Daily Bread_April 30, 2013

Title: Living with Eternity in Our Hearts

Text:

Psalm 90:12 (HCSB)
¹² Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts.

Psalm 90:14-15 (HCSB)
¹⁴ Satisfy us in the morning with Your faithful love so that we may shout with joy and be glad all our days.
¹⁵ Make us rejoice for as many days as You have humbled us, for as many years as we have seen adversity.

Observation:

It interesting that we number our years; we celebrate our birthdays each year. However, the bible says that we should number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts. What we do today matters. Moses, the man of God, said this in his prayer.

Psalm 90:1-4 (HCSB)
¹ Lord, You have been our refuge in every generation.
² Before the mountains were born, before You gave birth to the earth and the world, from eternity to eternity, You are God.
³ You return mankind to the dust, saying, "Return, descendants of Adam."
⁴ For in Your sight a thousand years are like yesterday that passes by, like a few hours of the night.

No matter how many years we live on this earth it will be brief when compared to eternity. Consequently, we need to learn how to live well, and fulfill the purpose for which we were born. As our text indicates; we need the Lord's help to make us wise (v. 12), and joyful (vv.14-15).

James 1:5 (HCSB)
⁵ Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him.

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

Prayer:

Father God, I pray that by your almighty power that you would help each of us to live well, and to fulfill our God ordained purpose. Father, may our satisfaction be derived from knowing and doing the will of God. Father, help us to live wisely and joyfully. In Jesus name, Amen.

--

Acts 6:4 (KJV)
⁴ But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

 

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Bread_April 29, 2013

Title: The Reason Why I Pray

Text:

Psalm 86:1-3 (HCSB)
¹ Listen, LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.
² Protect my life, for I am faithful. You are my God; save Your servant who trusts in You.
³ Be gracious to me, Lord, for I call to You all day long.
Psalm 86:6-8 (HCSB)
⁶ LORD, hear my prayer; listen to my plea for mercy.
⁷ I call on You in the day of my distress, for You will answer me.
⁸ Lord, there is no one like You among the gods, and there are no works like Yours.

Observation:

David was in trouble, and he knew where to go when he needed help. This is what David knew; he knew that God was his God, and that he was a servant of God. He knew that God was a God of mercy, and he needed mercy.

When you know that God is your father, you have the confidence that you can take everything to him in prayer.

There is nothing that is more helpful than to be in the presence of God; and, that is what prayer does for God's servants.

There is nothing that surpasses the presence of God; to be near him beats having my circumstances temporarily changed. Lord, draw me nearer to you.

"There is a place of quiet rest,

                near to the heart of God;

                a place where sin cannot molest,

                near to the heart of God."

                                Cleland McAfee

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so grateful that you invite your children to come to you in prayer. Father, I thank you for the peace, comfort, and joy I experience when I spend time in your presence. O, the privilege, provisions, and power that comes from being near to the heart of God. In Jesus name, Amen.

--

Acts 6:4 (KJV)
⁴ But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

 

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Bread_April 26, 2013

Title: Love is Supreme in All Seasons

Text:

Acts 13:18 (ESV)
¹⁸ And for about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness.

1 Corinthians 13:7 (ESV)
⁷ Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Observation:

We began the week talking about love, and today we end the week talking about love. It is easy to love people when they are lovely and appreciative, but it's another story to love people when they are unlovely and unappreciative.

I read an article this week that used Acts 13:18 that refocused me on the article I wrote on Monday about love. The only love that will outlast everything is the love that is unconditional.

When we love others in spite of their performance or lack of it; we demonstrate a maturity in our character that reflects Christ like graces. God will give you these grace gifts in abundance; and, it's up to us to give them to others as gifts of love.

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

One more thing I would remind you about love, and it is this. Love is a verb; it is something we do for others. However, our actions are not the only thing; our motives matter. People will accept your gifts if they trust your motives; be pure in heart.

1 Corinthians 4:4-5 (NLT)
⁴ My conscience is clear, but that doesn't prove I'm right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide.
⁵ So don't make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, you have shown us what love looks like. Father, help us to practice love of others in the manner that you have loved us. Father, may our actions and our motives be pleasing in your eyes. In Jesus name, Amen.

--

Acts 6:4 (KJV)
⁴ But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

 

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Bread_April 25, 2013

Title: What is Your Passion for Godliness?

Text:

1 Timothy 4:8-11 (ESV)
⁸ for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
⁹ The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance.
¹⁰ For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
¹¹ Command and teach these things.

Observation:

When it comes to my passion for physical exercise and spiritual exercise, what is first is non-negotiable; spiritual exercise wins hands down. For me verse 8 of the text settles it.

1 Timothy 4:8 (NLT)
⁸ "Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come."

Physical exercise and spiritual exercise require at least two things in common; discipline and devotion. How effective would your church be if its members put as much effort into spiritual exercise as athletes put into physical exercise?

How strong is your desire for godliness? Think about this; the prize has a price. I'm running for the prize and aiming for the victor's crown. Are you willing to pay the price?

Prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, help me and all of your children to see the value in this life, and for all of eternity the benefits of spiritual exercise. Lord, help us, by your power, to be more disciplined and dedicated. In Jesus name, Amen.

--

Acts 6:4 (KJV)
⁴ But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

 

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Bread_April 24, 2013

Title: Learning from the Greatest Teacher

Text:

Psalm 119:97-104 (ESV)
⁹⁷ Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.
⁹⁸ Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me.
⁹⁹ I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.
¹⁰⁰ I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts.
¹⁰¹ I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word.
¹⁰² I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me.
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.

Observation:

When you understand the vastness of knowledge in the universe your education has begun; you reach that moment when you understand how much you will never know.

In this Psalm, David extols his love for learning and the word of God. Like the Psalmist, those who love God's word gain wisdom that is a help to them in their daily living. The word becomes a guide to make you wise and holy.

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

We can learn from many teachers. However, the greatest teacher that David had was the Lord, and he should be our greatest teacher. We have a personal tutor to help us, and we should rely upon him to help us to understand God's word.

John 14:26 (ESV)
²⁶ But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I associate myself with the Psalmist in expressing my love for you and your word.

Father God, I thank you for the aid and assistance that the Holy Spirit provides in helping us to know and do the will of God.

Father God, give each of your children knowledge, wisdom, and understanding so that we might obtain what we need to live wisely and holy in this world. In Jesus name, Amen.

--

Acts 6:4 (KJV)
⁴ But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

 

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Bread_April 23, 2013

Title: Sufficient Grace

Text:

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV)
⁹ But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
¹⁰ For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Observation:

Paul prayed for deliverance from a thorn in the flesh. He prayed three times, but God in his sovereignty chose not to grant Paul's request.

This was not the end of the story. Although God did not give Paul what he asked for, God did meet Paul's need. This is what God did for Paul, and how Paul responded to God's provision.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)
⁹ But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Paul did not just resign himself to God's answer to his prayer, he embraced it gladly. Yes, its true God's grace is sufficient; he is a present help for my every need.

I've anchored my soul in the Haven of Rest";
I've pillowed my head on the dear Savior's breast;
I'm trusting His promise of mercy so free;
Fear not, "For My grace is sufficient for thee."

Prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, I am so grateful for the grace of God that is sufficient for all of my needs. Father, I thank you that although I am weak that you are strong. Father, I trust in you, and in your promise, "My grace is sufficient for you". In Jesus name, Amen.

--

Acts 6:4 (KJV)
⁴ But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

 

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Bread_April 22, 2013

Title: We were Born Again to Be Love to Others

Text:

1 John 4:7-11 (ESV)
⁷ Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.
⁸ Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
⁹ In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.
¹⁰ In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
¹¹ Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

Observation:

How can you tell a genuine believer? Our text tells us that God is love, and whoever has been born of God and knows God demonstrates it by loving one another.

The Apostle Peter says it like this; every believer has the divine nature of God; it is His gift to His people.

2 Peter 1:4 (NLT)
⁴ And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world's corruption caused by human desires.

God's nature is love. The bible says God's gives this gift to His children. Only God in us enables us to love others in the manner that God has loved us.

Romans 5:5 (ESV)
⁵ and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Can others tell that you are a child of God by the way you love one another? We are not to be a reservoir for that love; rather, we are to be a river where that love flows out of us into the lives of others.

John 13:35 (ESV)
³⁵ By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so thankful for the gift of love that you have given your people. Father, help us to love one another in the same manner that we have been loved. Father, make your people channels of blessings in the lives of others.  Father, we need an outpouring of the love of God in these trying times. In Jesus name, Amen.

--

Acts 6:4 (KJV)
⁴ But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

 

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Bread_April 19, 2013

Title: Living By Faith

Text:

Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 (ESV)
¹ Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days.
² Give a portion to seven, or even to eight, for you know not what disaster may happen on earth.
Ecclesiastes 11:3-5 (ESV)
³ If the clouds are full of rain, they empty themselves on the earth, and if a tree falls to the south or to the north, in the place where the tree falls, there it will lie.
⁴ He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.
⁵ As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything.

Proverbs 11:24 (ESV)
²⁴ One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.

Observation:

In order to fulfill your God ordained purpose you have to launch out in faith. Just as the farmer must sow seeds to reap a harvest; so must each of us take steps of faith if we hope to reach our potential and fulfill our purpose in life. This is one of my favorite scriptures. This formula works: going, weeping, sowing, and reaping.

Psalm 126:5-6 (ESV)
⁵ Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!
⁶ He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I pray for the wisdom and understanding to know your will for my life, and the faith to do it with my whole heart; having the heart of a servant. In Jesus name, Amen.

--

Acts 6:4 (KJV)
⁴ But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

 

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Bread_April 18, 2013

Title: God's Provisions are Sufficient for You

Text:

Daniel 2:19-22 (ESV)
¹⁹ Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.
²⁰ Daniel answered and said: "Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might.
²¹ He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;
²² he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him.

Observation:

This text is a reminder to me of the power of prayer. King Nebuchadnezzar was a powerful leader, but he could not understand the message of God. The king exhausted all of his resources, but he could not understand his dream. This is what his wise men told him.

Daniel 2:10-11 (ESV)
¹⁰ The Chaldeans answered the king and said, "There is not a man on earth who can meet the king's demand, for no great and powerful king has asked such a thing of any magician or enchanter or Chaldean.
¹¹ The thing that the king asks is difficult, and no one can show it to the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh."

However, these wise men were wrong; there was a man on earth who could meet the king's demand. Daniel had a connection with the God of heaven, and He hears and answers the prayers of His people. It's comforting to know that what is impossible for man is possible with God. Daniel's response was to give praise to God.

Daniel 2:23 (ESV)
²³ To you, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, for you have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of you, for you have made known to us the king's matter."

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so thankful that you are a God of wisdom and might; that nothing is too difficult for you.

Father God, these are difficult and dangerous times that we are living in, but we rest in the assurance that we can find in you peace for our troubled hearts, and rest for our weary bodies. Father, thank you for being the God who provides. In Jesus name, Amen.

--

Acts 6:4 (KJV)
⁴ But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

 

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Bread_April 17, 2013

Title: Today Not Tomorrow

Text:

Matthew 6:34 (ESV)
³⁴ "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Matthew 6:34 (NLT)
³⁴ "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.

Observation:

The above text is not a prohibition of planning. Rather, it is an encouragement to not let planning interfere with your relationship with God. Don't allow worry to become the enemy of your faith in God. You faith in God is paramount to a right relationship with him.

It is essential that we always remember to look up to the Lord for our help; we don't have to throw up our hands or hang our heads in despair when trouble knocks on our door. Think about this when worry knocks on your door.

Luke 10:41 (NLT)
⁴¹ But the Lord said to her, "My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details!

Philippians 4:6 (NLT)
⁶ Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

This is the attitude we should have about today.

"What can I do today that will matter tomorrow?" - - John Maxwell

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I pray for the wisdom and strength to do today what matters most; what will glorify you, and be a blessing in the lives of others. In Jesus name, Amen.

--

Acts 6:4 (KJV)
⁴ But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

 

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Bread_April 16, 2013

Title: Telling Your Story in One Minute

Text:

1 Peter 3:15 (AMP)
¹⁵ But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully.

Observation:

Every child of God has a story; it is something that you are an expert in. If we claim to be a Christ follower; we have a wonderful example to follow.

1 Peter 2:18 (AMP)
¹⁸ [You who are] household servants, be submissive to your masters with all [proper] respect, not only to those who are kind and considerate and reasonable, but also to those who are surly (overbearing, unjust, and crooked).

1 Peter 3:18 (AMP)
¹⁸ For Christ [the Messiah Himself] died for sins once for all, the Righteous for the unrighteous (the Just for the unjust, the Innocent for the guilty), that He might bring us to God. In His human body He was put to death, but He was made alive in the spirit,

I wrote a one minute version of my story for the purpose of sharing it as God provided the opportunities. What a blessing the first time I had to share it with a stranger.

Here is what happened because I was prepared. First, I listened to him; earning the right to speak after listening to his answer to my open ended question. Having listened to him, he was willing to listen to my one minute story. Do you have a story? Then, prepare to tell it. The key is to do it courteously and respectfully.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, I ask you to help me to be always prepared to share my story. Father, open my eyes and ears for the opportunities that you arrange. In Jesus name, Amen.

--

Acts 6:4 (KJV)
⁴ But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

 

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Bread_April 15, 2013

Title: Living in the Presence of God

Text:

Hebrews 10:19-25 (NLT)
¹⁹ And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven's Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus.
²⁰ By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place.
²¹ And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God's house,
²² let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ's blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.
²³ Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.
²⁴ Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.
²⁵ And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

Observation:

One of the greatest blessings the child of God has is the privilege and protection of being able to live in the presence of God.

This world is a dangerous and inhospitable place to live. Someone said recently that "we hardly ever have two consecutive days where everything goes well; problems and disappointments are the normal for life down here".

However, every child of God has this iron clad promise from the Lord; we can come into His presence any time. Notice that our text says Jesus has made this possible by His death. Further, He is alive today, and seated at the right hand of God the Father.

There is no place that is safer and securer than in the presence of God. He who promised is faithful. You can trust in the Lord for all things, and you can trust Him all the time.

Hebrews 10:23 (AMP)
²³ So let us seize and hold fast and retain without wavering the hope we cherish and confess and our acknowledgement of it, for He Who promised is reliable (sure) and faithful to His word.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so thankful that you provide a place of refuge for your beloved children. Father God, it is so wonderful to trust in you, and to rest in the knowledge that you are a God who is faithful in keeping your promises.

Father God, send a wave of energy among your people to encourage our hearts by the hope of the soon return of Jesus. Lord, comfort us with the knowledge that His coming is nearer than it's ever been. Even so, come Lord Jesus. Lord, while we wait help us to remember to speak words of hope into our hearts; and to stay close to Jesus; His presence will get us safely home. In Jesus name, Amen.

--

Acts 6:4 (KJV)
⁴ But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

 

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Bread_April 12, 2013

Title: Lessons Learned in the School of Suffering

Text:

Ecclesiastes 7:1-4 (ESV)
¹ A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth.
² It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart.
³ Sorrow is better than laughter, for by sadness of face the heart is made glad.
⁴ The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

Observation:

In this portion of wisdom literature the writer is comparing what is wise with what is foolish. The writer speaks as one who has earned the right to be heard.

Ecclesiastes 1:16 (ESV)
¹⁶ I said in my heart, "I have acquired great wisdom, surpassing all who were over Jerusalem before me, and my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge."

This wise man makes this appeal; he says think about this.

Ecclesiastes 7:13 (ESV)
¹³ Consider the work of God: who can make straight what he has made crooked?

He is saying I want you to think about this; things that are eternal matter most. We are more apt to consider what matter most when we are suffering than we are partying.

Ecclesiastes 7:2 (ESV)
² It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart.

Would you rather go to a funeral or a party? What is the wise and what is the foolish answer? Ouch, this is tough. Where do we learn more about God, and life above the sun? One commentator I read said he believes that he is talking about going to the funeral of another person.

When we ponder these matters, we come to the conclusion, based of scripture, that God is sovereign in the house of mourning. In fact, He does some of His most effective work in us when we are in the house of mourning rather than in the house of feasting.

C.S. Lewis in his book, "Pain & Suffering" said this.

"God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world." Has suffering prompted you? Have you learned something new about God in suffering?

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I pray that I will be a quick and smart learner in the School of Suffering.

Father God, help me to dig deep into your word, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, to discern more about you so that I may grow in wisdom and maturity when I am faced with pain and suffering. Help me to see that you are sovereign in all things, and over all things. In Jesus name, Amen.

--

Acts 6:4 (KJV)
⁴ But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

 

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Bread_April 11, 2013

Title: What is Your Life's Highest Goal?

Text:

Philippians 3:8 (ESV)
⁸ Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ

Observation:

The transformation that took place in the life of Saul when he met Jesus while traveling on the road to Damascus was a miracle of God's amazing grace. It changed his purpose, and it changed his priorities. With the changed life, Saul got a new name; his new name was Paul.

That is Paul's story. What is your story? What is the highest goal of your life?  Can you say like Paul that knowing Christ Jesus as Lord is your highest goal?

This does not mean that other things are not important; surely family, faith, work, health, friends, and other things are important. However, knowing Christ was of first importance to Paul. This is what Jesus said.

Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

When you give your best to God; He takes care of the rest. I'm a witness that if you trust Him, you will never be disappointed. Yes, as my late wife would say, "If He brings you to it; He will see you through it". God is not like man, He finishes what He starts.

Philippians 1:6 (ESV)
⁶ And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I praise and thank you for the power of the gospel of Christ. Father, I am so thankful  that the power that transformed the life of Saul 2,000 years ago is still transforming lives today.

Father God, I pray that you will stir within the hearts of your believing people to make it our highest goal; to know Christ Jesus our Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

--

Acts 6:4 (KJV)
⁴ But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

 

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Bread_April 10, 2013

Title: The Marks of a True Friend

Text:

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.

Observation:

When I pray I often used the acronym ASK in search of God's will in the matter. I discovered this practice while teaching a unit on, "How to Pray for Others".  The bible says this.

Matthew 7:7 (HCSB)
⁷ "Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you.

A = Ask a question in search of God's will. Lord, what is your will concerning my friend finding a few friends?

S = Seek - Listen for God's answer to my prayer as I read His Word using my bible reading plans.

K = Knock - When God reveals the answer it leaps off the page and into my heart. I know that I know that I have heard from the Lord. Then, I begin to thank the Lord as if it is a present possession. Hallelujah!

God led me to Proverbs 3:3 in answer to my prayer. What a test for evaluating your close friends; loyalty and faithfulness. If we are a child of God we have a friend like that, and his name is Jesus. He has those qualities, and more.

Revelation 19:11 (HCSB)
¹¹ Then I saw heaven opened, and there was a white horse. Its rider is called Faithful and True, and He judges and makes war in righteousness.

Hebrews 13:5 (HCSB)
⁵ Your life should be free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for He Himself has said, I will never leave you or forsake you.

We can have these qualities, but we have to work them out in our daily behavior. The seed has been planted in our lives; the Holy Spirit who is love. Loyalty, faithfulness, and trust are the fruits of unconditional love. Let us love others with the love of the Lord. Be a friend with these qualities, and you will find similar friends.

After you have asked; keep on seeking until you hear from God, and then knock; give the Lord some praise and thanks for hearing and answering your prayer.

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I pray that others will find in me a friend that is loyal and faithful. Father, I thank you that Jesus is my friend for life and eternity. Lord Jesus, thank you for your promise that you will never leave me or forsake me. Hallelujah! In Jesus name, Amen.

--

Acts 6:4 (KJV)
⁴ But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

 

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Bread_April 9, 2013

Title: God Hears and Answers Prayer

Text:

Psalm 61:1-2 (ESV)
¹ Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer;
² from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

Observation:

This is a prayer of a person who knew he was in a bad situation, and he could not get out of it without the help of the Lord.

This passage says two things; one, you are never too far away that your prayers cannot reach the ears of the Lord; and two, you are never too far down that the Lord cannot lift you up.

The person who recognizes their condition need only to cry out to the Lord for help like the Psalmist did. The Lord delights to hear from His children. Try Him and see if He is not a God of lovingkindness and tender mercies.

Psalm 57:1-2 (NLT)
¹ Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy! I look to you for protection. I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until the danger passes by.
² I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me.

There is nothing that you are facing in your life that is beyond the reach of prayer. Nothing is too big, and nothing is too small to take to the Lord in prayer.

Jeremiah 33:3 (MSG)
³ 'Call to me and I will answer you. I'll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.

Finally, don't forget to begin and end your prayers with praise. And, don't forget to thank Him for His blessings.

Prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, I am so grateful you are still in the business of hearing and answering the prayers of those who believe and trust in you with their whole heart. Lord, I thank you for hearing my prayers, and the prayers that others have prayed for me. In Jesus name, Amen.

--

Acts 6:4 (KJV)
⁴ But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

 

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Bread_April 8, 2013

Title: How to Deal with Temptation

Text:

James 1:14 (ESV)
¹⁴ But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.

Observation:

It is important to make the distinction between temptation and testing. All of us are exposed to temptations; however, there is always a way out. Additionally, temptations are not from God, and are not for our good.

Conversely, God uses testing to make us better. God is the author of testing; the devil is the orchestrator of temptation; they make us worse.

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.

The bible gives a clear path to overcome temptations. We can be encouraged by these words from the Apostle Paul.

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (ESV)
¹² Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.
¹³ No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

God has provided for His children the resources that we need for spiritual warfare that we will encounter living in a fallen world. Included in that armor is the word of God, and it is the only offensive weapon. Jesus used the word of God when He was tempted in the wilderness for 40 days. This is how Jesus responded when tempted by the devil.

Matthew 4:4 (ESV)
⁴ But he answered, "It is written, "'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

We should use the word of God to resist temptation; it worked for Jesus, and it will work for you and me. Prepare for the day of temptation like this.

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

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, instill within our hearts the value of knowing the word of God, and obeying the word of God.

Father God, help us to be able to draw from the word of God that has been stored up in our hearts to help us to overcome the bait of temptations. In Jesus name, Amen.

--

Acts 6:4 (KJV)
⁴ But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

 

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Bread_April 5, 2013

Title: The Words of a Tested Heart

Text:

Job 19:25-27 (ESV)
²⁵ For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth.
²⁶ And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God,
²⁷ whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. My heart faints within me!

Observation:

There is nothing that gives more comfort when you are experiencing trials and trouble than having faith in God, and in knowing God for yourself. When we face adversity, it is important to remember that God is bigger than any giant we will ever face.

Job was able to say these words with faith and assurance: "For I know that my Redeemer lives". Job also had the ability to look at life from the viewpoint of eternity. When you can say this you can have peace in the midst of the storms of life: "And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God".

Listen to these words of comfort from the mouth of Jesus to his follower and friend Martha concerning the death of Lazarus.

John 11:25-26 (ESV)
²⁵ Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,
²⁶ and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?"

This is food for thought during this post Easter weekend.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, my heart is gladdened and comforted when I read the words of Job and Jesus.

Father God, I pray that my faith when tried and tested will show that it is genuine. Father, enlarge my knowledge of your greatness and your goodness. Father, as I grow in knowledge, may I also grow in my praise and thanksgiving for you, and for what you do. Father, you are great, and your works are wondrous to behold. I'm looking for a miracle; a giant killer. In Jesus name, Amen.

--

Acts 6:4 (KJV)
⁴ But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

 

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Daily Bread_April 4, 2013

Title: You were Made for Greatness - - The Time to Reach Your Potential is Now

Text:

John 9:4 (ESV)
⁴ We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.

Observation:

The bible says there is a time and season for everything; there are some things that the right time is now time.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV)
¹ For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

Now is the time to be all that God purposed you to be; it's now time. The time to trust and obey the Lord is now time. Don't forfeit the precious moments of today; leave your tomorrows in the hands of the Lord.

Find the perfect balance in your life; work while it is day, rest when the night comes. That is the path to peace and happiness, the way to becoming all that God made you to be.

Psalm 31:15 (ESV)
¹⁵ My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors!

Deuteronomy 33:27 (ESV)
²⁷ The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. And he thrust out the enemy before you and said, 'Destroy.'

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I praise and thank you for planting the seed in my heart of the need to seize the moment; to work while it is day, and leave the rest to you.

Father, the excess baggage of the trials and troubles of this world are too large for my shoulders to bear; and you never intended for me to carry them.

Father, I welcome the opportunity to exchange my burden which is too heavy for me to bear for your burden which is light.  Father, I pray that many will do it TNT; today, not tomorrow. In Jesus name, Amen.

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

--

Acts 6:4 (KJV)
⁴ But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

 

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

 http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/