Daily Bread_October 31, 2014

Title: The Rx for Worry Free Living

Text:

Luke 12:22-26 (ESV)
²² And he said to his disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. ²³ For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. ²⁴ Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! ²⁵ And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? ²⁶ If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?

Observation:

Worry results when our lives get out of balance; the result being a divided heart. Worry can be debilitating; it will tear you apart. The divided heart is looking to the future without Christ. Hope is not beyond the reach of prayer. Why worry and fret about a future without hope when help is just a prayer away? Here is how to stay centered, and avoid worry.

Luke 12:31 (NLT)
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.

There is power and provisions in putting Christ first in our lives, and trusting in the Lord with our whole heart.

Psalm 86:11 (ESV)
Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.

Do you know the God of hope? Those who trust in Him wholly find Him to be wholly trustworthy. I found a hope that never fails; I highly recommend Him to you.

Romans 15:13 (ESV)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, my dear Father, I am so grateful that You are the God of hope, and that nothing is too difficult for You.  Father, I thank You for being a burden lifter, and a blessing sender. Lord, I thank You for blessing me beyond my highest expectation. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

I'm possessed of a hope that is steadfast and sure,
    Since Jesus came into my heart!
And no dark clouds of doubt now my pathway obscure,
    Since Jesus came into my heart!

Source: https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/309

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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_October 30, 2014

Title: Do You Know the Living One?

Text:

Revelation 1:18 (KJV)
I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

Observation:

Today our focus is on the Living One. In the book of Revelation, Jesus has many names; one of those names is the Living One.

There are many things that people have to fear in these trying times. One of the greatest fears is death. However, the Living One has taken care of that enemy.

1 Corinthians 15:55-57 (KJV)
⁵⁵ O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? ⁵⁶ The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. ⁵⁷ But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus, the Living One, has conquered death. We who know Jesus as Savior never have to fear the future because of what Jesus did on the cross at Calvary. Moreover, what he did on the third day after they laid him in the grave, seals the deal. Death has been defeated. Because Jesus lives forever, we shall live forever. You can endure anything if you remember this promise.

Revelation 21:4 (HCSB)
⁴ He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will no longer exist; grief, crying, and pain will exist no longer, because the previous things have passed away.

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so thankful for the privilege of knowing You, and because of Your love and provisions, I don't have to fear anything. Father, I thank You for giving us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

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: https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/503

--

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_October 29, 2014

Title: How Strong Is Your Hope for the Future?

Text:

Psalm 27:13-14 (ESV)
¹³ I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! ¹⁴ Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

Observation:

I recently read a penetrating question from the writings of Oswald Chambers asking the readers to reflect upon this question.

"Is my hope strong enough to wait on God or must I always jump in to "help" Him? Do I have enough hope in God to not do anything even though it seems as if something must be done?"

How strong is your hope? How patient are you? How big is your God? How confident is your hope?  When I reflect upon these questions, I am encouraged by the promises that I find in the Word of God. My hope is in God.

I don't have answers for every question about the future. However, I have confidence in my God who holds the future in His hands. So, my hope is strong because my God is strong. Therefore, I can say with the hymn writer.

"His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches over you and me".

Instead of taking things into my hands, I am learning it is far better to leave things in the hands of the Lord.

Psalm 37:7 (ESV)
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!

Psalm 40:1 (ESV)
I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, the greatest desire of my heart is to be pleasing in Your eyes. Father, I thank You for giving me the gift of faith that enables me to recognize and receive You into my life. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Hebrews 11:6 (ESV)
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

My Soul Sings:

I Waited for the Lord - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAc0QaUaDZ0

 

 

--

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_October 28, 2014

Title: By What Power Are You Walking?

Text:

Galatians 5:16-18 (ESV)
¹⁶ But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. ¹⁸ But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Observation:

It is not easy to live the Christian life in a fallen world. None of us is able to keep the law. This is what the Bible says about the law and faith.

Galatians 3:11 (ESV)
Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for "The righteous shall live by faith."

Galatians 3:24 (ESV)
So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.

O, I am so thankful that I don't have to walk in this world alone; I am so grateful for a God who knows my name; that He walks with me, and talks with me, and tells me that I belong to Him. Yes, life is hard down here, but God is good, and He is good all the time.

In life there are blessings, but with every blessing there is a burden that someone had to bear. The ultimate example of this is the burden that Jesus bore for our redemption. He died so that we might have life, and have it more abundantly.

Yes, you will have bumps on the pathway of walking with Jesus, but you have the blessed assurance that you never have to walk alone. So, by faith, determine to walk with Jesus every step of the way. He will turn those bumps in the road into stepping stones to your destiny. What the enemy intended to destroy you, God will use to deliver you.

Galatians 5:25 (ESV)
If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so thankful that You sent Jesus who took our burdens so that we might have the blessing of being Your adopted sons and daughters. Father God, I am so thankful for the mighty work of the triune God in the lives of Your people.

Father, I pray for the faith to surrender every ounce of my will to Thy will. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

My soul sings:

Jessy Dixon – I Can't Even Walk Without You Holding My Hands

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4JFCHcbqEE

--

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_October 27, 2014

Title: Why Prayer Should Be As Normal As Breathing

Text:

Matthew 6:5-6 (HCSB)
⁵ "Whenever you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by people. I assure you: They've got their reward! ⁶ But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Observation:

Jesus taught his disciples that prayer is a matter between a person and God. The motive for prayer is to communicate with God. The Pharisees motive in prayer was to put the focus of people upon their personal righteousness. There is a place for public prayer. Jesus said, "My house shall be a house of prayer". However, today my focus is on private prayer.

The focus of the child of God should be to get alone with God, and worship him in the beauty of his holiness. The unseen God will see you, and he will reward your secret and sincere prayer.

John 1:18 (HCSB)
No one has ever seen God. The One and Only Son— the One who is at the Father's side— He has revealed Him.

1 Timothy 1:17 (HCSB)
Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, Abba, Father, I stand amazed in the quietness of this holy hour to be able have an audience with the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ. What an awesome thing it is to know that the Father of Jesus is also my heavenly Father. The one who knew Jesus knows me, and loves me.

Father, I am so thankful that you listen to the prayers of those who listen to the words of your Son. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (HCSB)
Pray constantly.

--

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_October 24, 2014

Title: Have You Experienced the Fruit of Being Grateful?

Text:

Ephesians 1:16 (ESV)
I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,

Observation:

There is so much power in saying these two words to a person, "Thank you".  Try saying them, and see how much it blesses the person you say them to, and how much you are blessed.

Colossians 1:3 (ESV)
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,

Colossians 4:2 (ESV)
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

So, let's determine to make being thankful a vital part of our prayers, and a part of the way we communicate and connect with God and with one another. It's not only a good thing to do; it's the Godly thing to do. You can start by saying thank you with a grateful heart. Don't just be grateful to God; be grateful to others.

Colossians 3:17 (ESV)
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I pray for a mighty work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Your people to do a work of grace within each of us. Father, I pray that the love that abides within us will overflow to touch the lives of others. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

 Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

--

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_October 23, 2014

Title: Looking Forward to a Bright Future

Text:

Psalm 37:23-24 (HCSB)
²³ A man's steps are established by the Lord, and He takes pleasure in his way. ²⁴ Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, because the Lord holds his hand.

Observation:

The choice words for today are "God's way". This is the only way that will get you safely to the place that the bible calls heaven. Who could mind the journey if the road leads to the Father's house? This is what Jesus said about God's people eternal dwelling place.

John 14:2-6 (HCSB)
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." ⁵ "Lord," Thomas said, "we don't know where You're going. How can we know the way?" ⁶ Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

If you are a Christ follower, don't make a single step on your journey without seeking the will and the way of God. If you delight in the Lord, he will direct your path, and if you trust in him, and follow him, Jesus will surely deliver you to his Father's home. Remember, all roads do not lead home.

Proverbs 12:28 (HCSB)
There is life in the path of righteousness, but another path leads to death.

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I praise and thank you for the solid rock that is Jesus, and that I can trust in Him with my whole heart, and know that I will arrive safely at Your home. Father, I have decided to follow Jesus, and I have come too far to turn around now. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

"There's a land that is fairer than day,
And by faith we can see it afar;
For the Father waits over the way
To prepare us a dwelling place there."

                Sanford Bennett, "In the Sweet By and By"

--

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_October 22, 2014

Title: How Much Do You Value Prayer?

Text:

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—

Observation:

I still have prayer on my heart. There are so many problems in this world. However, they are not all over there, but many of them are with our loved ones; our family and friends. This week has presented opportunities to intercede for some of you. I encourage you to continue asking others who value prayer to pray for you. Not everyone first instinct is prayer.

When you have trials and troubles in your life where do you turn for help? Do you complain to your family and friends? Do you wear them out with your crying and complaining? Why not do like the hymn writer of our featured song for today? Why not tell your troubles to Jesus? You will find others willing to join you in prayer. Why worry when you can pray?

2 Thessalonians 3:5 (ESV)
May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.

Prayer:

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. Father, I am so grateful for those who pray for me. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray for others, and myself, Amen.

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

My Soul Sings:

I must tell Jesus all of my trials;
I cannot bear these burdens alone;
In my distress He kindly will help me;
He ever loves and cares for His own.

Source: https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/787

--

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_October 21, 2014

Title: Who Do You Go to for Justice?

Text:

Luke 18:1-8 (ESV)
¹ And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. ² He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. ³ And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, 'Give me justice against my adversary.' ⁴ For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, 'Though I neither fear God nor respect man, ⁵ yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.'" ⁶ And the Lord said, "Hear what the unrighteous judge says. ⁷ And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? ⁸ I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"

Observation:

When Jesus told a parable He did it for a specific purpose, and He discloses the purpose of this parable in the first verse; when you pray you should not lose heart.

This woman went to the unjust judge to get justice. In the beginning he was unwilling to help her, but after her refusal to take no for an answer; he relented and granted her justice just to get her out of his courtroom.

What a lesson we can learn from this parable about the object of our prayer; the Lord, and the knowledge that when we go to Him, we have the assurance that He will hear and answer our prayers. We don't need to argue for our cares; we have an advocate.

1 John 2:1 (ESV)
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

Not only do we have an advocate, but we have an advocate that we have access to.

Romans 5:2 (ESV)
Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so glad that Your children can call You "Our Father", and know with assurance that we have access to Your throne room of grace. Father, help us to never forget how much You love us.

Luke 18:7-8 (ESV)
⁷ And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? ⁸ I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"

Father God, I am so grateful that I have a God in whom I have confidence; a faith that will never lose hope. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus Christ, my righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.

Source: https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/298

--

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_October 20, 2014

Title:  One Essential Characteristic of a Friend

Text:

Proverbs 27:5-6 (ESV)
⁵ Better is open rebuke than hidden love. ⁶ Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

Observation:

This Proverb presents a contrast between the actions of an enemy and a friend. The goal of the enemy is to hurt you, and the friend wants to help you.

Proverbs 17:17 (NLT)
A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.

A friend will tell you the truth, and sometimes the truth will wound you, and wounds may hurt for awhile, but they will help you in the long run. The friend will tell you the truth, but they will do it in love.

Ephesians 4:15 (ESV)
Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,

Would you like to have friends who have this quality? Why not take the initiative, and be a friend who has this essential characteristic of friendship.

Proverbs 18:24 (NLT)
There are "friends" who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.

Prayer:

Father God, I pray that You will give each of us the faith to release the love that is within us to love others as You have loved us. Lord, help us to speak truth into their lives gently and lovingly. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Proverbs 27:17 (NLT)
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

--

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_October 17, 2014

Title: How Are You Doing in Your Role As Ambassador for Christ?

Text:

John 17:18 (ESV)
As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.

Observation:

What an awesome privilege it is to represent your country in a foreign land; to be an ambassador for the Government. However, there is a greater privilege for the people of God, and that is to be an ambassador for Christ. That is our mission; that is our calling.

2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV)
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

Jesus has already done the heavy lifting to make it possible for you to fulfill His calling upon your life to be His ambassador.

Ephesians 2:8-10 (ESV)
⁸ For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, ⁹ not a result of works, so that no one may boast. ¹⁰ For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Notice the people and the environment of our mission field.  It's a difficult and sometimes dangerous assignment. However, remember what comes after "but". But God, who is rich in mercy … (Eph 2.4a).

Ephesians 2:1-3 (ESV)
¹ And you were dead in the trespasses and sins ² in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— ³ among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I pray that You would stir the hearts of Your people; convict our hearts until we are willing through faith and obedience learn to lean hard on You so that we can walk in the footsteps of Jesus. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

1 Peter 2:21 (ESV)
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.

--

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_October 16, 2014

Title: Have You Considered Prayer As An Occupation?

Text:

Psalm 34:17 (ESV)
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.

James 5:13-18 (ESV)
¹³ Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. ¹⁴ Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. ¹⁵ And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. ¹⁶ Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. ¹⁷ Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. ¹⁸ Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.

Observation:

Just before getting out of bed to come to my desk this morning I read an email on my phone from one of the subscribers to my email listing for this devotional. It was from a woman who was suffering because of sickness in her body.

She asked me to pray for her, and she cited a portion of a verse from James 5:16, "The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working".

What authority and what basis do I have to make prayer my occupation? How can anyone claim to be righteous?

1 John 2:2 (ESV)
He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

God has given us the means, through the finished work of Jesus, to be people who are able to engage in prayer; all types of prayer.

Notice what Jesus said about prayer.

John 14:12 (ESV)
"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.

Oswald Chambers says, "Prayer does not fit us for the greater works; prayer is the greater work". Nothing is beyond the reach of prayer. Prayer works; let us pray.

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so blessed to be able to come into Your presence, and ask for divine favor in the lives of those who have asked me to pray for them. Father, for the sick I ask for restoration of divine health. Father, I plead for each of those You have placed on my heart; mercy suites our case. 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_October 15, 2014

Title: Do You Know How to Have Joy in the Season of Trials and Trouble?

Text:

Psalm 107:21-22 (ESV)
²¹ Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! ²² And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, and tell of his deeds in songs of joy!

Observation:

I have a difficult time getting my mind around the concept of having joy in the midst of my trials and troubles.

A light came on for me with an illustration that my pastor used in making a different point in his sermon this week. This is my version of the illustration. A scientist and a saint were walking through life; the scientist walked by facts, and the saint walked by faith. The scientist was successful walking his way, and the saint was successful walking his way.

But, they came to a river of trouble; a Red Sea type of problem. Let me paint for you what they were facing. I will do this through a verse of a song sung by those who walked by faith. It was there offering of the sacrifice of thanksgiving for what the Lord did for them in their season of trouble.

Psalm 136:13-15 (ESV)
¹³ to him who divided the Red Sea in two, for his steadfast love endures forever; ¹⁴ and made Israel pass through the midst of it, for his steadfast love endures forever; ¹⁵ but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea, for his steadfast love endures forever;

When facts are not enough; faith in God will see you through a river of trials and trouble. In whatever you face, you can always rejoice in the Lord. When the scientist has no answers; God is a present help in the time of trouble; nothing is too difficult for Him. Get in the praise mode; offer up to God your sacrifice of thanksgiving, and get ready for your deliverance. Don't you know, by faith, God is able?

Philippians 4:4 (ESV)
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

Prayer:

Father God, I am so glad that I may not be able to rejoice in my trials and trouble, but I can always rejoice in the Lord, the God of my salvation. Father, I trust You with my whole heart. Father, I offer up to You my sacrifice of thanksgiving. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Luke 1:37 (ESV)
For nothing will be impossible with 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_October 14, 2014

Title: What Foundation Are You Building Your Life Upon?

Text:

Psalm 115:1-3 (ESV)
¹ Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! ² Why should the nations say, "Where is their God?" ³ Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.

Observation:

Everyone builds their life upon something or somebody. I can't think of a more important question to ask than the one prompted in my heart when I read this verse today.

Psalm 115:3 (ESV)
Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.

Why is this question so important? I'll let the Word of God speak, and I will take the position of another servant of God; I will shut my mouth, and open my heart and my ears.

1 Samuel 3:10 (ESV)
And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant hears."

Hear what the Word of God says about the gods of this world:

Psalm 115:4-8 (ESV)
⁴ Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. ⁵ They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see. ⁶ They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell. ⁷ They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat. ⁸ Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them.

Who are you listening to? What foundation are you building your life upon? All foundations are not equal; some are rock, and some are sinking sand.

Now, hear what the Word of God says about the God who is in heaven:

Psalm 135:6 (ESV)
Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps.

Isaiah 46:10 (ESV)
declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,'

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, Sovereign Lord, my dear Father, I am so thankful that I have seen the light, and that I have put my trust in You. I am so please that You choose to adopt as sons and daughters all of those who come to You through the door You have provided.

John 10:9 (ESV)
I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.

Father God, thank You for sending to us Jesus; the one who spoke these words of love, and of hope; a hope that is steadfast and sure.

Father God, may Your name be exalted on earth as it is in heaven. Not my will, but Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 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_October 13, 2014

Title: How Do See Yourself?

Text:

John 4:23-24 (ESV)
²³ But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. ²⁴ God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."

Observation:

How you see yourself makes all the difference in the world. Do you see yourself through the eyes of others? O, so many are limited by what others think of them. Is that your situation?

It does not have to be that way. There is one that knows you better than any other person. Tell me, who is that person? I'm glad you asked; it is your Maker. Yes, I believe He can, but how could I ever get an audience with Him? Here's how; a personal invitation from your Maker.

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."

Are you ready for major changes in your life? Do you want things to change in you, but you are facing a wall of problems disguised as being mission impossible? If so, I got news for you; God specializes in doing things that no other power can do; in His hands problems are the raw materials for a miracle. Why not put your life and your cares in the hands of your Maker? He invites you to do just that.

1 Peter 5:6-7 (ESV)
⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, ⁷ casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so grateful for the invitation that You give to each of us to come to You. Lord, there is no place I would rather be then in Your presence; and to know that it is where You want us is just amazing.  Lord, I come. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Psalm 95:6 (ESV)
Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!

Fully surrendered—Lord, I am Thine;
Fully surrendered, Savior divine!
  Live Thou Thy life in me;
  All fullness dwells in Thee;
  Not I, but Christ in me,
    Christ all in all.

Source: https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/442

--

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_October 10, 2014

Title: The 4 Things We Need More of in Our Daily Walk

Text:

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (ESV)
¹³ But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. ¹⁴ For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. ¹⁵ For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. ¹⁶ For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. ¹⁸ Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Observation:

We started this series on Tuesday asking this question, "What Do You Need to Do More of to Please God?

I came across a quote recently by Leo Babauta that fits in well as we conclude this series.

"At the end of the day, the questions we ask of ourselves determine the type of people that we will become."

Think about what Paul said in this verse.

1 Thessalonians 4:1 (ESV)
Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.

Paul admonished and encouraged the recipients of his letter to continue to do what they were already doing, but to do it more and more. He urged them to walk and to please God more and more in the areas of holiness, love, quietness, and hope.

These are the very things he commended them earlier in his letter to them that they were already doing.

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 (ESV)
² We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, ³ remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer:

Father God, Our dear Father, I am so glad for the enduring truth of the Word of God. Father, I am so thankful that what was true then is still true today. Father, I pray that You will find us faithful in the things that are eternal; in faith, hope, and love. 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/