Daily Bread_November 26, 2014

Title: How to Have Joy and Peace Every Day

Text:

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)
¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray without ceasing, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Observation:

There is nothing more powerful than being in the presence of God. If Jesus found it necessary to keep in close communion with the Father in heaven, how much more do we need to be in His presence; Lord, I need thee, O how I need thee.

James 4:8 (ESV)
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

One of the best ways for us to stay in the presence of God is to learn to have a continuing attitude of gratitude. Consider what a positive attitude and powerful influence you would have if you learned to "give thanks in all circumstances".

When you are continuous in the presence of God with a continuing attitude of gratitude some amazing things happen in your life. You begin to "pray without ceasing". Praise and thanksgiving are the foundation of an effective prayer life. When you pray, worry and complaining have no place in your life; when you pray they have to leave.

God will also give you joy and peace when you live in His presence, and when you "give thanks in all circumstances".

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.

Have a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving. I will be back on Monday, December 1. Let's give thanks every day, and have joy and peace every day. God is able; are you willing to trust Him?

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I pray that You would draw Your people into a closer and continuous walk with You. Father, surely we need Your presence and power every minute of every day. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

"Thou my everlasting Portion,

More than friend or life to me,

All along my pilgrim journey,

Savior, let me walk with Thee.

Close to Thee, close to Thee,

Close to Thee, close to Thee;

All along my pilgrim journey,

 Savior, let me walk with Thee."

Source: https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/386

--

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_November 25, 2014

Title: Why Are You So Happy?

Text:

Romans 5:1-5 (ESV)
¹ Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. ² 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. 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.

Observation:

When we look at our communities and the world you might have what you consider to be reasons to be disappointed and discouraged about the future. Is there any reason why anyone living in today's world should be able to say that they are happy?

Let me ask another question. Have you been redeemed by the precious and royal blood of Jesus? How you answer that question makes a huge difference in how you answer the title question of today's meditation.

Today, I have been led to think and write about the blessings of those who have been justified by faith; those who have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Read the above text slowly, thoughtfully, prayerfully, and repeatedly; allow it to penetrate your innermost being. There are blessings for the present, and heaven for the future. This will stir within you and attitude of gratitude.

How can I not be happy when God's Word says that even my trials work for me? What a blessing; how rich we are; O the blessing of being a child of God.

John 3:36 (ESV)
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

The lyrics of Charles P. Jones are speaking into and blessing my heart.

"When nothing but death for my ransom could pay,
And make me accepted with God,
'Twas Jesus who freely Himself made a prey
And ransomed my soul with His blood."

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so thankful for all of my blessings. What comfort it gives to me deep down in my soul to know that You are working in my trials and troubles to make me rich in the things that will last forever. Father, I am so blessed to be able to sing, "I'm Happy With Jesus Alone". In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

The chorus to the Charles P. Jones song:

"I'm happy with Jesus alone,
I'm happy with Jesus alone;
Though poor and deserted, thank God, I can say,
I'm happy in Jesus alone."

--

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_November 24, 2014

Title: How Connected Are You to God?

Text:

Philippians 3:7-8 (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

Observation:

Today's topic grips my heart; it penetrates the depths of my soul. Notice what the Apostle Paul was willing to surrender in order to know Christ.

What does surrender look like? Have you reached the point in your life where you can agree to what Paul said? For him, this is what total surrender looks like.

Philippians 1:21 (ESV)
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

So, Paul makes this appeal to God's people; what he said to them, he says to you.

Romans 12:1 (ESV)
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.

Romans 6:13 (ESV)
Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.

Prayer:

Father God, for the sake of knowing Christ, I am willing to surrender my all to Jesus. Father, nothing I have is worth having without the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Father, I want to know You more intimately, love You more dearly, and serve You more faithfully.

Father, order my steps so that I might know more of You, and do more for the advancement of the kingdom of God. Father, I pray that the power of the Blessor may fall on Your people today. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

"All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall on me."

Source: https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/441

--

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_November 21, 2014

Title: Do You Need Help? - - The Lord is Waiting to Hear from You

Text:

Isaiah 30:15-18 (ESV)
¹⁵ For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, "In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength." But you were unwilling, ¹⁶ and you said, "No! We will flee upon horses"; therefore you shall flee away; and, "We will ride upon swift steeds"; therefore your pursuers shall be swift. ¹⁷ A thousand shall flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five you shall flee, till you are left like a flagstaff on the top of a mountain, like a signal on a hill. ¹⁸ Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.

Observation:

Why would God's people turn to man for help, and not to God? The people appealed to Egypt for help, and not to the Lord.

Isaiah 30:1-2 (ESV)
¹ "Ah, stubborn children," declares the Lord, "who carry out a plan, but not mine, and who make an alliance, but not of my Spirit, that they may add sin to sin; ² who set out to go down to Egypt, without asking for my direction, to take refuge in the protection of Pharaoh and to seek shelter in the shadow of Egypt!

Why did the people look to Pharaoh and not to God for help?

Isaiah 30:15 (ESV)
For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, "In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength." But you were unwilling,

The result of their choice had consequences.

Isaiah 31:1-3 (ESV)
¹ Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help and rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many and in horsemen because they are very strong, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or consult the Lord! ² And yet he is wise and brings disaster; he does not call back his words, but will arise against the house of the evildoers and against the helpers of those who work iniquity. ³ The Egyptians are man, and not God, and their horses are flesh, and not spirit. When the Lord stretches out his hand, the helper will stumble, and he who is helped will fall, and they will all perish together.

The Lord waited for His people then, and He waits for His people today to come to Him. Why not get alone with God; just you and Him, and wait on Him to help you. Is it time for you to have a big talk with the Lord?

Isaiah 30:18 (ESV)
Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so thankful for the privilege of being able to have an open door to one on one conversation with You. Father, draw us nearer to You; give us the patience to wait on You. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

"O the pure delight of a single hour
  That before Thy throne I spend,
When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God,
  I commune as friend with friend!"

Source: https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/387

--

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_November 20, 2014

 Title: Who is Your God?

Text:

Psalm 115:1-3 (HCSB)
¹ Not to us, Yahweh, not to us, but to Your name give glory because of Your faithful love, because of Your truth. ² Why should the nations say, "Where is their God?" ³ Our God is in heaven and does whatever He pleases.

Observation:

I am so glad that I can say these words, "My God". It's not that I found Him; rather, it's that He found me; that He loves me, and wants to have a personal relationship with me.

2 Chronicles 16:9 (HCSB)
For the eyes of Yahweh roam throughout the earth to show Himself strong for those whose hearts are completely His. You have been foolish in this matter. Therefore, you will have wars from now on."

Who is your God? What is your God like? Is your god like these gods?

Psalm 115:4-8 (HCSB)
⁴ Their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands. ⁵ They have mouths but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. ⁶ They have ears but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell. ⁷ They have hands but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk. They cannot make a sound with their throats. ⁸ Those who make them are just like them, as are all who trust in them.

Let's look at my God; He is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, He is the God and Father of all of those who believe in His Son, Jesus the Messiah of God.

Notice what Yahweh does for His people.

Psalm 115:11 (HCSB)
You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord! He is their help and shield.

Psalm 115:13 (HCSB)
He will bless those who fear the Lord— small and great alike.

What is your response to Yahweh?

Psalm 115:18 (HCSB)
But we will praise the Lord, both now and forever. Hallelujah!

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, Yahweh, my dear Father, I exalt and praise You for Your greatness and Your goodness. I bless Your name for who You are, and for all of Your mighty works.

Father, my desire is that You will see my heart as completely Yours. Father, all that is within me, I surrender to You. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Psalm 103:1 (HCSB)
My soul, praise Yahweh, and all that is within me, praise His holy name.

--

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_November 19, 2014

Title: Do You Have a Friend Who Has Never Failed You?

Text:

Acts 1:6-8 (ESV)
⁶ So when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" ⁷ He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. ⁸ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Observation:

Yesterday, I shared my story; I wrote about how I got started on the Christian journey of walking with the Lord; of being a Christ follower.

Today, I woke up, and read the passage that I selected for the text for today's meditation. This passage was what I needed today. I asked the question, "Lord, what are you saying to me today in my situation?" He said, "Get up and let's talk about it".

This is the portion of the text that grips me and thrills me.

Acts 1:8 (ESV)
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Whatever I need on my journey, God will supply. Whatever He wants me to do, God will provide the power to do it. In my 65 years of walking with the Lord He has never failed to keep this promise.

Philippians 4:19 (ESV)
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

When you don't know what to do, I have found that the best thing that I can do is to ask the Lord a question like the one Paul asked; God will tell you what to do next.

Acts 9:6 (HCSB)
"But get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so grateful that I have a God who knows my name, and who delights in spending time alone with me. O how sweet it is to be in the presence of God, to look into His face, and to hear His sweet voice. You can have the world; but for me, just give me Jesus.

Father God, I have started with Jesus, and I'll go with Him all the way; I'm on my way to heaven, and I'm so glad. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

I've found a Friend, oh, such a Friend!
  He loved me ere I knew Him;
He drew me with the cords of love,
  And thus He bound me to Him.
And round my heart still closely twine
  Those ties which naught can sever,
For I am His, and He is mine,
  Forever and forever.

Source: https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/288

--

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_November 18, 2014

Title: What Am I Living For?

Text:

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV)
¹⁶ So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, ¹⁸ as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

Observation:

The Apostle Paul knew what he was living for, and he knew the source of his strength for living, and what it took to run the race of life and win the victor's crown. The Apostle Paul knew his purpose, and he was passionate about it.

2 Corinthians 4:5-7 (ESV)
⁵ For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. ⁶ For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. ⁷ But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.

There is nothing more enjoyable than knowing your purpose for being alive and living out that purpose in the presence of and the power of God. Paul lived a life of integrity and because of that he had influence with people. Living in this world is hard, but Paul had faith in God who is a burden lifter, and a way maker.

2 Corinthians 4:1-2 (ESV)
¹ Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. ² But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God.

This is what Paul lived for.

Philippians 1:21 (ESV)
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, in this world with all of its strife, I pray that I will have the desire in my heart to live for You all of the days of my life. Father, may my burning desire be for more of You. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

2 Corinthians 5:15 (ESV)
and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

--

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/

 

Title: What is Your Story?

Text:

1 Timothy 1:15-16 (HCSB)
¹⁵ This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners"—and I am the worst of them. ¹⁶ But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst [of them], Christ Jesus might demonstrate His extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life.

Observation:

The Apostle Paul had a story. Today I want to tell my story; it's not like Paul's story, but it is my story. It began a long time ago; I remember the date and the time it happened. It was nothing I planned, but it was something God had on His mind in eternity past.

Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV)
⁴ even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love ⁵ he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,

I heard the call of God upon my life on December 31, 1949. I attended a Watch Night service with my mother. What happened to me was not something that I planned. There was a sharing of personal testimonies that night, and I didn't have a testimony. However, that would soon change.

It was just before midnight, the pastor said words similar to this. Some of those who were with us this time last year are no longer with us. Some of you who are with us tonight will not be with us this time next year. Those words spoke into my heart.

The Holy Spirit of God was working on me, and I leaned over and told my mother something. The pastor said, "This will be the last time; and they sang the chorus of "Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior". These words were for me, and I said yes to the still small voice of Jesus that spoke into my heart.

"Savior, Savior,
Hear my humble cry;
While on others Thou art calling,
Do not pass me by."

I didn't want the Lord to pass me by, and He didn't. The Lord heard my cry. I was baptized the next day; January 1, 1950.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so thankful for the love of God, and the high value that You place on Your wayward children. Father, I thank You for calling me to salvation, and giving me the gift of faith to receive Jesus into my heart.

Father, I thank You for the blessings of walking with You for almost 65 years. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

John 1:12-13 (NLT)
¹² But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. ¹³ They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from 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_November 14, 2014

Title: How Can I Successfully Reach My Potential and Fulfill My Purpose?

Text:

Romans 8:6-8 (ESV)
⁶ For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. ⁷ For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. ⁸ Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Observation:

Last Friday I started this series in response to the request of a friend of my daughter. It's amazing how the Lord leads, and what happens when we follow Him. This Proverb has been real in my life as I have allowed the Lord to lead and guide me in selecting scriptures, commenting on them, and praying the Word up to Him.

Proverbs 20:24 (ESV)
A man's steps are from the Lord; how then can man understand his way?

The world in which we live is a battleground and not a playground. There is an enemy who seeks to discourage and devour us. You cannot make it through this world, and be pleasing to God in your strength alone.

1 John 2:15-16 (ESV)
¹⁵ Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. ¹⁶ For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.

Our Lord Jesus has showed us the way during His brief earthly ministry; He had a close and intimate walk with His Father. He is the way, and we can't go wrong when we follow Jesus. The flesh will fail us, but the Spirit will never fail.

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.

John 13:15 (ESV)
For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.

John 13:34-35 (ESV)
³⁴ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. ³⁵ By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, I pray for all of Your dearly beloved children that we will discover our purpose and reach our potential. Lord, our only hope is to follow Jesus, and walk in the Spirit.  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_November 13, 2014

Title: Why is Knowing Your Purpose So Important?

Text:

Proverbs 19:21 (ESV)
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

Observation:

What do you desire most; answers or the promises of God? Think about this before you answer. Is God more pleased with your plans or with His purpose for your life?

Proverbs 16:9 (ESV)
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

What a wonderful truth and promise of God that He is working in the lives of His people to accomplish His purposes through you.

Note what our text says:"But it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand". O, how blessed we are to be able to build our lives upon the purposes of God, and by faith, allow Him to work out His plans through us; trusting in His promises. Can I get an Amen to this promise?

2 Corinthians 1:20 (ESV)
For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I pray that You will open our hearts, ears, and minds to receive all of the promises and plans that You have for our lives. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Yes and Amen.

Psalm 119:130 (ESV)
The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.

 

--

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_November 12, 2014

Title: Are You On the Path to Fulfill Your Purpose?

Text:

Proverbs 19:21 (ESV)
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

Observation:

The purpose of the Lord will stand. Now that is a solid foundation on which the people of God can build their lives.

Where we place our focus is important. Do we focus on what we lack, or do we focus on what we have? What is our mindset; is it one of scarcity or abundance?

Consider what the people of God have; keep your focus upon this truth, it will get you through the difficult times in your life.

Philippians 4:19 (ESV)
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

God is a God of abundance; He is able to do what no other person or power can do.

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

Do you believe this? If so, what will you do next?

Psalm 121:1-2 (ESV)
¹ I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? ² My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, the only way I can accomplish my purpose in life is to order my steps to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. So Father, Your son is on the way home, and I will go where You send me, say what You tell me, and do what You want me to do.

Father, I pray for any that may be on the wrong track that they will get on the right track. O, what a time it will be when we all get to heaven.  In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

"Where He leads me I will follow,
Where He leads me I will follow,
Where He leads me I will follow;
I'll go with Him, with Him, all the way."

                Ernest W. Brandy

--

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_November 11, 2014

Title: What is Hindering You from Accomplishing Your Purpose?

Text:

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)
fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Observation:

I believe the primary reason that keeps us from doing the thing that God has purposed us to do is fear. There are many reasons that drive this fear. Here are a few examples from people in the bible.

Abraham - - Too old

Timothy - - Too young

Moses - - Can't talk

Peter - - Coward

Paul – Chief of sinners

You may have heard the testimony of David Ring; I heard him say this, "I have cerebral palsy; I can't talk; what is your excuse? He is a Christian evangelist and motivational speaker.

Many times the place we are afraid to go is the place of our purpose. Don't allow your fears to keep you from fulfilling your purpose. Yes, I can't but God can.

I heard a sermon recently on fear, and it was very timely. One of the things that is difficult for us to get our minds and hearts around is how good God is at forgiving us, and how much He loves us. God wants you to be so close to Him that He can whisper when He talks to you. God has HUGE plans for you. Replace your fears with faith in God.

This C.S. Lewis quote motivates me to listen to God when He whispers.

"God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world."

Luke 12:31-32 (NLT)
³¹ Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. ³² "So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.

Prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, my dear Father, I am so grateful for Your greatness and Your goodness. Father, Your love and forgiveness are so amazing. Father, by faith in You, I will pursue my purpose for being alive by Your almighty power. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

--

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_November 10, 2014

Title: What is My Purpose for Being Alive?

Text:

Deuteronomy 6:5 (ESV)
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

Psalm 16:11 (ESV)
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Observation:

One of my core beliefs is that we live in a very complex world, and there are many things that are beyond our ability to know and understand. I see this every day, and in every area of life. An example that comes to mind is modern medicine. Just think about how much we know about treating disease and illness; and yet, how little we know about it.

When it comes to the topic of our purpose, it is useful to look at the big picture. God purpose is about knowing Him. God has eternity in His mind; not just the brief time that we spend in this world. One thing I know about God; and I know this from His Word, is that He wants you to be in His presence. God wants you to know and experience His love, and He wants you to love Him.

When you live in the presence of God you will know your purpose, and as the Psalmist says, "In His presence is fullness of joy; and at His right hand are pleasures forevermore". You don't have to know everything if You know Him who knows everything.

Consider the wisdom and guidance of this portion of the Word. Allow it to lead and guide you in your daily walk and work.

Proverbs 20:24 (ESV)
A man's steps are from the Lord; how then can man understand his way?

Colossians 3:23 (ESV)
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I extol You for Your greatness and Your goodness. In Your presence there is nothing that is impossible.

Father God, I pray for the faith that drives out all my fears so that I can enjoy the fullness of joy, and the pleasure that comes from living in Your presence now and forever. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Psalm 105:4 (ESV)
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!

--

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_November 7, 2014

Title: Do You Know Your Purpose?

Text:

Jeremiah 1:5 (ESV)
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations."

Observation:

 My daughter's post on Facebook recently generated a request from one of her friends that I write about purpose.

I read the above text recently; so I will use it as an opportunity to respond to the request to reflect on the topic of God's purpose for His people.

This is what I know about God's purpose. God has chosen to give His people a purpose and place in the work of building the kingdom of God.

What God looks at His people He does not look at our ability for the task; rather, He looks for our availability. I am so glad that our sufficiency is in God, and not in ourselves.

2 Corinthians 2:15-16 (ESV)
¹⁵ For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, ¹⁶ to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?

We can expect the task to be difficult, but we should not allow that to discourage us from staying faithful to our purpose. We can expect that God will care for us, and provide us with the means to fulfill our purpose.

Jeremiah 1:8 (ESV)
Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord."

Jeremiah 1:19 (ESV)
They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the Lord, to deliver you."

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, Sovereign Lord, my dear Father, I am so grateful that our purpose is tailor made for us, and that if we are faithful in doing our part; we know that we can count on You to be faithful in doing Your part.

Father God, I pray that each of us would learn to keep our focus on our God, and not on our circumstances and critics. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

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

--

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_November 6, 2014

Title: Who is Your Leader?

Text:

John 10:14-15 (ESV)
¹⁴ I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, ¹⁵ just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.

Observation:

When you choose a leader you want a person who is able, qualified, and faithful to be able to do what he says he will do. Do you know a leader like this? Let me introduce you to my leader.

Psalm 100:3 (ESV)
Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Notice that the Lord is a good shepherd; he knows, he cares, and he is competent to lead us and guide us in our walk through this world. Here is why we need the Lord to lead and guide us.

Isaiah 53:6 (ESV)
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

The words of hymn writer William Bradbury is my prayer.

"Savior, like a shepherd lead us,

much we need thy tender care;

in thy pleasant pastures feed us,

for our use thy folds prepare."

Would you rather put your trust in God or man? As for me I have made my choice, and I will go with God.

Psalm 118:8 (ESV)
It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I pray that by the convicting and convincing power of the Holy Spirit that You would draw Your people into a more closer and intimate walk with You. Lord, if we ever needed Your presence, we sure do need it today. In the might name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

My Soul Sings:

Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!

Thou hast bought us, thine we are.

Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!

Thou hast bought us, thine we are.

Source: http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh381.sht

--

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/