Daily Bread_December 31, 2013

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 31:10-12 (HCSB)
¹⁰ Who can find a capable wife? She is far more precious than jewels.
¹¹ The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will not lack anything good.
¹² She rewards him with good, not evil, all the days of her life.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 141:1-3 (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.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Revelation 4:1-5 (HCSB)
¹ After this I looked, and there in heaven was an open door. The first voice that I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this."
² Immediately I was in the Spirit, and a throne was set there in heaven. One was seated on the throne,
³ and the One seated looked like jasper and carnelian stone. A rainbow that looked like an emerald surrounded the throne.
⁴ Around that throne were 24 thrones, and on the thrones sat 24 elders dressed in white clothes, with gold crowns on their heads.
⁵ Flashes of lightning and rumblings of thunder came from the throne. Seven fiery torches were burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God.

My observation:

In our reading today the scene moves from earth to glory; O what a day that will be when God's people get to heaven.

John looked up and what he saw was an open door to heaven. Now, that it is an open door that would cause anyone to leap for joy and run to enter. Regretfully, anyone could, but not everyone will. Thankfully, the door is still open.

A key word in this chapter is "throne". What happened next is beyond the ability of John to describe with words. John did the best he could to describe what and who he saw.

Revelation 4:2-3 (HCSB)
² Immediately I was in the Spirit, and a throne was set there in heaven. One was seated on the throne,
³ and the One seated looked like jasper and carnelian stone. A rainbow that looked like an emerald surrounded the throne.

There is no doubt who John saw, and there is no doubt who rules over the universe. The one who holds the whole world in his hands can surely hold you and me in his hands.

Psalm 103:19 (HCSB)
¹⁹ The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.

The Savior is waiting to enter your heart. If you have not, why not open the door to your heart, and let Jesus come in.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I praise and thank you for the gift of salvation that gives your children the privilege of one day walking through that open door to our eternal home in heaven. O, what a wonderful day that will be; when we all get to heaven. Hallelujah, He shall reign forever! Amen.

--

Proverbs 30:5 (ESV)
⁵ Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Psalm 119:11 (ESV)
¹¹ I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Bread_December 28, 2013 (Republish of 12/1/2010)

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 31:10 (AMP)
A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman—who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls.

Proverbs 31:26 (AMP)
She opens her mouth in skillful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness [giving counsel and instruction].

Proverbs 1:7 (AMP)
The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning and the principal and choice part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; but fools despise skillful and godly Wisdom, instruction, and discipline.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 33:4-9 (HCSB)
⁴ For the word of the Lord is right, and all His work is trustworthy. ⁵ He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the Lord's unfailing love. ⁶ The heavens were made by the word of the Lord, and all the stars, by the breath of His mouth. ⁷ He gathers the waters of the sea into a heap; He puts the depths into storehouses. ⁸ Let the whole earth tremble before the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. ⁹ For He spoke, and it came into being; He commanded, and it came into existence.

My observation:

Our focal Psalm begins with a call to worship, which we looked at yesterday. Today's passage looks at one of three reasons why God's people should worship the Lord.

The Psalmist makes the case for worshipping God in the first sentence, "For the word of the Lord is right". He continues to make the case for the word of the Lord in verses six and nine. The Lord is worthy of praise for all that he says, and for everything that he does. Everything that the Lord says, he is faithful to do. Who else can you say this about? The Lord is on a short list, and he is on that list by himself.

Everything that we see in our world is a result of the word of the Lord. Notice his creative power in verses six through nine. Every living being on the planet owes a debt of gratitude to the Lord.  He is our maker.

Psalm 100:3 (HCSB)
Acknowledge that Yahweh is God. He made us, and we are His — His people, the sheep of His pasture.

Psalm 79:13 (HCSB)
Then we, Your people, the sheep of Your pasture, will thank You forever; we will declare Your praise to generation after generation.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I praise and thank you for the vastness of your person and your power. Father, there is no one who can speak, and by their words create such wonderful works. Lord, you are so wonderful that it makes me want to sing an old song with new appreciation for you and your wonderful works.

My song:

To Me It's So Wonderful (Click on link below to listen to this classic gospel song by Mahalia Jackson):

YouTube - Mahalia Jackson - It's So Wonderful (to Know That Jesus is Mine)

--

Proverbs 30:5 (ESV)
⁵ Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Psalm 119:11 (ESV)
¹¹ I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Bread_December 20, 2013

Title: It's That Time of the Year - - Looking to the Future

Text:

Mark 1:35 (HCSB)
³⁵ Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He got up, went out, and made His way to a deserted place. And He was praying there.

Observation:

One of the most challenging verses I have ever read in the Bible is this one; it captures and compels me to pause and ponder what it says.

1 Peter 2:21 (HCSB)
²¹ For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in His steps.

When I think about the wisdom of God and the power of God; when I think about Jesus, and what He said of himself; I bow in awe.

John 14:8-11 (HCSB)
⁸ "Lord," said Philip, "show us the Father, and that's enough for us."
⁹ Jesus said to him, "Have I been among you all this time without your knowing Me, Philip? The one who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?
¹⁰ Don't you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me? The words I speak to you I do not speak on My own. The Father who lives in Me does His works.
¹¹ Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me. Otherwise, believe because of the works themselves.

When I look at our focal verse for today, I say to myself, If Jesus had to pray, then what about me? Think about it, If Jesus had to pray, what about you?

I can't help but make prayer the priority in my life; I can't help but make daily reading of the Bible my daily bread. O how I need, and so much more, what Jesus needed; time alone with God.

Ephesians 6:18-19 (HCSB)
¹⁸ Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.
¹⁹ Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel.

This is the time of year I hit the pause button; I will not be writing for distribution for the next two weeks. So, let me wish for each of you God's best during this holiday season; may it truly be a holy season for you.

Merry Christmas and have a Happy and Blessed New Year.

 

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, Sovereign Lord, my dear Father, I long to have an intimate relationship with You the way Jesus did. Father God, help me by Your power to be a man of the Word, and a man of prayer in these  last days.

Father, since You are the same Father who lived in Jesus, I ask You to do in me the works that You did in Him; Your works, and Your will. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

"O to be like Thee! blessed Redeemer;

This is my constant longing and prayer;

Gladly I'll forfeit all of earth's treasures,

Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear.

O to be like Thee! O to be like Thee!

Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art;

Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;

 Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart."

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn.php/h/398#ixzz2o11nLh5M

--

Proverbs 30:5 (ESV)
⁵ Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Psalm 119:11 (ESV)
¹¹ I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Bread_December 19, 2013

Title: The Best Gift You Could Ever Receive for Christmas

Text:

Acts 1:8 (HCSB)
⁸ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Observation:

Yesterday, we wrote about joy; the source of which is Jesus. If you have Jesus in your heart then you have reason to have joy every day in spite of your circumstances, and in the midst of your circumstances. The reason is because the joy is in the Lord.

Philippians 4:4 (HCSB)
⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

There is another grace gift that the people of God have, and that is the power of God in their lives. That is the message in our selected text for today. When you have the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in your life, you have joy.

Ephesians 5:18 (HCSB)
¹⁸ And don't get drunk with wine, which [leads to] reckless actions, but be filled by the Spirit:

Here are the graceful and bountiful effects of living a Spirit filled; a Spirit controlled life.

Ephesians 5:19-21 (HCSB)
¹⁹ speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music from your heart to the Lord,
²⁰ giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
²¹ submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.

When we walk in the Spirit and allow the Spirit to control our lives, we have the supernatural power to be joyful, thankful and submissive to our Lord and to one another.

What a gift? God has given us the gift that last forever; the presence and power of the Holy Spirit of God, who lives in the lives of God's children.

Do you have joy in your life? The message of Christmas is that Jesus has come into the world. Allow this Jesus to come into your life, and you will have the joy of the Lord forever.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, the Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, my dear Father, I thank You for all the wonderful gifts You give to Your believing children.

Father God, I thank You for the glorious and gracious gift you have already given to us; the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, who came into our hearts when we were born again by Your supernatural work in our lives through Jesus.

Father God, help us by Your divine power to appropriate the power that is alive in us who are, in Your eyes, born again. In the name of Jesus I pray, 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.

--

Proverbs 30:5 (ESV)
⁵ Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Psalm 119:11 (ESV)
¹¹ I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Bread_December 18, 2013

Title: A Promise Made; A Promise Kept

Text:

Isaiah 9:6-7 (KJV)
⁶ For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
⁷ Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Observation:

I woke up this morning with love on my mind; so I wrote the thought that I had so that I could see what was behind that thought.

When I opened the Word template this morning, the scripture that was in the front of my mind was the text for today's meditation. What I found behind that thought was this passage and the title for today's meditation.

Luke 2:8-11 (KJV)
⁸ And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
⁹ And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
¹⁰ And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

The Christmas story never gets old; it never ceases to bless me and to lift my spirit, and bend my heart toward being grateful for God's amazing love, and grace unmerited. Always remember that God did it for you and for me.

John 3:16-18 (KJV)
¹⁶ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
¹⁷ For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
¹⁸ He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, Sovereign Lord, my dear Father, I am so glad for what You did in choosing to love the whole world with an everlasting love; a love that never fails.

Father God, my soul sings with joy not just at this season of the year when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, but my soul sings every day; thank you Lord for Jesus. In His name I pray, Amen.

My soul sings:

Joy to the World

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5hj518Iugk

--

Proverbs 30:5 (ESV)
⁵ Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Psalm 119:11 (ESV)
¹¹ I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Bread_December 17, 2013

Title: The Kind of People that God Chooses and Uses

Text:

2 Timothy 2:20-21 (HCSB)
²⁰ Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver bowls, but also those of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable.
²¹ So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.

Observation:

I stand in awe of God and the people that God chooses and uses to do His kingdom building work in this world. Surely His ways are not like our ways, and His methods are not like our methods. This statement by Jesus amazes me.

John 20:21 (HCSB)
²¹ Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you."

I have heard it often said that, "God does not call the qualified, but that He qualifies the called". Hearing and obeying the calling of God upon your life is not an easy task; there is a burden to bear. However, there is a blessing to receive, and a God to glorify.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (HCSB)
²⁴ Don't you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize.
²⁵ Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. However, they do it to receive a crown that will fade away, but we a crown that will never fade away.
²⁶ Therefore I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air.
²⁷ Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, there is no place I would rather be than in the center of Your will for my life; doing the things that You qualify me to do. Father, doing them not in my strength, but in Your strength, and in obedience to Your will and plan for my life.

Father God, I pray for the wisdom to see and the will to cooperate with You as You work to make me more holy, so that I might be more useful in Your service. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

"Fill me with gladness from above,
Hold me by strength divine;
Lord, let the glow of Thy great love
Through all my being shine.

Make this poor self grow less and less,
Be Thou my life and aim;
Oh, make me daily through Thy grace
More meet to bear Thy name."

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn.php/h/395#ixzz2ndwmyu82

--

Proverbs 30:5 (ESV)
⁵ Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Psalm 119:11 (ESV)
¹¹ I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Bread_December 16, 2013

Title: The Secret of Living A Life of Contentment in A Troubled World

Text:

Mark 4:35-41 (HCSB)
³⁵ On that day, when evening had come, He told them, "Let's cross over to the other side [of the sea]."
³⁶ So they left the crowd and took Him along since He was [already] in the boat. And other boats were with Him.
³⁷ A fierce windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking over the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped.
³⁸ But He was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke Him up and said to Him, "Teacher! Don't You care that we're going to die?"
³⁹ He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Silence! Be still!" The wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
⁴⁰ Then He said to them, "Why are you fearful? Do you still have no faith?"
⁴¹ And they were terrified and asked one another, "Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey Him!"

Observation:

Could the cause of my worry and anxiety be unbelief? The disciples would have not been so worried and anxious if they had believed what Jesus told them before they got in the boat.

³⁵ On that day, when evening had come, He told them, "Let's cross over to the other side [of the sea]."

Jesus told them let's cross over to the other side of the sea. Jesus did not ask them to get in the boat so that they would drown. The problem was their lack of faith in Jesus; that He meant what He said.

Mark 4:40 (HCSB)
⁴⁰ Then He said to them, "Why are you fearful? Do you still have no faith?"

O Lord, give me the faith that in the midst of my troubles; when it seems like the storm will never calm, help me to remember these words, and for my soul to sing:

"Brightly doth His Spirit shine
Into this poor heart of mine;
While He leads I cannot fall,
Trusting Jesus that is all."

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn.php/h/569#3#ixzz2nYggr2Mk

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, help me to always remember in every circumstance, that Jesus is in the boat with me, and that He has promised to get me to the other side. This is my prayer, and this is my song.

Psalm 18:1-2 (HCSB)
¹ I love You, LORD, my strength.
² The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my mountain where I seek refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Psalm 18:6 (HCSB)
⁶ I called to the LORD in my distress, and I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry to Him reached His ears.
Psalm 18:16 (HCSB)
¹⁶ He reached down from heaven and took hold of me; He pulled me out of deep waters.
Psalm 18:19 (HCSB)
¹⁹ He brought me out to a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me.
 Psalm 18:31 (HCSB)
³¹ For who is God besides Yahweh? And who is a rock? Only our God.

--

Proverbs 30:5 (ESV)
⁵ Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Psalm 119:11 (ESV)
¹¹ I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Bread_December 13, 2013

Title: When Differences Are a Good Thing

Text:

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (HCSB)
⁹ Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts.
¹⁰ For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up.

Observation:

I have had friendship on my mind this week. I read an article that motivated me to respond to the suggestion to set a worthy goal for 2014. I set a goal relating to seeking to develop a close and intimate friendship with a person who lives in my home town. I shared the goal with the author of the article, and he responded with the above text. So, I'm on a mission.

I am basically an introvert, and I have always been a quiet person. That does not mean that I can't engage in conversation with friends; I had a 1 ½ hour phone conversation with a friend yesterday. It's just small talk in larger groups that pains and drains me. I can talk for hours with dreamers and people with positive attitudes.

It is said that opposites are attracted to each other. I choose to look at it from the view that opposites complete each other. It's like the picture of the completed puzzle. Both introverts and extroverts have value; they are just different. The God who made us different commands us to be one.

Ephesians 4:2-3 (NLT)
² Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love.
³ Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.

Here are some words from the Bible that instruct me on this topic of the value of having a few wise and trusted friends; people who will add value to your life, and to whom you can add value to their lives.

Proverbs 17:17 (HCSB)
¹⁷ A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a difficult time.

Proverbs 13:20 (HCSB)
²⁰ The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm.

Proverbs 27:5-6 (HCSB)
⁵ Better an open reprimand than concealed love.
⁶ The wounds of a friend are trustworthy, but the kisses of an enemy are excessive.
Proverbs 27:17 (HCSB)
¹⁷ Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I pray that I will be a trusted friend to a small inner circle that You bring into my life; people who I can encourage, and people who can encourage me. Father God, I acknowledge that every good gift comes from your heart and your hands. Lord, I thank You for all of my blessings. Amen.

--

Proverbs 30:5 (ESV)
⁵ Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Psalm 119:11 (ESV)
¹¹ I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Bread_December 12, 2013

Title: The Preciousness of the Presence and Power of God

Text:

2 Corinthians 4:7 (HCSB)
⁷ Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us.

Observation:

When the verse of today's text came into my consciousness I became acutely aware of how precious and real was this verse in my life. The next thought was the words of the Psalmist.

Psalm 139:17 (KJV)
¹⁷ How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

It thrills me and it comforts me to know that the Sovereign and the Triune God chooses to make His home in the hearts of His people. He does not come just to visit, but He comes to take up permanent residence.

Hebrews 13:5 (KJV)
⁵ Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

When the enemy of my soul sows his seeds of doubt, discouragement and discontent; I take refuge in the knowledge that God is with me. This changes everything; the upward look improves the inward look and the outward look. Regardless of my circumstances, I can live every day with joy in my heart because I can rejoice in the Lord.

Philippians 4:4 (KJV)
⁴ Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

"What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought
Since Jesus came into my heart!
I have light in my soul for which long I had sought,
Since Jesus came into my heart!

• Since Jesus came into my heart!
  Since Jesus came into my heart!
  Floods of joy o'er my soul like the sea billows roll,
  Since Jesus came into my heart!"

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn.php/h/309#ixzz2nGBY3uEp

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so grateful that You live in the hearts of Your people; that You come in power and that You come to stay. Lord, enable me by Your almighty power to be a willing and obedient vessel so that when others look at me they will see the presence, preciousness, and power of God living in me. O how we need the light of the divine power of God to shine in this dark world through the lives of Your people. Lord, shine in us and through us for Your glory. In the name of the Lord Jesus I pray, Amen.

Matthew 5:16 (KJV)
¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

--

Proverbs 30:5 (ESV)
⁵ Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Psalm 119:11 (ESV)
¹¹ I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Bread_December 11, 2013

Title: Is There Anyone in This World That You Can Trust?

Text:

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (HCSB)
¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you"—[this is] the LORD's declaration—"plans for [your] welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
¹² You will call to Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.
¹³ You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 32:17 (HCSB)
¹⁷ Oh, Lord GOD! You Yourself made the heavens and earth by Your great power and with Your outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You!

Observation:

When we look around us we find danger and disappointment everywhere. Who can you trust? What can you have confidence in? A major city is bankrupt. Four pastors committed suicide in four weeks. The most powerful nation in the world is $17 trillion in debt, and has been unable to agree on a budget for five years. The list of problems and challenges we face are many; they are demanding, difficult and divisive. Where do you turn for hope and help?

Psalm 121:1-2 (HCSB)
¹ I lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from?
² My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

If there was ever a time that we needed the Lord, we sure do need Him now. If there was ever a time that God's people needed to pray, we sure do need to now. I am so glad that God is faithful; that He hears and answers the prayers of His believing people.

Jeremiah 33:3 (HCSB)
³ Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and incomprehensible things you do not know.

When we pray God does not always give us what we ask for, and thank God He does not. However, He always gives us what is best, and what we need. We may ask for healing, but He gives us strength for each day. We may ask for deliverance from trials, but He gives us endurance. We may ask for deliverance from adversaries, but he gives us a changed attitude. Look up and thank the Lord for hearing and answering your prayers; His way rather than your way.

Isaiah 55:8 (HCSB)
⁸ "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not My ways." [This is] the LORD's declaration.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so grateful that You are a God who never changes, and that You always hear and answer the prayers of Your people. Father, give us what we need to fulfill our God ordained purpose. Father God, give me the faith to trust You more, and to trust You with my whole heart. In the name of Jesus, the Christ of God, I ask this favor not just for me, but for all of Your children. Amen.

--

Proverbs 30:5 (ESV)
⁵ Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Psalm 119:11 (ESV)
¹¹ I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Bread_December 10, 2013

Title: Have You Been to the School of Suffering?

Text:

Psalm 119:65-72 (HCSB)
⁶⁵ LORD, You have treated Your servant well, just as You promised.
⁶⁶ Teach me good judgment and discernment, for I rely on Your commands.
⁶⁷ Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word.
⁶⁸ You are good, and You do what is good; teach me Your statutes.
⁶⁹ The arrogant have smeared me with lies, but I obey Your precepts with all my heart.
⁷⁰ Their hearts are hard and insensitive, but I delight in Your instruction.
⁷¹ It was good for me to be afflicted so that I could learn Your statutes.
⁷² Instruction from Your lips is better for me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

Observation:

What I have found in the Word and in life is that suffering in this present world is unavoidable; you never know when it will knock on your door, and enter your life or the life of your loved ones. Suffering will find you; the question of the day is this. What will it find in you?

Will it find in you what it found in the Psalmist?

Psalm 119:50 (HCSB)
⁵⁰ This is my comfort in my affliction: Your promise has given me life.

Psalm 119:67 (HCSB)
⁶⁷ Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word.

Psalm 119:71 (HCSB)
⁷¹ It was good for me to be afflicted so that I could learn Your statutes.

Psalm 119:92 (HCSB)
⁹² If Your instruction had not been my delight, I would have died in my affliction.

As long as we live we are students of The School of Suffering. I have seen in my lifetime people who suffering brings out the best in them, and some people who suffering brings out the worst in them. It matters what is in our heart. Be like the Psalmist; treasure God's Word, and store it in your heart.

When suffering comes what you know and believe about God from His Word will bring out the best in you. The Lord is for you, and not against you; God is good and He does good.

Psalm 119:68 (HCSB)
⁶⁸ You are good, and You do what is good; teach me Your statutes.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I pray that when times are good I will store up Your Word in my heart so that when the times of suffering come I will have hope and help, and that I will be able to discern the lessons to be learned from my suffering.

I ask this favor in the name of Him who paid the ultimate price of suffering for the purpose of the salvation of sinners like me. O, how I love Jesus, and God's Word. Amen.

"It tells of One whose loving heart
Can feel my deepest woe,
Who in each sorrow bears a part
That none can bear below."

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn.php/h/70#ixzz2n4ZZm59s

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Proverbs 30:5 (ESV)
⁵ Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Psalm 119:11 (ESV)
¹¹ I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Bread_December 9, 2013

Title: Pass in Review - - Looking Up

Text:

Proverbs 3:1-8 (HCSB)
¹ My son, don't forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commands;
² for they will bring you many days, a full life, and well-being.
³ Never let loyalty and faithfulness leave you. Tie them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.
⁴ Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man.
⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding;
⁶ think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.
⁷ Don't consider yourself to be wise; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
⁸ This will be healing for your body and strengthening for your bones.

Observation:

This is the season of the year where I take a pause; it's a time of self-examination and self-evaluation. The place I begin is with the heart because what's in your heart will determine the course of your life.

Proverbs 4:23 (HCSB)
²³ Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life.

Today's text has three foundational truths that provide some sound principles for living wisely, and living godly in this world.

1.       Have an obedient heart.

Proverbs 3:1 (HCSB)
¹ My son, don't forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commands;

 

2.       Have a word filled heart.

Proverbs 3:3 (HCSB)
³ Never let loyalty and faithfulness leave you. Tie them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.

 

3.       Have a heart that trust in God.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (HCSB)
⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding;
⁶ think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.

 

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so thankful for Your presence in my heart and in my life. Lord, help me to lean hard and heavily upon You. Father God, I choose the wisdom of God over the wisdom of man. Lord, I have started with Jesus, and I'm going on through; the finish line is in sight, and I have come too far to turn around now. In the power of Jesus I stand; in His steps I walk. Lo! A spring of joy I see. Amen.

All the way my Savior leads me,
Cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for every trial,
Feeds me with the living bread.
Though my weary steps may falter,
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! a spring of joy I see,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! a spring of joy I see.

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn.php/h/701#ixzz2mygUOSQ1

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Proverbs 30:5 (ESV)
⁵ Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Psalm 119:11 (ESV)
¹¹ I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Bread_December 6, 2013

Title: The Marks of a Healthy Church

Text:

Romans 12:9-16 (HCSB)
⁹ Love must be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good.
¹⁰ Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor.
¹¹ Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord.
¹² Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.
¹³ Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality.
¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.
¹⁶ Be in agreement with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation.

Observation:

The Apostle Paul encouraged the believers in the Church at Corinth to not only use their gifts, but to use them in a manner that would glorify God, and are a blessing to others.

In my professional career I was a facilitator of the Stephen Covey leadership training program "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People". I used this illustration to teach the power of forming good habits.

"H A B I T = If you get rid of the H you still have A B IT;

You get rid of the A you still have B I T;

You get rid of the B you still have I T;

It's just hard to get rid of the H A B I T."

This lesson can be applied to today's text; let's make these virtues a part of our life; the result will be healthy Churches.

John 13:17 (HCSB)
¹⁷ If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.

In the Body of Christ we have a mission to accomplish; a ministry to fulfill. This task is so much easier when we work together in unity; in an atmosphere where we serve devotedly and gladly. This is love in action.

John 13:34-35 (HCSB)
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."

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I pray that the world will know that Your people belong to You by the way that we love one another, and the spirit of cooperation they see in us doing the Lord's work. Lord, may Your people abound with love and joy. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

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Proverbs 30:5 (ESV)
⁵ Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Psalm 119:11 (ESV)
¹¹ I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Bread_December 5, 2013

Title: How to Have a Glorious and Graceful Day

Text:

Psalm 31:15 (KJV)
¹⁵ My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.

Psalm 118:8 (KJV)
⁸ It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

Observation:

The thought occurred to me this morning that the greeting, "Good Morning" is okay, but a Glorious Morning and a Graceful Morning is so much better. That is what I experienced in my quiet time with the Lord this morning before I ever turned on my computer.

I have found in my life that God is so faithful; he will meet you where you are, and He always shows up on time.

Lamentations 3:22-23 (KJV)
²² It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
²³ They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

I am so glad that the God who made us knows us best, and what He says we can trust. It is no wonder that the Psalmist trusted in the Lord with his whole heart.

Psalm 103:14 (KJV)
¹⁴ For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.

Genesis 2:7 (KJV)
⁷ And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

It's decision time. Who will you trust; God or man?

Joshua 24:15 (KJV)
¹⁵ And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, Sovereign Lord, my dear Father, I stand in awe of Your amazing love. Your love is unconditional and not diminished by our unfaithfulness. Lord, I long to be a vessel that You can use to channel Your love through me to others.  O, how God loves you and me. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Matthew 11:28-30 (KJV)
²⁸ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
²⁹ Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
³⁰ For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling—
Calling for you and for me;
Patiently Jesus is waiting and watching—
Watching for you and for me!

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn.php/h/1027#ixzz2mbMx7O2j

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Proverbs 30:5 (ESV)
⁵ Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Psalm 119:11 (ESV)
¹¹ I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/