Daily Prayer_May 31, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 16:14-15 (MSG)
¹⁴ An intemperate leader wreaks havoc in lives; you're smart to stay clear of someone like that.
¹⁵ Good-tempered leaders invigorate lives; they're like spring rain and sunshine.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 119:160 (HCSB)
¹⁶⁰ The entirety of Your word is truth, and all Your righteous judgments endure forever.

Psalm 119:165 (HCSB)
¹⁶⁵ Abundant peace belongs to those who love Your instruction; nothing makes them stumble.

The Word of God for encouragement:

John 20:24-29 (HCSB)
²⁴ But one of the Twelve, Thomas (called "Twin"), was not with them when Jesus came.
²⁵ So the other disciples kept telling him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "If I don't see the mark of the nails in His hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe!"
²⁶ After eight days His disciples were indoors again, and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them. He said, "Peace to you!"
²⁷ Then He said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and observe My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Don't be an unbeliever, but a believer."
²⁸ Thomas responded to Him, "My Lord and my God!"
²⁹ Jesus said, "Because you have seen Me, you have believed. Those who believe without seeing are blessed."

My observation:

How do we deal with doubts that we might have about Jesus? One thing I know is that the Lord deals tenderly with our doubts and unbelief.

We have an advantage over Thomas in dealing with our doubts and unbelief; the people in his day did not have all of the scriptures that we have today; neither did they have the Holy Spirit as their tutor.

John 20:9 (HCSB)
⁹ For they still did not understand the Scripture that He must rise from the dead.

We don't need to ask for signs when doubts arise or our faith falters, we have the word of God that we can go to. We have the Holy Spirit of God to help us to understand the word of God. The psalmist reminds us of the reliability of God's word.

Psalm 119:160 (AMP)
¹⁶⁰ The sum of Your word is truth [the total of the full meaning of all Your individual precepts]; and every one of Your righteous decrees endures forever.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so thankful that you are a God who loves us supremely. Father, you remember that you made us out of clay.

Job 10:9 (HCSB)
⁹ Please remember that You formed me like clay. Will You now return me to dust?

 Father, I am so grateful that you understand our doubts and unbelief, and that you deal gently with us. Father, I know that even faith to believe is a gift from God. Father, I thank you for being a God who does not forget, and for being a God who does forgive. Amen.

Romans 10:17 (HCSB)
¹⁷ So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ.

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

--

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

John 20:30-31 (ESV)
³⁰ Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;
³¹ but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

.

 





 

Daily Prayer_May 30, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 16:12-13 (HCSB)
¹² Wicked behavior is detestable to kings, since a throne is established through righteousness.
¹³ Righteous lips are a king's delight, and he loves one who speaks honestly.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 119:133 (HCSB)
¹³³ Make my steps steady through Your promise; don't let any sin dominate me.

The Word of God for inspiration:

John 19:25-27 (HCSB)
²⁵ Standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother, His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.
²⁶ When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple He loved standing there, He said to His mother, "Woman, here is your son."
²⁷ Then He said to the disciple, "Here is your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.

My observation:

It is noteworthy that even while suffering in agony on the cross Jesus still had on his mind the needs of others. In our selected passage from today's reading in John, Jesus had his mother on his heart.

Mary's husband Joseph had most likely died, and the half brothers of Jesus were not believers at the time. Jesus chose a disciple rather than a relative to care for his mother. Jesus highly favors those who believe in and are devoted to him.

John 7:5 (HCSB)
⁵ (For not even His brothers believed in Him.)

Jesus entrusted the care of his mother to the beloved disciple John. He knew that John would love and care for Mary like he would for his own mother. Notice that John embraced this opportunity to respond to the call of Jesus to serve Mary, and he did it immediately. Serving God and obeying God will cost you something, but being willing to serve bring incalculable rewards.

John 19:27 (HCSB)
²⁷ Then He said to the disciple, "Here is your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so grateful that you are still calling people into the service of the Lord. Father, I pray that I will respond to your call to service in my life with the same devotion and promptness that the Apostle John did in accepting the responsibility of caring for the mother of Jesus. Amen.

--

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

John 20:30-31 (ESV)
³⁰ Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;
³¹ but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

.

 





 

Daily Prayer_May 29, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 16:11 (NLT)
¹¹ The LORD demands accurate scales and balances; he sets the standards for fairness.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 119:114 (NLT)
¹¹⁴ You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope.

Psalm 119:125 (NLT)
¹²⁵ Give discernment to me, your servant; then I will understand your laws.

The Word of God for encouragement:

John 18:33-38 (HCSB)
³³ Then Pilate went back into the headquarters, summoned Jesus, and said to Him, "Are You the King of the Jews?"
³⁴ Jesus answered, "Are you asking this on your own, or have others told you about Me?"
³⁵ "I'm not a Jew, am I?" Pilate replied. "Your own nation and the chief priests handed You over to me. What have You done?"
³⁶ "My kingdom is not of this world," said Jesus. "If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I wouldn't be handed over to the Jews. As it is, My kingdom does not have its origin here."
³⁷ "You are a king then?" Pilate asked. "You say that I'm a king," Jesus replied. "I was born for this, and I have come into the world for this: to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice."
³⁸ "What is truth?" said Pilate. After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them, "I find no grounds for charging Him.

My observation:

Today I have selected the passage from the gospel of John that reports the interview by Pilate of Jesus.  Pilate examined Jesus. However, the interview reveals the serious flaws in the character of Pilate.

The interview revealed the contempt that Pilate had for Jesus, and it revealed his incompetence as a just judge. When confronted by Jesus about his line of questioning, he got defensive.

The interview concluded, and two things are clear; the ignorance of Pilate about Christ, and the innocence of Christ. Even Pilate got the latter right when he told the Jews, "I find no grounds for charging Him".

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so grateful for the gospel of John. Father, I am so thankful that we don't have to be ignorant about Jesus for in the gospel of John we find the answer to Pilate's question, "What is truth?"

John 14:6 (HCSB)
⁶ Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Father God, I pray that you would open eyes that are spiritually blind to the truth about Jesus. Father, grant them with eyes to see, ears to hear, and open hearts to receive Jesus into their life. Amen.

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/

John 20:30-31 (ESV)
³⁰ Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;
³¹ but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

.

 





 

Daily Prayer_May 28, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 16:9 (ESV)
⁹ The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 119:103-105 (ESV)
¹⁰³ How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
¹⁰⁴ Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.
¹⁰⁵ Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

The Word of God for encouragement:

John 18:1-9 (ESV)
¹ When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron Valley, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered.
² Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples.
³ So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons.
⁴ Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, "Whom do you seek?"
⁵ They answered him, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, "I am he." Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them.
⁶ When Jesus said to them, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.
⁷ So he asked them again, "Whom do you seek?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth."
⁸ Jesus answered, "I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go."
⁹ This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: "Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one."

My observation:

The key thought in our focal passage from the gospel of John today is that Jesus went to the cross willingly; he was doing the will of his Father.  No one took his life; he gave his life for you and for me.

Notice in the passage that Judas came with numbers to do his despicable deed, but Jesus came with just one; the love and affection of his heavenly Father. His enemies came with swords in their hands, but Jesus came with a cup in his hands.

Luke 22:41-42 (ESV)
⁴¹ And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed,
⁴² saying, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done."

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I pray that I will be as submissive to your will for my life as Jesus was for doing your will for his life.

Father God, may my prayer always be in the pattern that Jesus taught his disciples to pray.

Luke 11:2 (AMP)
² And He said to them, When you pray, say: Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come. Your will be done [held holy and revered] on earth as it is in heaven.

 

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

John 20:30-31 (ESV)
³⁰ Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;
³¹ but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

.

 





 

Daily Prayer_May 27, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 16:6-7 (ESV)
⁶ By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil.
⁷ When a man's ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 119:89-91 (ESV)
⁸⁹ Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.
⁹⁰ Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
⁹¹ By your appointment they stand this day, for all things are your servants.

The Word of God for encouragement:

2 Samuel 9:1-3 (ESV)
¹ And David said, "Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?"
² Now there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba, and they called him to David. And the king said to him, "Are you Ziba?" And he said, "I am your servant."
³ And the king said, "Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?" Ziba said to the king, "There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet."

2 Samuel 9:6-7 (ESV)
⁶ And Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, son of Saul, came to David and fell on his face and paid homage. And David said, "Mephibosheth!" And he answered, "Behold, I am your servant."
⁷ And David said to him, "Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always."

My observation:

Kindness is the choice word in today's focal passage. David's expression of love and friendship for Jonathan is a beautiful thing to see. It is a demonstration of what it looks like to love others with the love of the Lord. The friendship of David and Jonathan was born in affliction. It lived even after the death of Jonathan.

David's son, Solomon, wrote this about friendship.

Proverbs 17:17 (ESV)
¹⁷ A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Proverbs 18:24 (ESV)
²⁴ A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I pray that you will perfect in me the grace gift of kindness that is born in love, and is a fruit of the Spirit.

Father God, enable me by the power of the Holy Spirit to love my friends like David loved Jonathan, and was a faithful friend forever. Father, give me an abundance of kindness, and I will give it away. Amen.

Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)
³² Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

--

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

John 20:30-31 (ESV)
³⁰ Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;
³¹ but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

.

 





 

Daily Prayer_May 25, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 16:1-3 (NLT)
¹ We can make our own plans, but the LORD gives the right answer.
² People may be pure in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their motives.
³ Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 119:58-60 (NLT)
⁵⁸ With all my heart I want your blessings. Be merciful as you promised.
⁵⁹ I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your laws.
⁶⁰ I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands.

The Word of God for encouragement:

John 15:5 (HCSB)
⁵ "I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me.

My observation:

The choice word for today is abiding. This word leads us to the key that unlocks the storehouse to the blessings of God. The key to being a productive believer is to be a person who has learned the discipline of abiding in Christ.

The key verse from John 15 makes it clear that the believer's job is to abide in Christ, and that the producing of fruit is in the hands of the Lord.

What does it mean to abide in Christ? To abide in Christ is to have Christ living in you. To abide means to act in accord with, to submit to, and to remain steadfast and faithful to Christ. How are you doing with your part, which is abiding?

Are you in union and in communion with Christ? Practicing the daily disciplines of reading and heeding God's word, and prayer will guide and strengthen you in doing your part. Surely, God is able and willing to do his part.

This is the promise of what Christ will produce in the life of those who abide in him. The list includes answered prayer, joy and love.

John 15:7 (HCSB)
⁷ If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you.

John 15:11-12 (HCSB)
¹¹ "I have spoken these things to you so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.
¹² This is My command: Love one another as I have loved you.

The above is just a short list; there is more so much more.

Galatians 5:22-23 (HCSB)
²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,
²³ gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.

2 Peter 1:5-8 (HCSB)
⁵ For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge,
⁶ knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness,
⁷ godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.
⁸ For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they will keep you from being useless or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I want to do my part of abiding in Christ so that you can produce in me and through me the fruit of the Spirit in my life.

 Father, I ask for the enabling power of the Holy Spirit to help me to align my life so that I might be pleasing to you and productive for your glory, and the benefit of others. Amen.

--

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

John 20:30-31 (ESV)
³⁰ Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;
³¹ but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

.

 





 

Daily Prayer_May 24, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 15:33 (NLT)
³³ Fear of the LORD teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 119:33-35 (NLT)
³³ Teach me your decrees, O LORD; I will keep them to the end.
³⁴ Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart.
³⁵ Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.

The Word of God for encouragement:

John 14:1-4 (ESV)
¹ "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.
² In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?
³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.
⁴ And you know the way to where I am going."

John 14:27 (ESV)
²⁷ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

My observation:

The choice word for today is peace. The world is looking for peace today; it is the longing of the people of every nation. However, the peace that Jesus speaks about is not available from the institutions made by man.

However, the words of Jesus are true and they are also for you and me. He was and is the source of genuine and lasting peace. He is able to give you a peace that the world cannot give you because Jesus is the Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)
⁶ For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Listen to what Jesus said to his disciples when they had troubled hearts. Allow his words to comfort and strengthen your heart.

John 14:1 (ESV)
¹ "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.

If you are a believer in God, and in his only begotten son, Jesus, you can have peace; real peace, and the world cannot give it to you, and the world can't take it away from you.

Romans 5:1 (ESV)
¹ Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Be encouraged; open your heart to receive your blessing of peace of mind, peace of heart, peace of God, and peace with God.

Philippians 4:7 (ESV)
⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:9 (ESV)
⁹ What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I praise and thank you for the promise and the provision of the peace of God, and peace with God. O how blessed are we who have put our faith and trust in the Prince of Peace. Amen and Amen.

--

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

John 20:30-31 (ESV)
³⁰ Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;
³¹ but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

.

 





 

Daily Prayer_May 23, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 15:31-32 (NLT)
³¹ If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.
³² If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 119:18 (ESV)
¹⁸ Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.

The Word of God for encouragement:

John 13:33-35 (HCSB)
³³ "Children, I am with you a little while longer. You will look for Me, and just as I told the Jews, 'Where I am going you cannot come,' so now I tell you.
³⁴ "I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another.
³⁵ By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

My observation:

Jesus was only with his disciples for a brief period of time. The time that he spent with the disciples was significant because of its brevity and because of its significance. He wanted to prepare them for his departure, and equip them for the mission he would give them.

Jesus gave his disciples a new commandment. The psalmist expressed the prayer of my heart every time I open my bible.

Psalm 119:18 (TLB)
¹⁸ Open my eyes to see wonderful things in your Word.

What Jesus commanded his disciple to do is a wonderful thing. Jesus said that if his people obeyed this new commandment that it would mark them as Christ followers to the world. Love for one another is the distinguishing mark of the genuine believers in Christ.

It's there for us to see in John 13:34. Lord, open our eyes that we might see it, believe it, and obey it.

Jesus gives us this command as the highest priority, the pattern, and the power to carry out the commandment.

The priority is to love one another, the pattern is to love like Jesus loved us, and the power to accomplish this is his gift to us of the Holy Spirit, who is love.

Romans 5:5 (HCSB)
⁵ This hope will not disappoint [us], because God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I stand in awe of the amazing love of God. I know that in my flesh that I am incapable of loving others the way that you love me.

Father God, I am so grateful for the gift of the Holy Spirit that you give to every believer that enables me to fulfill the command to love others in the way that you have loved us. Father, I thank you for pouring out your love into our hearts. Hallelujah and Amen!

Romans 8:9 (HCSB)
⁹ You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God lives in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.

--

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

John 20:30-31 (ESV)
³⁰ Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;
³¹ but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

.

 





 

Daily Prayer_May 22, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 15:30 (NLT)
³⁰ A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 119:1-3 (NLT)
¹ Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD.
² Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts.
³ They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths.

The Word of God for encouragement:

John 13:12-17 (NLT)
¹² After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, "Do you understand what I was doing?
¹³ You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and you are right, because that's what I am.
¹⁴ And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other's feet.
¹⁵ I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.
¹⁶ I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message.
¹⁷ Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.

My observation:

Jesus used the occasion of the washing of his disciple's feet to teach them some very important lessons. My focus today is upon the lessons of humility, service, and obedience.

Jesus taught his disciples that there is great joy in knowing, serving, and obeying God. The issue is who you believe. Do you believe Jesus, or do you believe Satan?

Do you believe Jesus, the deliverer; or do you believe Satan, the deceiver? Compare the two before you decide.

John 10:10 (HCSB)
¹⁰ A thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.

John 8:44 (HCSB)
⁴⁴ 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:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I thank you for your word, and for the light that it shines into this dark, dangerous, and depressing world.

Father God, I am so thankful that you sent Jesus to deliver us from the deceitful enemy of our soul. The Devil seeks to destroy us, but Jesus came to deliver us.

Father, I thank you for the blessings and the joy of knowing, serving and obeying you; the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

My song:

Jesus is the Answer for the World Today (Click on link below to listen to Andrae Crouch sing this song):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whjZTug_O-Y

--

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

John 20:30-31 (ESV)
³⁰ Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;
³¹ but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

.

 





 

Daily Prayer_May 21, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

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

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 118:27-29 (NLT)
²⁷ The LORD is God, shining upon us. Take the sacrifice and bind it with cords on the altar.
²⁸ You are my God, and I will praise you! You are my God, and I will exalt you!
²⁹ Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.

The Word of God for encouragement:

John 12:37-43 (NLT)
³⁷ But despite all the miraculous signs Jesus had done, most of the people still did not believe in him.
³⁸ This is exactly what Isaiah the prophet had predicted: "LORD, who has believed our message? To whom has the LORD revealed his powerful arm?"
³⁹ But the people couldn't believe, for as Isaiah also said,
⁴⁰ "The Lord has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts— so that their eyes cannot see, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and have me heal them."
⁴¹ Isaiah was referring to Jesus when he said this, because he saw the future and spoke of the Messiah's glory.
⁴² Many people did believe in him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn't admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue.
⁴³ For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.

My observation:

The case for unbelief reported in the passage from John is not because of lack of evidence. Rather, it is a case of lack of will. They refused to believe despite all the miraculous signs Jesus had done. Like many today, they "would not" believe; that was the choice of a person created by God with a free will.

However, beware; there is a danger in unbelief. The prophet of God, Isaiah, looking ahead with divine insight, warned that "would not" could become "could not".

John 12:39-40 (NLT)
³⁹ But the people couldn't believe, for as Isaiah also said,
⁴⁰ "The Lord has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts— so that their eyes cannot see, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and have me heal them."

Notice that in spite of most people who didn't believe that there were many who did believe in Jesus including some of the Jewish leaders.

John 12:42 (NLT)
⁴² Many people did believe in him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn't admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue.

What about you? Do you believe in Jesus? If so, are you willing to tell others? If you have a testimony, don't be afraid or ashamed to share it.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I praise and thank you that Jesus finished the work for which he became a man and lived upon the earth for a brief period of time. What a demonstration of divine love by the creator for his created beings.

Father God, I pray for the Holy Spirit of God to do his office work in binding Satan who blinds the eyes and hardens the heart to keep people from believing in Jesus.

Father God, help those who have been willing to open their hearts, and have believed in, and received Jesus into their hearts. Father, help them, to not be ashamed to tell others about Jesus, and what he has done for them. Amen.

Romans 1:16 (NLT)
¹⁶ For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.

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

John 20:30-31 (ESV)
³⁰ Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;
³¹ but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

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Daily Prayer_May 20, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 15:26 (NLT)
²⁶ The LORD detests evil plans, but he delights in pure words.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 118:6 (NLT)
⁶ The LORD is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?

Psalm 118:8 (NLT)
⁸ It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in people.

The Word of God for encouragement:

John 12:9-11 (NLT)
⁹ When all the people heard of Jesus' arrival, they flocked to see him and also to see Lazarus, the man Jesus had raised from the dead.
¹⁰ Then the leading priests decided to kill Lazarus, too,
¹¹ for it was because of him that many of the people had deserted them and believed in Jesus.

My observation:

Every day is a good day to lift up and exalt the name of Jesus.

Psalm 118:24 (NLT)
²⁴ This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I delight in you, and my prayer is that you will be able to delight in me.

Father God, I rejoice because today is a day that you have made. However, I am ecstatic that you sent Jesus, and he remade me so that you are able to delight in me because of Jesus living in me. O the pure delight and joy of those who have believed in Jesus. Hallelujah!

My song:

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

http://biblestudycharts.com/SH_Since_Jesus_Came_into_My_Heart.html

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

John 20:30-31 (ESV)
³⁰ Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;
³¹ but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

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Daily Prayer_May 18, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 15:20-21 (NLT)
²⁰ Sensible children bring joy to their father; foolish children despise their mother.
²¹ Foolishness brings joy to those with no sense; a sensible person stays on the right path.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 116:1-9 (NLT)
¹ I love the LORD because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy.
² Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!
³ Death wrapped its ropes around me; the terrors of the grave overtook me. I saw only trouble and sorrow.
⁴ Then I called on the name of the LORD: "Please, LORD, save me!"
⁵ How kind the LORD is! How good he is! So merciful, this God of ours!
⁶ The LORD protects those of childlike faith; I was facing death, and he saved me.
⁷ Let my soul be at rest again, for the LORD has been good to me.
⁸ He has saved me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.
⁹ And so I walk in the LORD's presence as I live here on earth!

The Word of God for encouragement:

John 10:24 (ESV)
²⁴ So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly."

John 10:30 (ESV)
³⁰ I and the Father are one."

My observation:

What a wonderful way to close out this week, and to conclude the visit with my family in Alaska. Today I selected the passage from the Psalm to comment on. The Lord did something great and gracious for the psalmist, and for this he was grateful. Isn't God good? Yes, all the time God is good.

Psalm 116:5 (ESV)
⁵ Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; our God is merciful.

The psalmist asked a pertinent question. It is one that we should consider, and respond to in the manner that the psalmist did.

Psalm 116:12 (ESV)
¹² What shall I render to the LORD for all his benefits to me?

Psalm 116:17 (ESV)
¹⁷ I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD.

The psalmist response was not only pleasing to God, which is of first importance; It was also good for his soul. It is a good thing to be thankful, and to give praise to the Lord. It is true that God inhabits the praises of his people. Also, singing God's praise will bring you into the presence of God. There is healing power in praise. It is medicine without negative side effects.

Proverbs 17:22 (ESV)
²² A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, when I think about all that you have done for me, I can't help but give thanks to the LORD.

Father God, I thank you and I praise you for being so gracious and so good to me. I shudder to think of where I would be without the LORD in my life. I thank you Jesus for being my light and my salvation.

Lord, I thank you for hearing and answering my prayers for help, healing, and for being my hope for today and all of my tomorrows. Amen.

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

John 20:30-31 (ESV)
³⁰ Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;
³¹ but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

.

 





 

Daily Prayer_May 17, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

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

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 115:1 (NLT)
¹ Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness.

The Word of God for encouragement:

John 10:1-6 (ESV)
¹ "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber.
² But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
³ To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
⁴ When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.
⁵ A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers."
⁶ This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.

My observation:

A song comes to mind as I read today's passage from the gospel of John. It is the song, "He Leadeth Me, O Blessed Thought". The Lord is a good leader, and we see that in the verse I have selected to comment on today.

John 10:4 (ESV)
⁴ When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.

I notice three things about Jesus in this verse:

1.       He goes before the sheep.

2.       The sheep follow him.

3.       Jesus speaks to the sheep.

Who wouldn't follow a leader like Jesus, and who wouldn't listen to his voice. Today He speaks to us through His word. Are you listening daily for His voice?

Psalm 23:3 (ESV)
³ He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so thankful that you are a God who values so much the people you have made with your own hands.

Father God, I am so grateful that you do not breakdown the door of our hearts to enter, but that you enter in the right way.

John 10:2-3 (HCSB)
² The one who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
³ The doorkeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

Father, I am so thankful that Jesus is the Great Shepherd, and I am delighted to be a Christ follower. Lord Jesus, speak into my heart; your servant is listening. Amen.

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

John 20:30-31 (ESV)
³⁰ Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;
³¹ but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

.

 





 

Daily Prayer_May 16, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

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

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 113:1-3 (NLT)
¹ Praise the LORD! Yes, give praise, O servants of the LORD. Praise the name of the LORD!
² Blessed be the name of the LORD now and forever.
³ Everywhere—from east to west— praise the name of the LORD.

The Word of God for encouragement:

John 9:1-4 (NLT)
¹ As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth.
² "Rabbi," his disciples asked him, "why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents' sins?"
³ "It was not because of his sins or his parents' sins," Jesus answered. "This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.
⁴ We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work.

My observation:

Jesus used the occasion of the healing of the blind man to teach his disciples then and us today a most profound lesson about His purpose and our purpose.

This is the choice verse that spoke into my heart.

John 9:4 (NLT)
⁴ We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work.

The first word, "We", indicates that what is to follow includes you and me. Jesus was on a mission; God sent him into the world for a purpose.  We also have a divine purpose.

John 4:34 (NLT)
³⁴ Then Jesus explained: "My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.

John 20:21 (NLT)
²¹ Again he said, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you."

Our mission is an important mission. Notice that Jesus used the word "Must" to describe the God assigned work. Also, notice the mission is time limited; "The night is coming, and then no one can work".

The work for Jesus was compelling, and so should our work for God be compelling. Jesus was willing to do His work. Are we faithful and willing to do our work?

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am grateful to be a participant in the work of God in the world.

Father God, thank you for loving us so much that you have entrusted this work to your people. Father, may we be as zealous as those first century believers in telling about everything we have seen and heard. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Acts 4:20 (NLT)
²⁰ We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard."

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

John 20:30-31 (ESV)
³⁰ Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;
³¹ but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

.

 





 

Daily Prayer_May 15, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 15:13 (NLT)
¹³ A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit.

The Word of God for inspiration:

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

The Word of God for encouragement:

John 8:30-32 (ESV)
³⁰ As he was saying these things, many believed in him.
³¹ So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,
³² and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

My observation:

Although Jesus faced stiff opposition during his earthly ministry, there were still many who believed in him. However, not all who professed belief in Jesus had genuine faith. Jesus spoke of those types of people earlier.

John 2:23-25 (ESV)
²³ Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing.
²⁴ But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people
²⁵ and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.

Jesus is able to look into the hearts of those who say they believe in him, but don't really have genuine faith. He can tell the fakers, who subscribe to the notion that if you fake it, you can make it. That kind of belief is not the kind that saves.

Jesus gives the standard for the kind of belief in Him that result in salvation; in eternal life. Examine your faith by how you measure up to the way Jesus responds to those who say they believe in Him. I ask the question, Does Jesus believe in you? What kind of faith does he see when he looks into your heart?

John 8:31 (ESV)
³¹ So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,

How are you doing with the obedience standard?

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I pray that all of those who say that they believe in Jesus will be able to have a faith that will result in Jesus entrusting himself to them. Father, give all of those who hear the word this type of faith. In Jesus' name, Amen.

James 1:22 (ESV)
²² But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

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

1 Timothy 4:4-5 (HCSB)
⁴ For everything created by God is good, and nothing should be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,
⁵ since it is sanctified by the word of God and by prayer.

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