Daily Bread_April 30, 2014

Title: Have You Discovered the Source of  Inexhaustible Peace?

Text:

1 Peter 1:1-2 (HCSB)
¹ Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ: To the temporary residents dispersed in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, chosen ² according to the foreknowledge of God the Father and set apart by the Spirit for obedience and [for] sprinkling with the blood of Jesus Christ. May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

1 Peter 1:15 (HCSB)
But as the One who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct;

Observation:

The words "temporary residents" brings great joy and peace to my soul. It reminds me of the lyrics of an old gospel song written by Eddie Williams.

"I'm just a stranger here,
traveling through this barren land.
Lord, I know there's a building somewhere,
a building not made by hand."

The Bible says that God's people citizenship is in heaven.

Philippians 3:20 (HCSB)
but our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

O how beautiful is the thought of our salvation, and the blessed assurance of living forever in our heavenly home; in a home made by our Savior. Think about this precious promise of Jesus, and allow it to bring peace to your heart.

John 14:1-4 (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. ⁴ You know the way [to] where I am going."

The God who called you expects you to be holy as He is holy. What does it mean to be holy? To be holy is to be set apart by God's grace. Did you catch this, "We are set apart by the Holy Spirit for obedience". Yes, my brothers and my sisters, we can do this in the power of the Holy Spirit.

1 Peter 1:15 (HCSB)
But as the One who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct;

Prayer:

Holy Father, Almighty God, I ask that You help us by Your divine power; the Holy Spirit of God who lives in us, to be holy in all our conduct. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Isaiah 40:31 (HCSB)
but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint.

Song:

Lord Keep Me Day by Day – The Caravans with Albertina Walker

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryKP2HCDi_Y

--

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_April 29, 2014

Title: Are You Walking in the Pathway of Blessings?

Text:

Psalm 1:1-3 (ESV)
¹ Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; ² but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. ³ He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

Observation:

How you walk before God in the world matters. God desires to bless His people, but God's people must have the discernment to recognize and make right choices in life.

It is clear from the scriptures that not all paths lead to blessings. Here are three things to consider if you want to receive the blessings of the Lord.

1.       Don't walk in the counsel of the wicked.

2.       Don't stand in the way of sinners.

3.       Don't sit in the seat of scoffers.

There are three major problems with sin.

1.       Sin will always take you farther than you wanted to go.

2.       Sin will always keep you longer than you wanted to stay.

3.       Sin will always cost you more than you intended to pay.

So, we see that to have the blessed life you need discernment. However, the blessed life also means having delight. That delight and light comes from God's Word.

Psalm 1:2 (ESV)
but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.

The late Dwight L. Moody, Pastor of the historic Moody Bible Church of Chicago said this about God's Word.

"The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible".

Psalm 119:105 (ESV)
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

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

Prayer:

Father God, I thank You for the power of Your Word that will keep me from sin, and the power of the Holy Spirit that will give me discernment to know the way and to go the way that will result in being able to be blessed by You. Father, I pray that all of Your people will be fruitful and flourishing.

Father God, use Your Word in our lives to guide and guard our walk; to give us discernment, and delight our hearts. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Jeremiah 15:16 (ESV)
Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.

--

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_April 28, 2014

Title: Your Failures Are Not Final --- What Makes the Difference?

Text:

Acts 13:13 (HCSB)
Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. John, however, left them and went back to Jerusalem.

Acts 15:36-38 (HCSB)
³⁶ After some time had passed, Paul said to Barnabas, "Let's go back and visit the brothers in every town where we have preached the message of the Lord and see how they're doing." ³⁷ Barnabas wanted to take along John Mark. ³⁸ But Paul did not think it appropriate to take along this man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone on with them to the work.

Observation:

I am so glad that there are people that God places in our lives to help us when we falter and fail. Where would men like Mark be if there was not a Barnabas?  We all need encouragement, and the name Barnabas means son of encouragement.

The account of the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas is very instructive. It reminds us that you can disagree without being disagreeable. They did not quit on God. They regrouped, and went out in different directions for a season.

Acts 15:39-40 (HCSB)
³⁹ There was such a sharp disagreement that they parted company, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed off to Cyprus. ⁴⁰ Then Paul chose Silas and departed, after being commended to the grace of the Lord by the brothers.

This story has a happy ending; Mark and Paul were reunited. It's amazing how, when God is in it, that time can heal hurts and disappointments. God used Barnabas to encourage Mark, and Mark grew and matured. Later, Paul wrote this about Mark; which shows that one who was once a disappointment can later be useful.

Philemon 1:24 (HCSB)
Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my coworkers.

2 Timothy 4:11 (HCSB)
Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you, for he is useful to me in the ministry.

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I thank You that You are the God of second chances. Lord, where would we be without Your abundant and sufficient grace in our lives. Father, help us to extend grace to others. 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_April 25, 2014

Title: What is the Number One Thing in Your Life?

Text:

1 Corinthians 13:8-13 (HCSB)
⁸ Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for languages, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. ⁹ For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. ¹⁰ But when the perfect comes, the partial will come to an end. ¹¹ When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put aside childish things. ¹² For now we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, as I am fully known. ¹³ Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Observation:

The lyrics from the hymn, "Hold to God's Unchanging Hand" are ringing in my ears as I think about first things; the things that are eternal.

"Time is filled with swift transition,
Naught of earth unmoved can stand,
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God's unchanging hand."

Of all the things I could put in first place in my life, there is nothing that I would put before love. The reason for that is this.

1 John 4:8 (HCSB)
The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

Yes, God is love, and love is eternal. Love puts eternity into life, and love never fails. When everything has ceased, love will remain. I believe you ought to, "Build your hopes on things eternal".

John 10:28 (HCSB)
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish—ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand.

Why not put your life in the hands of God, and receive from Him the gift of eternal life; love never fails, and God is able to keep you in His grasp forever. Why don't you, "Hold to God's Unchanging Hand"?

http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Hold_to_Gods_Unchanging_Hand/midi/

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so grateful for the love of God; to be loved by God is beyond amazing; it is eternal. Father, I will never get over how much You love us, and sent Your only begotten Son to die for us. Father, I thank You for putting love and eternity into my life. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Romans 5:5 (HCSB)
This hope will not disappoint [us], because God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

--

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_April 24, 2014

Title: Does the Resurrected Jesus Live in You?

Text:

Romans 8:11 (HCSB)
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.

Colossians 3:1-4 (HCSB)
¹ So if you have been raised with the Messiah, seek what is above, where the Messiah is, seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your minds on what is above, not on what is on the earth. ³ For you have died, and your life is hidden with the Messiah in God. ⁴ When the Messiah, who is your life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.

Observation:

Paul asked a very thought provoking question in chapter 7.

Romans 7:24 (HCSB)
What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this dying body?

Paul was not alone in his description of being a dead man walking around with the appearance of being alive.

Ephesians 2:1-3 (HCSB)
¹ And you were dead in your trespasses and sins ² in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler who exercises authority over the lower heavens, the spirit now working in the disobedient. ³ We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also.

Paul gives the answer to his provoking question of Romans 7 in Romans 8. It is Jesus, and Jesus alone who can give us life; the only life worth having, and that is eternal life.

John 10:10 (HCSB)
A thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.

1 John 5:12 (HCSB)
The one who has the Son has life. The one who doesn't have the Son of God does not have life.

Is Jesus, the Son of God, fully alive in you?

Galatians 2:19-20 (HCSB)
¹⁹ For through the law I have died to the law, so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ ²⁰ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

I am so glad that Jesus paid in full my sin debt. Can you say, "His grace is sufficient for me". I am so glad that victory is mine because Jesus is alive, and because He lives I can face tomorrow fully alive in Jesus.

Romans 8:37 (HCSB)
No, in all these things we are more than victorious through Him who loved us.

Prayer:

Father, I pray that the life that You have given me will grow closer to You every day, and reflect more and more the life of Jesus. Father, my plea is for more of Jesus, and less of me. In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.

More about Jesus; in His Word,
Holding communion with my Lord;
Hearing His voice in every line,
Making each faithful saying mine.

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/382#ixzz2zo1oKY9e

--

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_April 23, 2014

Title: Is There Anything Too Difficult for God?

Text:

Joshua 10:6 (NLT)
The men of Gibeon quickly sent messengers to Joshua at his camp in Gilgal. "Don't abandon your servants now!" they pleaded. "Come at once! Save us! Help us! For all the Amorite kings who live in the hill country have joined forces to attack us."

Joshua 10:10 (NLT)
The Lord threw them into a panic, and the Israelites slaughtered great numbers of them at Gibeon. Then the Israelites chased the enemy along the road to Beth-horon, killing them all along the way to Azekah and Makkedah.

Observation:

Sometimes we get ourselves into some difficult places; we create lots of unnecessary confusion in our lives. The amazing thing about God is that He is a compassionate God; He is a God of abundant grace and mercy.

This is a battle that God's people should never have to fight. They made an alliance with the enemy they should have defeated.

God could have left His people to suffer the consequences of their disobedience. However, He gave them encouragement, and He gave them a great victory.

Joshua 10:8 (NLT)
"Do not be afraid of them," the Lord said to Joshua, "for I have given you victory over them. Not a single one of them will be able to stand up to you."

What giants are you facing in your life? Even if the mountains you are facing are of your own making, you are not without hope or help if you are a child of God. Your problems are God's raw material for miracles. Why not do what Joshua did; take your problems to God in prayer?

Joshua 10:12-13 (NLT)
¹² On the day the Lord gave the Israelites victory over the Amorites, Joshua prayed to the Lord in front of all the people of Israel. He said, "Let the sun stand still over Gibeon, and the moon over the valley of Aijalon." ¹³ So the sun stood still and the moon stayed in place until the nation of Israel had defeated its enemies. Is this event not recorded in The Book of Jashar? The sun stayed in the middle of the sky, and it did not set as on a normal day.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so grateful that nothing is too difficult for You. Father, I am so thankful that You are faithful, even when we are unfaithful. Father, thank You for the greatest victory; the victory provided by our Lord Jesus Christ on Calvary. 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_April 22, 2014

Title: How to Discern Truth from Error

Text:

1 John 4:1-6 (HCSB)
¹ Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to determine if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. ² This is how you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God. ³ But every spirit who does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist; you have heard that he is coming, and he is already in the world now. ⁴ You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. ⁵ They are from the world. Therefore what they say is from the world, and the world listens to them. ⁶ We are from God. Anyone who knows God listens to us; anyone who is not from God does not listen to us. From this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of deception.

Observation:

O how timely and timeless is the Word of God. If there was ever a time we needed to test the spirits, we surely need to in our time. Not everyone teaches the truth; there are many false teachers who, as the scripture says, have gone out into the world.

We are not alone in testing the spirits; God has given to His people those with special gifts to discern that which is true from that which is false.

1 Corinthians 12:10 (HCSB)
to another, the performing of miracles, to another, prophecy, to another, distinguishing between spirits, to another, different kinds of languages, to another, interpretation of languages.

1 Corinthians 14:29 (HCSB)
Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should evaluate.

Notice how the people of Berea tested the spirits.

Acts 17:11 (HCSB)
The people here were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, since they welcomed the message with eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.

You are not alone; you have the divine presence of the Spirit of God within you to help you in discerning the spirit of the world from the Spirit of God. The Word of God and the Spirit of God will help you to know the truth.

1 John 4:4 (HCSB)
You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, O how we thank You for Your divine presence in our lives. Father, without You we would be helpless and hopeless. Father, help us to know the Spirit of Truth from the spirit of deception. In the mighty name of Jesus we 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_April 21, 2014

Title: Do You Have the 3 Marks of a Disciple?

Text:

Matthew 28:19-20 (HCSB)
¹⁹ Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Observation:

God had big plans for Jesus, and Jesus has big plans for His followers. The life and ministry of Jesus was about others, and our lives should be about others.

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

What has Jesus sent His followers to do? Today, I want to focus on the assignment to make disciples of all nations. Here are 3 marks of a disciple.

John 8:31 (HCSB)
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, you really are My disciples.

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

John 15:8 (HCSB)
My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be My disciples.

How you doing making disciples? Remember you are not alone; Jesus made this promise, "I am with you always, to the end of the age." God has sent us on a mission, and He supplies the power to accomplish the mission. Let's go and grow for His glory.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, we are so grateful to be a part of Your work of making disciples; help us to look to You for the power to do it.  In the mighty name of Jesus we 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_April 18, 2014

Title: Are There Any Witnesses That Will Say That Jesus is Alive?

Text:

1 Corinthians 15:1-8 (HCSB)
¹ Now brothers, I want to clarify for you the gospel I proclaimed to you; you received it and have taken your stand on it. ² You are also saved by it, if you hold to the message I proclaimed to you—unless you believed for no purpose. 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, ⁵ and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve. ⁶ Then He appeared to over 500 brothers at one time; most of them are still alive, but some have fallen asleep. ⁷ Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles. ⁸ Last of all, as to one abnormally born, He also appeared to me.

Observation:

What is better in discerning things that are spiritual; your eyes or your faith? Everyone exercises faith in their daily life; however, the object of faith varies. What or who is the object of your faith?

Hebrews 11:1-2 (HCSB)
¹ Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. ² For our ancestors won God's approval by it.

Hebrews 11:6 (HCSB)
Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him.

This is Holy Week for the community of faith. For Christ followers every day is a day to celebrate the work of the Lord Jesus Christ; every day is a day to proclaim the gospel message. I am so glad that Jesus is alive, and that He is real. The hymn writer captures my thoughts in this song.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/503#ixzz2zCQduLEo

Have a "Good Friday" and a "Happy Resurrection Sunday". He is risen! He is risen indeed!

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I delight to associate myself with people of faith who declare that God is not dead, and that Jesus is alive. Father, I am so thankful that Jesus lives today, and that He lives in my heart. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

1 Corinthians 15:56-58 (HCSB)
⁵⁶ Now the sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. ⁵⁷ But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! ⁵⁸ Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord's work, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

--

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_April 17, 2014

Title: The Blessings of Being a Faithful Servant

Text:

Psalm 92:10-15 (KJV)
¹⁰ But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil. ¹¹ Mine eye also shall see my desire on mine enemies, and mine ears shall hear my desire of the wicked that rise up against me. ¹² The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. ¹³ Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. ¹⁴ They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; ¹⁵ To shew that the Lord is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.

Observation:

Where did the years go? I find myself being able to identify with the Psalmist when he said these words in another Psalm.

Psalm 37:25 (KJV)
I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

Psalm 92 has been such a blessing to me. It's a message that both the old and the young can benefit from.

The Lord can use you all of the days of your life. In living for Christ and doing what you can you can be fresh.

Psalm 92:10 (KJV)
But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil.

The lives of seniors can flourish as they serve the Lord with what they have.  They can bloom where the Lord has planted them.

Psalm 92:12-13 (KJV)
¹² The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. ¹³ Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.

They can also be fruitful as they serve the Lord with the strength that He provides.

Psalm 92:14 (KJV)
They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing.

The last thing is that they can be faithful. Instead of complaining in their old age, they are praising the Lord. It's amazing what you can do at any age if you are faithful and grateful.

Psalm 92:15 (KJV)
To shew that the Lord is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so grateful that You use Your people all of the days of their life. Father, I pray that seniors will be willing to do what they can, and the Church will welcome their service. 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_April 16, 2014

Title: Our Suffering Compared to Our Hope

Text:

Romans 8:18 (HCSB)
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.

Observation:

I am so glad that as a child of God that our suffering does not define us or determine our destiny. Suffering do not negate the hope that we have in Jesus. Notice what Paul says about our suffering and our hope. When he considered, which is "to calculate, to reach a settled conclusion by reasoning and study" he came to this conclusion.

2 Corinthians 4:17 (HCSB)
For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory.

Paul is giving us a path to follow for overcoming the troubles that we encounter in this world. Jesus never promised that life would be easy, but he did promise this.

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."

And the Apostle Paul reminds us to never forget this truth.

Romans 8:28 (HCSB)
We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.

Let's keep our focus in the place where it can do us the most good. Let's keep our eyes upon Jesus, and His promises found in the Word of God.

Hebrews 12:2 (HCSB)
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.

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.

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so grateful that You have not left us in this world to fight the battle alone. Father, You have provided us with a comforter and a helper; the Holy Spirit of God.

Father God, as we pray, watch and wait, help us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Father, as we consider our troubles and our hope help us to remember to look up to Jesus, and draw from within from the power of the Holy Spirit to keep on keeping on. In the mighty name of Jesus we 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_April 15, 2014

Title: Living With Thanksgiving for Things That Are Eternal

Text:

Psalm 92:5-9 (HCSB)
⁵ How magnificent are Your works, Lord, how profound Your thoughts! ⁶ A stupid person does not know, a fool does not understand this: ⁷ though the wicked sprout like grass and all evildoers flourish, they will be eternally destroyed. ⁸ But You, Lord, are exalted forever. ⁹ For indeed, Lord, Your enemies— indeed, Your enemies will perish; all evildoers will be scattered.

Observation:

This week is one of the most important in the Christian Church, and in the lives of Christians in the entire world. It is knows as Passion Week or Holy Week.

It reminds us who are believers of the price that was paid so that we could have eternal life through Jesus Christ the Son of God; the Messiah of God.

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.

John 3:16 (HCSB)
"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.

It is good not only this week, but every week to thank God that we have eternal life; not just once a week but everyday should be a day of thanksgiving, and thanksliving.

Psalm 92:1 (HCSB)
It is good to praise Yahweh, to sing praise to Your name, Most High,

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so grateful for the gift of eternal life. Father, I pray that my walk will be consistent with my talk. Father, I pray that my life will daily be one of thanksgiving and thanksliving. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Living for Jesus who died in my place,
Bearing on Calvary my sin and disgrace;
Such love constrains me to answer His call,
Follow His leading and give Him my all.

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/456#ixzz2yx4JyG8U

--

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_April 14, 2014

Title: How Are You Doing in Being Grateful?

Text:

Psalm 92:1-4 (HCSB)
¹ It is good to praise Yahweh, to sing praise to Your name, Most High, ² to declare Your faithful love in the morning and Your faithfulness at night, ³ with a ten-stringed harp and the music of a lyre. ⁴ For You have made me rejoice, Lord, by what You have done; I will shout for joy because of the works of Your hands.

Observation:

What a joy it is to wake up this morning being clothed in my right mind with a reasonable portion of health and strength. When I listen to the chatter in the market place I get the idea that I am in the poorest nation on the face of the earth. Whatever happened to being grateful for what you have?

O how blessed we would be if we had an attitude of gratitude every day. Sometimes we just need to take the time to count our blessings. It's a shame that we take so many things for granted.

My pastor often prays a prayer similar to this, "Praise the Lord in the morning, praise Him at noon day, praise Him in the evening; praise the Lord all the daylong".  Yes, there are some things that never grow old.

1 Chronicles 16:8-10 (HCSB)
⁸ Give thanks to Yahweh; call on His name; proclaim His deeds among the peoples. ⁹ Sing to Him; sing praise to Him; tell about all His wonderful works! ¹⁰ Honor His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek Yahweh rejoice.

Prayer:

Father God, I praise and thank You for my blessings. Father, by faith, I look forward to what You are going to do today.

Then, at the close of the day I will look back, and in gratitude, I will thank You for Your lovingkindness and faithfulness. Father, help us to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. 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_April 11, 2014

Title: Does The Word of God Work in You?

Text:

1 Thessalonians 2:13 (HCSB)
This is why we constantly thank God, because when you received the message about God that you heard from us, you welcomed it not as a human message, but as it truly is, the message of God, which also works effectively in you believers.

Observation:

Let me go on record as saying yes I believe the Word of God works because it works in me. The key is that you must read it and receive it into your heart. To work in you it must be in you.

Psalm 119:11 (HCSB)
I have treasured Your word in my heart so that I may not sin against You.

When you receive God’s Word into your heart you are in good hands. You will be amazed at the changes that will take place in you when God begins His work. God is not like man, He finishes what He starts.

Philippians 1:6 (HCSB)
I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

The members of the church at Thessalonica had a high view of scripture; they viewed it not as a human message, but as it truly is, the message of God. It worked in their lives effectively, and it still works effectively in the lives of God’s people who read it, receive it, and heed it.

Psalm 119:105 (HCSB)
Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.

Isaiah 40:8 (HCSB)
The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of our God remains forever.”

This is my invitation to you; open your heart to God and His Word.

Psalm 34:8 (NLT)
Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!

Prayer:

Father God, I am so thankful for the Word of God and for the blessing it is in the lives of those who receive it. Father, I ask You to stir within us a burning desire to taste and see that the Word of God is good for us, and that it works.  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_April 10, 2014

Title: The Promise of Unhindered Access to God

Text:

Luke 18:1-8 (HCSB)
¹ He then told them a parable on the need for them to pray always and not become discouraged: ² "There was a judge in a certain town who didn't fear God or respect man. ³ And a widow in that town kept coming to him, saying, 'Give me justice against my adversary.' ⁴ "For a while he was unwilling, but later he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or respect man, ⁵ yet because this widow keeps pestering me, I will give her justice, so she doesn't wear me out by her persistent coming.'" ⁶ Then the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. ⁷ Will not God grant justice to His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He delay ⌊to help⌋ them? ⁸ I tell you that He will swiftly grant them justice. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find that faith on earth?"

Observation:

This statement "Keep pushing" captured my attention yesterday. It planted the seed for today's topic.

It reminded me of this acronym:

Pray

Until

Something

Happens

When you think about your needs; who do you go to for help; the unjust judge who fears neither God or man, or the heavenly Father who so loves the world; even you and me.

I am so glad that I know a God who loves me supremely, and who is holy and just in all His ways. He is so good and gracious in all His ways. He is a God that never grows weary of His children coming to Him in continuous and confident prayer. Here is what I know about Him and His provisions for His children.

Romans 5:1-2 (HCSB)
¹ Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. ² We have also obtained access through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

Notice the promise in the above passage that God's people have peace with God, and access to God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Now, here is how we can claim this precious promise.

Luke 11:9-10 (HCSB)
⁹ "So I say to you, keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you. ¹⁰ For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Join me as we PUSH our needs up to God in prayer; and in faith, watch and wait on Him to send us showers of blessing. Ask the Lord for what you need.

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so grateful to You for the promises and provisions that You give to Your people. Father, I welcome the invitation to "Keep on asking" for Your help in prayer. Father, I ask You to increase my faith and confidence in You. 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_April 9, 2014

Title: How Believers Should Relate to Enemies

Text:

Romans 12:17 (HCSB)
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Try to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes.

Observation:

You cannot escape evil in this world. However, Christ followers should resist the urge to pay back in kind the evil done to you. In fact you can expect evil directed toward you by some people because you are a Christ follower. The Bible says:

2 Timothy 3:12 (HCSB)
In fact, all those who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

The Apostle Paul admonishes us, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil”. That is our high calling as Christ followers. The Apostle Peter had a similar message.

1 Peter 3:9 (HCSB)
not paying back evil for evil or insult for insult but, on the contrary, giving a blessing, since you were called for this, so that you can inherit a blessing.

This teaching by Paul and Peter was what Jesus taught them; it’s the best way, it is God’s way. It’s not an easy way, but the blessings make the journey worth the effort.

Matthew 5:39 (HCSB)
But I tell you, don’t resist an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.

The best place for our enemies and evil people is in the hands of the Lord. I am so aware that I never know the whole story. My responsibility is to do the part that I can control, and leave the rest in the hands of the Lord.

Romans 12:18 (NLT)
Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

Our privilege is to do the will of God; that is the pathway to living a godly life, a life that will bless others, and be a blessing to you.

Prayer:

Father God, we know that it is impossible to get through life in this world without some people not liking who we are, and what we do. Father, as much as it depends upon us, give Your people the grace to live godly and fruitful lives for our own good, and for Your glory. 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_April 8, 2014

Title: What Do Others See When They Observe Your Walk?

Text:

Ephesians 4:1-6 (KJV)
¹ I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, ² With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; ³ Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ⁴ There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; ⁵ One Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶ One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Observation:

The enemy’s goal is to create disunity in the Body of Christ. Conversely, God’s goal is for His people to walk in unity. Who is winning the battle in your walk?

We have to make an effort to have unity, and that requires being aware and alert. We need to shut the door to keep out the deceiver and the destroyer of unity.

Ephesians 4:27 (KJV)
Neither give place to the devil.

Satan uses us to divide one another. He does this by tempting us to assert our preferences as demands for others to be like us. Satan tells the big lie that unity requires uniformity. However, the God who made us different in the first birth has made us one in the second birth.

Diversity is a good thing when Christ lives in you. Why not let others see Jesus in you. Demonstrate in your walk and talk that you belong to Christ, and that He belongs to you.

Galatians 3:28 (KJV)
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

It takes effort, patience and humility for people who are different to walk in unity. If you will humble yourself, God will exalt you. He did it for Jesus; let’s make every effort to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. Let’s put to death disunity among those who are in Christ.

Philippians 2:8-9 (KJV)
⁸ And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. ⁹ Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

How are you doing in endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace? If God expects us to do it, He will provide the means to do it.

John 13:35 (KJV)
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Ephesians 4:1 (KJV)
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I ask that You help all of us to align our walk and our talk with the example of Your Son and our Savior. Father, when You look at us, may You see Your people walking in unity. 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/