Daily Bread_June 28, 2013

Title: How Important is Prayer in Your Life?

Text:

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 (ESV)
¹ Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you,
² and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith.
³ But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.
⁴ And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command.
⁵ May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.

Observation:

No matter how faithful you are in serving the Lord, you will have critics. The Apostle Paul had his critics, but that did not stop him for serving God's people, and asking the church to pray for him. When you are involved with people you can expect to have conflict. Paul did not ignore those who were critical of him and his ministry.

2 Thessalonians 3:12 (ESV)
¹² Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.

How we respond to conflict makes a huge difference. It's always a good thing to ask for prayer, and to keep the main thing the main thing. Paul's prayer requests were not for comfort; rather, it was for advancement of his mission of sharing the Word of God.

Colossians 4:2-3 (ESV)
² Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
³ At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—

Don't miss the importance of this truth; God is faithful, and you can depend upon Him to keep His promises.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 (ESV)
³ But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.

The Apostle Paul placed a high value on prayer; how much value do you place on prayer? He prayed for others, and he asked others to pray for him. Paul wanted the Lord's will to be done.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so grateful that You are a faithful God, and that I can depend upon You without fear of being abandoned.

Father God, I pray that my faith will pass the test; that I will be faithful to You, and to the Word of God. Father, I pray that I may become more and more a man of prayer and the Word of God. 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_June 27, 2013

Title: An Appeal to God's People to Unite in Praying for Revival in America

Text:

Luke 21:34-36 (ESV)
³⁴ "But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.
³⁵ For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth.
³⁶ But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."

Observation:

Do you think that the times we are experiencing in recent days is what the writer had in mind in our focal passage for today?

Truly these are days with increasing oppression for God's people; however, these are also days of enormous opportunity.

Yesterday, the topic was, "No Problem is Beyond the Reach of Prayer". If today's problems don't result in an increase in fervent prayer, then I tremble to think what it will take to drive God's people to our knees in prayer.

I cannot conceive of anything that would be more effective and game changing then for God's people to pray like we have never prayed before. If you believe that prayer changes things, then please unite in praying for America. It's way past time to stop complaining, and to start fervently praying.

Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV)
²⁰ Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,
²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, on bended knees, and with outstretched hands, we cry out to you to heal our land.

Father God, we need a heaven sent, Holy Spirit empowered revival to sweep our nation, and turn the people of this nation back to God.

Father God, I am willing to be one; I pray that many will be willing to say yes and Amen to this prayer today, and every day until we hear from heaven, and you heal our land. In Jesus name, Amen.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV)
¹⁴ if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

 

--

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_June 26, 2013

Title: No Problem is Beyond the Reach of Prayer

Text:

Psalm 25:11 (HCSB)
¹¹ Because of Your name, Yahweh, forgive my sin, for it is great.

Observation:

When it comes to right standing with God and virtue there is only one place to turn, and that is to God. We are all in the same boat; it is sinking, and we need a Savior. Observe that Paul writes in the following passage, "since there is not distinction". Notice what he says after that.

Romans 3:22-23 (HCSB)
²² —that is, God's righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, to all who believe, since there is no distinction.
²³ For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

The Psalmist saw himself as not just a sinner, but a great sinner. How do you see yourself? Diagnosis must precede solution.

The Psalmist not only correctly diagnosed his problem, but he also went to the right person for the solution; he called upon the name of the LORD in prayer.

We, like the Psalmist, must rely upon the grace and the goodness of the LORD, and not upon our own merits.

Psalm 25:6-7 (HCSB)
⁶ Remember, LORD, Your compassion and Your faithful love, for they [have existed] from antiquity.
⁷ Do not remember the sins of my youth or my acts of rebellion; in keeping with Your faithful love, remember me because of Your goodness, LORD.

Prayer:

LORD, we come before Your throne of grace as an empty pitcher before a full fountain. LORD, Your compassion and Your faithful love suits our case. LORD, have mercy upon us we pray; we need Your amazing grace to save us from our sins. In Jesus name, Amen.

"There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Emmanuel's veins;
And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains." - - William Cowper

--

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_June 25, 2013

Title: The Source Of Our Strength in the Storms of Life

Text:

Psalm 46:1 (ESV)
¹ God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Observation:

In this world we will have trouble; it is the common lot of God's people from the beginning. The best way to prepare for trouble is to expect it, and to put it in God's hands.

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 people of God are never alone when we face trouble; God is our refuge. The hymn writer captured that truth in this classic hymn.

"The Lord's our Rock, in Him we hide,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
Secure whatever ill betide,
A Shelter in the time of storm." - - Vernon Charlesworth

The storms are sometimes so fierce that we could not make it in our strength alone. It seems like a week does not go by without hearing about a bad news report that someone and their family has to deal with. In our own strength we would not survive. However, the child of God has divine help; God is our strength.

Philippians 4:13 (ESV)
¹³ I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Prayer:

Father God, I praise and thank you for being our refuge and our strength. Father, it is comforting to know that we can count on Your help when we face trouble in our life.

Father, I thank you for always being present, and for giving us Your strength and peace. Lord, be the Helper for some needy soul today. 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_June 24, 2013

Title: When Endurance Matters

Text:

Psalm 62:1-2 (ESV)
¹ For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.
² He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.

Observation:

The recently completed NBA Championship series reminds us of a timeless truth about endurance. The San Antonio Spurs would do anything to replay the last 60 seconds of that 48 minute game. The Spurs just did not have the energy and or skill to finish the game. Just one rebound or one free throw would have sealed the victory and the championship in game six.

I am so glad that when it comes to endurance in the Christian life, and winning the prize; that we don't have to depend upon our energy and skill.

There's a race for us to run—Hallelujah,
and a way for us the race to win.
To all those who have begun—Hallelujah,
God has spoken, "Look away to Him!"

• Look away! O look away!
  Look to Jesus now today!
  Look away from everything unto Jesus,
  Look away from everything to Him!

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/1206#ixzz2Wy0fFX1S

O, the happy condition of knowing that God alone is the author and finisher of our faith and our salvation. I'm looking to Jesus.

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)
¹ Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
² looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so grateful that my salvation does not depend upon my strength, but that it depends upon Your strength. Lord, I thank You that my sin debt has been marked, "Paid in Full". In Jesus name, Amen.

John 19:30 (ESV)
³⁰ When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, "It is finished," and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

--

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_June 21, 2013

Title: The Choice to Live Out of Abundance

Text:

John 10:10 (ESV)
¹⁰ The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Observation:

The choice word for today is "Abundance". When I think about this word I think about the saying, "Is the glass half empty, or is the glass half full?" Which side of the comma characterizes your attitude and decisions in how you live your life? Do you see the obstacles or the opportunities?

We have within us the potential for greatness, and by having faith in God, we can fulfill our God shaped purpose.

God made you, and you are special. There is nothing that you need that your Maker cannot provide. Now, look to God, and live the life of abundance that is your gift from God. The God who placed the potential within you will also supply the power for you to fulfill His purpose for you.

Ephesians 2:10 (AMP)
¹⁰ For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I lift up and exalt your name above any other name in heaven or earth. How majestic is your name, O Lord, in all the earth.

Father God, your love for your people is so amazing. The words of Jesus, "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly" thrill my soul to the core.

Father God, I ask that you help me, and all of your people, to believe and live out the reality of this declaration by Jesus in our daily living. 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_June 20, 2013

Title: What to Do When the Burdens of Life Knocks You Down?

Text:

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."

Observation:

The most significant thing that we can do when life knocks us down is to accept the invitation of Jesus to come to Him.

"Leave it there, leave it there,
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there;
If you trust and never doubt, He will surely bring you out—
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there." - - Charles Tindley

Our shoulders don't have to try and bear the heavy burdens that life sometimes throws at us. We have a way out, and a loving invitation to take it. Take the path that Jesus calls you to take.

1 Peter 5:7 (ESV)
⁷ casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so thankful that you are a God who has a loving and compassionate heart.

Father God, thank you for being our helper and our healer when we come to you with the troubles of this world.

Father God, I ask for the wisdom to take the upward look, and bring all of my burdens to Jesus, and to leave them with Him. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

"O what peace we often forfeit,

                O what needless pain we bear,

                all because we do not carry

                everything to God in prayer." - - Joseph Scriven

--

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_June 19, 2013

Title: How to Stand Firm in a Fallen World?

Text:

Philippians 4:1 (ESV)
¹ Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

Observation:

The question posed in the title for the message today is a timely and pressing question. How do you stand when the winds of opposition and oppression are blowing so fiercely?

The Apostle Paul is a good one to look to when you are struggling to answer this question, and find relief for your weary soul. This is Paul's story.

2 Corinthians 4:7-12 (ESV)
⁷ But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.
⁸ We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;
⁹ persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;
¹⁰ always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.
¹¹ For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
¹² So death is at work in us, but life in you.

Paul found that the answer was not in human strength, but in God's power, and in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Always remember, "the surpassing power belongs to God, and not to us".

1 Corinthians 15:10 (ESV)
¹⁰ But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so grateful that we have an anchor that is strong and reliable that we can build our life upon. Lord, I thank that the surpassing power is in your hands, and not in mines; thank you that I am included in those you call, the beloved. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

"Learning to lean
Learning to lean,
I'm learning to lean on Jesus
Finding more power than I've ever dreamed
I'm learning to lean on Jesus." - - Heritage Singers

--

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_June 18, 2013

Title: The Because of the Command to Love One Another

Text:

1 Corinthians 16:13-18 (NLT)
¹³ Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.
¹⁴ And do everything with love.
¹⁵ You know that Stephanas and his household were the first of the harvest of believers in Greece, and they are spending their lives in service to God's people. I urge you, dear brothers and sisters,
¹⁶ to submit to them and others like them who serve with such devotion.
¹⁷ I am very glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have come here. They have been providing the help you weren't here to give me.
¹⁸ They have been a wonderful encouragement to me, as they have been to you. You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well.

Observation:

If there is one thing that should characterize the Church, it should be that the people of God should love one another. It's not an option, it's not a suggestion, rather; it's a command of God that we love one another.

John 15:12 (ESV)
¹² "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

Love creates an environment for the growth, encouragement and enlistment of members. The gospel prospers where love abounds. This, my friends, is the because of the command; it pays rich dividends.

There is a reason why the first century church grew and prospered; it was because of the way they loved one another. Be an encouragement to someone today; love them with the love of the Lord.

John 13:34-35 (ESV)
³⁴ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
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 pray that a spirit of love will breakout in churches all across the world so that people will know that we belong to you.

Father God may each of us enjoy the joyful experience of being a member of a church where the people love one another, and ministers in love and forgiveness. 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_June 17, 2013

Title: You Are Closer to Happiness than You Think

Text:

Luke 6:38 (ESV)
³⁸ give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you."

Observation:

One of the things I have learned from the word of God, and experienced in life is that you can't beat God giving no matter how hard you try.

I remember a former pastor saying it similar to this: "We give to God with a shovel, and He gives to us with a wheel barrel". – Kip McConnell

One of the more difficult truths to implement in our life is the grace to be able to give to others unconditionally. When we give in this fashion we resemble most the example of Jesus.

Philippians 2:5-8 (ESV)
⁵ Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
⁶ who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,
⁷ but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
⁸ And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

The result of Jesus' humility, sacrificial giving, and love is shown in this verse. The example of Jesus reminds us that the way to ascend is to first descend.

Philippians 2:9-11 (ESV)
⁹ Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,
¹⁰ so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
¹¹ and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

One of the greatest joys in my life is to be able to make deposits in the lives of others that will add value to their life. If I can help somebody become who God wants them to be, then my living will not have been without purpose.

You are one choice from happiness; make a deposit in the life of someone today. Be a giver not a taker, and receive your blessing with a grateful heart.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I ask that you would form in my heart a burning desire to align my priorities with those that would resemble Jesus.

Father God, in my daily living I long to be able to put Jesus first, others second, and self last. Father, I want to realize the blessing of experiencing the joy of receiving because of my decision to be a giver first. 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_June 14, 2013

Title: Blessed By the Lord

Text:

Psalm 5:12 (ESV)
¹² For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield.

Observation:

The choice word on this Friday is "Favor". As you go into this weekend think on our text for today, and allow it to sink deep into your heart.

We all need to do ourselves a favor by cultivating an attitude of gratitude. When I think about what I could have been, what I should have been, and what I would have been, I bow the knee, and give God the praise for who I am because of Him. Tell me, where would I be without the Lord on my side?

Can I get a witness that those of us who are children of God are "so blessed"? God's favor is better than labor.

I grew up hearing this benediction at the close of our worship services:

Numbers 6:24-26 (ESV)
²⁴ The LORD bless you and keep you;
²⁵ the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
²⁶ the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so thankful for all of the blessings and favor you have given to me. Father, my cup overflows with favor, and I am so grateful. 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_June 13, 2013

Title: God's Phone Number

Text:

Jeremiah 33:3 (ESV)
³ Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

Observation:

I read a post on Facebook a few days ago, and it was a status update about loved ones in heaven, and wishing that heaven had a phone number they could call.

Today is one of those memorable days for me; I have a loved one in heaven, and it would be nice to talk to her on our 49^th Anniversary.

That post on Facebook got me to thinking about our text for today. Yes, God has a phone number, and He invites us to call Him. The line is never busy, and He is available 24/7/365. Have you had a talk with your heavenly Father recently? He is waiting to hear from you.

Roberta Martin, Gospel writer and singer, wrote this song:

Chorus:
God is still on the throne,
within your bosom, you have a phone.
Wherever you walk,
you're not walking alone,
for God, is still on the throne.

Verse 1:
When in distress just call Him.
If you're oppressed just call Him.
When storms assail you and others have failed you,
Remember, God is still on the throne.

Hebrews 1:8 (ESV)
⁸ But of the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.

Psalm 47:8 (ESV)
⁸ God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne.

Prayer:

Father God, I am so thankful that you invite your people to call you, and that the line is never busy for you to hear our cry, and meet our needs.

Father God, as long as I live, and trouble rise, I will hasten to your throne room of grace. Father, thank you for the privilege provided at the cost of the royal blood of your only begotten Son, Jesus our Savior and Lord. 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_June 12, 2013

Title: The Helper Sees You

Text:

Mark 6:45-51 (ESV)
⁴⁵ Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd.
⁴⁶ And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray.
⁴⁷ And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land.
⁴⁸ And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them,
⁴⁹ but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out,
⁵⁰ for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid."
⁵¹ And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded,

Observation:

Today the verse that I want to meditate upon and comment upon is this one.

Mark 6:48 (ESV)
⁴⁸ And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them,

When we are facing trials and troubles it may appear to our natural eyes that we are alone. However, the child of God is never alone; we may not be able to see the Master, but Jesus has His eyes on you and me.

"Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heav'n and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me."

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so grateful that you see me when I am going through trials and troubles, even when I can't see 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_June 11, 2013

Title: My Heart is His Home

Text:

John 14:16-17 (ESV)
¹⁶ And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,
¹⁷ even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

Observation:

There is nothing that comforts the trouble heart more than to have the blessed assurance that the Sovereign Triune God lives in the hearts of His people.

Our text for today speaks of the Helper, the Holy Spirit of God, living in the hearts of God's people forever. What wonderful news this must have been for those first century believers to hear this from the lips of Jesus. The Holy Spirit had made temporary visits to God's people, but now He would come and live with them forever. God's Spirit lives in you if you are a child of God.

Romans 8:9 (ESV)
⁹ You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.

The presence of the triune God living in His people; what an awesome privilege and blessing that God has given His children.

John 14:23 (ESV)
²³ Jesus answered him, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.

Have you ever opened the door of your heart to Jesus? Is your heart the forever home of God? The hymn writer penned this song which is an invitation to ask Jesus to come into the seeker's needy heart.

Come into my heart, O Lord Jesus,
Now cleanse and illumine my soul;
Fill me with Thy wonderful Spirit,
Come in and take full control.

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/1061#ixzz2VpRc9w2r

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I praise and thank you for the forever presence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit who makes His home in the hearts of God's believing and faithful children. 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_June 10, 2013

Title: Never Give Up

Text:

Psalm 107:27-28 (ESV)
²⁷ they reeled and staggered like drunken men and were at their wits' end.
²⁸ Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.

Observation:

Are you experiencing distress in your life? You don't have to live very long to come to a place in your life where you experience the pain of distress. It is the common lot of the human experience in this fallen world. Every decision we make in life has consequences. Additionally, there are the decisions of others that impact our lives.

The selected passage for today seized my attention when I read these words: "they reeled and staggered like drunken men and were at their wits' end". If you are there, you are not alone.

Psalm 107:1 (ESV)
¹ Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!

It is impossible to exaggerate the mercy of the LORD. However, the thing that breaks my heart is the abundance of ingratitude that fills the sinful human heart. Why is the human heart so blind?

Psalm 107:8 (NKJV)
⁸ Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!

No matter what you are going through today you can rest in the blessed assurance that there is a God in heaven who loves you; He is good, and His mercy endures forever. God is still in the business of hearing the cries of those who call upon Him for help.

Psalm 107:28 (NLT)
²⁸ "LORD, help!" they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, I praise and thank You for being a God who hears and answers the prayers of our troubled hearts, and delivers us from our distress.

Father God, I thank you for being so good and merciful to us. Lord, I thank you for withholding from us what we deserve, and giving to us what we don't deserve.

Lord, I pray that you would open blinded eyes so that they may see you in all of your glory, and give you the praise and thanks that you alone deserve.  In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

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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/