Daily Bread_March 31, 2015

Title: Why It Pays to Pray for Others

Text:

1 Peter 5:5-7 (KJV)
5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 

Observation:

A few hours after I distributed yesterday's daily devotional I received feedback from one of my email subscribers.

This response required more than a response by email so I called her, and left a message on her phone. We eventually talked a few hours later, and had a delightful conversation.

However, the thing that amazed me was how God was at work in her life, and how it was so connected to what I had shared. I had a chance to share with her some of the things I did not include in yesterday's devotional, but fit in perfectly for what the Lord was doing in her life.

This exchange presented me with the opportunity to join with my friend in praying with her, and for the person she planned to share the Lamb with this week.

Further inspiration was received yesterday from reading Oswald Chamber's    My Utmost for His Highest.

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

God is looking for praying people. Are you willing to be humble and pray for others? What a privilege we have to connect with our caring heavenly Father, and the needs of our friends on earth through intercessory prayer.

This quote by Oswald Chambers stuck with me, "Preaching the gospel has a snare; intercessory prayer has none".

Prayer:

Father God, I am so thankful to be able to link my heart with your heart and cry out to you on behalf of others. Father God, I am so grateful that nothing is beyond the reach of the prayer of faith when the object of our faith is Almighty God.

Father God, I ask that You hear the fervent prayers of Your people as we cry out to You for the souls of others, and the pressing needs of Your people. 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_March 30, 2015

Title: Rescued: By the Lamb

Text:

Exodus 12:4 (NLT)
4 If a family is too small to eat a whole animal, let them share with another family in the neighborhood. Divide the animal according to the size of each family and how much they can eat.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (ESV)
18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;
19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 

Observation:

The inspiration for today's devotional is the sermon I heard yesterday. The keyword takeaway was shared; The Lamb was shared.

I got the confirmation about this theme yesterday when I had a phone conversation with a friend from Anchorage; we call each other on Sunday afternoon. When I called him yesterday he had gone to the Airport to ship boxes of food and supplies to people in rural Alaska that his members had boxed after church.

How are we about sharing the gospel? This week known as "Holy Week" is a good time to remember the importance of sharing the Word of God, and why we share it. The pastor shared these three points concerning our opportunities to share the gospel of Christ.

1. Pray

2 Corinthians 4:3-4 (ESV)
3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.
4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 

2. Invite

Romans 10:13-14 (NLT)
13 For "Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved."
14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 

3. Participate

Matthew 5:15-16 (ESV)
15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. 

Think about this; Jesus is too big for just our little family; we must share Him with the whole world.

John 3:16 (KJV)
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Prayer:

Father God, I pray that You would instill in the hearts of Your people a burning desire to share the gospel of Christ with others. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Song:

"Rescue the perishing,

  Care for the dying,

Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave;

  Weep o'er the erring one,

  Lift up the fallen,

Tell them of Jesus the mighty to save."

Source: https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/921 

--

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_March 27, 2015

Title: How to Have Hope in Hopeless Circumstances?

Text:

John 11:20-27 (ESV)
20 So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house.
21 Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.
22 But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you."
23 Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again."
24 Martha said to him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day."
25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,
26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?"
27 She said to him, "Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world." 

Observation:

One of the reasons I love this story about Mary and Martha is the lesson it teaches us about the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus and with others.

There is never a circumstance that we will ever face in out life that Jesus is not aware of. You can be sure of these three things; Jesus knows, Jesus understands, and Jesus cares.

When you are a friend of Jesus He is willing and able to help you no matter how difficult your circumstances. Jesus specializes in raising dead people from the grave, and giving them eternal life.

Here is my takeaway from today's meditation on the Word of God. When you find yourself in the midst of a hopeless circumstance, turn to Jesus; remember that He knows, understands, and cares about you and your circumstance. There is nothing too difficult for Him. Think about these verses.

This is where we need to move from when the circumstances appear hopeless.

John 11:21 (ESV)
21 Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.

This is where we need to move to; it's the source of hope and help.

John 11:27 (ESV)
27 She said to him, "Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world."

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, help us to move from drowning in our circumstances when we say, "Lord, if" to the higher ground of hope and help where we are able to say, "Yes, Lord, I believe". 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_March 26, 2015

Title: The Benefits of Being Thankful

Text:

Hebrews 12:28-29 (ESV)
28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,
29 for our God is a consuming fire. 

Observation:

In this world with all of its troubles and problems it is comforting for God's people to have a place of refuge from the storms of life.

Deuteronomy 33:27 (ESV)
27 The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. And he thrust out the enemy before you and said, 'Destroy.'

Psalm 91:9-11 (ESV)
9 Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place— the Most High, who is my refuge—
10 no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. 

John 16:33 (ESV)
33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

One of best ways for us to have peace in the midst of our storm tossed lives is to live in the presence of the Lord. When trouble come; expect it, and turn to the Lord who has promised to be your refuge. Rather than grumble and complain; have an attitude of gratitude; be thankful to the Lord for His presence and His protection.

Psalm 107:1 (ESV)
1 Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, I am so thankful for the privilege of being a child of God, and the peace that comes from living in the presence of the Lord.

Father God, there is nothing more comforting than knowing that the Lord is with His people; that You are our refuge and our peace. Lord, draw us closer to You. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Song:

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.

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_March 25, 2015

Title: A Word and Prayer for Government Leaders and You

Text:

Proverbs 21:1-3 (ESV)
1 The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.
2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart.
3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. 

Observation:

Last Saturday I had the privilege of participating in the Alaska Governors Prayer Breakfast in Anchorage via Video Conferencing. We have tried to do this two previous times, but was unsuccessful due to technical issues. However, the third time proved to be the charm.

I did not know what they expected of me so as I was waiting for the call; after earlier testing the link, I read the Proverb for the day, which was Proverbs 21.

It's amazing to see how God works. When the call from Anchorage came in to my iPhone the program was ready to begin. The Master of Ceremony introduced me just before the start of serving breakfast. He introduced me and said, "A former resident and member of the committee; Herb Cotton, has a word for us".

I read our text and made these observations:

1. Government leaders are in the hands of the Lord (v.1).
2. Government leaders hearts are tested by the Lord (v.2).

Proverbs 21:2 (ESV)
2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart.

3. What is God's will for Government leaders? It is found in (v.3); do righteousness, and do justice.

4. God will get the last word; He will have His way.

Proverbs 21:30-31 (ESV)
30 No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the LORD.
31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD. 

Prayer:

Father God, we know from Your Word that it is Your will that we pray for Government leaders, and for all people. Lord, help us to do this with the wisdom and power that comes from praying in the Spirit. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

1 Timothy 2:1-4 (ESV)
1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,
2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,
4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of 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_March 24, 2015

Title: Do You Know How Much God Loves You?

Text:

Zephaniah 3:17 (ESV)
17 The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

Observation:

There is no room for a spirit of hopelessness in the lives of God's people ever; your current circumstances are temporary. You will look back on them someday and realize that you got through it all.

Our focal verse for today encourages my heart. It is comforting to know that there is never a time in my life when God is not with me, and that His love for me never ceases; it is not based on my performance, but upon His sovereign choice to love me with an everlasting love; an unconditional love.

So, when the world puts you down; look up to the Lord, and He will lift you up. I like the latter part of our focal verse that says, "He will exult over you with loud singing".

Psalm 145:18 (ESV)
18 The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

Psalm 145:21 (ESV)
21 My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so grateful for Your unconditional love for Your people.

Father God, I pray that we will learn to seek You with our whole heart, and find in You the refuge we need in this dark and dangerous world.

Father God, it is in You that we find love and acceptance; deliverance and delight; hope, faith and love; and the greatest of these is love. Father, I thank You, and bless Your name. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Psalm 103:1 (ESV)
1 

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless 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_March 13, 2015

Title: What is Your Life Revealing?

Text:

Galatians 2:19-21 (ESV)
19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God.
20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose. 

Observation:

This morning during my quiet time my mind went back to three years ago when my wife spent sixteen days in the hospital; fifteen of them in intensive care. Today would have been day fourteen. This is the third year that my son, daughter and I have been together during this time. Special days were important to my wife, and we have been doing this in remembrance of her. Sunday will be the three year anniversary of her home-going.

As I was praying and thinking about what I was going to write about today I thought about many lessons I have learned during the course of our forty-eight years of marriage. However, verse twenty of our text came into my mind prompted by the Spirit of God.

Perhaps is was the lingering thought of what I wrote about yesterday; the Apostle Paul talking about while being in the body he was in Christ. But, those who are out of the body are with Christ.

I am so glad to be numbered with the saints of the ages who are in Christ because it is a prerequisite to being with Christ when it comes our time to leave this earthly body.

I am so thankful that Jesus made this possible for you and for me; and for everyone who will receive by faith the gift of salvation. He did this for you.

Galatians 3:13 (ESV)
13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree"—

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, my heart overflows with gratitude when I think about Calvary, and what You did for us.

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

Father God, I am constrained and controlled by the love of my God. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (KJV)
14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 

--

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_March 12, 2015

Title: How to Live Beyond the Limits of the Natural Life?

Text:

2 Corinthians 5:6-9 (ESV)
6 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord,
7 for we walk by faith, not by sight.
8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 

Observation:

The Apostle Paul looked at the present life of believers as being in Christ; as long as we are at home in the body we are in Christ. In this life this is the way we live, and always with the aim to please Christ. Notice in verse seven of the text he says, "for we walk by faith, not by sight". Notice in the letter to the church at Ephesus he said this.

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

The key to living in the body and in the world is to live for Christ; make it your aim to please him.

We do this by walking, waiting, and sometimes weeping. We do it by going, sowing, and reaping. We do it not by our strength, but by His strength.

Galatians 5:24-25 (ESV)
24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so grateful that You supply the wisdom and the strength for Your people to live by the Spirit, and to walk in the Spirit. Father, help us to learn to lean hard on You. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

In the Name of the Lord (Lyrics):

"There Is Strength In The Name Of The Lord

There Is Power In The Name Of The Lord

There Is Hope In The Name Of The Lord

Blessed Is He Who Comes In The Name Of The Lord

When My Plans Have Fallen Through

And When My Strength Is Nearly Gone

When There's Nothing Left To Do But Just Depend On You

And The Power Of Your Name"

Source:

More lyrics http://www.allthelyrics.com/lyrics/sandi_patti/in_the_name_of_the_lord-lyrics-657118.html#ixzz3UBJPaXPl

--

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_March 11, 2015

Title: The Power of the Listening Ear

Text:

Isaiah 6:8-13 (ESV)
8 And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here I am! Send me."
9 And he said, "Go, and say to this people: "'Keep on hearing, but do not understand; keep on seeing, but do not perceive.'
10 Make the heart of this people dull, and their ears heavy, and blind their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed."
11 Then I said, "How long, O Lord?" And he said: "Until cities lie waste without inhabitant, and houses without people, and the land is a desolate waste,
12 and the LORD removes people far away, and the forsaken places are many in the midst of the land.
13 And though a tenth remain in it, it will be burned again, like a terebinth or an oak, whose stump remains when it is felled." The holy seed is its stump. 

Observation:

Today we come to the third vision of Isaiah. First, he saw the Lord, second, he saw himself, and lastly he saw the need.

Isaiah 6:8 (ESV)
8 And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here I am! Send me."

Isaiah had a readiness to serve. However, that is not always the case. Consider how Moses and Jeremiah initially responded.

Exodus 4:1 (ESV)
1 Then Moses answered, "But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, 'The LORD did not appear to you.'"

Jeremiah 1:6-8 (ESV)
6 Then I said, "Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth."
7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a youth'; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak.
8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the LORD." 

I see from the life of Isaiah two important things to remember. One, it's not about our ability; Isaiah said, "Woe is me". Second, it's about our availability; Isaiah said, "Here I am! Send me."

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so thankful that those who hear you calling, and accept the call that You equip them to be all that You want them to be. Father, help us each to surrender our all to You. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

--

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

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

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_March 10, 2015

Title: The Only Comparison That Matters

Text:

Isaiah 6:5-7 (ESV)
5 And I said: "Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!"
6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar.
7 And he touched my mouth and said: "Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for." 

Observation:

In the four preceding verses, which we wrote about yesterday, Isaiah saw the Lord. In our focal passage for today, Isaiah saw himself.

John Calvin said this:

"Men are never duly touched and impressed with a conviction of their insignificance until they have contrasted themselves with the majesty of God."

Here are some examples from the Bible:

Job 42:5-6 (ESV)
5 I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you;
6 therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes." 

Daniel 10:16-17 (ESV)
16 And behold, one in the likeness of the children of man touched my lips. Then I opened my mouth and spoke. I said to him who stood before me, "O my lord, by reason of the vision pains have come upon me, and I retain no strength.
17 How can my lord's servant talk with my lord? For now no strength remains in me, and no breath is left in me." 

Luke 5:8 (ESV)
8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord."

Revelation 1:17-18 (ESV)
17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, "Fear not, I am the first and the last,
18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. 

Prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, I pray that people everywhere would see You in all of Your glory, and they would see themselves, and cry out like Isaiah, "Woe is me".

Father God, we need a healing in our land; a healing that only You can send; a healing only You can provide. Lord, send a revival, and let it begin in me. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (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 Bread_March 9, 2015

Title: Its Time to Hear from Heaven

Text:

Isaiah 6:1-3 (ESV)
1 In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple.
2 Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.
3 And one called to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!" 

Observation:

Some times it takes something like death to redirect our eyes from the things of earth to the things in heaven. This is what happened in the life of Isaiah; he had an experience of seeing things from heaven's point of view.

When things get tough in our life do we continue to look to the same point of view that we have always looked to? When things get bad in a nation do we still look to the Government as the best solution; as the only solution?

It is indescribable what blessings awaits those who are willing to take the upward look; to look into the throne room of God.

O that the people of God would have faith in God; look up to Him, and be faithful to Him. God delights to demonstrate His power in the weakness of His people. O, that God would not see us like this.

John 12:39-41 (ESV)
39 Therefore they could not believe. For again Isaiah said,
40 "He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, lest they see with their eyes, and understand with their heart, and turn, and I would heal them."
41 Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory and spoke of him. 

"Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.

I can feel His mighty power and His grace.

I can hear the brush of angels wings.

I see glory on each face.

Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place."

Prayer:

Father God, O how we need to hear Your voice of wisdom and power speak into the lives of Your people. Father, help us to be willing to say, "Speak Lord, for thy servant is listening". In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

"I heard the voice of Jesus say,

"I am this dark world's Light;

Look unto Me, thy morn shall rise,

And all thy day be bright.""

--

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_March 6, 2015

Title: Praying Huge Prayers That Matter

Text:

Ephesians 3:16-19 (NLT)
16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.
17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong.
18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.
19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. 

Observation:

When it comes to praying huge prayers, our selected scripture passage for today contains one of the elements of the Apostle Paul's pastoral prayer for the members of the church at Ephesus. In this prayer he prayed that the triune God would empower them with inner strength.

Notice three (3) things that Paul had in view when he prayed this huge prayer; this was prayed with a confident faith that was sure that the one to whom he prayed was willing and able to answer his huge prayer. The key word is rich.

Ephesians 1:7 (NLT)
7 He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.

Ephesians 2:4 (NLT)
4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much,

Philippians 4:19 (NLT)
19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

Now, hold on to your seat, there is still more; and, Paul closes his prayer with this amazing and powerful doxology.

Ephesians 3:20 (NLT)
20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

What will you do with this truth? Let me encourage you to respond in this way if the Spirit of God births in you the faith to pray a God-size request for others and yourself.

Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)
16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Prayer:

Father God, I ask that You would plant within the hearts of Your people the faith to come confidently to the throne room of grace, and pray huge prayers to the God of our salvation. 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_March 5, 2015

Title: The Value of a Personal Relationship with the Lord

Text:

1 Corinthians 1:21 (ESV) 

21  For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 

1 Corinthians 1:22-24 (ESV)
22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom,
23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles,
24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 

Observation:

The words of the text that leaped off the page into my heart this morning are these, "Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God".

The words of a hymn come to mind when I think about the value of having a personal relationship with my Savior.

"What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought

    Since Jesus came into my heart!

I have light in my soul for which long I had sought,

    Since Jesus came into my heart!"

It is comforting to know that I have the abiding presence of Jesus in my life every hour of every day; there is never a moment that He is not present. This is His loving invitation to His children.

1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)
7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

Please remember this when you are faced with problems and difficulties in your life you are never alone; help is just a prayer away; have a little talk with Jesus.

"O what peace we often forfeit,

  O what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry

  Everything to God in prayer!"

Prayer:

Father God, I thank You for the encouragement this Word is to me today, and I pray that it will be a blessing in the lives of each person that reads it, and heeds it.

Father God, I don't know the needs of every reader, but I know that You do, and I ask You to have mercy upon them, and give them sufficient grace for all there pressing 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_March 4, 2015

Title: What Are You Doing With Your Time?

Text:

2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV) 
9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 

Observation:

I came to my computer this morning with an open heart. The Lord directed my eyes to the above passage. In that passage I discovered my one word for today; it is weakness.

I looked at a scratch pad I had next to my computer and I had written down recently the question that I am using for the title. As I read the passage from 2 Corinthians in context I was reminded of a conversation I had with a friend when he was in the hospital, and facing a very serious health challenge. What I told my friend was that God does not take us into deep waters to drown us.

Isaiah 43:2 (ESV) 
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. 

The past three weeks have been a difficult time in our household with our upper respiratory system. It has been a lot of weakness in our home with the coughing, sore throats, and laryngitis.

However, we have a great example of how to deal with sickness and adversities in our home; the example of my late wife Rosemary. This is one of the scriptures that she cherished, and lived out as a 25 year cancer survivor.

2 Corinthians 4:7 (ESV) 
7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so grateful that Your grace is sufficient for all of our needs, and that in weakness we have the privilege of demonstrating to a watching world, by the way we live our lives, that the power belongs to God and not to us. 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_March 3, 2015

Title:How to Become Who God Made You to Be

Text:

Psalm 119:73-80 (ESV) 
73 

Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments. 
74 Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word. 
75 I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me. 
76 Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant. 
77 Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight. 
78 Let the insolent be put to shame, because they have wronged me with falsehood; as for me, I will meditate on your precepts. 
79 Let those who fear you turn to me, that they may know your testimonies. 
80 May my heart be blameless in your statutes, that I may not be put to shame! 

Observation:

Is your greatest desire to be the best person you can be, and fulfill the divine purpose of your Maker?

The Psalmist expresses that desire in the selected portion that I am using for today's text.

The Psalmist acknowledges that the Lord is his maker, and that the Bible has the guidelines for living a purposeful and fruitful life. 

Our Maker has made us, designed us, and gifted us to able to strengthen the lives of others. In verse eighty the Psalmist express his desire to live a blameless life, and in verse seventy-eight he expresses his desire to be humble. Our God resist the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

We can find in reading daily the Word of God the spiritual food that we need to be the person God made us to be. That kind of life will be a blessing to others; see verse seventy-nine, and our own lives will be blessed; see verse seventy-seven.

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I pray the prayer of the Psalmist that You would give Your people a burning desire to be the people that You made us to be; a people that will be a blessing to others, and who be blessed by You. 

Father, gives us understanding how to do in our daily living; the things that we do, and the things that we say; may they be consistent with the guide book for living; the Bible. 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_March 2, 2015

Title: The Faith That Results in Perfect Peace

Text:

Isaiah 26:3 (ESV) 
3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. 

Observation:

Trust in God is essential for God's people of every age; notice these verses from the Old and the New Testament.

Isaiah 12:2 (ESV) 
2 "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation." 

Hebrews 11:6 (ESV) 
6 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. 

Here is the Goodnews for God's people; those who trust in Him, He will keep them in perfect peace.

Where is your mind; on your problems or on your provider? The hymn writer encourages me to trust Him more.

"Simply trusting every day;

Trusting through a stormy way;

Even when my faith is small,

Trusting Jesus, that is all."

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I thank You for the gift of faith that allows me to trust in You; and, to trust in Jesus all of the days of my life. O for grace to trust You more. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

"I'm so glad I learned to trust Thee,

Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;

And I know that Thou art with me,

Wilt be with me to the end."

Source: https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/568

--

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/