Daily Prayer_September 30, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 30:32-33 (HCSB)
³² If you have been foolish by exalting yourself or if you've been scheming, put your hand over your mouth. ³³ For the churning of milk produces butter, and twisting a nose draws blood, and stirring up anger produces strife.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 35:27-28 (HCSB)
²⁷ Let those who want my vindication shout for joy and be glad; let them continually say, "The Lord be exalted. He takes pleasure in His servant's well-being." ²⁸ And my tongue will proclaim Your righteousness, Your praise all day long.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Psalm 34:2-3 (AMP)
² My life makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble and afflicted hear and be glad. ³ O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.

My observation:

Today we conclude our focus on Psalm 35. The choice words for today are deliverance and praise. In the Kingdom of God, the righteous may suffer ridicule and affliction in this world, but the enemy does not get the last word.

The Lord our God gets the last word, and in that we can rejoice forever. These words of the Psalmist are music to my ears, "The Lord be exalted. He takes pleasure in His servant's well-being".  Now, that brings a smile to my face and joy deep down in my soul.

Psalm 34:3 (AMP)
O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I exalt your name in unison with all of your precious people. Lord, there is no god like you. Father, you have made me glad, and the best is yet to come. Hallelujah!

My song:

I Will Rejoice for He has Made Me Glad (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zf1tTv0SRbc&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.

 





 

Daily Prayer_September 29, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 29:8 (ESV)
Scoffers set a city aflame, but the wise turn away wrath.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 35:19-20 (ESV)
¹⁹ Let not those rejoice over me who are wrongfully my foes, and let not those wink the eye who hate me without cause. ²⁰ For they do not speak peace, but against those who are quiet in the land they devise words of deceit.

Psalm 35:23-24 (ESV)
²³ Awake and rouse yourself for my vindication, for my cause, my God and my Lord! ²⁴ Vindicate me, O Lord, my God, according to your righteousness, and let them not rejoice over me!

The Word of God for encouragement:

Psalm 149:4 (ESV)
For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation.

My observation:

The choice word for today from our focal passage in Psalm 35 is vindication. David, in this portion of the Psalm calls out to the Lord in prayer to deliver him from the false accusations of his enemies. It is difficult if not impossible to deal with lies in your strength alone. Consider what David was facing, and without cause.

Psalm 35:7 (ESV)
For without cause they hid their net for me; without cause they dug a pit for my life.

Psalm 35:19 (ESV)
Let not those rejoice over me who are wrongfully my foes, and let not those wink the eye who hate me without cause.

David did not try to vindicate himself. Rather, he called upon the Lord for deliverance. He knew that God was the only one able to help him, and that God was willing to help him.

Psalm 35:22 (ESV)
You have seen, O Lord; be not silent! O Lord, be not far from me!

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I praise you and I thank You that I have the privilege of taking everything to the Lord in prayer. Father, I am so grateful that you take pleasure in your people, and that you deliver them from all of their troubles. Father, it is comforting to know that you see everything that is happening to your people. Father, I will trust in you, and wait on you for vindication.

Psalm 62:5-8 (ESV)
⁵ For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. ⁶ He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. ⁷ On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. ⁸ Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah

--

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

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

 





 

Daily Prayer_September 28, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 28:5 (NLT)
Evil people don't understand justice, but those who follow the Lord understand completely.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 35:11-18 (ESV)
¹¹ Malicious witnesses rise up; they ask me of things that I do not know. ¹² They repay me evil for good; my soul is bereft. ¹³ But I, when they were sick— I wore sackcloth; I afflicted myself with fasting; I prayed with head bowed on my chest. ¹⁴ I went about as though I grieved for my friend or my brother; as one who laments his mother, I bowed down in mourning. ¹⁵ But at my stumbling they rejoiced and gathered; they gathered together against me; wretches whom I did not know tore at me without ceasing; ¹⁶ like profane mockers at a feast, they gnash at me with their teeth. ¹⁷ How long, O Lord, will you look on? Rescue me from their destruction, my precious life from the lions! ¹⁸ I will thank you in the great congregation; in the mighty throng I will praise you.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Matthew 7:7-8 (ESV)
⁷ "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

My observation:

In today's focal passage from Psalm 35 David writes from the depths of his heart. This is his second petition to God, and it is a lament over the hatred and the injustice inflicted upon him by his enemies. We have all been in the place where David was, and the only difference is that our pain and sorrow have different causes.

I see a pattern in David's reaction to his predicament. This pattern is very instructive to my heart. Here is what I see. David complains about his pain and suffering, he calls out to God for help, he cries when he feels God is not answering his prayer, and he concludes with praise to God.

We can all identify with David because we have all attended the School of Pain and Suffering. You don't make it through this world without experiencing pain in some fashion. There are some classes in this school that I have had to repeat many times.

I don't know much of anything about pain and suffering, and how God uses it to accomplish his purposes in our lives. But, this one thing I know. I would rather be in the hands of God then in the hands of man. I know that God has my best interest on his heart, and that for pain and suffering to reach me it must go through the hands of the triune God. That is why David could end his lament with praise.

Psalm 35:18 (ESV)
I will thank you in the great congregation; in the mighty throng I will praise you.

He did the same thing at the end of his petition for victory in the passage we looked at yesterday.

Psalm 35:9-10 (ESV)
⁹ Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord, exulting in his salvation. ¹⁰ All my bones shall say, "O Lord, who is like you, delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him, the poor and needy from him who robs him?"

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, my heart is aching for family and friends that are near to my heart who are experiencing deep and abiding pain in their lives. Father, they have reached or are near the point of despair. Father, I pray for the strength for them to hold on, and to wait for you to complete the purpose for which you have allowed the suffering to pass through your hands, and to enter their life.

 Father, in the midst of their pain, I ask that you stir up in their heart a desire to sing praises to you. Father, I pray that they will experience joy as they come to trust in you, and to wait on you to complete your purpose in their life. Father, by faith, I see victory in their future.

My song:

Joy Comes in the Morning (Click on link below to listen to this testimony and song):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GsTKEPqe8Q

--

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

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

 





 

Daily Prayer_September 27, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 27:21 (MSG)
The purity of silver and gold is tested by putting them in the fire; The purity of human hearts is tested by giving them a little fame.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 35:4-5 (ESV)
⁴ Let them be put to shame and dishonor who seek after my life! Let them be turned back and disappointed who devise evil against me! ⁵ Let them be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the Lord driving them away!

Psalm 35:9-10 (ESV)
⁹ Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord, exulting in his salvation. ¹⁰ All my bones shall say, "O Lord, who is like you, delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him, the poor and needy from him who robs him?"

The Word of God for encouragement:

1 Peter 5:6-8 (ESV)
⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, ⁷ casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. ⁸ Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

My observation:

One of the things that I have to remind myself is that the world in which the child of God lives is a battleground and not a playground. The source of the troubles we face in this life comes from our chief enemy, the devil.

However, we can take comfort in knowing that there is a Sovereign God in heaven who cares for you and for me. If you are a child of God and going through some tough times, remind yourself that you belong to God, and that he is responsible for caring for you. David had this confident assurance, and you can have it also. He was able to rejoice, and so can you. The same Lord who watched over him will watch over you.

Psalm 34:7 (ESV)
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.

My prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, Abba, Father, I am so grateful that I have a God in whom I can trust and rely upon to meet all of my needs. Father, I thank you that there is never a time in my life when I am out of your sight or not under the care of your everlasting arms. Father, may I never cease to lean upon the everlasting arms of my Savior. Father, I am so blessed, and for this I am grateful to you from the bottom of my heart.

My song:

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE0W-kQyz6A&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.

 





 

Daily Prayer_September 26, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 26:20 (HCSB)
Without wood, fire goes out; without a gossip, conflict dies down.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 35:1-3 (HCSB)
¹ Oppose my opponents, Lord; fight those who fight me. ² Take Your shields—large and small— and come to my aid. ³ Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers, and assure me: "I am your deliverance."

The Word of God for encouragement:

Psalm 91:4 (HCSB)
He will cover you with His feathers; you will take refuge under His wings. His faithfulness will be a protective shield.

Psalm 5:12 (HCSB)
For You, Lord, bless the righteous one; You surround him with favor like a shield.

My observation:

This week I will be focusing my thoughts on Psalm 35. The key word in today's selected passage is "intervention".

This is a good word, and it is a comforting word for the troubling times in which we live. I cannot imagine how wearing it must be for the President of the United States of America to get those daily briefings advising him of the schemes of the enemies of our nation. It is small wonder that the occupants of that office hair turn grey after a few years in office.

The people of God also have an enemy of their soul. He is a powerful enemy, and in our own strength, we are no match for him. The bible says that Satan is a liar and a murderer. However, we don't have to get grey hair worrying about him. We can call upon the Lord to intervene.

John 8:44 (HCSB)
You are of your father the Devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and has not stood in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks from his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of liars.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I praise and thank you that I don't have to face the enemy of my soul, and the troubles of this world in my strength alone. Father, I thank you for being a God who hears the call of your people for help. Lord, if we ever needed your help, we sure do need it now. Father, it is only by your power can your children be protected, and preserved. Lord, help us.

My song:

Behold He Comes (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tg1erjHNfCE&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.

 





 

Sunday Morning Reflections_September 25, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 25:20 (NLT)
Singing cheerful songs to a person with a heavy heart is like taking someone's coat in cold weather or pouring vinegar in a wound.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 36:7 (ESV)
How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

The Word of God for encouragement:

1 John 5:3-5 (ESV)
³ For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. ⁴ For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world— our faith. ⁵ Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I thank you for the love of God, and for the commandments of God. Father, I am so thankful that you have made it possible for your children to love you, and to obey your commandments.

Father God, I pray that by faith and dependence upon your power, that I will be able to experience the reality that obedience is not difficult but a delight. Father, I desire that state of rest that comes from leaning totally upon you.

Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)
²⁸ Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

--

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

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

 





 

Daily Prayer_September 23, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 23:17-18 (ESV)
¹⁷ Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the Lord all the day. ¹⁸ Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 34:22 (ESV)
The Lord redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Romans 8:1 (ESV)
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:33-34 (ESV)
³³ Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. ³⁴ Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised— who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

My observation:

Today we conclude our two week journey of meditating on Psalm 34. Our focal verse for today stands out, and it summarizes the Psalm. What an amazing closing statement.

Psalm 34:22 (AMP)
The Lord redeems the lives of His servants, and none of those who take refuge and trust in Him shall be condemned or held guilty.

One of the questions I ask when I read the scriptures is this, "Is there something to thank God for?" That question is easy to answer after reading and thinking about this wonderful gift from our heavenly Father.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so thankful that you have redeemed my life and that Jesus has set me free. Father, I am not ashamed to tell the world that Jesus saves the lost, and sets the captives free.

The Lord lives, and if you ask me how I know he lives, I can testify that he lives within my heart. God is alive, God is almighty, and God is able to do anything but fail. I am so glad that as the song writer says, and Lynda sings so sweetly "He can make a perfect heart".

Psalm 150:6 (AMP)
Let everything that has breath and every breath of life praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!)

My song:

Bless the Lord by Lynda Randle (Click on link to listen to this song):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoMOXb8obg8

--

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

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

 





 

Daily Prayer_September 22, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 22:4-5 (ESV)
⁴ The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life. ⁵ Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked; whoever guards his soul will keep far from them.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 34:19-21 (ESV)
¹⁹ Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. ²⁰ He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken. ²¹ Affliction will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Acts 12:11 (ESV)
When Peter came to himself, he said, "Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting."

2 Timothy 3:11-12 (ESV)
¹¹ my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. ¹² Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

My observation:

There is nothing in this world like knowing the satisfaction of having victory in the things that really matter. That is the reward of those who fear the Lord, and put their hope of deliverance in the Christ of God.

Today's scriptures gives the testimony of Solomon and David from the Old Testament, and Peter and Paul from the New Testament.

Are you able to add your personal testimony to theirs, and the saints of the ages? If you are facing a difficult situation today, and you are a child of God, why don't you ask your heavenly Father to help you? Then, you will have a fresh testimony to tell of the Lord who heard your prayers, and delivered you out of your trouble.

Psalm 34:17 (ESV)
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.

My prayer:

Father God, Abba, Father, I am so grateful that you are a God who is approachable, available, and able to help your people who come to you in prayer. Father, hear and answer the prayers of faith by your faithful people. In Jesus name, Amen.

--

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

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

 





 

Daily Prayer_September 21, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 21:31 (MSG)
Do your best, prepare for the worst— then trust God to bring victory.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 34:18 (ESV)
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Psalm 51:17 (ESV)
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

Isaiah 57:15 (ESV)
For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.

My observation:

The path of wisdom is to do our best to avoid trouble, but even the best of us often fail. That was the personal experience of David.

I am so glad that the Sovereign God who sits on high knows my frame, and remembers that he made me out of dirt. He knows where I am, and He knows what I am going through. So when troubles come in my life, and they will come, I will lift my eyes and look up to the Lord who dwells in the high and holy place. God knows, he cares, and he will deliver his children out of all of their troubles.

Psalm 34:19 (ESV)
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.

God hears the contrite and he hears the confessor. David was not looking for cheap forgiveness. He came to the Lord with a broken heart, and the Lord heard his cry.

Psalm 51:17 (ESV)
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

1 John 1:9 (ESV)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am acutely aware that no one gets out of this world without walking through the valley of trouble and affliction. Father, I pray for the strength to overcome the frustration and weariness that accompanies the troubles of the world.

Father God, I acknowledge that I need the help of the Lord to deliver me from the perils of living in the world. Father, I rejoice that you are my helper, and that the Lord is always by my side, and that the Lord is on my side.

My song:

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azdpAPIY0S8

--

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

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

 





 

Daily Prayer_September 20, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 20:12 (ESV)
The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the Lord has made them both.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 34:17 (ESV)
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Psalm 34:15 (ESV)
The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry.

Psalm 34:19 (ESV)
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.

Psalm 34:21 (ESV)
Affliction will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.

My observation:

The key idea in our focal verse today from Psalm 34 is the centrality of the Lord in the life of David, and in the life of each of God's children.

When you trust in the Lord, and when you fear the Lord, you have the promise of the protection and the provisions of the Lord in your life.

Yes, troubles and affliction come into the life of God's children, but we never have to face those troubles alone. I have the following quote written in the margin of my study bible:

"God's will won't take you where His grace can't keep you"

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so thankful for the grace of God that protects and provides for all of the needs of your beloved children. Father, may I never lose sight of the Lord as being my provider, protector and my keeper.

Jude 1:24-25 (ESV)
²⁴ Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, ²⁵ to 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 song:

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2ULhi1szjk

--

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

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

 





 

Daily Prayer_September 19, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 19:20 (HCSB)
Listen to counsel and receive instruction so that you may be wise later in life.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 34:15-16 (HCSB)
¹⁵ The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry for help. ¹⁶ The face of the Lord is set against those who do what is evil, to erase all memory of them from the earth.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Proverbs 10:7 (HCSB)
The remembrance of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.

Acts 2:21 (HCSB)
Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

Acts 16:31 (HCSB)
So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household."

My observation:

As I read my bible it becomes obvious that God makes a distinction between the righteous and the wicked.

As we see from our focal passage in Psalm 34, one of those areas is prayer. However, there is some good news for the wicked. God's heart is tender toward you; he offers forgiveness for all of your sins. There is nothing that you can do that will diminish God's love for you. He is relentless in his desire to save you.

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 heavenly Father is waiting to hear the prayer of the repentant sinner. He desires to clothe you with the righteousness of his only begotten Son so that you don't have to die for your own sins.

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 prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I praise and thank you that you are a righteous God. However, I am grateful for your love for and forgiveness of sinners like me. Father, I thank you for the blood of Jesus that covers all of my sins, and gives me access to the throne of God.

 Father, I thank you for clothing me with the righteousness of Jesus. In Jesus name, I ask that you hear the prayer of faith that I pray for my family and my friends today.

My song:

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

http://biblestudycharts.com/SH_Jesus_Paid_It_All.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

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

 





 

Sunday Morning Reflections_September 18, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

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

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 85:9 (HCSB)
His salvation is very near those who fear Him, so that glory may dwell in our land.

The Word of God for encouragement:

John 1:14 (AMP)
And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth.

My prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, Abba, Father, I acknowledge that you are God alone. Father, you are the perfect example of mercy, truth, righteousness, and peace. Father, only God alone, can love like you love, forgive like you forgive, and deliver like you can deliver sinners like me. Father, there is no place I would rather be than in the loving arms of my God.

Psalm 30:5 (HCSB)
For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor, a lifetime. Weeping may spend the night, but there is joy in the morning.

My song:

God and God Alone (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08CeqyaffKM

--

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

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

 





 

Daily Prayer_September 16, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 16:6 (ESV)
By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 34:15 (ESV)
The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry.

The Word of God for encouragement:

John 9:31 (ESV)
We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him.

Psalm 145:18 (ESV)
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

My observation:

What I see and hear in our focal verse and the other selected scriptures for today are such a profound truth. It is music to my ears, and joy deep down in my soul, to know that God hears and answers the prayers of his believing people.

Have you found the experience of David to be true in your life?

Psalm 34:4 (ESV)
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.

If we ever needed the Lord before, we sure do need him now. Why not take your burdens to the Lord, and leave them with him?

Jeremiah 33:3 (ESV)
Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

My prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, Abba, Father, I am so glad that you are a God who hears and answers the prayers of your beloved people. Father, I just want to say, "Thank You Lord". Father, I thank you for the power and the provisions that I receive when I pray.

My song:

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VekXjd9SAe0

--

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

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

 





 

Daily Prayer_September 15, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 15:15 (NLT)
For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 34:11-14 (NLT)
¹¹ Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord. ¹² Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? ¹³ Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! ¹⁴ Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.

The Word of God for encouragement:

John 14:23 (NLT)
Jesus replied, "All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.

My observation:

The bible often links the fear of the Lord with obedience. To fear the Lord is to love the Lord, and to have a reverence for him.

Psalm 34:11 (AMP)
Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you to revere and worshipfully fear the Lord.

We see this theme in the verse above from the Psalm, and we see it in the verse above from the gospel of John. Here is another verse that ties it together, and brings the point home.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 (MSG)
The last and final word is this: Fear God. Do what he tells you.

The Psalmist asked a very penetrating question that bears our thoughtful consideration. Think about this for a moment.

Psalm 34:12 (NLT)
Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous?

The answer for me is yes I want to have good days, and a good life. To reach this goal I must have right beliefs and right behavior. The Psalmist then gives some wise counsel on how to turn Godly wisdom into Godly behavior.

Psalm 34:13-14 (NLT)
¹³ Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! ¹⁴ Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I pray that you would stir up within me a heart that loves you more, and that delights to sing your praises. Father, I desire to be teachable so that I may learn of your ways, and walk in them. Father, I long for my life to be a continuous feast as I eat my daily bread at the table of the Lord. Father, may I be willing to work out my salvation by joyful obedience.

Romans 12:18 (AMP)
If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

--

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

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

 





 

Daily Prayer_September 14, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 14:2 (NLT)
Those who follow the right path fear the Lord; those who take the wrong path despise him.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 34:11 (ESV)
Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Psalm 66:16 (ESV)
Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul.

My observation:

The more I get into this Psalm the more it blesses my soul. David begins this Psalm with the emphasis on praising the Lord for who he is, and for his mighty works. God was in his heart, God was on his mind, and God was on his lips.

Psalm 34:1 (ESV)
I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

David was acutely aware of God's presence and power in his life. He wanted future generations to know God, and to know God's power.

Every generation has to know God for themselves. God only has children, he does not have grandchildren.  You have to know God for yourself. That is why David makes such passionate appeals as the following:

Psalm 34:8 (ESV)
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!

Psalm 34:11 (ESV)
Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

Have you come to the place in your life where you have decided to trust in the Lord with your whole heart? Do you know him to be a deliverer in a class all by himself? David's experience can be your experience if you call upon the Lord in faith to meet all of your needs. However, remember that God begins his work inside of you, and what happens on the inside shows up on the outside.

Psalm 34:4 (ESV)
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I praise you, and I thank you for giving me what I need the most rather than what I ask for the most. Father, I thank you that you did your grandest work in my heart. Father, all of the other blessings have just been lagniappe. Lord, I'm so grateful for the extra blessings that you continue to surprise me with.

Father God, my fervent prayer is that my children and grandchildren will know you for themselves. I pray that they will know you, know you power, and follow you all of the days of their life.

My song:

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

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/309

--

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

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

 





 

Daily Prayer_September 13, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 13:20 (NLT)
Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 34:7-10 (ESV)
⁷ The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. ⁸ Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! ⁹ Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack! ¹⁰ The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Psalm 23:1 (ESV)
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Psalm 84:11 (ESV)
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.

My observation:

Today the choice word from Psalm 34 is "Provider". In this passage David reminds those who are true worshippers that the Lord will smile upon them. David had found that trusting in the Lord, and worshipping the Lord pays richly.

David had experienced the protection and the provisions of the Lord in the marketplace where life is real and life is hard. He had known God's presence in the Temple, and he had experienced God's presence on the battlefield.

Notice that David said, "The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing". When I see "but" in the bible, I take special note of what comes next.  God may not give us everything that we ask for, but we can be confident that he will give us everything we need.

When you trust in the Lord as your provider, you don't have to trust in the government or in business to fix the economy. Governments and business enterprises fail, but God never fails.

The true worshippers will lack nothing. They will have every good thing they need provided by the Lord. If you lack something that you have asked the Lord for, consider that God has graciously withheld giving you that thing because it is not a good thing for you, or the timing is not right for you to have what you asked for. Think about this, the good things are those things that draw us closer to the Lord, and cause us to depend wholly upon him for our needs. The Lord is more than enough for you and me.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I praise and thank you that you are Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides for all of my needs, and who withholds no good thing from his beloved children.

My song:

Jehovah Jireh, My Provider (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcLa9Lo9-H4

--

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

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

 





 

Daily Prayer_September 12, 2011

The Word of God for encouragement:

Proverbs 12:2-3 (NLT)
² The Lord approves of those who are good, but he condemns those who plan wickedness. ³ Wickedness never brings stability, but the godly have deep roots.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 34:8 (NLT)
Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!

The Word of God for encouragement:

Psalm 100:5 (NLT)
For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

My observation:

Every genuine believer can identify with David in his testimony about the goodness of the Lord. Have you tried the Lord, and found him to be a good God?

1 Peter 2:3 (ESV)
if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

If your experience with God has been real, then you ought not to keep it to yourself. Why don't you do like David and invite your family and your friends to, "Taste and see that the Lord is good".

People are looking for true happiness. However, they often are looking in the wrong places. Peter, writing to believers said If (and since you have), tasted the Lord's goodness, you ought to tell others of God's goodness.

David also said that the Lord blesses all who take refuge in him. What he did for David he will do for you and for me.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, it is refreshing to know that in this world with all of its badness that there is a God who is good, and who is good to all who come to him and trust in him. O that we in this generation would look to the Lord for hope and help.

Psalm 34:9-10 (NLT)
⁹ Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. ¹⁰ Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.

 --

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

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

 





 

Sunday Morning Reflections_September 11, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 11:1 (ESV)
A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 103:19-22 (ESV)
¹⁹ The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. ²⁰ Bless the Lord, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word! ²¹ Bless the Lord, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will! ²² Bless the Lord, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul!

The Word of God for encouragement:

Jude 1:2 (ESV)
May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.

Matthew 5:7 (ESV)
"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

My prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, I delight to exalt your name above every name in heaven and on earth. Father, in these trying times it is good to know that the Lord, our God, has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.

Father God, I am so thankful that although you sit on high, that you condescend and dwell among your people below.

Father God, it is because of your love and mercy that your people can find peace in the midst of the terror and turmoil that we encounter in our earthly pilgrimage. Father, I thank you that this world is not my home, and that I am just a pilgrim down here on my way to my heavenly home. Father, I am a grateful receiver of your amazing grace.

My song:

Amazing Grace (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbe7OruLk8I

--

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

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

 





 

Daily Prayer_September 9, 2011

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 9:1 (ESV)
Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 34:7 (ESV)
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Hebrews 1:13-14 (ESV)
¹³ And to which of the angels has he ever said, "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet"? ¹⁴ Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?

My observation:

Today we continue to look at some of the blessings that were the reason for David's exalted praise of the God of his salvation.

David sought the Lord, and his testimony about answered prayer is an encouragement to my heart as I have purposed to be a man of the word and prayer.

Psalm 34:4 (ESV)
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.

God's promises are great blessings, and he always delivers on time. In the case of David, we find in our focal verse today, Psalm 34:7, that the Lord guards and defends, and that he saves and keeps. Those who look to God for help will find that he never disappoints his people who put their trust in him.

Psalm 34:5 (ESV)
Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I delight to give honor, glory, and praise to the name of the Lord, the author and finisher of my salvation. Father God, I can truly say that you are a promise keeping God, and that you are a faithful God.

Father God, you are the source of my life, my joy, you mean everything to me, and without you I would be nothing, and could do nothing that would be pleasing in your eyes. Father, I praise and thank you that I can trust in you to guard, defend, save, and keep me. Hallelujah! What a Savior!

My song:

Because He Lives (Click on link below to listen to this song):

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