give to your people who have learned to trust in you. Father, I thank you for the faith of the faithful. Father, I thank you for being the rock that is everlasting, and the God that never fails.

Hebrews 11:6 (ESV)
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

My song:

Jesus is My Rock (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_MqRDd2eJk&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 119:105 (HCSB)
Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path

Friday, August 26, 2011

Daily Prayer_August 26, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 26:20 (NLT)
Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 111:10 (NLT)
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever!

Psalm 112:1 (NLT)
Praise the Lord! How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands.

The Word of God for encouragement:

John 8:31-32 (NLT)
³¹Jesus said to the people who believed in him, "You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. ³²And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

My observation:

Today we complete our two week meditation on Psalm 112. The last verse of the previous Psalm provides a perfect bridge to Psalm 112. The choice word for today is "wisdom".

When you think about the works of God, and his goodness to his people, you can't help but breakout in a song of praise to the Lord. The Psalmist has God's redemption on his mind in Psalm 111, and he had God's righteousness on his mind in Psalm 112.

All of these blessings of God that we have talked about for the past two weeks are available to those who fear the Lord. The Psalmist hit the nail squarely on the head when he said, "How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands". Notice that Jesus reminded his disciples of this truth in the passage from the gospel of John. It is right talking and right walking that pleases the Lord.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I praise and thank you for the precious gift of redemption that you have given to your believing children. Father, I thank you that all your works are done in righteousness. Father, enable me by your almighty power, to be faithful to you always, and to be obedient to your teachings. Father, I thank you for setting me free to fear nothing but you.

Isaiah 8:13 (NLT)
Make the Lord of Heaven's Armies holy in your life. He is the one you should fear. He is the one who should make you tremble.

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 119:105 (HCSB)
Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Daily Prayer_August 25, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 25:21-22 (ESV)
²¹If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, ²²for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 112:10 (ESV)
The wicked man sees it and is angry; he gnashes his teeth and melts away; the desire of the wicked will perish!

The Word of God for encouragement:

Psalm 7:11 (ESV)
God is a righteous judge, and a God who feels indignation every day.

Psalm 7:17 (ESV)
I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.

My observation:

The choice word for today is "wickedness". The final blessing for the righteous is that that don't have to be distressed about their enemies. God in his own time and in his own way will take care of wickedness.

Notice the contrast of the destiny of the righteous and the wicked as the Psalmist described it in our focal Psalm.

Psalm 112:6 (ESV)
For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever.

Psalm 112:10 (ESV)
The wicked man sees it and is angry; he gnashes his teeth and melts away; the desire of the wicked will perish!

My prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, I praise and thank you that those who fear the Lord, and trust in the Lord with their whole heart don't have to be distressed or worry about the wicked. Father, I thank you that the wicked are in your hands, and not in my hands. Therefore, like the Psalmist, I can give you thanks for your righteousness, and I can join with the Saints of the ages in giving praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High God forever and ever. Amen.

My song:

The Wicked Shall Cease from Troubling (Click on link below to listen to this song and be blessed):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9s6pAu2P9H4&list=PLA30C04A19E241381&index=23&feature=plpp

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 119:105 (HCSB)
Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Daily Prayer_August 24, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 24:11 (MSG)
Rescue the perishing; don't hesitate to step in and help.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 112:9 (ESV)
He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn is exalted in honor.

The Word of God for encouragement:

2 Corinthians 9:9 (ESV)
As it is written, "He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."

My observation:

The choice word for today from Psalm 112:9 is "giving". In this verse we see that the child of God who gives has nothing to fear because the Lord will use your giving to be a blessing to others, and he will reward the giver.

The Apostle Paul quoted from our focal verse from the Psalm in his letter to the Corinthian believers. That chapter is one of my favorites on the subject of giving. One of my choice verses from that chapter is this one.

2 Corinthians 9:6 (ESV)
The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so thankful that the wise child of God does not have to fear giving when we fear the Lord, and walk obediently in the word. Father, I thank you that you use the wise steward to be a blessing to others, and that you reward the cheerful giver generously. Father, I am grateful that the wise steward who gives generously has to never fear becoming poor.

2 Corinthians 9:11 (ESV)
You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to 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 119:105 (HCSB)
Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Daily Prayer_August 23, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 23:17-18 (AMP)
¹⁷Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord all the day long. ¹⁸For surely there is a latter end [a future and a reward], and your hope and expectation shall not be cut off.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 112:7-8 (HCSB)
⁷He will not fear bad news; his heart is confident, trusting in the Lord. ⁸His heart is assured; he will not fear. In the end he will look in triumph on his foes.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Psalm 27:1-3 (HCSB)
¹The 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? ²When evildoers came against me to devour my flesh, my foes and my enemies stumbled and fell. ³Though an army deploys against me, my heart is not afraid; though a war breaks out against me, still I am confident.

My observation:

The choice word for today is "bad news". There certainly is a lot of bad news that we encounter in our journey through this world. However, the good news is that we don't have to fear bad news.

Today's selected verses from Psalm 112 provide another of the benefits for those who fear the Lord, and trust in him with their whole heart.

We can conquer fear by trusting the Savior, and walking with him all the days of our life. If you continue to fear the Lord, you will never have to fear bad news, the evil in this world, or any other fear. Jesus is a deliverer, and he will set you free from all your fears.

2 Timothy 1:7 (HCSB)
For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.

My prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, I delight to exalt your name, and to cast all of my cares upon my Savior and your only begotten son, Jesus. Father, I am so grateful for the blessing that you give to those who fear you by exchanging our fears for your power, love, and sound judgment.

Father, I have decided that I will follow Jesus all the way no matter what others may choose to do. Lord, I'm going with Jesus all the way. I'm too close to heaven to turn around now. I can hear the joy bells ringing, and the angels singing in glory.

My song:

I'm Going Through (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Im_Going_Through/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 119:105 (HCSB)
Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path

Monday, August 22, 2011

Daily Prayer_August 22, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 22:4 (AMP)
The reward of humility and the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 112:1 (NKJV)
Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, Who delights greatly in His commandments.

Psalm 112:5-6 (NKJV)
⁵A good man deals graciously and lends; He will guide his affairs with discretion. ⁶Surely he will never be shaken; The righteous will be in everlasting remembrance.

The Word of God for encouragement:

2 Chronicles 19:5-7 (NLT)
⁵He appointed judges throughout the nation in all the fortified towns, ⁶and he said to them, "Always think carefully before pronouncing judgment. Remember that you do not judge to please people but to please the Lord. He will be with you when you render the verdict in each case. ⁷Fear the Lord and judge with integrity, for the Lord our God does not tolerate perverted justice, partiality, or the taking of bribes."

My observation:

The choice word today is "decisions". We begin this week by continuing to meditate on the blessings that accrue to those who fear the Lord.

Our featured Psalm highlights the fact that those who fear the Lord don't have to fear making decisions. What a blessing it is to know that the Lord is in control of everything. Notice what the psalmist says about the blessing of fearing the Lord, "He will guide his affairs with discretion".

My prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, I am so grateful for the blessings that you give to your people who fear the Lord. Father, I welcome with a thankful heart the wisdom that comes from you to help me in making decisions that will be pleasing to you, and a blessing to others, and to me. Father, the hymn writer got it right when he said, "It pays to serve Jesus, it pays every day, and it pays every step of the way".

My song:

It Pays to Serve Jesus (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0zA6dP72MQ

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 119:105 (HCSB)
Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Sunday Morning Reflections_August 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 52:9 (NLT)
I will praise you forever, O God, for what you have done. I will trust in your good name in the presence of your faithful people.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Lamentations 3:25 (HCSB)
The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him.

My prayer:

Father God, Abba, Father, I exalt your name above every name, and give you the praise, honor, and glory that you alone deserve. Father, I acknowledge that you are in a class that has only one.

1 Timothy 2:5 (AMP)
For there [is only] one God, and [only] one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,

Father God, I pray for faith to trust you more, and for patience to wait on you no matter what the circumstances may look and feel like. Father, I thank you for sending Jesus to be my Savior and my Sanctifier.

Father, I thank you that I can depend upon Jesus, alone, to be my faithful friend forever. Others will fail me, but Jesus will never fail. What a friend I have in Jesus, and he wants to be your friend to. He is patiently waiting for you to receive him.

John 1:12 (HCSB)
But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name,

My song:

What a Friend (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KM2kbogwgBM

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, August 19, 2011

Daily Prayer_August 19, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 19:23 (HCSB)
The fear of the Lord leads to life; one will sleep at night without danger.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 112:4 (HCSB)
Light shines in the darkness for the upright. He is gracious, compassionate, and righteous.

The Word of God for encouragement:

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?

My observation:

The choice word that I gleaned from today's selected scriptures is "Security". It is comforting to know that we don't have to lose sleep over anything when we fear the Lord, walk in his way, and do what he tells us to do in his word, and by his Spirit.

Today's verse from the focal Psalm for this week, Psalm 112, reminds us that when we fear the Lord that we can even eliminate the fear of the dark from the things we don't have to fear. The Proverb leaves no doubt that this is true.

My prayer:

Father God, Abba, Father, I praise and thank you for the security that I enjoy because of my faith in God, and my reverential fear of the Lord. Father, thank you for being a light that shines in the dark and dangerous places of this world. Father, I thank you that when I walk in the light I don't have to fear anything.

My song:

Walk in the Light (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ool3VUX1yc0&list=PLA30C04A19E241381&index=5

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Daily Prayer_August 18, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 18:10-11 (NLT)
¹⁰The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe. ¹¹The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense; they imagine it to be a high wall of safety.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 112:1 (NLT)
Praise the Lord! How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands.

Psalm 112:3 (NLT)
They themselves will be wealthy, and their good deeds will last forever.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Proverbs 11:3-4 (ESV)
³The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them. ⁴Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.

Proverbs 10:27 (ESV)
The fear of the Lord prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short.

Proverbs 11:23 (ESV)
The desire of the righteous ends only in good; the expectation of the wicked in wrath.

My observation:

The choice word for today is "Finances". This week we have been meditating on Psalm 112. Today we focus on another of the blessings for those who fear the Lord, and put their trust in him. It is of great comfort to know that my trust is in the Lord and not in my finances during these turbulent financial times that the whole world is experiencing.

What value is wealth if you don't have life? Take the time to ponder the wisdom of the selected Proverbs on this subject. Then, make the next right choice by choosing to fear the Lord, and to trust in him with your whole heart. If you fear the Lord, you don't have to fear finances.

My prayer:

Father God, Abba, Father, I praise and thank you that those who fear the Lord don't have to fear anything else. Father, my hope and my confidence is in you and you alone. Therefore, I have nothing to fear because I fear the Lord.

Psalm 112:7-8 (AMP)
⁷He shall not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is firmly fixed, trusting (leaning on and being confident) in the Lord. ⁸His heart is established and steady, he will not be afraid while he waits to see his desire established upon his adversaries.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Daily Prayer_August 17, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 17:6 (NLT)
Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children.

Proverbs 17:25 (NLT)
Foolish children bring grief to their father and bitterness to the one who gave them birth.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 112:2 (NLT)
Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation of godly people will be blessed.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Deuteronomy 6:1-2 (NLT)
¹"These are the commands, decrees, and regulations that the Lord your God commanded me to teach you. You must obey them in the land you are about to enter and occupy, ²and you and your children and grandchildren must fear the Lord your God as long as you live. If you obey all his decrees and commands, you will enjoy a long life.

My observation:

The choice word from my reading of today's scriptures is "Family". When I was a kid August was the last month of summer vacation. However, today our children are going back to school during the month of August.

The psalmist says that there is a blessing for the family that fears the Lord. God has always commanded his people to fear and obey him, and it would be well with their lives.

When God is at the center of families, we can expect to see blessings in that family. It does not mean that there will not be problems. None of us are perfect, and David, the author of the Psalms, was acutely aware of this. God never said we would be perfect down here, but he does command us to be faithful down here.

My prayer:

Father God, Abba, Father, I am so grateful for the promise that you will bless the family of those who will fear and obey the Lord.

Father, I ask your blessings upon all of the children that are going back to school this month. We pray that the school house will be a safe place for them in every way. Father, guard our children's hearts from false teachers who would plant seeds of doubt in their hearts about you, and your word.

Father God, I pray that this generation will know God, and that they will know his power as they will need that to be over comers in the perilous times in which they will live out their lives.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Daily Prayer_August 16, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 16:6 (HCSB)
Wickedness is atoned for by loyalty and faithfulness, and one turns from evil by the fear of the Lord.

Proverbs 3:7 (HCSB)
Don't consider yourself to be wise; fear the Lord and turn away from evil.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 112:1 (HCSB)
Hallelujah! Happy is the man who fears the Lord, taking great delight in His commands.

Psalm 112:7-8 (HCSB)
⁷He will not fear bad news; his heart is confident, trusting in the Lord. ⁸His heart is assured; he will not fear. In the end he will look in triumph on his foes.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Job 28:28 (HCSB)
He said to mankind, "The fear of the Lord is this: wisdom. And to turn from evil is understanding."

My observation:

The choice word for today is "Fear". There are so many things that people fear. The sad thing is that most of these fears are unnecessary because the things feared never happen.

Today's selected passages offers a perfect solution to our fears. The person who fears God has nothing else to fear.

Yes, that is what the scripture says. To fear the Lord is a good thing. To fear anyone else or anything else is a bad thing.

Happy is the person that fears the Lord (Psalm 112:1). The fear of the Lord will conquer all of our other fears (Psalm 112:7-8). The psalmist feared the Lord, and was able to say, "His heart is assured; he will not fear".

My prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, Abba, Father, I praise and thank you that you are an all powerful God and that you are an all wise God. Father, I thank you that nothing is too difficult for you because of your almighty power. Father, I praise you because you always do what is best for your children because of your unfathomable wisdom. Father, I pray for faith to fear you more.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Daily Prayer_August 15, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 15:18 (NLT)
A hot-tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 112:1 (NLT)
Praise the Lord! How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Proverbs 15:1 (NLT)
A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.

Proverbs 15:4 (NLT)
Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

Proverbs 15:28 (NLT)
The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.

Proverbs 15:23 (NLT)
Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!

My observation:

The choice word for today is "speech". There is so much to be encouraged about when we read Proverbs 15.

The Apostle James said that the tongue is a very small member of our body. However, it is an unruly member if it is not controlled.

James 3:5 (MSG)
A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it! It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire.

The only effective way to control the tongue is to deal with the source of the problem, which is the heart. You need the Holy Spirit of God's power to enable you to control your tongue.

Galatians 5:16 (AMP)
But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God).

My prayer:

Father God, I praise and thank you for the office work of the Holy Spirit of God in the life of your believing people. Father, I thank you that since Jesus came into my life, I have had all of the Holy Spirit living in me. Father, I pray that the Holy Spirit will have all of me each day of my life. Father, I need him to control my life so that I can be pleasing to you with my tongue and my whole life.

My song:

Is Your All on the Altar? (Click on link below to listen to this song):

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

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Sunday Morning Reflections_August 14, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 14:6 (AMP)
A scoffer seeks Wisdom in vain [for his very attitude blinds and deafens him to it], but knowledge is easy to him who [being teachable] understands.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 37:1 (ESV)
Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers!

Psalm 37:25 (ESV)
I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Psalm 37:3-5 (ESV)
³Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. ⁴Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. ⁵Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.

Psalm 37:7 (ESV)
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!

My prayer:

Holy Father, Sovereign Lord, my plea in response to your word today is that I will be able to find that place of peace and rest in you. Father, help me to learn to trust in the Lord, delight in the Lord, commit my way to the Lord, and to rest in the Lord. Father, help me to take my hands off, and to allow you to mold me and make me into the person that will be pleasing in your eyes.

My song:

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9R5bQhxnTM

Friday, August 12, 2011

Daily Prayer_August 12, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 12:5-6 (ESV)
⁵The thoughts of the righteous are just; the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. ⁶The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the mouth of the upright delivers them.

Proverbs 12:14 (ESV)
From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good, and the work of a man's hand comes back to him.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 56:12-13 (ESV)
¹²I must perform my vows to you, O God; I will render thank offerings to you. ¹³For you have delivered my soul from death, yes, my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Psalm 19:14 (ESV)
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

My observation:

The choice word for today is "Words". There is tremendous power in the words that come out of our mouth. When we speak we reveal the contents of our heart.

Luke 6:45 (ESV)
The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

In our featured Psalm for this week David closes out this Psalm by giving glory to God. Our prayers are just not to get our needs met, but the highest purpose of our prayers should be to glorify God. Notice the confident trust that David had in God when he prayed for deliverance from his troubles, torture, and tears. Notice how he spoke of them in the past tense.

Psalm 56:13 (ESV)
For you have delivered my soul from death, yes, my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

My prayer:

Father God, Abba, Father, I delight to bring delight to your heart by giving honor and praise to your most holy and righteous name. Father, I pray that I might make it my highest purpose in my prayers to bring glory to your precious name.

Father God, I pray for the enabling power of the Holy Spirit to enable me to speak purposeful words to you and to others because our words are so powerful. Father, I pray that my words will bless you, and will be a blessing to others.

My song:

We Will Glorify (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4skT9ndv6ng

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Daily Prayer_August 11, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 11:10-11 (AMP)
¹⁰When it goes well with the [uncompromisingly] righteous, the city rejoices, but when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy. ¹¹By the blessing of the influence of the upright and God's favor [because of them] the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 56:10-11 (NLT)
¹⁰I praise God for what he has promised; Yes, I praise the Lord for what he has promised. ¹¹I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?

The Word of God for encouragement:

2 Samuel 22:31 (HCSB)
God—His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is pure. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.

My observation:

The choice word for today is the word "Trust". In life you can trust in a lot of things, but the word for today is that the best place to put your trust is to put your trust in the Lord. There is no one in scripture that we know more about then David. The overwhelming characteristic of his life is his whole hearted trust in the Lord. David's son, Solomon, learned this lesson well from him, and his heavenly Father.

Proverbs 3:5-7 (HCSB)
⁵Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; ⁶think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths. ⁷Don't consider yourself to be wise; fear the Lord and turn away from evil.

In our featured Psalm for this week, Psalm 56, David revealed that his life had its share of trouble, terror, and tears. However, David lived with a confident assurance that his fears and his tears did not go unnoticed by God.

God hears his people when we call upon him in prayer from the depths of our heart. Our response to our troubles and tears should be to increase our trust in the Lord. God always shows up, and he is always on time.

My prayer:

Father God, Abba, Father, I praise and thank you for your compassionate love and the care that you have for your hurting people. Father, we live in the valley of troubles, and there are days when our troubles bring tears to our eyes.

Father, I pray that when trouble knocks at my door that my response will be to allow my faith in God to answer the knock. Father, I ask for sufficient grace to respond to my troubles and my tears with trust in the Lord. O how perfect and pure it is to trust in the Lord with our whole heart.

My song:

Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/568

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Daily Prayer_August 10, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 10:1 (NLT)
The proverbs of Solomon: A wise child brings joy to a father; a foolish child brings grief to a mother.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 56:9 (NLT)
My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help. This I know: God is on my side!

The Word of God for encouragement:

Malachi 4:5-6 (ESV)
⁵"Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. ⁶And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction."

Matthew 17:12 (ESV)
But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands."

My observation:

The choice word for today is the word "repentance". There is coming a day of judgment. However, today, we are living in a day of God's grace. Regretfully, many will forfeit this day of grace by their refusal to receive Jesus as the Messiah of God.

The day of grace will not last forever. God has done his part to provide for the whole world the means of salvation. Sin is real, and the cost of sin is unbearable for the sinner. God has sent his son to be the deliverer. Have you received him as your Savior?

John 3:17 (ESV)
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

The window of opportunity is narrowing, but it has not closed. We are still living in the day of grace, but the Day of Judgment is coming soon.

Revelation 22:17 (ESV)
The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.

My prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, I stand in awe of the love of God, and the length to which you were willing to go to restore fallen mankind. Father God, I am so grateful for your patience in waiting for sinners like me to repent, and turn to Jesus. Father, I cry out to you for a little more patience for those who have not yet come to Jesus for salvation. Father, I pray that they will come while the door to salvation is still open.

John 10:7-9 (ESV)
⁷So Jesus again said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. ⁸All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. ⁹I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.

My song:

Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/1027

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Daily Prayer_August 9, 2011

The Word of God 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 of God for inspiration:

Psalm 56:8 (NLT)
You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Hosea 14:9 (HCSB)
Let whoever is wise understand these things, and whoever is insightful recognize them. For the ways of the Lord are right, and the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.

My observation:

The choice word for today from our selected scriptures is the word "teachable". It is not surprising that we find the words wise and righteous linked together by Solomon. When we have a teachable heart it puts us on a pathway that leads to wisdom and to being righteous.

Notice that the prophet Hosea said, "The ways of the Lord are right, and the righteous walk in them". The Lord is a good leader, and he is also a God who cares about his people.

Notice what David said about the Lord in our featured verse from today's Psalm. The God who rules and reigns from heaven takes note of the sorrows and tears of his people. Nothing that happens to us goes unnoticed by our loving and caring heavenly Father.

David knew in the depths of his heart that God loved him, cared about him, and that the Lord was on his side. Why not listen to, and walk in the way that the Lord leads his dear children?

My prayer:

Father God, Abba, Father, I praise you for being a God who is wise and righteous in all your ways. Father, I pray for the enabling power of the Holy Spirit of God to keep me humble and to keep me obedient in walking on the path of wisdom and righteousness all of the days of my life.

My song:

Savior, Lead Me, Lest I Stray (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0h3PpQbJUU

"Lead Me. Lead Me. Savior Lead Me, lest I stray. Gently down the stream of time; Savior, lead me all the way."

Monday, August 8, 2011

Daily Prayer_August 8, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 8:11 (MSG)
For Wisdom is better than all the trappings of wealth; nothing you could wish for holds a candle to her.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 56:3-4 (AMP)
³What time I am afraid, I will have confidence in and put my trust and reliance in You. ⁴By [the help of] God I will praise His word; on God I lean, rely, and confidently put my trust; I will not fear. What can man, who is flesh, do to me?

The Word of God for encouragement:

Joel 2:12-17 (NLT)
¹²That is why the Lord says, "Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. ¹³Don't tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead." Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish. ¹⁴Who knows? Perhaps he will give you a reprieve, sending you a blessing instead of this curse. Perhaps you will be able to offer grain and wine to the Lord your God as before. ¹⁵Blow the ram's horn in Jerusalem! Announce a time of fasting; call the people together for a solemn meeting. ¹⁶Gather all the people— the elders, the children, and even the babies. Call the bridegroom from his quarters and the bride from her private room. ¹⁷Let the priests, who minister in the Lord's presence, stand and weep between the entry room to the Temple and the altar. Let them pray, "Spare your people, Lord! Don't let your special possession become an object of mockery. Don't let them become a joke for unbelieving foreigners who say, 'Has the God of Israel left them?'"

My observation:

The choice word for today is the word "Now". If there ever was a time we needed to pray for revival in America, the time is now.

The question I have is similar to the one that the Psalmist asked. What can man, who is flesh, do for me? The time is far past for putting our trust in man. It is time for God's people to put their trust and reliance in the Lord. Why do we continually turn to man, when they have failed us so often. It is now time, it is past time to turn to the Lord.

God has extended a personal invitation to each of his children to come back to him. Will you accept his invitation from the loving heart of a God who can do anything but fail?

Joel 2:12 (MSG)
But there's also this, it's not too late— God's personal Message!— "Come back to me and really mean it! Come fasting and weeping, sorry for your sins!"

My prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, I praise and thank you that you are a God who does not change. I am so thankful that what you have done in the past for your people you are willing and able to do again. Father, if ever we needed to hear from heaven, we need to hear from you today. Father, now is the time, and we are the people who need to return to the Lord.

2 Chronicles 7:13-15 (ESV)
¹³When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, ¹⁴if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. ¹⁵Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place.