Daily Bread_May 22, 2013

Title: What to Do When Everything Seems to Be Going Wrong?

Text:

Exodus 14:13 (HCSB)
¹³ But Moses said to the people, "Don't be afraid. Stand firm and see the LORD's salvation He will provide for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again.

Observation:

Today I want to share with you one day where we were having one of those days when help was hard to find. My late wife wrote a journal for many years. I was reading one of those journals recently, and this account gripped me.

We had gone to the medical supply company to get a G-Tube. They did not have one, and said it would take a week to get one. That was not a good answer; because the G-Tube was my wife's only means of taking food and medicine. We needed the G-Tube today, not next week.

Rosemary was not a happy camper. As Rosemary was talking to the Customer Service person, I was talking to the Lord. The answer I got was to go to the hospital emergency room. A doctor found a G-Tube, but had no procedure to charge us for it as an outpatient. He decided to give it to us, and said this visit never took place. We had another alternative for getting the defective G-Tube replaced; we just needed a new G-Tube, and we had it. Now, this is what the Lord taught Rosemary through this frightful experience.

Upon arriving home, Rosemary wrote in her journal that she read a devotional on Exodus 14:13. The author of the devotional was Charles Spurgeon. He said, "These words contain God's command to the believer when he is reduced to great straits and brought into extraordinary difficulties. You cannot retreat, you cannot go forward, you are shut up on the right hand and on the left; what are you going to do now? The Master's words to you are: STAND FIRM".

Prayer:

Father God, I am so thankful that no matter what we are going through that we always have a refuge to which we can turn, and that refuge is in Your everlasting arms.

Father, I thank you for being a rock in a weary land, and our shelter in the time of storms. Yes, storms will come, but the child of God has this assurance; we don't have to face them alone. Father, I thank you for being for us; Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides. In Jesus name I pray, 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_May 21, 2013

Title: How to Be Great in God's Eyes

Text:

Matthew 20:26-27 (HCSB)
²⁶ It must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,
²⁷ and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave;

Observation:

James and John had a desire for greatness. They were not alone; the other disciples had the same desire. Jesus used the occasion to teach all of the disciples a lesson about what true greatness means.

Matthew 18:1 (HCSB)
¹ At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, "Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"

Jesus used this question to teach his disciples that greatness is not about privilege, but it is rather about service. The gifts that God has given you are not to bring glory to you; it is for service to others, and to bring glory to God.

 It is not about obtaining a position above others; it is about descending to a position so that you can lift up others. Humility is the mark of a servant of God. The seed of greatness is within you; develop it by serving others.

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, stir the hearts of your people to use our God given gifts to build up the Body of Christ, and to bring glory to Your name. In Jesus name I pray, 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_May 20, 2013

Title: The Joy of Being Free in Christ Jesus

Text:

Romans 8:1-2 (HCSB)
¹ Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus,
² because the Spirit's law of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.

Observation:

The most important question you will ever answer is this; Am I in Christ Jesus, has the son of God set me free?

Paul gives us help in knowing whether or not we are in Christ Jesus. Think about this.

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.

Romans 8:11 (HCSB)
¹¹ And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then He who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through His Spirit who lives in you.

There may be groans in your present, but there is glory in your future if you are a blood bought child of God.

Romans 8:18 (HCSB)
¹⁸ For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, the sweetest words that any ear can hear is the word of God that speaks to the children of God, and says "You are not guilty". Oh, how I love Jesus because He first loved me. Isn't God's grace so amazing?  And all God's children said, 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_May 17, 2013

Title: How to Find Contentment in a Troubled World

Text:

Proverbs 19:23 (NLT)
²³ Fear of the LORD leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm.

Observation:

It is comforting to know that those who fear the Lord don't have to fear evil people in the world who seek to harm God's people. In this world we can expect to have trouble.

John 16:33 (ESV)
³³ I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

The contentment of God's people is in the Lord, and not in the world. The Prince of Peace is our peace.

· 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.

·         O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
Sent from the heart of God,
Hold us, who wait before Thee,
Near to the heart of God.

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/375#ixzz2T06yraZz

Prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, I am so grateful that in this world with all of its trouble and turmoil that there is a place of quiet rest; a place where we can find contentment near to the heart of our Savior and 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_May 16, 2013

Title: The Power and Benefits of Forgiving Others

Text:

Matthew 18:21-22 (NLT)
²¹ Then Peter came to him and asked, "Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?"
²² "No, not seven times," Jesus replied, "but seventy times seven!

To read the entire parable go here:

http://tinyurl.com/bgo65r6

Observation:

Before we get too hard on Peter for his question we might want to pause and think about how many times we ask for a rule; give me a rule that I can obey. If we get the principle, we don't need a rule for everything. Here is the principle to inform our attitude about forgiveness.

Romans 12:8-10 (NLT)
⁸ If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
⁹ Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.
¹⁰ Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.

Ephesians 4:32 (NLT)
³² Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

If we genuinely love others we will have to learn how to forgive others; love and forgiveness are inseparable. We do ourselves a favor when we forgive others.

"He who cannot forgive breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass"

                George Herbert

Prayer:

Father God, give us a heart that is ready to forgive. Help us to love and forgive others in the manner that you have loved and forgiven us. In Jesus name I pray, 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_May 15, 2013

Title: God Cares About You

Text:

Psalm 91:10-11 (NLT)
¹⁰ no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home.
¹¹ For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.

Observation:

There are many perils that we face during our earthly journey; and, the longer we live the more troubles seem to show up at our dwelling place.

It is not possible to escape trouble in this fallen world. However, we are not helpless when troubles knock on our door.

John 16:33 (NLT)
³³ I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."

The goodnews for God's people is that God knows what we are going through; he knows our needs, and He cares about His people.

God has left us in this world; but, He has not left us alone. He has overcome the world, and so will His children.

John 14:1 (NLT)
¹ "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.

John 14:27 (NLT)
²⁷ "I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid.

Prayer:

Father God, in the midst of all of the troubles in the world, it is comforting to know that you have overcome the world. Father, I thank you for the gift of peace of mind and heart. In Jesus name I pray, 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_May 14, 2013

 Title: Worship the Lord Every Day

Text:

Psalm 59:9-10 (HCSB)
⁹ I will keep watch for You, my strength, because God is my stronghold.
¹⁰ My faithful God will come to meet me; God will let me look down on my adversaries.

Observation:

Worship is so much more helpful when it is more than a weekly or occasional practice. To be most effective, worship should occur every day.

Why not avail yourself of the power that comes from a daily meeting with God. Why not access the exhaustive source of strength that He provides His people that are regular worshippers of the Most High God?

Is there ever a time when you do not need the Lord? Then, why not worship Him every day. He is waiting to hear from you. The hymn writer said, "I need Thee Every Hour". We are the ones who need worship; not God. And to that I say, Amen.

Psalm 100:4 (HCSB)
⁴ Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so grateful for the daily access that I have to your throne room where I can find grace to help in my time of need.

Father God, I thank you for the help, hope, strength, and encouragement I get from being in Your presence. In Jesus name, Amen.

Psalm 145:1-2 (HCSB)
¹ I exalt You, my God the King, and praise Your name forever and ever.
² I will praise You every day; I will honor Your name forever and ever.

--

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_May 13, 2013

Title: The Word of the Lord is Eternal

Text:

1 Peter 1:22-25 (NLT)
²² You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart.
²³ For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God.
²⁴ As the Scriptures say, "People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades.
²⁵ But the word of the Lord remains forever." And that word is the Good News that was preached to you.

Observation:

I was driving one day recently and a truck in front of me had 1 Peter 1:24-25 written on the rear wall of the truck. It was a nice motto for a lawn care company.

I am so glad and thankful for the promise and the hope of this verse.

1 Peter 1:25 (NLT)
²⁵ But the word of the Lord remains forever." And that word is the Good News that was preached to you.

I love this message of good news to start the week. It makes me want to breakout in a song of praise and thanksgiving to our great God.

1 Peter 1:3-5 (NLT)
³ All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation,
⁴ and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.
⁵ And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I exalt your name above every name; there is none like you, no not one.

Father, I thank you for the inheritance that you have stored up for me in heaven. Lord, I thank you for the protection you provide through your power to save and to keep.

As for me, I will trust in the Lord and the eternal word of God all the days of my life. 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_May 10, 2013

Title: What is the Condition of Your Heart?

Text:

Jeremiah 24:1-7 (NLT)
¹ After King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon exiled Jehoiachin son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, to Babylon along with the officials of Judah and all the craftsmen and artisans, the LORD gave me this vision. I saw two baskets of figs placed in front of the LORD's Temple in Jerusalem.
² One basket was filled with fresh, ripe figs, while the other was filled with bad figs that were too rotten to eat.
³ Then the LORD said to me, "What do you see, Jeremiah?" I replied, "Figs, some very good and some very bad, too rotten to eat."
⁴ Then the LORD gave me this message:
⁵ "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: The good figs represent the exiles I sent from Judah to the land of the Babylonians.
⁶ I will watch over and care for them, and I will bring them back here again. I will build them up and not tear them down. I will plant them and not uproot them.
⁷ I will give them hearts that recognize me as the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me wholeheartedly.

Observation:

There is an important lesson to learn from this story of God's dealing with Israel. We don't have to have ideal circumstances to accomplish God's purpose for our life.

It's not what life does to us that matters most; rather, it is more about what life finds in us. The most important thing is not the circumstances that happen to us; rather, it is about the size of the God who lives within us.

The wisest thing for us to do is to heed the advice of the wisest man who ever lived. This is what he said about the heart.

Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)
²³ Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

The circumstances that we encounter during the course of life are often not under our control. However, they are under the control of God. It is comforting to know that there is a God in heaven who said to his people of old, "I will watch over and care for them". This is what he says to you and me.

Romans 8:28 (NLT)
²⁸ And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so thankful that I don't have to be fearful and fretful about the ups and downs of things that are happening around me, and even to me. Father, help me to guard my heart, and to wholly trust in you. Lord, thank you for being a God who cares and watches over your people. Father, I am comforted by the knowledge that you are sovereign 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_May 9, 2013

Title: Every Trial Has the Seeds to Be a Blessing

Text:

James 1:2-8 (HCSB)
² Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials,
³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
⁴ But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.
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.
⁶ But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind.
⁷ That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
⁸ An indecisive man is unstable in all his ways.

Observation:

People of faith can expect and should welcome the testing of their faith. It is through the testing of our faith that reveals whether it is real.

There is a great reward for those who past the faith test.

James 1:2-3 (AMP)
² Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations.
³ Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.

It takes godly wisdom to be able to handle the trials or when we fall into any type of temptation. God will supply what we need; we need wisdom to enable us to get through the trial, and reap the reward of the spiritual blessings of endurance, steadfastness and patience. O, the blessings of faith in God, and faithfulness to God.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I pray that I will have faith to enable me to face the trials of life and have them work for me and not against me. Father, may my faith and focus be upon you, and not the trial. Lord God Almighty, give me faith to trust you more, and the wisdom to handle trials without losing my joy. 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_May 8, 2013

Title: God is a Refuge for His People

Text:

Psalm 46:1 (HCSB)
¹ God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble.

Observation:

This Psalm 46 was the inspiration for Martin Luther to write the classic hymn, "A Mighty Fortress is Our God".

I pray that the Psalm will be an inspiration and encouragement to each of you. In these last days with all of the oppression that many believers are facing, we need all of the inspiration and encouragement we can get.

I share with you some of the notes I have written in the margin of my study bible concerning a few of the verses in this Psalm. These are things that God is, and provides for His people.

In verse 1 He is an infallible refuge.

Psalm 46:1 (HCSB)
¹ God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble.

In verse 2 He is an immovable confidence.

Psalm 46:2 (HCSB)
² Therefore we will not be afraid, though the earth trembles and the mountains topple into the depths of the seas,

In verse 4 He is an infinite supply.

Psalm 46:4 (HCSB)
⁴   {There is} a river— its streams delight the city of God, the holy dwelling place of the Most High.

In verse 5 He is an unfailing comfort.

Psalm 46:5 (HCSB)
⁵ God is within her; she will not be toppled. God will help her when the morning dawns.

In verse 10 He provides a peaceful attitude, and a triumphant result.

Psalm 46:10 (ESV)
¹⁰ "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"

Yes, my brothers and my sisters, God is alright. If He's your Father, you can call upon him and He will help you in whatever problems or difficulties you are facing.

Prayer:

Father God, I praise you and thank you for who are, and for whose we are, and for all that you are to your people. Father, nobody can do for us what you do; there is none like you. Father, I thank you for being the solid foundation upon which we can build our lives. 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_May 7, 2013

Title: It's Time for God's People to Pray

Text:

James 5:16-17 (HCSB)
¹⁶ Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The urgent request of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.
¹⁷ Elijah was a man with a nature like ours; yet he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the land.
John 9:31 (HCSB)
³¹ We know that God doesn't listen to sinners, but if anyone is God-fearing and does His will, He listens to him.

Observation:

Prayer is the most powerful resource that the believer has to enable us to fulfill the purpose for which God made us and redeemed us.

There is nothing that is beyond the reach of prayer. There is no need that we have in our life that our Lord cannot meet; there is no problem that we face that our Lord cannot solve.

Therefore, let's flood the throne room of God with the prayers of God's believing and faithful people. Don't just pray for yourself; pray for others also.

Ephesians 6:18 (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.

Prayer:

Father God, we stretch our hands to thee; we cry out to you with our whole heart. Lord, look down from your throne room in heaven, and pour out your favor on your people. 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_May 6, 2013

Title: What is God's View of His People?

Text:

Isaiah 43:1-2 (ESV)
¹ But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.
² When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.

Observation:

When you look at the condition of our world today you can't help but notice the fear that many people have concerning the present and the future.

I don't like the perspective that I see with my eyes and hear with my ears. I don't like the messages that I hear in the media and the social networks. There are seldom any encouraging words; words that lift the spirit, bring joy to your heart, and give you hope for the future.

Today's text offers another point of view; a higher point of view. It is the view of God of His believing people. The key word in the passage for me is "you". This passage will drive out any fear that may be lurking in your heart.

We get tired of the grind, but our God never gets tired. We get perplexed, and we get distressed. However, God knows our condition, and He is Sovereign over our circumstances. When you get down, take the upward look.

Isaiah 40:28 (ESV)
²⁸ Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.

Prayer:

Lord, I thank you that I can rest in the blessed assurance that I belong to You. Father, I thank you for creating me, forming me, and redeeming me. Father, I thank you for your promise, "I will be with you". Lord, I am so grateful for my relationship with 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_May 3, 2013

Title: When Few Words are a Sign of Wisdom

Text:

1 Peter 4:11 (NLT)
¹¹ Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

Psalm 141:3 (NLT)
³ Take control of what I say, O LORD, and guard my lips.

Observation:

Today, I am pondering the first portion of our text; "Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you".

It is not the quantity of our words that changes lives; rather, it is the source of those words. Only God's words have the power to change lives.

There are times when few words are a sign of wisdom.

Proverbs 10:19 (HCSB)
¹⁹ When there are many words, sin is unavoidable, but the one who controls his lips is wise.

Prayer:

Father God, I ask that you fill my heart with your Word so that when I speak people will hear your voice and not mines. Father, tune my heart with your heart, and my lips to give glory to God. Father, may my life be a blessing to 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_May 2, 2013

Title: Grace is so Amazing

Text:

Romans 6:6-7 (HCSB)
⁶ For we know that our old self was crucified with Him in order that sin's dominion over the body may be abolished, so that we may no longer be enslaved to sin,
⁷ since a person who has died is freed from sin's claims.
Romans 6:11-14 (HCSB)
¹¹ So, you too consider yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
¹² Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, so that you obey its desires.
¹³ And do not offer any parts of it to sin as weapons for unrighteousness. But as those who are alive from the dead, offer yourselves to God, and all the parts of yourselves to God as weapons for righteousness.
¹⁴ For sin will not rule over you, because you are not under law but under grace.

Observation:

O, what a blessing to be free from the law, and saved by the grace of God. That is the happy condition of every believer in Jesus.

"Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow".

                Elvina M. Hall

Our old man, our Adamic nature died when Jesus died on the cross at Calvary. The Apostle Paul's says me need to consider it as being dead. The debt has been "Paid in Full", we need to cash the check of this promise.

Romans 6:11 (AMP)
¹¹ Even so consider yourselves also dead to sin and your relation to it broken, but alive to God [living in unbroken fellowship with Him] in Christ Jesus.

Therefore, we should live as free people.

John 8:36 (HCSB)
³⁶ Therefore, if the Son sets you free, you really will be free.

Prayer:

Father God, I thank you from the depths of my heart for your amazing grace that you have so richly given to me.

Father God, from a heart filled with gratitude, I say thanks; thank you Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 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_May 1, 2013

Title: Little Things Have the Promise of Large Returns

Text:

Acts 6:1-7 (HCSB)
¹ In those days, as the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint by the Hellenistic Jews against the Hebraic Jews that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution.
² Then the Twelve summoned the whole company of the disciples and said, "It would not be right for us to give up preaching about God to handle financial matters.
³ Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we can appoint to this duty.
⁴ But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the preaching ministry."
⁵ The proposal pleased the whole company. So they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte from Antioch.
⁶ They had them stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
⁷ So the preaching about God flourished, the number of the disciples in Jerusalem multiplied greatly, and a large group of priests became obedient to the faith.

Observation:

One of life's greatest lessons is when we come to the point in our lives when we realize that little things matter. It is when we come to the point in our life where we can know and experience true greatness through doing the little things consistently and faithfully.

Luke 16:10 (HCSB)
¹⁰ Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and whoever is unrighteous in very little is also unrighteous in much.

What little act of kindness can you do today that will enable the Master to trust you with the big things that are the desire of your heart? Why not be faithful and do the little things today?

Colossians 3:23-24 (HCSB)
²³ Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men,
²⁴ knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I pray that you would instill in the hearts of your people the willingness to be faithful in the little things. Father, help us to see the wisdom of descending to do the little things to demonstrate our faithfulness. Father, give us the attitude of a servant; help us to be more like Jesus. In Jesus name, Amen.

Luke 22:27 (HCSB)
²⁷ For who is greater, the one at the table or the one serving? Isn't it the one at the table? But I am among you as the One who serves.

 

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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/