Daily Bread_January 30, 2015

Title: Which Way Are You Traveling?

Text:

Psalm 1:1-3 (HCSB)
¹ How happy is the man who does not follow the advice of the wicked or take the path of sinners or join a group of mockers!
² Instead, his delight is in the LORD's instruction, and he meditates on it day and night.
³ He is like a tree planted beside streams of water that bears its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. 

Observation:

The one word for today is ways. The passage that came to mind when I thought of this word is Psalm 1. This Psalm shows two ways; the way of the righteous, and the way of the wicked. It also shows two destinations; one prospers, and the other perishes.

Psalm 1:6 (ESV)
⁶ for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. 

I have made my choice. As for me, I will walk with God. As the old hymn of the church says, "I have started with Jesus and I'm going through". I am going not just a part of the way but all the way. I am standing on the promises of a God who can do anything but fail.

Psalm 84:11 (ESV)
¹¹ For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. 

Why not go with God? Why not walk in God's ways? Which path are you traveling; the way of the righteous or the way of the wicked?

If you have never asked Jesus to come into your heart, why don't you open wide the doors of your heart, and ask Jesus to come in today. When He comes, by faith, receive Him. When Jesus comes, He comes to stay. This is God's gift of love to you. God's will is that you prosper, not perish. This is God's way to accomplish His will.

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

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I pray that each of us would pause and think about the path we are walking, and where that path will take us. Father, speak into our hearts by the power of the Holy Spirit of God, and draw us to Jesus who is the only way to being righteous. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

2 Corinthians 5:21 (HCSB)
²¹ 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. 

--

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_January 29, 2015

Title: What is the Most You Can Do?

Text:

Ephesians 6:18 (HCSB)
¹⁸ Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.

Observation:

Our one word for today is pray. It is impossible to overstate the value of prayer in the lives of the people of God. We forfeit so much peace and power when we neglect prayer in our daily walk.

The use of the word all tells us the universal practice of prayer should have in our lives. We are encouraged to pray in this manner: all times, all prayers, all perseverance, and all saints.

I remind you that prayer is not the least you can do; prayer is the most you can do.

There are two reasons that support the above statement. First, we are reminded to pray in the Spirit. To pray is to worship; this is something we will do in heaven continuously so it behooves us to embrace the universal practice of prayer while we are here on earth.

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." 

Secondly, we are not alone when we pray; we have a helper, the Holy Spirit of God helps us to pray, empowers our prayers, and prays for us.

Romans 8:26-27 (ESV) 

26  Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 

27  And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 

There is nothing that you can do that is greater than prayer; prayer is the greater work.

John 14:12-14 (HCSB)
¹² "I assure you: The one who believes in Me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.
¹³ Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
¹⁴ If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it. 

Do you believe that prayer is the most you can do? Do you believe that there is power in prayer? Then why not devote yourself to the universal practice of prayer.

Colossians 4:2 (HCSB)
² Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. 

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I ask that You would stir up within Your people a burning desire in our hearts to devote ourselves to prayer. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

--

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

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

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_January 28, 2015

Title: Are You Walking in the Word Daily?

Text:

Psalm 119:105 (ESV)
¹⁰⁵ 

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Observation:

The one word for today is Word: it is the Word of God that the Psalmist said was a lamp to his feet and a light to his path. To grow spiritually you need to eat every day; not just occasionally.

There are so many benefits of making the Word a priority in your life. Let's just walk through the Word and focus on a few.

Psalm 119:1-3 (ESV)
¹

Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD!
² Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart,
³ who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! 

Psalm 119:5-6 (ESV)
⁵ Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!
⁶ Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments. 

O, if we would make it our aim to walk in the word of the Lord, to seek Him with our whole heart, and do what He tells us to do in His Word. 

This is surely the truth and the way that results in being truly blessed. Have a blessed and godly day, it beats having a good day.

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I pray that you would create a burning desire in the hearts of your people to walk in the Word of God. O, that we would seek and find the light of the world; that we would find and receive Jesus into our heart, and walk with Him all of the days of our life. 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_January 27, 2015

Title: Which Pathway Are You Walking?

Text:

1 John 2:6 (HCSB) 
⁶ The one who says he remains in Him should walk just as He walked. 

Observation:

The one word for today is walk. Let's look at our focal verse in context.

1 John 2:3-6 (HCSB) 
³ This is how we are sure that we have come to know Him: by keeping His commands. 
⁴ The one who says, "I have come to know Him," yet doesn't keep His commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 
⁵ But whoever keeps His word, truly in him the love of God is perfected. This is how we know we are in Him: 
⁶ The one who says he remains in Him should walk just as He walked. 

The question of the day is this. Do you know God? If you claim to know Him how do you answer these questions?

Are you keeping His commands?

Are you keeping His Word?

Are you walking with Him daily?

The word His commands, His word, and walk are the same in the original language. Therefore, we can come to this conclusion about those who claim to know God. The genuine Christ follower is not just a talker, but is also one who walks with Jesus every day.

James 1:22 (HCSB) 
²² But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I pray that each of us who claims to be Christ followers would examine our walk today, and change our direction if we are not walking on the pathway that Jesus is walking. Father, grant us grace sufficient for our needs. 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_January 26, 2015

Title: The Power of One

Text:

Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV)
¹³ Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,
¹⁴ I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 

Observation:

I read an eBook a few days ago that got my attention; It was about one word that will change your life.

My goal is to identify my one word goal for 2015. In working through the plan for how to accomplish that goal I decided to write about one word each day this week.

The word for today is one. There is great power in focusing on one thing. The key in selecting a one word goal is to select a worthy goal; one that will move you in the direction of fulfilling the purpose for which you were born.

There is amazing power when you focus on one thing; when you focus on the most important thing.

Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

You were not made to accomplish everything. But, you can accomplish the will of God for your life. You can't do all things, but you can do one thing.

What is the one thing that you could do today that would move you in the direction of being more like Jesus?

2 Peter 3:18 (ESV)
¹⁸ But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I ask this one thing from You today, and it is that You help Your people to accomplish one thing today that will move them toward fulfilling their purpose. 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_January 23, 2015

Title: How to Know and Do the Will of God

Text:

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

Observation:

I remember someone saying that this verse is of the most value before you come to the hard and difficult times in your life.

We need to be close and intimate with the Lord before the season of adversity comes upon us.

It is so important to dine daily at the table of the Lord; not just when you are experiencing a crisis in your life .

Yesterday I had a conversation with a friend, and I mentioned something that I heard in my pastor's sermon last week. The thing I mentioned was about how blessed I am at the place I am in my life now.

The thing that the pastor said that has found a home in my life is this, "God's will is now". He said, "God has His revealed will, and His concealed will".He noted "God will start with you where you are in your life today".  This encourages me that yesterday is gone, and tomorrow is not promised, but I can know and do God's will today.

I'm talking about God's revealed will. God is interested in having a relationship with you. He wants you to walk with Him, and talk with Him; He wants you to belong to Him, and for you to experience the joy and blessing of belonging to Him. Do you belong to Jesus, and does Jesus belong to you?

To be in the center of His will is to walk with Jesus every day; to walk in His Word, and get to know His ways, and obey them. Here is how you know if you are walking daily in the ways and will of God; allow the peace of God to be the umpire, to rule you in or out of the will of God.

Colossians 3:15 (AMP)
¹⁵ And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ's] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so grateful that it is Your will that each of Your children have a close and intimate relationship with You.

Father God, I am so thankful that today I can be in the revealed will of God if, by faith, I am willing to walk in the Word, and in the ways of God.

Father God, draw each of us closer to You today; Lord, touch each of us with Your tender heart and powerful hands. 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_January 22, 2015

Title: Is Your Worship Pleasing to the Lord?

Text:

Isaiah 29:13 (HCSB)
The Lord said: Because these people approach Me with their mouths to honor Me with lip-service— yet their hearts are far from Me, and their worship [consists of] man-made rules learned [by rote]— 

Observation:

As I think about this topic the first thing that popped into my mind was this scripture. I am always interested in what the Bible says about a topic.

John 4:23-24 (HCSB)
²³ But an hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. Yes, the Father wants such people to worship Him. ²⁴ God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." 

What got me thinking about this topic was when I read this verse in one of my daily bible reading plans; it spoke into my heart.

Genesis 12:8 (HCSB)
From there he moved on to the hill country east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. He built an altar to Yahweh there, and he called on the name of Yahweh. 

One of the things I never want to be guilty of is this.

Matthew 15:9 (HCSB)
They worship Me in vain, teaching as doctrines the commands of men." 

I want to number with those who pitch their tents where Abraham pitched his tent; between Bethel and Ai; between God and the world. God is looking for true worshippers.

John 4:23 (HCSB)
But an hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. Yes, the Father wants such people to worship Him. 

Prayer:

Father God, I thank You for bringing this subject to my mind this morning; I was trying to go another way, but You spoke to me by bringing this document up when I was trying to locate my template.

However, Father God, You know the thoughts that are burning deep within my heart. I awaken this morning with a text message from a friend on the East Coast; he was responding to a picture of a Maui Sunset I sent to him last night. He said the sun looks great, but I know another Son who looks and is greater.

Father God, it is Jesus that I want to exalt today and every day above every other name; Lord, I am reminded of another message that a friend and brother posted yesterday that the name of Jesus would be exalted and made famous in our day as He was in the first century.

Father God, O how I pray for a mighty Holy Spirit revival to begin in Your Church, and Lord, that it would begin in me. Lord, I pray that you would heal our bodies and our souls; so that the whole world would know that Jesus is a healer and deliverer in a class of one. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, and let the Church say, Amen.

Matthew 4:24King James Version (KJV)

24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.

2 Chronicles 7:14King James Version (KJV)

14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

--

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 Prayer_January 21, 2015

Title: What God is Doing in Our Lives When It is Dark

Text:

Genesis 15:12 (HCSB)
¹² As the sun was setting, a deep sleep fell on Abram, and suddenly great terror and darkness descended on him. 

Observation:

It is so amazing how our yesterday's can influence our today. I woke up early this morning with a thought so clear in my mind; it was the answer to my prayer of yesterday for the Lord to speak into my heart what He wanted me to write this morning.

However, there is more to this story. I arrived with my granddaughter in Maui, Hawaii for a two week vacation on Monday. Last night we went to the beach to watch the sunset. However, we arrived too late; we saw the sun just disappear. 

That picture and the Oswald Chamber devotional of Monday together brought today's topic into my mind, and placed it deeply into my heart.

When God speaks to us in His Word; and the Holy Spirit clearly and convincingly reveals to us that this is God's way, and that this is God's revealed will for our life. What happened to Abraham in our text often times happens in your life and in my life. There is a darkness that appears just as quickly as the darkness appeared in Maui last night after the sun set.

But, oh how I like that word; especially when it is written in the Bible. This is one of my favorites.

Ephesians 2:4-5 (HCSB)
⁴ But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us,
⁵ made us alive with the Messiah even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! 

The God who saved you is the God who keeps you. When God gives you a vision and makes a promise He keeps it. He kept His promise to Abraham and He will keep His promises to you. 

When darkness descends upon your life don't take things into your own hands; don't lean upon your own understanding. Rather, trust in God, and wait for Him to bring to past what He has spoken into your heart. Allow the Lord to have His way in your life; its always right to trust in God, and in His revealed way that He has written in His Word.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (HCSB)
⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding;
⁶ think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths. 

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so thankful that when darkness descends upon our life that we have a Father in heaven who never ceases to watch over His people as we wait on You to work out through us what You have placed in us.

Father God, I am so grateful that You give us a peace that passes understanding when we learn to trust in You with our whole heart, and to not lean upon our own understanding. Lord, I pray that You would grant Your people the faith to trust in and wait on You in the dark seasons of our life. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, and let the Church say, 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_January 20, 2015

Title: The Kind of People You Should Not Follow

Text:

Ezekiel 13:22 (KJV)
Because with lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, by promising him life: 

Observation:

In every age the people of God need to be aware of the false prophets. We can learn something of the intention and the influence of false prophets by the word that the Lord gave to Ezekiel.

Ezekiel 13:1-2 (KJV)
¹ And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, ² Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the Lord; 

The danger and the damage of false prophets are described in two ways:

1. They make the hearts of God's people sad by their lies.
2. They strengthened the hands of the wicked by their lies.

Beware of the one who preaches a gospel that discourages the righteous, and encourages the wicked. Everything they say the Lord says is not the truth. Examine the Bible for yourself. This type of preacher does not have a bright future.

Ezekiel 13:8 (KJV)
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord GOD. 

Ezekiel 13:23 (KJV)
Therefore ye shall see no more vanity, nor divine divinations: for I will deliver my people out of your hand: and ye shall know that I am the Lord. 

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I pray that You would deliver Your people today who are under the influence of false prophets. Father, help us to be like the people of Berea. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Acts 17:11 (NLT)
And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul's message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. 

--

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_January 16, 2015

Title: How to Have the Peace of God

Text:

Matthew 14:29-30 (ESV)
²⁹ He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me."

Observation:

Peter got in trouble when he took his eyes off of Jesus, and put them on the wind. What are the circumstances that rob you of your peace?

Peter's circumstances did not change, but his focus changed. Peter's peace returned when he looked to Jesus as he begin to sink and cried out to Jesus for help saying, "Lord, save me". The Lord waits to help those who have faith in Him, and who ask Him for help. God is waiting to give you peace. This is what God told Moses to say to His people then.

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

No matter what circumstance you are facing, you can have God's peace when you live in God's presence and rely upon His power. Learn to live under the favor of His sight and His smile. What he did for His people then, He will do for you today. Why not take the upward look?

Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Prayer:

Father God, I am so grateful that we can find the peace of God in the midst of the storms and troubles in our life.  Father God, although you sit on high, I am so thankful that you look low. Father, please hear our plea for peace as we look up to your throne room of grace. Since God has spoken to us in His Word; let the Church say, 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_January 15, 2015

Title: Are You Interested in Some Good News?

Text:

Romans 8:12-17 (ESV)
¹² So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. ¹³ For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. ¹⁴ For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. ¹⁵ For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" ¹⁶ The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, ¹⁷ and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Observation:

The world is not a safe place to be because of all of the wars and rumors of wars that are going on worldwide. In this world lasting peace is so elusive, and man does not have the answer; human intellect fails to meet the challenges we face.

However, there is hope for the present and the future in a greater war; the war between God and man; the war between good and evil.

Romans 5:1-2 (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.

Romans 5:10 (ESV)
For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.

Is the war over in your life? Have you received the gift of life from your Maker? Are you included in the number that God calls His children?

Romans 1:7 (ESV)
To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

This promise is what gives me hope for today and tomorrow.

Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)
³⁸ For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Prayer:

Father God, I am so thankful for the love of God that set me free from the law of sin and death. Father, I am so grateful for the gift of life that is provided through Your Son, and our Savior; the Lord Jesus Christ. Father, my soul rejoices in singing the praises expressed in the words of this hymn.

"Oh, the love that drew salvation's plan!
Oh, the grace that brought it down to man!
Oh, the mighty gulf that God did span
At Calvary!"

In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, and let the Church say, 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_January 14, 2015

Title: What Can You Do with What You Have?

Text:

Psalm 9:1-2 (ESV)
¹ I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. ² I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

Observation:

There are times in our life when we get down on ourselves, and sometimes we might even get discouraged. However, the good news is that this is not the end of the story; in times like this we can change our focus from our problems, and direct our focus to our Savior. It's time to look up; the Psalmist said it like this.

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.

I remember singing this hymn growing up in my home church.

"Sometimes I feel discouraged
and think my work's in vain,
but then the Holy Spirit
revives my soul again.

There is a balm in Gilead
to make the wounded whole,
there is a balm in Gilead
to heal the sin-sick soul."

Like David, the Psalmist, you have a story to tell and a song to sing; so why not tell it and sing it until the whole world knows that Jesus saves; He saves from the uttermost to the gutter most.

"If you cannot preach like Peter,
if you cannot pray like Paul,
you can tell the love of Jesus
and say, "He died for all."

Prayer:

Father God, when things get hard down here, and we get discouraged; Lord, I ask You to help us to look up to Jesus, and find the help and the strength to fight on. Lord, not in our strength, but the strength of the Lord is what we need. O, Holy Spirit, revive our hearts, and set our souls on fire for God, and for souls. In the mighty name of Jesus, let the Church say, Amen.

 

Source of hymn:

http://www.hymnary.org/text/sometimes_i_feel_discouraged_spiritual

--

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_January 13, 2015

Title: The Power of Being in His Presence

Text:

Psalm 139:7-8 (ESV)
⁷ Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? ⁸ If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!

Observation:

I woke up this morning with the presence of God on my mind. However, the seed for this thought was something I read last night.

Exodus 33:14 (ESV)
And he said, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."

There is nothing that can exceed the presence of God in our life; there is no peace that is more comforting and no joy more uplifting than the presence of God.

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.

There are a lot of twists and turns in life; trees don't grow to the sky. We are sometimes up, and sometimes down, but God is good all the time. Think about this quote.

Life is not a straight line leading from one blessing to the next and then finally to heaven. Life is a winding and troubled road. Switchback after switchback. And the point of biblical stories like Joseph and Job and Esther and Ruth is to help us feel in our bones (not just know in our heads) that God is for us in all these strange turns. God is not just showing up after the trouble and cleaning it up. He is plotting the course and managing the troubles with far-reaching purposes for our good and for the glory of Jesus Christ."
― John Piper, A Sweet and Bitter Providence: Sex, Race, and the Sovereignty of God 

I am so thankful for the abiding presence of God in the lives of His people; that you are God on the mountain and in the valley.

Psalm 31:19-20 (ESV)
¹⁹ Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind! ²⁰ In the cover of your presence you hide them from the plots of men; you store them in your shelter from the strife of tongues.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I hunger and thirst for the peace and the joy that comes from living in Your presence. Father, I am so glad that you are God, and I am not; you are the vine, and your people are the branches. Father, draw us nearer to you is my plea. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

John 15:5 (ESV)
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

--

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_January 12, 2015

Title: What is the Good News?

Text:

Acts 26:17-18 (ESV)
¹⁷ delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you ¹⁸ to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'

Romans 1:1 (ESV)
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,

Romans 1:15-17 (ESV)
¹⁵ So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. ¹⁶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. ¹⁷ For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith."

Observation:

I read the first passage in a devotional on Saturday, and heard a sermon on the second passage Sunday morning. I had made a note to follow-up on the first passage, and Sunday's sermon was all I needed to get started, which I did Sunday afternoon. Here is a portion of what I found.

Paul was set apart to preach the gospel of God. What is the gospel?

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (ESV)
³ For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, ⁴ that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,

The gospel of God is Jesus.

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

The gospel is a gift of God, and it has to be received.

John 1:12 (ESV)
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,

This is what happens to those who receive the gospel of God.

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

How do you receive the gospel?

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.

Romans 10:9 (ESV)
because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 10:13 (ESV)
For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so grateful for the gospel of God; for Jesus who became sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.

O Father, I pray that no one who hears this goodnews will refuse the gift of God; the righteousness of God in the person of Jesus the Messiah. I thank You Lord for doing for me what I could not do for myself. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

"There's room at the cross for you,

There's room at the cross for you,

Though millions have come, There's still room for one

Yes, there's room at the cross for you."  - Ira Stanphill

--

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_January 9, 2015

Title: Hope in Hard Times and Places

Text:

Romans 12:12 (HCSB)
Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.

Observation:

No matter how hard life gets in this world, and yes, life in the world is hard, but the good news is that God is good, and the best is yet to come. In fact, Christ followers should "Rejoice in hope".

Psalm 46:1 (NLT)
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.

When things get hard in our life we can rest in the blessed assurance that, "God is our refuge and strength".

We are weak but our God is strong. When trouble knocks on your door, ask the Lord to answer the door; the battle is not yours, but the Lord's; and He is willing and able to help you.

1 Peter 5:7 (HCSB)
casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you.

Jude 1:24-25 (HCSB)
²⁴ Now to Him who is able to protect you from stumbling and to make you stand in the presence of His glory, blameless and with great joy, ²⁵ to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority before all time, now and forever. Amen.

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I acknowledge that I am weak, but you are strong. Father, I am grateful that the battle is yours, and not mines.

"Father, I stretch my hands to Thee;
No other help I know;
If Thou withdraw Thyself from me,
Ah, wither shall I go?"

So, I ask for your help; Father, with You as my protection, I can walk in the way that leads to victory over all the powers that oppose You and your people. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

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."

 

--

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_January 8, 2015

Title: Who do You Look to When the Way is Unclear?

Text:

Psalm 32:8-10 (HCSB)
⁸ I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with My eye on you, I will give counsel. ⁹ Do not be like a horse or mule, without understanding, that must be controlled with bit and bridle or else it will not come near you. ¹⁰ Many pains come to the wicked, but the one who trusts in the Lord will have faithful love surrounding him.

Observation:

Yesterday I wrote about worship, and shortly after I came across three verses that spoke into my heart, and caused me to smile. These were the two passages that leaped off the page and into my heart.

Psalm 146:1-2 (HCSB)
¹ Hallelujah! My soul, praise the Lord. ² I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing to my God as long as I live.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (HCSB)
Give thanks in everything, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

With the topic of worship on my mind the Lord showed me that it is impossible to worship Him too much; that when I don't know what to do I can always find something to praise and thank God for. Then I thought about this scripture.

Psalm 22:3 (KJV)
But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.

O yes, now is the time for the true worshippers to worship the LORD; He inhabitest the praise of His people.

Psalm 95:6 (KJV)
O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.

When the way forward is unclear, we can always look to the one who knows the way because He is the way.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (HCSB)
⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; ⁶ think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so grateful that every child of God has the same access to Your throne room of grace and mercy. Father God, I'm begging for a mighty working of the Holy Spirit of God to draw Your believing people to a lifestyle of praise and thanksgiving to the God of our salvation in these last days. 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/