Daily Prayer_February 29, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 10:20-21 (NLT)
²⁰ The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of a fool is worthless.
²¹ The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 44:26 (NLT)
²⁶ Rise up! Help us! Ransom us because of your unfailing love.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Mark 10:17-22 (HCSB)
¹⁷ As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before Him, and asked Him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
¹⁸ "Why do you call Me good?" Jesus asked him. "No one is good but One—God.
¹⁹ You know the commandments: Do not murder; do not commit adultery; do not steal; do not bear false witness; do not defraud; honor your father and mother."
²⁰ He said to Him, "Teacher, I have kept all these from my youth."
²¹ Then, looking at him, Jesus loved him and said to him, "You lack one thing: Go, sell all you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me."
²² But he was stunned at this demand, and he went away grieving, because he had many possessions.

My observation:

The story of this man that came to Jesus asked a very profound question. The question is in verse seventeen. Jesus being able to see his heart asked him a question in verse eighteen.

The man never addressed the question that Jesus asked him. Standing before this man was Jesus. The man saw Jesus humanity, but he did not see his divinity. Jesus reminded the man that, "No one is good but One—God".

The man begins to tell his story. He told of his self-righteousness in verse twenty, and of his possessions in verse twenty-two.

Oh, how many are making the same mistake that this man made. They see Jesus as Teacher, but they fail to see that Jesus is God with a human face.

The choice verse in this passage for me is the response of Jesus to the man.

Mark 10:21 (HCSB)
²¹ Then, looking at him, Jesus loved him and said to him, "You lack one thing: Go, sell all you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me."

If a person really knows who Jesus is and how much He loves them, they would be willing to give up everything, and follow Jesus.

I like this Vance Havner quote:

"Has He taken over in your heart? Perhaps He resides there, but does He preside there?"

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I pray that Jesus both resides and presides in my heart. Father God, I am so glad that the Holy Spirit of God has opened my eyes to see Jesus, and that in simple childlike faith I decided to follow Jesus.

Mark 10:14 (HCSB)
¹⁴ When Jesus saw it, He was indignant and said to them, "Let the little children come to Me. Don't stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

--

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Mark 4:20 (ESV)
²⁰ But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold."

.

 





 

Daily Prayer_February 28, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 10:19 (NLT)
¹⁹ Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 44:8 (NLT)
⁸ O God, we give glory to you all day long and constantly praise your name. Interlude

The Word of God for encouragement:

Mark 9:30-32 (HCSB)
³⁰ Then they left that place and made their way through Galilee, but He did not want anyone to know it.
³¹ For He was teaching His disciples and telling them, "The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill Him, and after He is killed, He will rise three days later."
³² But they did not understand this statement, and they were afraid to ask Him.

My observation:

The choice word today is fear. Jesus was near the end of his earthly ministry, and he wanted to get alone with his disciples to prepare them for his impending death, resurrection, and return to his Father's house.

What Jesus had to say to them was not something they wanted to hear. Their view of the Messiah was one who would come to remain with them. They feared this talk of death . It dashed and doomed  their hopes.

Their fear caused them to not ask questions. Think about the knowledge and understanding of truth that we forfeit when we don't ask questions because of fear. It is fear that enslaves us; It is truth that sets us free.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I pray that you would remove from me any fear of asking questions. Although I can't sit at the feet of Jesus like the disciples could, I have the constant presence of the Holy Spirit living in me to be my tutor for life. Father God, I am so thankful for the office work of the Holy Spirit of God.

John 16:7 (HCSB)
⁷ Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don't go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send Him to you.

John 16:13 (HCSB)
¹³ When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak whatever He hears. He will also declare to you what is to come.

 

--

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Mark 4:20 (ESV)
²⁰ But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold."

.

 





 

Daily Prayer_February 27, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 10:18 (NLT)
¹⁸ Hiding hatred makes you a liar; slandering others makes you a fool.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 43:3-5 (NLT)
³ Send out your light and your truth; let them guide me. Let them lead me to your holy mountain, to the place where you live.
⁴ There I will go to the altar of God, to God—the source of all my joy. I will praise you with my harp, O God, my God!
⁵ Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God!

The Word of God for encouragement:

Mark 9:22-24 (HCSB)
²² "And many times it has thrown him into fire or water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us."
²³ Then Jesus said to him, "'If You can'? Everything is possible to the one who believes."
²⁴ Immediately the father of the boy cried out, "I do believe! Help my unbelief."

My observation:

This concerned father had taken his son to some of the disciples of Jesus, and they could not help him with his tormented condition. The man comes to Jesus, and pleads with him for help.

We need to do what this father did; we all do, not just the one who needs help, but also those of us who are in the helping ministry.

We serve a God who is a big God. He has the compassion and the power to help us.  Nothing is impossible when you give it to God.

Faith in God and prayer are the keys to turning our failures into victory. Billy Graham says, "The three most important things you can do are pray, pray, and pray".

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so glad that I have a God in whom I can place my complete trust. Father God, I thank you for the promise that, "Everything is possible to the one who believes". Father God, "I do believe! Help my unbelief".

--

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Mark 4:20 (ESV)
²⁰ But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold."

.

 





 

Sunday Morning Reflections_February 26, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 10:17 (NLT)
¹⁷ People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 42:4 (NLT)
⁴ My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be: I walked among the crowds of worshipers, leading a great procession to the house of God, singing for joy and giving thanks amid the sound of a great celebration!

Psalm 42:11 (NLT)
¹¹ Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God!

The Word of God for encouragement:

Mark 8:34-38 (HCSB)
³⁴ Summoning the crowd along with His disciples, He said to them, "If anyone wants to be My follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.
³⁵ For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me and the gospel will save it.
³⁶ For what does it benefit a man to gain the whole world yet lose his life?
³⁷ What can a man give in exchange for his life?
³⁸ For whoever is ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels."

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so grateful that even when in the deepest pit of despair that I am never alone.  Father, even when we think you are far from us, you are always near to us. When your children look up, you are always there. When we call out to you, you always hear and answer our prayer. Father, I thank you for your unconditional and unfailing love for each of your children.

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

--

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Mark 4:20 (ESV)
²⁰ But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold."

.

 





 

Daily Prayer_February 24, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 10:13-14 (HCSB)
¹³ Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of the one who lacks sense.
¹⁴ The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool hastens destruction.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 40:11 (HCSB)
¹¹ LORD, do not withhold Your compassion from me; Your constant love and truth will always guard me.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Mark 7:1-5 (HCSB)
¹ The Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Him.
² They observed that some of His disciples were eating their bread with unclean—that is, unwashed—hands.
³ (For the Pharisees, in fact all the Jews, will not eat unless they wash their hands ritually, keeping the tradition of the elders.
⁴ When they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they have washed. And there are many other customs they have received and keep, like the washing of cups, jugs, copper utensils, and dining couches.)
⁵ Then the Pharisees and the scribes asked Him, "Why don't Your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders, instead of eating bread with ritually unclean hands?"

My observation:

The religious leaders came to Jesus and asked him a question regarding the behavior of His disciples. Because Jesus had the ability to see into their hearts, and discern their motives, they got more than their ears were willing to hear, and their hearts were willing to receive. Listen carefully to what Jesus said to them.

Mark 7:6-9 (HCSB)
⁶ He answered them, "Isaiah prophesied correctly about you hypocrites, as it is written: These people honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.
⁷ They worship Me in vain, teaching as doctrines the commands of men.
⁸ Disregarding the command of God, you keep the tradition of men."
⁹ He also said to them, "You completely invalidate God's command in order to maintain your tradition!

We need to be careful not to put the traditions of men on the same level as the Word of God. The authority in matters of faith should be the bible alone. Beware of the warning of Jesus in verse six. Be sure you teach the Word of God, and not the traditions of men.

Jesus gives another warning, and those who fail to heed this warning are doomed to utter failure. God forbid that we would come to the place where we replace the Word of God with the traditions of men. That is what Jesus warned about in verse nine. Given the choice of the tradition of men, and the bible; I will go with the bible.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I pray that you would keep me near the cross, and in the Word of God so that I may know and do your will, and walk in your way. Father, give me ears to hear, listen, and obey.

Mark 7:16 (HCSB)
¹⁶ If anyone has ears to hear, he should listen!

--

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Mark 4:20 (ESV)
²⁰ But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold."

.

 





 

Daily Prayer_February 23, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 10:11-12 (NLT)
¹¹ The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.
¹² Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 40:1 (NLT)
¹ I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.

Psalm 40:10 (NLT)
¹⁰ I have not kept the good news of your justice hidden in my heart; I have talked about your faithfulness and saving power. I have told everyone in the great assembly of your unfailing love and faithfulness.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Mark 6:30-33 (HCSB)
³⁰ The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to Him all that they had done and taught.
³¹ He said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a remote place and rest for a while." For many people were coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.
³² So they went away in the boat by themselves to a remote place,
³³ but many saw them leaving and recognized them. People ran there by land from all the towns and arrived ahead of them.

Mark 6:45-46 (HCSB)
⁴⁵ Immediately He made His disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while He dismissed the crowd.
⁴⁶ After He said good-bye to them, He went away to the mountain to pray.

My observation:

Jesus during his earthly ministry took time out from meeting the needs of others to take care of his physical and spiritual needs. We would do well to follow his example by taking time out from our work to rest and to pray.

You cannot prevent the interruptions that will come, but you can be better prepared if you take occasional vacations from your labor to rest. However, Jesus found that rest was not enough; he also needed to get away and pray.

You don't have to worry about who will take care of the people while you are resting and praying. That is the work that the Lord is doing for his people constantly. He never takes a vacation, and he is always praying for his people.

Hebrews 7:25 (HCSB)
²⁵ Therefore, He is always able to save those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so grateful for the example that you have left for us of the necessity for the servant of God to rest and pray. Father, help me to remember not to neglect these two important disciplines. Surely if they enhanced and empowered the ministry of Jesus, they are needful for our ministry.

--

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Mark 4:20 (ESV)
²⁰ But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold."

.

 





 

Daily Prayer_February 22, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 10:10 (NLT)
¹⁰ People who wink at wrong cause trouble, but a bold reproof promotes peace.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 39:12 (NLT)
¹² Hear my prayer, O LORD! Listen to my cries for help! Don't ignore my tears. For I am your guest— a traveler passing through, as my ancestors were before me.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Mark 6:1-6 (HCSB)
¹ He went away from there and came to His hometown, and His disciples followed Him.
² When the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard Him were astonished. "Where did this man get these things?" they said. "What is this wisdom given to Him, and how are these miracles performed by His hands?
³ Isn't this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And aren't His sisters here with us?" So they were offended by Him.
⁴ Then Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown, among his relatives, and in his household."
⁵ So He was not able to do any miracles there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them.
⁶ And He was amazed at their unbelief. Now He was going around the villages in a circuit, teaching.

My observation:

This passage from the gospel of Mark provided one of the leaps off the page and into my heart moments of revelation for me.

The son of God was limited in His work because of lack of faith. Many who heard Jesus were astonished. On the other hand, Jesus was amazed at their unbelief. He could have done so much more if they had only believed in Jesus.

Romans 4:20-21 (HCSB)
²⁰ He did not waver in unbelief at God's promise but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,
²¹ because he was fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.

My Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I ask for a faith in God that will not falter, fade or fail. Father, strengthen my faith so that I may bring glory to God. Father, grant me the faith that will cause you to be amazed by my faith rather than my unbelief.

--

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Mark 4:20 (ESV)
²⁰ But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold."

.

 





 

Daily Prayer_February 21, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 10:8-9 (NLT)
⁸ The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces.
⁹ People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 38:1-4 (NLT)
¹ O LORD, don't rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your rage!
² Your arrows have struck deep, and your blows are crushing me.
³ Because of your anger, my whole body is sick; my health is broken because of my sins.
⁴ My guilt overwhelms me— it is a burden too heavy to bear.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Mark 5:25-29 (HCSB)
²⁵ A woman suffering from bleeding for 12 years
²⁶ had endured much under many doctors. She had spent everything she had and was not helped at all. On the contrary, she became worse.
²⁷ Having heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His robe.
²⁸ For she said, "If I can just touch His robes, I'll be made well!"
²⁹ Instantly her flow of blood ceased, and she sensed in her body that she was cured of her affliction.

My observation:

You may be having problems like David, or you may be like the woman described in the gospel of Mark. The good news is that even if you have fear, you can find help with the smallest amount of faith if you are willing to exercise that faith by taking the first step to Jesus.

You only need to take one step of faith to get your blessing. The woman's faith may not have been strong enough to reach the hand of Jesus, but it was enough to reach the hem of his garment. It is not the size of your faith that determines your blessing, rather is the size of the God in whom you put your faith.

Jesus offered that woman physical and spiritual healing because He recognized the exercising of her faith. The woman went from being an outcast to being a daughter of the Lord.

Mark 5:30 (HCSB)
³⁰ At once Jesus realized in Himself that power had gone out from Him. He turned around in the crowd and said, "Who touched My robes?"

Mark 5:34 (HCSB)
³⁴ "Daughter," He said to her, "your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be free from your affliction."

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so grateful that I know and serve a God who has the power to meet me where I am and take me to a place that is out of this world. Father, I thank you that in Jesus I have a friend who can help me in every situation, and that nothing is too small or too large when placed in His capable hands.

 Father, I pray for hem touching faith in Jesus for all of those who are hurting today. Grant them the faith to reach out and touch the robe of Jesus.

--

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Mark 4:20 (ESV)
²⁰ But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold."

.

 





 

Daily Prayer_February 20, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 10:6-7 (NLT)
⁶ The godly are showered with blessings; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.
⁷ We have happy memories of the godly, but the name of a wicked person rots away.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 37:30-31 (NLT)
³⁰ The godly offer good counsel; they teach right from wrong.
³¹ They have made God's law their own, so they will never slip from his path.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Mark 4:26-29 (HCSB)
²⁶ "The kingdom of God is like this," He said. "A man scatters seed on the ground;
²⁷ he sleeps and rises—night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows—he doesn't know how.
²⁸ The soil produces a crop by itself—first the blade, then the head, and then the ripe grain on the head.
²⁹ But as soon as the crop is ready, he sends for the sickle, because the harvest has come."

My observation:

In our focal passage for today Jesus tells the story of "The Growing Seed". This story reminds me of the blessing of being a co-worker with God. We as God's children get to sow the seeds of God's word, and God does the work. God's produces the harvest. As the farmer must be patient, we must have patience, and wait for the seed to grow.

However, when the harvest is ready, we must be ready to reap, or the harvest may be lost. John in his gospel speaks to this subject.

John 4:35-36 (HCSB)
³⁵ "Don't you say, 'There are still four more months, then comes the harvest'? Listen [to what] I'm telling you: Open your eyes and look at the fields, for they are ready for harvest.
³⁶ The reaper is already receiving pay and gathering fruit for eternal life, so the sower and reaper can rejoice together.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so thankful for the privilege of being a co-laborer in the work of the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Father, I pray that I might be ready to reap when the harvest is ready. Oh, the joy at harvest time for those who sow, reap, and who gladly receive the word of God. Lord, I pray for the will to do my part in growing the kingdom of God.

Psalm 126:5-6 (HCSB)
⁵ Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy.
⁶ Though one goes along weeping, carrying the bag of seed, he will surely come back with shouts of joy, carrying his sheaves.

--

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Mark 4:20 (ESV)
²⁰ But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold."

.

 





 

Sunday Morning Reflections_February 19, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 10:5 (HCSB)
⁵ The son who gathers during summer is prudent; the son who sleeps during harvest is disgraceful.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 37:16-18 (HCSB)
¹⁶ The little that the righteous man has is better than the abundance of many wicked people.
¹⁷ For the arms of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD supports the righteous.
¹⁸ The LORD watches over the blameless all their days, and their inheritance will last forever.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Psalm 37:39-40 (HCSB)
³⁹ The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD, their refuge in a time of distress.
⁴⁰ The LORD helps and delivers them; He will deliver them from the wicked and will save them because they take refuge in Him.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so grateful for the godly wisdom that is contained in Psalm 37 that was written by your servant David.

Father God, I pray that this Godly wisdom will keep us from fretting and doubting the Lord when we have to deal with workers of iniquity, and injustice in this world.

Psalm 37:1-3 (ESV)
¹ Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers!
² For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb.
³ Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.

--

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

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_February 17, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 10:1-2 (NLT)
¹ The proverbs of Solomon: A wise child brings joy to a father; a foolish child brings grief to a mother.
² Tainted wealth has no lasting value, but right living can save your life.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 36:5-6 (NLT)
⁵ Your unfailing love, O LORD, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.
⁶ Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the ocean depths. You care for people and animals alike, O LORD.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Mark 3:1-6 (HCSB)
¹ Now He entered the synagogue again, and a man was there who had a paralyzed hand.
² In order to accuse Him, they were watching Him closely to see whether He would heal him on the Sabbath.
³ He told the man with the paralyzed hand, "Stand before us."
⁴ Then He said to them, "Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do what is good or to do what is evil, to save life or to kill?" But they were silent.
⁵ After looking around at them with anger and sorrow at the hardness of their hearts, He told the man, "Stretch out your hand." So he stretched it out, and his hand was restored.
⁶ Immediately the Pharisees went out and started plotting with the Herodians against Him, how they might destroy Him.

My observation:

The healing of the man with the paralyzed hand on the Sabbath by Jesus is revealing. It shows how destructive religious people can be when they add extra biblical traditions to the word of God.

Jesus cut through their attempts by getting to the heart of the matter. He asked them a central question which they refused to answer.

Mark 3:4 (HCSB)
⁴ Then He said to them, "Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do what is good or to do what is evil, to save life or to kill?" But they were silent.

The Pharisees had a problem of the heart that Jesus was able to see because unlike them, he had the power to discern the attitude of their heart. In their heart, the Pharisees were more interested in their position, purse, and their power over the people. Jesus had another agenda, and the Pharisees refused to address the moral question Jesus asked them.

So, Jesus proceeded to do something that proved He was God in human flesh. He healed the man on the Sabbath without breaking the law.

He simply told the man, "Stretch out your hand". The man stretched out his hand, "and his hand was restored".

In an amazing display of His authority and power, Jesus healed the man by grace without giving any sign of working on the Sabbath.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so thankful that I serve a God who is able to do amazing things, and that He has a heart for people, and their deliverance. Father, I ask for a double portion of grace and mercy to help me live the overcoming Christian life. Father, give me a compassionate heart like Jesus who is a deliverer, and not a heart like the Pharisees who wanted to destroy.

--

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

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_February 16, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 9:13-18 (NLT)
¹³ The woman named Folly is brash. She is ignorant and doesn't know it.
¹⁴ She sits in her doorway on the heights overlooking the city.
¹⁵ She calls out to men going by who are minding their own business.
¹⁶ "Come in with me," she urges the simple. To those who lack good judgment, she says,
¹⁷ "Stolen water is refreshing; food eaten in secret tastes the best!"
¹⁸ But little do they know that the dead are there. Her guests are in the depths of the grave.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 35:26-27 (NLT)
²⁶ May those who rejoice at my troubles be humiliated and disgraced. May those who triumph over me be covered with shame and dishonor.
²⁷ But give great joy to those who came to my defense. Let them continually say, "Great is the LORD, who delights in blessing his servant with peace!"

The Word of God for encouragement:

Mark 1:16-20 (HCSB)
¹⁶ As He was passing along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, Simon's brother. They were casting a net into the sea, since they were fishermen.
¹⁷ "Follow Me," Jesus told them, "and I will make you fish for people!"
¹⁸ Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.
¹⁹ Going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in their boat mending their nets.
²⁰ Immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed Him.

My observation:

Jesus came as a servant. In this chapter I have been reading from the gospel of Mark yesterday and today, I observe many things that Jesus did for people of that day, and things he continues to do for people today.

Today's focal passage highlights the work of Jesus in choosing his disciples. Think about it. Jesus is still calling today people to follow Him, and be His disciples. Long before there was a Twitter, Jesus had a multitude of people that identified themselves as followers of Jesus. You don't have to be a user of Twitter to be a Christ Follower.

These first disciples were not perfect people. They had their faults and failures. Some of them even fell down. However, the key to their success is that they didn't stay down; they didn't quit, except for Judas. Be a Peter not a Judas.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I gladly identify myself as a Christ follower. Father, I am so grateful for the work of Jesus in calling, leading, and guiding His followers through the steep and rugged paths we encounter in our journey through this world.

Father God, I am comforted by the knowledge that my God is bigger than any mountain I will ever encounter. I am so glad that Jesus is a leader in whom I will never be disappointed because Jesus can do anything but fail. Lord Jesus, I thank you that you specialize in lifting up those who falter, fails, and fall.

My song:

Jesus Never Fails (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6-_jkYb1cc&noredirect=1

--

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

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_February 15, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 9:11-12 (NLT)
¹¹ Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life.
¹² If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.

 The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 35:10 (NLT)
¹⁰ With every bone in my body I will praise him: "LORD, who can compare with you? Who else rescues the helpless from the strong? Who else protects the helpless and poor from those who rob them?"

The Word of God for encouragement:

Mark 1:1-3 (HCSB)
¹ The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
² As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: Look, I am sending My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way.
³ A voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way for the Lord; make His paths straight!

Mark 1:9-11 (HCSB)
⁹ In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John.
¹⁰ As soon as He came up out of the water, He saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending to Him like a dove.
¹¹ And a voice came from heaven: You are My beloved Son; I take delight in You!

My observation:

Each of the gospel writers had a target audience in mind. Matthew's target was the Jews. In the gospel of Mark, his target audience was the Romans.

Mark was a companion in service of the Lord of Paul and Peter. It was Peter who led him to become a Christ follower.

1 Peter 5:13 (AMP)
¹³ She [your sister church here] in Babylon, [who is] elect (chosen) with [yourselves], sends you greetings, and [so does] my son (disciple) Mark.

In introducing his gospel Mark gives us testimonies in support of Jesus. First, he gives his testimony; he says Jesus is the Son of God.

Then he gives the testimony of the prophets by quoting Malachi 3:1, and Isaiah 40:3.

Malachi 3:1 (HCSB)
¹ "See, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me. Then the Lord you seek will suddenly come to His temple, the Messenger of the covenant you desire—see, He is coming," says the LORD of Hosts.

Isaiah 40:3 (HCSB)
³ A voice of one crying out: Prepare the way of the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert.

Then to top it off, Mark gives the testimony of God the Father, and the Holy Spirit commending Jesus as He launches His ministry. This is what God the Father said about Jesus.

Mark 1:11 (HCSB)
¹¹ And a voice came from heaven: You are My beloved Son; I take delight in You!

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so thankful for all that Jesus said and did during His brief time in this world. Father, I am so glad that Your beloved Son is my Savior. Father, I take delight in Jesus also, and I give Him the praise, the glory, and the honor that He deserves. Father God, my soul sings, "My Jesus I Love Thee, I Know You are Mine".

My Song:

My Jesus I Love Thee (Click on link below for lyrics and to listen to this song):

http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh172.sht

--

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

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_February 14, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 9:9-10 (NLT)
⁹ Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more.
¹⁰ Fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 34:7-9 (NLT)
⁷ For the angel of the LORD is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
⁸ Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
⁹ Fear the LORD, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Matthew 28:1-8 (HCSB)
¹ After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb.
² Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached [the tomb]. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it.
³ His appearance was like lightning, and his robe was as white as snow.
⁴ The guards were so shaken from fear of him that they became like dead men.
⁵ But the angel told the women, "Don't be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified.
⁶ He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay.
⁷ Then go quickly and tell His disciples, 'He has been raised from the dead. In fact, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there.' Listen, I have told you."
⁸ So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell His disciples the news.

My observation:

The message that the angel of the Lord gave the Lord's servants on that day is a message for every believer of every age. This is a word to our hearts today, "Don't be afraid".

The message of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus is the gospel of our salvation. In his death and resurrection Jesus conquered all of the enemies of our soul. He conquered the world, the flesh, and the devil. He conquered death and the grave. We have nothing to fear in life or eternity.

Revelation 1:17-18 (HCSB)
¹⁷ When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. He laid His right hand on me and said, "Don't be afraid! I am the First and the Last,
¹⁸ and the Living One. I was dead, but look—I am alive forever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and Hades.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, O, what a happy day it was in my life when the Son of God came to take up residence in my life. Father, I thank you that because Jesus came into the world; suffered and died for the sins of the whole world on the cross at Calvary, and got up early on the third day from the grave; that I have nothing to fear in life or eternity.

Father God, I thank you for the peace that I have in my heart. Father, there is no greater joy than knowing that the world didn't give it to me, and the world can't take it away from me. It was nothing but the blood of Jesus that washed away my sins, and made me whole.

Psalm 34:1 (HCSB)
¹ I will praise the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.

--

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

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_February 13, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 9:7-8 (NLT)
⁷ Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return. Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt.
⁸ So don't bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 34:1-3 (HCSB)
¹ I will praise the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.
² I will boast in the LORD; the humble will hear and be glad.
³ Proclaim Yahweh's greatness with me; let us exalt His name together.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Matthew 27:37-44 (HCSB)
³⁷ Above His head they put up the charge against Him in writing: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
³⁸ Then two criminals were crucified with Him, one on the right and one on the left.
³⁹ Those who passed by were yelling insults at Him, shaking their heads
⁴⁰ and saying, "The One who would demolish the sanctuary and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross!"
⁴¹ In the same way the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked Him and said,
⁴² "He saved others, but He cannot save Himself! He is the King of Israel! Let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him.
⁴³ He has put His trust in God; let God rescue Him now—if He wants Him! For He said, 'I am God's Son.'"
⁴⁴ In the same way even the criminals who were crucified with Him kept taunting Him.

My observation:

I am so glad that the bible says that Jesus did not come down from the cross. If he had come down his enemies would not have received him. If he had saved himself Jesus could not have saved us.

John 12:32 (HCSB)
³² As for Me, if I am lifted up from the earth I will draw all [people] to Myself."

Without the cross there would be no salvation for you and me. Because Jesus endured the cross He received the crown. The door of salvation is open to anyone who will receive the gift of salvation that Jesus purchased on that old rugged cross.

Hebrews 12:2 (HCSB)
² keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God's throne.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so grateful for the love that was demonstrated on the cross at Calvary when you allowed your only begotten son to die for the sins of the whole world. Lord Jesus, I thank you for dying in my place. There is no greater demonstration of the love of God. It is so true that God's grace is amazing.

John 1:12 (HCSB)
¹² 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 blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

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_February 12, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 9:1-3 (NLT)
¹ Wisdom has built her house; she has carved its seven columns.
² She has prepared a great banquet, mixed the wines, and set the table.
³ She has sent her servants to invite everyone to come. She calls out from the heights overlooking the city.

Proverbs 9:6 (NLT)
⁶ Leave your simple ways behind, and begin to live; learn to use good judgment."

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 33:20-22 (NLT)
²⁰ We put our hope in the LORD. He is our help and our shield.
²¹ In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.
²² Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Isaiah 66:2 (ESV)
² All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the LORD. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.

1 Peter 5:6-9 (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.
⁹ Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so thankful that there is a God in heaven who looks down upon the earth and takes note of our human condition. Father, I pray that when you look at the ones that you have created in your image that you will be able to smile on me. Father, help me to be humble, contrite, and one who trembles at Your word.

Father God, I cast all of my cares upon You. Lord, there is no one who cares more about me than my heavenly Father who made me. Father, I thank You that I am twice born insuring that I will never perish. Yes, Father, I believe in Jesus, and I am a Christ follower.

John 11:26 (HCSB)
²⁶ Everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die—ever. Do you believe this?"

John 3:16 (HCSB)
¹⁶ "For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

 

--

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

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_February 10, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 8:32-33 (NLT)
³² "And so, my children, listen to me, for all who follow my ways are joyful.
³³ Listen to my instruction and be wise. Don't ignore it.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 32:1-2 (NLT)
¹ Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!
² Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!

The Word of God for encouragement:

Matthew 26:59-64 (HCSB)
⁵⁹ The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false testimony against Jesus so they could put Him to death.
⁶⁰ But they could not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward. Finally, two who came forward
⁶¹ stated, "This man said, 'I can demolish God's sanctuary and rebuild it in three days.'"
⁶² The high priest then stood up and said to Him, "Don't You have an answer to what these men are testifying against You?"
⁶³ But Jesus kept silent. Then the high priest said to Him, "By the living God I place You under oath: tell us if You are the Messiah, the Son of God!"
⁶⁴ "You have said it," Jesus told him. "But I tell you, in the future you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power and coming on the clouds of heaven."

My observation:

It is evident who was in control at the trial of Jesus, and it was not his judges or accusers. Jesus is the one who showed composure, command, and control.  It did not matter what the high priest said, or the false witnesses said it was Jesus that was in control.

Jesus had prepared to fulfill his destiny by spending time with God the Father in prayer. The secret of his power lies in his submission to the will of God.

Matthew 26:39 (HCSB)
³⁹ Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will."

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, the desire of my heart is that I will be willing to give all of me to You so that I might experience the power of having all of You in my life. It is only then that I can be confident, and in command, and control of knowing and doing the will of God for my life. Father, I pray not as I will, but as You will. Amen.

--

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

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_February 9, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 8:15-16 (NLT)
¹⁵ Because of me, kings reign, and rulers make just decrees.
¹⁶ Rulers lead with my help, and nobles make righteous judgments.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 31:19-20 (NLT)
¹⁹ How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world.
²⁰ You hide them in the shelter of your presence, safe from those who conspire against them. You shelter them in your presence, far from accusing tongues.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Matthew 26:35 (HCSB)
³⁵ "Even if I have to die with You," Peter told Him, "I will never deny You!" And all the disciples said the same thing.

Matthew 26:36-38 (HCSB)
³⁶ Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and He told the disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray."
³⁷ Taking along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed.
³⁸ Then He said to them, "My soul is swallowed up in sorrow—to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake with Me."

Matthew 26:40 (HCSB)
⁴⁰ Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping. He asked Peter, "So, couldn't you stay awake with Me one hour?

My observation:

The Word of God for encouragement today touches me in a place where I am very needy. Living in the world is hard for me, but not for my heavenly Father. The bible says that, "Nothing is too difficult for God".

Jesus could not depend upon even the promises of his most trusted disciples. In his hour of deepest need he had a resource that never fails. The source of Jesus' strength to obey came from his relationship with God the Father.

What a powerful lesson and example Jesus has left for us. In the time of our greatest need, we can go to God in prayer, and find the strength we need to do God's will.

John 17:26 (HCSB)
²⁶ I made Your name known to them and will make it known, so the love You have loved Me with may be in them and I may be in them.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so grateful that I have the same privilege to pray that Jesus had to pray. Father God, I pray that I will be as devoted to prayer that my Savior was devoted to prayer. If ever God's people needed to pray, it seems to me that we need to pray during these trying and difficult times.

--

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

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.