Daily Bread_December 19, 2014

Title: What Are the First Things in Your Life?

Text:

Matthew 16:26 (HCSB)
What will it benefit a man if he gains the whole world yet loses his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life?

Matthew 6:33 (HCSB)
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.

Observation:

On December 10, 2014 I wrote a devotional on this topic, "Why Should You Sing?"  I wrote, "Singing changes our reality. When we sing our problems become smaller, and our God becomes bigger". I found this to be real in my life this morning. This is my story.

In the early hours of the morning I was in bed listening to music and while listening and praying the above two verses came into my heart. I wrote a few of the words on my Note App on my phone; I knew this conversation with the Lord was going to last for awhile.

I asked the question, "How are you doing with putting first things first?" The next song I heard was, "Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior". That song is HUGE in my life; it is the song that the congregation was singing on December 31, 1949 when I gave my life to Jesus.  This morning these words from the song spoke into my heart.

"Trusting only in Thy merit,
  Would I seek Thy face;
Heal my wounded, broken spirit,
  Save me by Thy grace."

My heart swelled with joy that the Lord did this for me; He saved me by His Amazing Grace. Yes, I am so glad that  He has been my God for 65 years, and I have this promise that gives me peace.

Hebrews 13:5 (HCSB)
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.

Today will be my last devotional that I plan to write this year. I will take the next 16 days to reflect and rejoice; to enjoy the season with my family and friends. This next song played; this is one of the first things for me.

"Tell me the story of Jesus,

Write on my heart every word;

Tell me the story most precious,

Sweetest that ever was heard."

My prayer for you is that you will never grow tired of hearing the amazing story of Jesus and His love for you. Have a joyous Christmas, and a blessed New Year.

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so thankful for Jesus; and for the reason that He came into the world. Father, I am so glad that He said from the cross after He had done Your will, "It is finished". Father God, I am so grateful and blessed that burdens are lifted at Calvary. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

"Cast your care on Jesus today

leave your worry and fear

Burdens are lifted at Calvary

Jesus is very near."

John 3:16-18 (HCSB)
¹⁶ "For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. ¹⁸ Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the One and Only Son of God.

--

Matthew 4:4 (HCSB)
⁴ But He answered, "It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."

Psalm 2:8 (HCSB)
⁸ Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance and the ends of the earth Your possession.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_December 18, 2014

Title: When Did You Stop Asking?

Text:

Psalm 2:8 (HCSB)
Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance and the ends of the earth Your possession.

Observation:

I read an article recently that captured my attention; it is the title I selected for my meditation today. I noticed that the text I am using today is one that I have been using as my email signature for most of the year. I didn't have to look far for a text.

Why don't we ask more of God? He invites us to ask Him for what we need.

Matthew 7:7-8 (NLT)
⁷ "Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

O, how richer we are when we ask the Lord to meet our needs, and how poorer we are when we fail to ask the Lord to help us. The hymn writer said is like this.

"O what peace we often forfeit,
  O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
  Everything to God in prayer!"

Are you ready for a change in your life? Why not starve the cravings of your flesh, and ask the Lord to meet your needs?

I keyed in the wrong scripture when looking for the passage I cited above from Matthew. However, this is what I got.  Our God delights in taking the wrong turns in our life and turning them into something beautiful.

Matthew 5:7-8 (NLT)
⁷ God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. ⁸ God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.

This principle of asking works with our children; they are born asking questions. That was the focus of the article that planted the seed for today's topic. Our kids ask some great questions. When did you stop asking?

1 John 5:14-15 (HCSB)
¹⁴ Now this is the confidence we have before Him: Whenever we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. ¹⁵ And if we know that He hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked Him for.

It's prayer time; let's align our prayers with God's will,  and pray for one another.

Philippians 1:3-4 (HCSB)
³ I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, ⁴ always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer,

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I pray that you would form in us a burning desire to be people who pray without ceasing. Father, I pray that we will never forget where our help comes from, and that we will keep on asking.

Father God, I pray that the tempter, and the cares of this world would not get us off track; that we will never cease to ask, seek, and knock at the door of our God. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

--

Matthew 4:4 (HCSB)
⁴ But He answered, "It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."

Psalm 2:8 (HCSB)
⁸ Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance and the ends of the earth Your possession.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_December 17, 2014

Title: Why Did Jesus Come Into the World?

Text:

Philippians 2:8 (HCSB)
He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death— even to death on a cross.

Observation:

Why did Jesus come into the world; that is a good question, and the bible has the answer. The bible says this.

John 3:16-17 (HCSB)
¹⁶ "For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.

This is the way John the Baptist introduced Him:

John 1:36 (HCSB)
When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look! The Lamb of God!"

This is the problem that everyone who has a human father has; and this is a problem that Jesus did not have because He did not have a human father.

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.

Our big problem was God's raw material for a miracle of love and grace. Jesus came that you might have life everlasting; living in His presence forever. Sin marred God's plan, but Jesus fixed it.

John 14:1-3 (HCSB)
¹ "Your heart must not be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. ² In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you. ³ If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also.

2 Corinthians 5:21 (HCSB)
He made the One who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I pray that in this Christmas season that we will think seriously and soberly about how much you hate sin, and how much you love us.

Father God, I thank You for Jesus, and for the price that He paid so that I would not have to die for my own sins.

Father God, I thank You that the gospel does not end with your coming; that there is more to the story. Lord, I love to tell the whole story; and it is this.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (HCSB)
³ For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, ⁴ that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

Do you believe the gospel? Is Jesus alive in you? And God's people said, "Amen and Amen".

--

Matthew 4:4 (HCSB)
⁴ But He answered, "It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."

Psalm 2:8 (HCSB)
⁸ Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance and the ends of the earth Your possession.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_December 16, 2014

Title: What a Mighty and Loving God We Serve

Text:

Philippians 2:4-7 (HCSB)
⁴ Everyone should look out not [only] for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. ⁵ Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus, ⁶ who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage. ⁷ Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men. And when He had come as a man in His external form,

Observation:

I knew when I heard the sermon preached on Sunday morning that I would be giving the topic a lot of thought this week. The message gave the hearers so much to chew on.

Today I will take a bite size piece of the text and focused my heart, mind and my will upon what it says, and what it means to me; and I pray it will mean something very special to you; the readers, hearers, and doers of the Word of God.

I draw your attention to Jesus, and what the Word says about Him.

Philippians 2:6-7 (NLT)
⁶ Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. ⁷ Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form,

This, my friends, is not the Jesus that the world knows and talks about. However, this is the Jesus that God knows and talks about in the Word of God. What does the Word say about this Jesus?

John 1:1-2 (HCSB)
¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was with God in the beginning.

John 10:30 (HCSB)
The Father and I are one."

I notice two things that grip my soul in Philippians 2:6-7. First, Jesus existed in the form of God; that speaks of His divine nature. Jesus is coequal with God. Second, Jesus assumed the form of a slave; He became a man.

Andrae Crouch wrote these lyrics in his song, "I don't know why Jesus loved me; I don't know why He cared. I don't know why He sacrificed His life. Oh, but I'm glad He did".

Here is why Jesus did it; and, He did it for you.

Hebrews 2:17-18 (HCSB)
¹⁷ Therefore, He had to be like His brothers in every way, so that He could become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. ¹⁸ For since He Himself was tested and has suffered, He is able to help those who are tested.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so grateful and thankful for the triune God; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Father God, my soul and all that is within me sings and shouts praises for Jesus; the sacrifice that He made so that whosoever believeth in Him might have eternal life. Oh the blessing of being able to say, "I am redeemed".

Father God, I thank you for this good news:

Ephesians 1:7 (HCSB)
We have redemption in Him through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.

Let all of God's people say, "Amen and Amen".

--

Matthew 4:4 (HCSB)
⁴ But He answered, "It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."

Psalm 2:8 (HCSB)
⁸ Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance and the ends of the earth Your possession.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_December 15, 2014

Title: When God Says No It is For Our Good

Text:

2 Corinthians 12:8-9 (ESV)
⁸ Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 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.

Observation:

It is difficult to accept the notion that a no to our prayers are a good thing; yes, even the best thing. When God says no He has something better in mind, and it is this; "My grace is sufficient for you". The reason why is this, "for my power is made perfect in weakness".

Colossians 3:1-4 (ESV)
¹ If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. ³ For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

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

Colossians 3:3 (ESV)
For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Think about the powerful truth revealed in the above passages. By grace, through faith in God, the blood of Jesus God's son cleanses us from all sin. The result is that God's strength made perfect in our weakness. We need to learn to walk in the footsteps of Jesus; relying upon the grace of God to be who God made us to be, and to do what God wants us to do.

Colossians 2:9-10 (ESV)
⁹ For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, ¹⁰ and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I pray that you would help us to get our hearts and head united in the knowledge that in Christ we have all that we need; His strength made perfect in our weakness. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

--

Matthew 4:4 (HCSB)
⁴ But He answered, "It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."

Psalm 2:8 (HCSB)
⁸ Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance and the ends of the earth Your possession.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_December 12, 2014

Title: How Do You Overcome the Squeeze of the World?

Text:

Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)
¹ I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. ² Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Observation:

There are two things that believers need to overcome the squeeze of the world. First we look at what God does for us. 

2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

The Lord does the heavy lifting by transforming our life by renewing our minds. This happens when we are born again by the Spirit of God.

Galatians 2:20 (ESV)
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Now there is a part that we must do, and Paul mentions what we must do in our text. Let's look at it again.

Romans 12:1 (AMP)
I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.

I read something a few days ago that fits in well as we think about the sacrifice of our bodies. This was what Oswald Chambers said, "The only way in which we can offer a spiritual sacrifice to God is by presenting our bodies a living sacrifice. We go wrong because we stubbornly refuse to discipline ourselves physically, morally, or mentally". Father God, this is my goal:

Philippians 3:7-11 (ESV)
⁷ But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 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 ⁹ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— ¹⁰ that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ¹¹ that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I pray that each of us will be willing to dedicate our bodies; all of our members, as a sacrifice to You; that we would be willing to pay whatever it may cost.  Father, what I give up of this world is nothing when compared to what I gain for eternity. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

--

Matthew 4:4 (HCSB)
⁴ But He answered, "It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."

Psalm 2:8 (HCSB)
⁸ Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance and the ends of the earth Your possession.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_December 11, 2014

Title: Is There Someone That You Need to Pray For?

Text:

Ezekiel 22:27-31 (ESV)
²⁷ Her princes in her midst are like wolves tearing the prey, shedding blood, destroying lives to get dishonest gain. ²⁸ And her prophets have smeared whitewash for them, seeing false visions and divining lies for them, saying, 'Thus says the Lord God,' when the Lord has not spoken. ²⁹ The people of the land have practiced extortion and committed robbery. They have oppressed the poor and needy, and have extorted from the sojourner without justice. ³⁰ And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none. ³¹ Therefore I have poured out my indignation upon them. I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath. I have returned their way upon their heads, declares the Lord God."

Observation:

This verse grips my heart:

Ezekiel 22:30 (ESV)
And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none.

And so does this one:

Isaiah 59:16 (ESV)
He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no one to intercede; then his own arm brought him salvation, and his righteousness upheld him.

Is there someone in your circle of influence and your circle of concern that stands in the need of prayer? Those of us who are Christ followers; those of us whose heart is where Jesus lives, need to have the attitude of Jesus for people.

Matthew 9:36 (ESV)
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Is our problem that we cannot see the needs that others have for prayer, or is the problem that we do not care about the needs of others? God is looking for intercessors; will He find you praying for others?

Prayer:

Father God, as I open my heart and my eyes I see that there are so many who need someone to intercede for them before your throne of grace. Father, they need help; Lord, they need healing; Lord, they need forgiveness and deliverance. Father, please have mercy upon their souls. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

1 Timothy 2:1-2 (ESV)
¹ First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, ² for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

--

Matthew 4:4 (HCSB)
⁴ But He answered, "It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."

Psalm 2:8 (HCSB)
⁸ Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance and the ends of the earth Your possession.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_December 10, 2014

Title: Why Should You Sing?

Text:

Psalm 149:1-4 (ESV)
¹ Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the godly! ² Let Israel be glad in his Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King! ³ Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre! ⁴ For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation.

Observation:

I heard a sermon recently that struck a responsive chord with me; it reminded me of something that I have known, and practice for a long time. Singing is a big part of my personal worship; it's something I do all the time.

The sermon cited Psalm 149; and the pastor said words similar to these.

"Singing changes our reality. When we sing our problems become smaller, and our God becomes bigger".

The text for today says that God's people should be a singing people. Notice the encouragement it gives to singing God's praise.

Psalm 149:1-2 (ESV)
¹ Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the godly! ² Let Israel be glad in his Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King!

The Psalmist gives God's people three reasons why they should sing when they come into the sanctuary. They should sing because He is their Savior, Maker and King. If He is those three things to you, that gives you three good reasons to sing in His presence.

Why not sing His praises; it will make your problems smaller and your God bigger. The result will be joy unspeakable and full of glory. Joy is yours if you are a child of God. Jesus said it, and that settles it. Why not sing a song of praise right now?

John 15:11 (ESV)
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I delight to sing Your praises; it brings so much joy in my life, and opens the windows of heaven for me to receive showers of blessings from above. Lord, as long as trouble rise and I will sing praises to Your name. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

 

--

Matthew 4:4 (HCSB)
⁴ But He answered, "It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."

Psalm 2:8 (HCSB)
⁸ Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance and the ends of the earth Your possession.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_December 9, 2014

Title: The Blessings That Come from a Faith That Passes the Faith Test

Text:

James 1:2-3 (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.

Observation:

Have you had any trials and tribulations in your life?  Notice that the text says when you meet trials of various kinds; not if, but when.

Trials don't make sense unless there is a purpose for them. The text answers this by giving God's purpose for allowing trials of various kinds in the life of His children. The text says:

James 1:3 (ESV)
for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

How we respond to trials determines our maturity. We know we are no longer babes in Christ when we pass the faith test by being able to experience joy as God delivers us through the trial.

Notice what the Apostle Paul said about suffering; the purpose, and the outcome.

Romans 5:3-5 (ESV)
³ Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, ⁴ and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 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.

We need to guard our attitude and grow our faith so that we might come to the point where we are able to trust in God in everything that happens to us. You can get through the loss of many things, but you cannot please God and get through your trials without faith in God.

Psalm 131:1-3 (ESV)
¹ O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. ² But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. ³ O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forevermore.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so thankful that I can put my life; all of it, in the hands of my Maker, and my Redeemer. Father God, I ask that You would strengthen our faith so that we will be able to trust in You more. O the joy of trusting in God. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

--

Matthew 4:4 (HCSB)
⁴ But He answered, "It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."

Psalm 2:8 (HCSB)
⁸ Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance and the ends of the earth Your possession.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_December 8, 2014

Title: Where is God?

Text:

Ecclesiastes 11:5 (ESV)
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.

Observation:

Have you ever asked the question, "Where is God?" If so, you are not alone. However, there is another question that is more helpful to ask. That question is this, "Where Am I?" God loves you so much; He wants you to live in His home forever. This is how much He loves you.

John 3:16 (ESV)
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

The only thing keeping you from having a forever relationship with God is your unbelief. God has done all of the heavy lifting, and He is waiting to hear from you.

2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

The hymn writer expressed it this way.

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

Here is a picture of how God will respond when you, by faith, accept His loving invitation to come home to your heavenly Father.

Luke 15:20-24 (ESV)
²⁰ And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. ²¹ And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' ²² But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. ²³ And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. ²⁴ For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to celebrate.

There is nothing impossible when you agree to have a personal relationship with God. Just think of what you and God can do together.  

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I pray that any of my family or friends who are in a far country will arise and do as the young man did in Luke 15. Lord, your compassionate love is so amazing, and so is your grace which you freely give to all who come to you in faith. O that someone would come to you today. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

My Soul Sings:

Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling

https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/1027

--

Matthew 4:4 (HCSB)
⁴ But He answered, "It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."

Psalm 2:8 (HCSB)
⁸ Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance and the ends of the earth Your possession.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_December 5, 2014

Title: Who Are the People You Should Avoid?

Text:

Proverbs 26:4-5 (ESV)
⁴ Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself. ⁵ Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.

Observation:

In this chapter Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, has some advice on the type of people you should avoid; the first on the list is the fool.

He proceeds to give several reasons why you should avoid the fool; notice that the Amplified Version adds something to describe these people {self-confident} fool.

Here are some of the reasons to avoid the fool.

Proverbs 26:1 (ESV)
Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a fool.

Proverbs 26:8 (ESV)
Like one who binds the stone in the sling is one who gives honor to a fool.

You can't change him by promotion; the verses above, or by correction or admonition as shown in the following verses.

Proverbs 26:3 (AMP)
A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a [straight, slender] rod for the backs of [self-confident] fools.

Proverbs 26:4-5 (AMP)
⁴ Answer not a [self-confident] fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him. ⁵ Answer a [self-confident] fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes and conceit.

No matter how much you correct the fool, he goes right back to believing what he always believed, and doing what he has always done.

Proverbs 26:11 (ESV)
Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly.

Peter writing about false prophets and false teachers admonished God's people the same way that Solomon advised about the fool; avoid them.

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

2 Peter 2:22 (ESV)
What the true proverb says has happened to them: "The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire."

Finally, do the wise thing; listen to the admonition of Solomon by avoiding the fool, and keep your mouth shut in his presence.

Proverbs 23:9 (HCSB)
Don't speak to a fool, for he will despise the insight of your words.

Prayer:

Father God, I pray that You will give Your people the gift of discernment so that they may be able to avoid the self-confident fool, the false prophets, and the false teachers.

Father God, I pray that we will each know God, know the word, and stay in close communion with You through prayer. Then, we will know the type of people to avoid, and when to speak. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

--

Matthew 4:4 (HCSB)
⁴ But He answered, "It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."

Psalm 2:8 (HCSB)
⁸ Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance and the ends of the earth Your possession.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_December 4, 2014

Title: Why You Are Not Responsible or Able to Fix Every Wrong

Text:

Luke 10:41-42 (HCSB)
⁴¹ The Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, ⁴² but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her."

Observation:

It is easy for us to see problems; especially those in the lives of others. The truth is that problems are inescapable in this fallen world. One of my friends is fond of saying this is the world; not heaven. Jesus has told us that we would have problems in this world.

John 16:33 (HCSB)
I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world."

Rather than focusing our limited time, talent and treasury on fixing problems; many that are out of our control, we should focus on our relationship with the Lord. He can do more with the problems than we can; so why not talk to Him about the problems. Notice in the above verse that Jesus offers us Himself, and He is the Prince of Peace.

Psalm 32:8 (HCSB)
I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with My eye on you, I will give counsel.

There is nothing that we will ever face that is too big for God. He invites us to bring everything we are concerned about to Him in prayer; that's what Jesus did, and that is what we should do.

We must be careful in serving God that we keep the main thing the main thing.

Luke 10:40 (HCSB)
But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, "Lord, don't You care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to give me a hand."

Notice again what Jesus said to Martha.

Luke 10:41-42 (HCSB)
⁴¹ The Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, ⁴² but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her."

We must align our priorities to give attention to first things. O, how blessed we would be if we sat at the Lord's feet, and listened to His Word.

Luke 10:39 (HCSB)
She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord's feet and was listening to what He said.

Prayer:

Father God, I am so thankful that I don't have to carry the problems of the world on my back. Father, I am so thankful that I can take everything to You in prayer. Father, I am learning the peace, comfort, and joy that I can have when I make it a priority in my life to spend time in the Word and in prayer. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

--

Matthew 4:4 (HCSB)
⁴ But He answered, "It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."

Psalm 2:8 (HCSB)
⁸ Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance and the ends of the earth Your possession.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_December 3, 2014

Title: Have You Experienced the Joy of Doing God's Will?

Text:

Hebrews 12:1-4 (HCSB)
¹ Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, ² keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God's throne. ³ For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won't grow weary and lose heart. ⁴ In struggling against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.

Observation:

We need to remember that we are currently living in the world; this is not heaven. Jesus told His followers then, and He tells us today the reality of life in this present world.

John 16:33 (HCSB)
I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world."

I read this quote from Tony Evans this morning:

"Peace doesn't mean you won't have problems. Peace means your problems won't have you".

We should never forget that this Christian race is a marathon, and not a sprint. Running a marathon requires endurance; we can make it to the finish line if we keep our eyes on Jesus. He knows the way, He shows us the way, and He has promised that He would go with us all the way.

We have the example of the Old Testament saints to encourage us.

Romans 15:4 (HCSB)
For whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that we may have hope through endurance and through the encouragement from the Scriptures.

But, most of all, we have the example of Jesus to encourage us, to help us, to lead us, and to empower us to finish the race, and win the prize. Why not experience the joy of obeying the will of God; to be happy in Jesus; is to trust and obey. Finally, learn to view life through the lens of eternity. Whatever you going through remember it won't last forever.

Psalm 30:5 (HCSB)
For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor, a lifetime. Weeping may spend the night, but there is joy in the morning.

Prayer:

Father God, I ask that You give Your people the grace that we need to be the people of God that You want us to be. Lord, by Your mercy may we experience the joy of obedience. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

--

Matthew 4:4 (HCSB)
⁴ But He answered, "It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."

Psalm 2:8 (HCSB)
⁸ Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance and the ends of the earth Your possession.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_December 2, 2014

Title: Are You Living Up to Your Purpose?

Text:

1 Peter 4:1-2 (HCSB)
¹ Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, equip yourselves also with the same resolve—because the one who suffered in the flesh has finished with sin— ² in order to live the remaining time in the flesh, no longer for human desires, but for God's will.

Observation:

A few days ago I woke up singing this song.

"I will sing of my Redeemer,
 And His wondrous love to me;
On the cruel cross He suffered,
 From the curse to set me free."

Then I read these challenging reflection questions from Oswald Chambers:

Reflection Questions: Do I use God to further my own interests or do I serve God to further His? Do I use the Bible to prove that I am right or to find out where I am wrong? Am I joyful to find out where I am wrong so I can be made right? 

This is what I want to deal with aggressively and do it today; not tomorrow, and I need to do it every day. The enemy of my soul is constantly on the attack seeking to devour me.

1 Peter 5:8 (HCSB)
Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.

O, Jesus, I am so glad You made it possible for me to sing this refrain.

"Sing, oh, sing of my Redeemer,
 With His blood He purchased me,
On the cross He sealed my pardon,
 Paid the debt, and made me free."

Prayer:

Father God, O the inexpressible joy of being able to sing, "I Am Redeemed". O, Father, sanctify Your people by Your mighty power.  Father, we long to be finished with sin. Father, we look up to You for the power to walk and talk in a manner that will glorify You.

Father, I thank You for making Your people free. Father, I want to live to do Your will. Lord, I am so thankful that my sin debt has been marked "Paid in Full". In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

My Song:

I Will Sing of My Redeemer

Source:

https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/305

--

Matthew 4:4 (HCSB)
⁴ But He answered, "It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."

Psalm 2:8 (HCSB)
⁸ Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance and the ends of the earth Your possession.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/