Daily Prayer_November 30, 2012

.The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 28:26 (HCSB)
²⁶ The one who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 120:1 (HCSB)
¹ In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered me.

The Word of God for encouragement:

1 John 2:1-6 (HCSB)
¹ My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the Righteous One.
² He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world.
³ This is how we are sure that we have come to know Him: by keeping His commands.
⁴ The one who says, "I have come to know Him," yet doesn't keep His commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
⁵ But whoever keeps His word, truly in him the love of God is perfected. This is how we know we are in Him:
⁶ The one who says he remains in Him should walk just as He walked.

My observation:

Who do you want defending you in the throne room of God? When Satan is the accuser, there is no one I would rather have then Jesus.

1 John 1:5 (HCSB)
⁵ Now this is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in Him.

It is wonderful to have Jesus as our advocate with the Father. However, he is more than that. Jesus is also an example for us to imitate. If you believe in God, and say that you love him; then do what he tells you to do in his word. Do what Jesus would do; follow his example.

1 John 2:6 (HCSB)
⁶ The one who says he remains in Him should walk just as He walked.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so grateful for the work of Jesus in providing the means for our salvation.

1 John 2:2 (HCSB)
² He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world.

Thank you Jesus for taking my place, for bearing the wrath of God for my sins. Thank you Jesus for being my advocate before the Father. Lord, grant me the grace to be able to walk in obedience following the example of Jesus whose will was to do your will. In Jesus name, Amen.

John 5:30 (HCSB)
³⁰ "I can do nothing on My own. I judge only as I hear, and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.

--

Psalm 130:5-6 (HCSB)
⁵ I wait for Yahweh; I wait and put my hope in His word.
⁶ I ⌊wait⌋ for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning— more than watchmen for the morning.

 

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Prayer_November 29, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 28:23 (HCSB)
²³ One who rebukes a person will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Psalm 119:169-170 (HCSB)
¹⁶⁹ Let my cry reach You, LORD; give me understanding according to Your word.
¹⁷⁰ Let my plea reach You; rescue me according to Your promise.

The Word of God for encouragement:

1 John 1:1-4 (HCSB)
¹ What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have observed and have touched with our hands, concerning the Word of life—
² that life was revealed, and we have seen it and we testify and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us—
³ what we have seen and heard we also declare to you, so that you may have fellowship along with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.
⁴ We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.

My observation:

Today we begin our walk through the letter of 1 John. This is a book that would take more than five days to grasp the depth of the message that John declares in his writing.

I love the purpose for which he writes; in verse one he writes that we might have life, and in verse four he writes that we might have joy.

This life and this joy is something that the world has nothing to offer that would come close to what God offers to his beloved children.

What the world offers is incomplete, and temporary. Think about it. Everything that you can see with your eyes, and touch with your hands is perishing. Moses, one of the heroes of faith in Hebrews recognized this truth.

Hebrews 11:24-25 (HCSB)
²⁴ By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter
²⁵ and chose to suffer with the people of God rather than to enjoy the short-lived pleasure of sin.

Let's embrace the writings of John, and the life and the joy that God has for his people who know him, and have an abiding fellowship with him.

1 John 1:7 (HCSB)
⁷ But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I praise and thank you for the privileges that we enjoy because we are children of God.

Father God, I thank you for eternal life, and for the fellowship that we enjoy daily as we walk in the life and the light of Jesus, our Savior.

Father, by faith in God, help and empower your people to enthrone Jesus as Lord over all of our life. Keep me and all of your people in the path that leads to complete joy. In Jesus name, Amen.

1 John 1:9 (HCSB)
⁹ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

--

Psalm 130:5-6 (HCSB)
⁵ I wait for Yahweh; I wait and put my hope in His word.
⁶ I ⌊wait⌋ for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning— more than watchmen for the morning.

 

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Prayer_November 28, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 28:21 (ESV)
²¹ To show partiality is not good, but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 119:130 (ESV)
¹³⁰ The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.

The Word of God for encouragement:

2 Peter 3:14-18 (ESV)
¹⁴ Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.
¹⁵ And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him,
¹⁶ as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.
¹⁷ You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability.
¹⁸ But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

My observation:

Peter's closing remarks have some great advice for the people in the first century. However, it is also very good advice for people of the twenty-first century.

Notice two encouragements; in verse fourteen he said, "be diligent", and in verse seventeen he said, "take care".

No matter how difficult things get in this world, don't allow anyone to take from you the hope that you have in God's word.

We live in a dark and dangerous world, but there are many open doors to share the gospel of Christ. God is still waiting patiently for the lost to trust in Jesus. He has chosen you, if you are one of his children, to participate in sharing the gospel.

2 Peter 3:15 (HCSB)
¹⁵ Also, regard the patience of our Lord as [an opportunity for] salvation, just as our dear brother Paul has written to you according to the wisdom given to him.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so grateful for the opportunity to participate in the sharing of the gospel of Christ. Father, most of all, I am grateful that the door of opportunity is open for the lost to come to Christ, and receive the gift of salvation. Father, I thank you for loving and caring about those who are outside of your sheepfold. In Jesus name, Amen.

--

Psalm 130:5-6 (HCSB)
⁵ I wait for Yahweh; I wait and put my hope in His word.
⁶ I ⌊wait⌋ for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning— more than watchmen for the morning.

 

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Prayer_November 27, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 28:19-20 (ESV)
¹⁹ Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.
²⁰ A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.

The Word of God inspiration:

Psalm 119:114 (ESV)
¹¹⁴ You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.

The Word of God for encouragement:

2 Peter 2:1-3 (ESV)
¹ But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.
² And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed.
³ And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

My observation:

The key thought that Peter emphasizes in chapter two is the destruction that false teachers cause, and the shambles they leave in their wake. They are a danger to everyone they encounter; they can corrupt your beliefs and your behavior.

The false teachers are so dangerous because of their deceit. Notice that they secretly bring in destructive heresies. In their tactics they use the same vocabulary, but not the same dictionary as the prophet and teachers sent by God.

Notice how destructive they are; first, they deny the Savior; and second, they deny the salvation that he provides.

2 Peter 2:1 (AMP)
¹ BUT ALSO [in those days] there arose false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among yourselves, who will subtly and stealthily introduce heretical doctrines (destructive heresies), even denying and disowning the Master Who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.

Wherever God is working among his people, the Devil will show up. Therefore, we must be knowledgeable of the schemes of the Devil and his false teachers. Examine what those who hold themselves out as prophets and teachers say about the Savior and salvation. You can rely upon God's word to show you the truth.

2 Peter 1:19-21 (ESV)
¹⁹ And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts,
²⁰ knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation.
²¹ For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I thank you for the precious word of God that provides us with the truth about Jesus, our Savior, who provides for our salvation. Father, I thank you for the word of God, and for the office work of the Holy Spirit of God. In Jesus name, Amen.

--

Psalm 130:5-6 (HCSB)
⁵ I wait for Yahweh; I wait and put my hope in His word.
⁶ I ⌊wait⌋ for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning— more than watchmen for the morning.

 

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Prayer_November 26, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 28:17-18 (HCSB)
¹⁷ A man burdened by bloodguilt will be a fugitive until death. Let no one help him.
¹⁸ The one who lives with integrity will be helped, but one who distorts right and wrong will suddenly fall.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 119:103-105 (HCSB)
¹⁰³ How sweet Your word is to my taste—[sweeter] than honey in my mouth.
¹⁰⁴ I gain understanding from Your precepts; therefore I hate every false way.
¹⁰⁵ Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.

The Word of God for encouragement:

2 Peter 1:3-11 (HCSB)
³ His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.
⁴ By these He has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desires.
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.
⁹ The person who lacks these things is blind and shortsighted and has forgotten the cleansing from his past sins.
¹⁰ Therefore, brothers, make every effort to confirm your calling and election, because if you do these things you will never stumble.
¹¹ For in this way, entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly supplied to you.

My observation:

The Apostle Peter was conscious that he was nearing the end of his earthly journey. His love and concern for God's people was on his heart knowing of the presence of false teachers in the assembly of God's people.

The best defense against false teaching is to know the word of God, and to keep growing in the word of God. If we are not growing, we are falling.

If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. Knowing and growing in the word of God will be a blessing in your life, and your life will be a blessing to others.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I praise and thank you for your abundant provisions to your people. Father, I pray that you would make me as useful and fruitful as you can. Father, make me to be willing where I am unwilling. In Jesus name, Amen.

--

Psalm 130:5-6 (HCSB)
⁵ I wait for Yahweh; I wait and put my hope in His word.
⁶ I ⌊wait⌋ for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning— more than watchmen for the morning.

 

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Prayer_November 25, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 28:15-16 (HCSB)
¹⁵ A wicked ruler over a helpless people is like a roaring lion or a charging bear.
¹⁶ A leader who lacks understanding is very oppressive, but one who hates dishonest profit prolongs his life.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 119:89 (HCSB)
⁸⁹ LORD, Your word is forever; it is firmly fixed in heaven.

Psalm 119:93 (HCSB)
⁹³ I will never forget Your precepts, for You have given me life through them.

The Word of God for encouragement:

1 Peter 5:8-11 (HCSB)
⁸ Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.
⁹ Resist him and be firm in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.
¹⁰ Now the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will personally restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little.
¹¹ The dominion belongs to Him forever. Amen.

My observation:

The Apostle Peter in closing this letter reminded God's people of their threefold enemies: the world, the flesh, and the Devil.

In the selected passage from this chapter the emphasis is on our chief enemy; the Devil. The Devil is not your friend; he is your foe. He is a roaring lion, not a friendly pet. He wants to destroy you; he does not want to play with you.

Peter had some firsthand experience with this enemy of his soul. He failed to heed the warning of Jesus, and paid the price.

Luke 22:31-34 (HCSB)
³¹ "Simon, Simon, look out! Satan has asked to sift you like wheat.
³² But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
³³ "Lord," he told Him, "I'm ready to go with You both to prison and to death!"
³⁴ "I tell you, Peter," He said, "the rooster will not crow today until you deny three times that you know Me!"

We have the tools available to resist the Devil, but we have to use them. It begins with our faith in God, wearing the whole armor of God, relying on the power of the Holy Spirit, and prayer. We need to dress for spiritual warfare every day (Ephesians 6:10-20).

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I pray that I will not underestimate the power of the Devil to defeat me, neither the power of God to defeat him. Father, help me to never forget that the world, the flesh, and the Devil are the enemies of my soul.

Father God, help me, by faith and your divine power to overcome these enemies, and find victory that is my heritage in Christ Jesus. In Jesus name, Amen.

--

Psalm 130:5-6 (HCSB)
⁵ I wait for Yahweh; I wait and put my hope in His word.
⁶ I ⌊wait⌋ for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning— more than watchmen for the morning.

 

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Saturday Thoughts and Prayer_November 24, 2012

Post Thanksgiving Thoughts

Take an accurate inventory of what you have. Look within and you will find an abundance of things that are precious, and that money cannot buy. Count your blessings. Don't discount what is truly priceless.

Look outside and you will discover that everything that you see is perishing. Look within and you will discover things that will last for eternity. The bible says:

1 Corinthians 13:13 (ESV)
¹³ So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

You have within you an abundance of things that will last forever. Recognizing what you have within will create an attitude of abundance. Then, you can become a river that never runs dry. When you give away things like faith, hope, and love you only get more. The more you give, the more you receive in return. Don't be a reservoir; you don't have to store up for a rainy day.

When God is your provider, you never have to worry about being empty. Be a river, and not a reservoir. Allow the gifts of God within you to flow out of you, and be a blessing to others who will give glory to God.

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

My prayer:

Luke 11:3 (ESV)
³ Give us each day our daily bread,

Father, I thank you that you are a God of abundance. Father, guide my faith to trust less in self, and more in you. In Jesus name, Amen.

--

Psalm 130:5-6 (HCSB)
⁵ I wait for Yahweh; I wait and put my hope in His word.
⁶ I ⌊wait⌋ for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning— more than watchmen for the morning.

 

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Prayer_November 23, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 28:12 (HCSB)
¹² When the righteous triumph, there is great rejoicing, but when the wicked come to power, people hide themselves.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 119:57-58 (HCSB)
⁵⁷ The LORD is my portion; I have promised to keep Your words.
⁵⁸ I have sought Your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to Your promise.

The Word of God for encouragement:

1 Peter 2:1-3 (HCSB)
¹ So rid yourselves of all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all slander.
² Like newborn infants, desire the pure spiritual milk, so that you may grow by it for [your] salvation,
³ since you have tasted that the Lord is good.

My observation:

Every child of God should have a healthy appetite for the word of God. As newborn infants need the milk of the mother to grow physically, so the child of God needs the word of our heavenly Father to grow spiritually.

If you have lost your appetite for God's word examine your life to see if any of these sins have overtaken you in your walk with God.

1 Peter 2:1 (HCSB)
¹ So rid yourselves of all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all slander.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I ask that you cleanse me from anything that you see in me that is not pleasing to you. Father, your grace and mercy suits my case. In Jesus name, Amen.

--

Isaiah 55:11 (HCSB)
¹¹ so My word that comes from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please and will prosper in what I send it ⌊to do⌋."

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Prayer_November 22, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 28:11 (HCSB)
¹¹ A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has discernment sees through him.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 106:1 (HCSB)
¹ Hallelujah! Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever.

The Word of God for encouragement:

1 Peter 1:3-9 (HCSB)
³ Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. According to His great mercy, He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead
⁴ and into an inheritance that is imperishable, uncorrupted, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.
⁵ You are being protected by God's power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.
⁶ You rejoice in this, though now for a short time you have had to struggle in various trials
⁷ so that the genuineness of your faith—more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
⁸ You love Him, though you have not seen Him. And though not seeing Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy,
⁹ because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

My observation:

On this Thanksgiving Day I am most thankful for the new birth and the living hope that I have because of what God has done for me through his only begotten son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Everything is a gift from God, for which I am thankful.

I have learned over the course of my life that everything belongs to God, and that everything I am and have is a gift from God.

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.

So, today, I give thanks to God for all of his blessings.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (HCSB)
¹⁸ Give thanks in everything, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I delight to associate myself with believers of every age who believe in Jesus.

Father God, like the Christ followers of the first century, I rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy because of the gift of salvation. Lord, thank you for blessing me every day. In Jesus name, Amen.

--

Isaiah 55:11 (HCSB)
¹¹ so My word that comes from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please and will prosper in what I send it ⌊to do⌋."

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Prayer_November 21, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 28:9 (HCSB)
⁹ Anyone who turns his ear away from hearing the law— even his prayer is detestable.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 119:18 (HCSB)
¹⁸ Open my eyes so that I may contemplate wonderful things from Your instruction.

The Word of God for encouragement:

James 4:6-10 (HCSB)
⁶ But He gives greater grace. Therefore He says: God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
⁷ Therefore, submit to God. But resist the Devil, and he will flee from you.
⁸ Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, double-minded people!
⁹ Be miserable and mourn and weep. Your laughter must change to mourning and your joy to sorrow.
¹⁰ Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.

My observation:

This passage from James chapter four begs us to ask a profound question. The question is this. Who am I resisting?

Regretfully, because of pride, many are resisting God, when they should be resisting the Devil. It is past time for us to repent; submit to God, and resist the Devil. This is the path to victory. To do otherwise is the path to defeat.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I pray that I would be willing to set aside pride, and be willing to humble myself before you. Father, create in me a burning desire to draw near to you.

Father God, open my eyes to the word of God. Father, I pray that I would be a hearer and doer of the word. In Jesus name, Amen.

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

--

Isaiah 55:11 (HCSB)
¹¹ so My word that comes from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please and will prosper in what I send it ⌊to do⌋."

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Prayer_November 20, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 16:32 (HCSB)
³² Patience is better than power, and controlling one's temper, than capturing a city.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 119:4-6 (NKJV)
⁴ You have commanded us To keep Your precepts diligently.
⁵ Oh, that my ways were directed To keep Your statutes!
⁶ Then I would not be ashamed, When I look into all Your commandments.

The Word of God for encouragement:

James 3:2 (HCSB)
² for we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a mature man who is also able to control his whole body.

My observation:

The keyword in James chapter three is "tongue". The first century believers who James wrote were having a problem with the tongue. There are some things that don't seem to change.

James 1:26 (HCSB)
²⁶ If anyone thinks he is religious without controlling his tongue, then his religion is useless and he deceives himself.

The problem with the tongue is a symptom of a deeper problem; the difficulty is with the heart, and not just the tongue.

James 3:14 (HCSB)
¹⁴ But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don't brag and deny the truth.

We cannot manage the tongue ourselves; it is a too unruly member of our body. We need help, and unless we get help it will cause us no end of trouble.

James 3:8-10 (HCSB)
⁸ but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
⁹ We praise our Lord and Father with it, and we curse men who are made in God's likeness with it.
¹⁰ Praising and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers, these things should not be this way.

We need God to enable us to control our tongue. We need to ask the Savior to help us become mature people who can control our whole body.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I make the prayer of the psalmist my prayer to you for help with not just the symptoms, but the whole problem. Father, change me from the inside out. In Jesus name, Amen.

Psalm 141:1-4 (HCSB)
¹ LORD, I call on You; hurry to [help] me. Listen to my voice when I call on You.
² May my prayer be set before You as incense, the raising of my hands as the evening offering.
³ LORD, set up a guard for my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.
⁴ Do not let my heart turn to any evil thing or perform wicked acts with men who commit sin. Do not let me feast on their delicacies.

 

--

Isaiah 55:11 (HCSB)
¹¹ so My word that comes from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please and will prosper in what I send it ⌊to do⌋."

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Prayer_November 19, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 28:5 (HCSB)
⁵ Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand everything.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 118:19-20 (HCSB)
¹⁹ Open the gates of righteousness for me; I will enter through them and give thanks to the LORD.
²⁰ This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous will enter through it.

The Word of God for encouragement:

James 2:18-19 (HCSB)
¹⁸ But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without works, and I will show you faith from my works.
¹⁹ You believe that God is one; you do well. The demons also believe—and they shudder.
James 2:22 (HCSB)
²² You see that faith was active together with his works, and by works, faith was perfected.

James 2:26 (HCSB)
²⁶ For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

My observation:

What kind of faith do you have? In James chapter two we see three types of faith. The first type of faith that we see is living faith. How do you tell if you have a living faith? Living faith shows it is alive by the works that flow for the life of the believer. The Apostle Paul put it this way.

Ephesians 2:10 (HCSB)
¹⁰ For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.

Conversely, James also points out two other types of faith; demonic faith, and dead faith. The Devil has faith, and what good is a dead faith? Genuine faith shows it is alive by its works.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I pray that others will be able to look at my activities and see evidence that I am person who has a faith that is alive. Father, I pray that you will get the glory for anything that, by faith, you do through me. In Jesus name, Amen.

--

Isaiah 55:11 (HCSB)
¹¹ so My word that comes from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please and will prosper in what I send it ⌊to do⌋."

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Prayer_November 18, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 28:2 (ESV)
² When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but with a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability will long continue.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 118:1 (ESV)
¹ Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!

The Word of God for encouragement:

James 1:2-4 (ESV)
² Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
³ for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
⁴ And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Job 6:14 (HCSB)
¹⁴ A despairing man should receive loyalty from his friends, even if he abandons the fear of the Almighty.

Colossians 3:12 (ESV)
¹² Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,

My observation:

I have been meditating on these scriptures this morning. When I read them these words lingered with me; maturity, friendship, fellowship, and sympathy.

You have to be a mature believer to have the level friendship, fellowship and sympathy that are in view in Job and Colossians.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I ask that you form in me all that I need to exhibit the love of God to others. Father, help me to love and care for others in the same manner that you love and care for me. In Jesus name, Amen.

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Isaiah 55:11 (HCSB)
¹¹ so My word that comes from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please and will prosper in what I send it ⌊to do⌋."

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Prayer_November 16, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 27:23-24 (ESV)
²³ Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds,
²⁴ for riches do not last forever; and does a crown endure to all generations?

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 116:1-2 (ESV)
¹ I love the LORD, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy.
² Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Hebrews 13:20-21 (ESV)
²⁰ Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant,
²¹ equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

My observation:

Today we come to the end of our walk through Hebrews. The theme of this book is an encouragement to God's people to move on to spiritual maturity. I pray that this is the desire and goal of our hearts.

Hebrews 6:1 (ESV)
¹ Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,

In our focal passage for today, the author summarizes some of the blessings that accrue to God's people as they grow in grace, and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. There is so much helpful information, and encouragement found in this benediction. I cite just a few of those blessings.

In this verse notice the peace and the power in the benediction. There is nothing more sought after, and not achieved than these two attributes. If you look to Jesus, you can find God's peace, and God's power.

Hebrews 13:20 (ESV)
²⁰ Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant,

There is nothing more comforting to the heart than to know that you are well pleasing in the sight of God. Now, that is cause for rejoicing, and giving thanks and praise to our great and good God. Here we see the pleasing and the praise in the benediction.

Hebrews 13:21 (ESV)
²¹ equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, surely you are a great and good God, and your grace and mercies are new every day.

Father God, I praise you and  thank you that you save, keep, and equip your people by your power. Lord, without your power, we could not grow in the grace and likeness of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 Father, I am so much a work in progress, but thank you Lord that you are not finished with me yet. Father, I am not yet what I ought to be, but thank God I am not what I used to be. Father, keep me growing and glowing by your almighty power. In Jesus name, Amen.

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Isaiah 55:11 (HCSB)
¹¹ so My word that comes from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please and will prosper in what I send it ⌊to do⌋."

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Prayer_November 15, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 27:21 (AMP)
²¹ As the refining pot for silver and the furnace for gold [bring forth all the impurities of the metal], so let a man be in his trial of praise [ridding himself of all that is base or insincere; for a man is judged by what he praises and of what he boasts].

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 115:1 (ESV)
¹ Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!

The Word of God for encouragement:

Hebrews 13:8 (ESV)
⁸ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Hebrews 13:14-15 (ESV)
¹⁴ For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.
¹⁵ Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.
Hebrews 12:28-29 (ESV)
²⁸ Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,
²⁹ for our God is a consuming fire.

My observation:

Today as I read and ponder this last chapter of Hebrews there is so much to consider. However, there is nothing that surpasses the greatness and the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

It should not be difficult for those who bear his name; those who identify themselves as Christians to with reverence and awe offer up to God the praise that is due to Jesus our Savior, and our heavenly Father who is a God of steadfast love and faithfulness.

My prayer:

Our Father heaven, my dear Father, I delight to offer up to you the praise from my lips, and the sacrifice of my life. Father, in worship and in praise I acknowledge that I don't belong to myself; I belong to Jesus. Everything I am or ever hope to be, I owe it all to Jesus. Lord, I am so grateful that I can sing, "O how I love Jesus, because he first loved me". Lord, help me to love others first; to be love. In Jesus name, Amen.

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Isaiah 55:11 (HCSB)
¹¹ so My word that comes from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please and will prosper in what I send it ⌊to do⌋."

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Prayer_November 14, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 27:19 (HCSB)
¹⁹ As water reflects the face, so the heart reflects the person.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 113:2 (HCSB)
² Let the name of Yahweh be praised both now and forever.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Hebrews 12:12-15 (HCSB)
¹² Therefore strengthen your tired hands and weakened knees,
¹³ and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed instead.
¹⁴ Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness—without it no one will see the Lord.
¹⁵ Make sure that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble and by it, defiling many.

My observation:

Earlier in the letter the author of Hebrews issues a warning about growing weary in the race of life. This is what he said.

Hebrews 12:3 (AMP)
³ Just think of Him Who endured from sinners such grievous opposition and bitter hostility against Himself [reckon up and consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you may not grow weary or exhausted, losing heart and relaxing and fainting in your minds.

In today's focal passage, the author warns the people of God about growing weak. This condition is the soil in which spiritual failure is born and grows.

Not many people are concerned about spiritual failure, but God is, the writer of Hebrews was, and so should every child of God. Remember the goal is to run to win; to finish the race, and to receive the victor's crown. God will provide us with a way to avoid spiritual failure.

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (HCSB)
¹² So, whoever thinks he stands must be careful not to fall.
¹³ No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape so that you are able to bear it.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so thankful that you are a God who provides for all of the needs of your people. Father God, I am so grateful that your amazing grace is sufficient for me to avoid spiritual failure.

Father God, I pray that you would form and develop in me a tender heart and an obedient heart so that I will not reject the grace of God; that I would willingly take the way out when faced with strong temptations to sin. Father God, my goal, with your help, is to finish strong. In Jesus name, Amen.

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Isaiah 55:11 (HCSB)
¹¹ so My word that comes from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please and will prosper in what I send it ⌊to do⌋."

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Prayer_November 13, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 27:17 (HCSB)
¹⁷ Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

The Word of God for inspiration:

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

The Word of God for encouragement:

Hebrews 12:1-4 (HCSB)
¹ Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us,
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.
³ For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won't grow weary and lose heart.
⁴ In struggling against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.

My observation:

When I read today's focal passage from Hebrews I am reminded of the words from one of my favorite hymns; Draw Me Nearer. The words are, "Consecrate me now to thy service Lord, by the power of Thine divine. Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope, and my will be lost in Thine."

Today's passage is an exhortation to live the consecrated life. We have a host of witnesses that have gone before us that provide examples that it is possible for ordinary people like you and me.

It takes faith to live a life of devotion and consecration. The writer likens this life to a race. This race is not a sprint, but a marathon. It requires endurance. It also requires preparation and patience. To prepare for the race we need to shed those things that would hinder us from running to win. The goal is the crown of life; nothing that we encounter on the journey should deny us the joy and the glory that is awaiting those who are faithful to the end.

The key is to look to Jesus. He is the source and perfecter of our faith. Be like Jesus; run the race with joy, endure the cross, and receive the crown.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I praise and thank you for your saving power, and for your keeping power.

Father God, I have started with Jesus, and by faith, I will continue with Jesus. I have decided to follow Jesus, not part of the way, but all the way to my Father's house. O, how I am looking forward to wearing that bright and shinning crown in glory. Praise God for his lovingkindness, and amazing grace.

Romans 16:25-27 (HCSB)
²⁵ Now to Him who has power to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation about Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept silent for long ages
²⁶ but now revealed and made known through the prophetic Scriptures, according to the command of the eternal God to advance the obedience of faith among all nations—
²⁷ to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ—to Him be the glory forever! Amen.

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Isaiah 55:11 (HCSB)
¹¹ so My word that comes from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please and will prosper in what I send it ⌊to do⌋."

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/