Daily Bread_April 30, 2015

Title: What is Real Life?

Text:

Colossians 1:24-27 (ESV) 

24  Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, 

25  of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 

26  the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 

27  To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 

Observation:

Today my mind and heart are wrapped around this wonderful truth, "Christ in you, the hope of glory".

There is nothing in this world that I can think of that is more real and more filled with hope than knowing that you have the abiding presence of Christ in your life. Additionally, the knowledge that He is not a visitor, but a permanent resident.

Hebrews 13:5 (ESV) 

5  Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." 

As you start each day there are many occasions that you will have to make choices; many of the decisions we have to make are hard, and we never know the whole story.

There are things that we can't see, and things that we do not know. But, if you have Christ in you, He knows everything; He knows the way because He is the way.  Why not look to the Lord, and trust in Him to supply all you need, and when you need it; He will supply you with fresh bread every day.

Lamentations 3:22-25 (ESV) 

22  The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 

23  they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 

24  "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him." 

25  The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. 

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so thankful for the abiding presence and power of Christ in the lives of Your beloved children.

Lord, I am so grateful for the promise that there is never a time in our life that we are alone.

Father God, I ask today that Your people would have an awareness of the hope that we have because we have the hope of glory; Jesus the Christ of God living in 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_April 29, 2015

Title: What Would Jesus Do?

Text:

Matthew 28:16-20 (ESV) 

16  Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 

17  And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 

18  And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 

19  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 

20  teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." 

Observation:

Have you ever asked the question posed in the above title?

Here is the background for our text.

Matthew 28:7-8 (ESV) 

7  Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you." 

8  So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 

The disciples went to Galilee, and our text tell us what Jesus told them to do. What He told them remains our unfinished business until He returns, and He will just as He promised.

John 14:1-3 (ESV) 

1  "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 

2  In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 

3  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 

Jesus is coming again. Are you ready? Do you belong to Jesus; does He belong to you? If you belong to Him, are you doing what He told His people to do?

John 14:6 (ESV) 

6  Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I ask that You would strengthen Your people to enable us to press forward in fulfilling the Great Commission, and as we look forward with hope for Your promised return.

Father God, we pray for sufficient grace for those who are not ready for Your return. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

--

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

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

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_April 28, 2015

Title: Are You Considering Quitting Something?

Text:

2 Kings 2:1-2 (ESV) 

1  Now when the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. 

2  And Elijah said to Elisha, "Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me as far as Bethel." But Elisha said, "As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you." So they went down to Bethel. 

Observation:

There are times in our lives that we have started a task, but we grow weary, and the temptation is to quit.

Before you do, you should think about what you will forfeit if you fail to continue the journey.

Consider the promise that Elisha made to his mentor Elijah; "As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you". There are some things in life that are worth going the distance. Elisha had a blessing that was worth his perseverance.

2 Kings 2:9-10 (ESV) 

9  When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, "Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you." And Elisha said, "Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me." 

10  And he said, "You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it shall be so for you, but if you do not see me, it shall not be so." 

Elisha promise to not leave Elijah resulted in this blessing.

2 Kings 2:11 (ESV) 

11  And as they still went on and talked, behold, chariots of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. 

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I pray that You would plant deep within my heart the desire and the determination to go the distance so that I might receive all of the blessings that You desire to give me.

Father God, I pray that You will use today's one word "quit" to encourage some person considering quitting on something, and forfeiting the blessing You have in store for them.  In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

--

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

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

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_April 27, 2015

Title: When Weakness is a Good Thing

Text:

Isaiah 40:28-31 (ESV) 

28  Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. 

29  He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. 

30  Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; 

31  but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. 

Observation:

A series of contacts I had in recent days has put this topic on my mind. So, when I got up this morning I turned to today's text for hope and help.

This passage should be an encouragement to God's people when we are weak. There are two things that we should value and remember.

1. God has strength and wisdom.
2. He gives them to His people.

On what basis does God give strength to His people?

1. He does not give it on the basis of youth.
2. He gives it on the basis of trust.

When you are at your weakest point in your life, you are in the best position to receive strength if you will look to the Lord. So many of life's greatest problems could be solved if we learned to live in the presence of the Lord. That is where the strength is; that is where the wisdom is for us to live the overcoming life in this difficult and dangerous world.

The Lord woke me up yesterday with this verse on my heart; I shared it on Social Media yesterday. It fits so well with today's text so I share it here.

Isaiah 30:18 (ESV) 

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. 

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, Sovereign Lord, my dear Father, I am so grateful that You look with compassion upon those who are weak, and need hope and a helping hand.

Father God, I pray today's topic will speak into the hearts of many who are hurting or dealing with family or friends who are hurting. Father, I pray that we will have the humility to come to You with empty hands, open hearts, and the faith to trust in You to help us; to give us strength and the wisdom of God. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Psalm 147:5-6 (ESV) 

5  Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure. 

6  The LORD lifts up the humble; he casts the wicked to the ground. 

--

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

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

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_April 24, 2015

Title: Have You Enrolled in the School of Faith?

Text:

Hebrews 11:29-30 (ESV) 

29  By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. 

30  By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. 

Observation:

The people of faith then and the people of God now have one thing in common; faith obeys God in spite of circumstances or consequences.

Joshua 24:2 (ESV) 

² And Joshua said to all the people, "Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'Long ago, your fathers lived beyond the Euphrates, Terah, the father of Abraham and of Nahor; and they served other gods.

The gift of faith is available to anyone who has ears to hear. It is the hearing of the word of God that births faith in the heart of a person.

Romans 10:17 (ESV) 

¹⁷ So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Have you enrolled in the School of Faith? Are you living by faith in God? There are lots of places you can seek help in this world, but there is no greater power than the power of the living God. Notice what he said to Abraham.

Genesis 12:1-2 (ESV) 

¹ Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. 

² And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.

God promised Abraham 3 things:

I will show you

I will make you

I will bless you

The test of genuine faith is obedience. Faith is willing to wait on God; it obeys in spite of circumstances, and without regards to consequences. Faith puts everything in God's hands.

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.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so grateful that you have given me the gift of faith. Lord, when my faith is tested, help me to hold on to your unchanging hand. Lord, remove from my vocabulary the word quit. Lord, I want to go the distance with you. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

--

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

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

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_April 23, 2015

Title: An Example Worthy of Following

Text:

1 Kings 8:22-23 (NLT)
22 Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in front of the entire community of Israel. He lifted his hands toward heaven,
23 and he prayed, "O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven above or on the earth below. You keep your covenant and show unfailing love to all who walk before you in wholehearted devotion. 

Observation:

Solomon provides us a wonderful example of how to pray effectively. There are two things about this passage that speaks into my heart. First, he begins the prayer with praise and thanksgiving.

In this prayer Solomon acknowledges and extols the character of God. Notice what he said, "O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven above or on the earth below".

As I think about our God, and as I go to Him in prayer, I often go to Psalm 145-150 to help me to give praise and thanksgiving to God.

Psalm 145:1-3 (NLT)
1 

I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name forever and ever.
2 I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever.
3 Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness. 

The second thing I notice in our text for today is that there are conditions that God expects from His people when we come to Him in prayer. Notice what God expects of His people, "You keep your covenant and show unfailing love to all who walk before you in wholehearted devotion". 

We expect wholehearted performance from God when we go to Him in prayer. He expects wholehearted devotion from His people. I'm so thankful for the mercy of the Lord.

Psalm 145:8-9 (NLT)
8 The LORD is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
9 The LORD is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation. 

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, I delight to praise your name today and everyday; there is no one like You.

Father God, I pray for the strength and the wisdom; both gifts from You, to be able to walk before you in wholehearted devotion. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

--

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

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

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_April 22, 2015

Title: Who is Controlling Your Mind?

Text:

Romans 8:5-6 (ESV) 
5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 
6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 

Observation:

Last Friday I wrote about the mind of Christ; yesterday I wrote about the tongue, and how James described it as being an unruly member of the body.

Could it be that the mind is the most unruly of all? Think about what our text says; allow it to sink deep into your heart. What is on your mind? Who is controlling your mind is crucial. Notice what the Apostle Paul wrote to the believers in the church at Rome.

Romans 8:1 (KJV) 
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 

How do you have the mind of Christ? It comes with the new birth; the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and walking in the Spirit.

Romans 8:9 (ESV) 
9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 

Are you allowing Christ to control your mind? Does the Holy Spirit live and abide in you?  It does not matter what circumstances you face in life, you can live with this blessed assurance.

Romans 8:35 (ESV) 
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 

Romans 8:37 (ESV) 
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so thankful that the power that lives in the life of God's people, are greater than any problem or power that we will ever face in this world. Lord, I thank You for who You are; that You are great and gracious, and that You love us with an everlasting love.

Father God, by the power of the Holy Spirit, help us to set our minds on the Spirit; walk in the Spirit, and enjoy the blessings of life and peace. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

-- 

--

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

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

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_April 21, 2015

Title: How Do You See People?

Text:

Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV)
19 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,
20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.
21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 

Observation:

I read this passage this morning, and the thought that leaped off the page and into my heart was the word deposit. I thought about what God had on His mind in creation.

In creation God chose to do something for the first man and woman that He did not do for any other part of creation. Why did He do it?

Genesis 1:27-28 (ESV)
27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth." 

Being created in the image of God makes us different, special, blessed, and highly favored. With this blessing comes a responsibility in how we value people.

The letter of James talks to us about how we should use our tongue. Notice the exhortation about the use of the tongue in our relationship with people.

James 3:9-10 (NLT)
9 Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God.
10 And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! 

Think about this before you open your mouth. Why not make a deposit in the life of someone today because by doing so you will not only make a deposit in the life of that person; made in the image of God, but you will be making a deposit in the Bank of Heaven. How we see others will determine how we treat them. Let's see others the way God made them, and speak words of blessing, and encouragement to them.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, I ask that You would help each of us to see others as people made in Your image. 

Father God, I pray that the words of James would be stored deep in our hearts, and that they would inform our mouth before we speak. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

James 3:9-10 (NLT)
9 Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God.
10 And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! 

--

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

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

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_April 20, 2015

Title: The Helper Who Is Always Near

Text:

Psalm 42:1-3 (ESV) 
1 

As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. 
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? 
3 My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all the day long, "Where is your God?" 

Psalm 42:8 (ESV) 
8 By day the LORD commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life. 

Observation:

There are some conditions in life that drive us to think about something that is larger than life as we know it. In our focal passage, the Psalmist was going through one of those seasons.

Where do you turn when discouragement, disappointment and defeat is starring you in the face?

The Psalmist took the upward look, and discovered this eternal truth concerning the source of his help. It is also the source of our help.

Psalm 46:7 (ESV) 
7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah 

Isaiah 41:10 (NLT) 
10 Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. 

If God is your father, remember how great, good and gracious He is; remember His promise to be always near you. God is able; you can trust Him to do what He says He will do.

Hebrews 13:5 (NLT) 
5 Don't love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, "I will never fail you. I will never abandon you." 

Here is the way to receive all that God has for His people; those who will come to Him with their needs.

James 4:8 (NLT) 
8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. 

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, Sovereign Lord, my dear Father, I acknowledge that You are a great God, and greatly to be praised. Father, you are full of grace, and good to all who call upon you in faith; those who come to you without wavering always get through to you. 

James 1:6-7 (NLT) 
6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 
7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 

Father God, help me to never grow weary of asking You for what I need. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

--

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

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

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_April 18, 2015

Title: The Promise of God's Protection of His People

Text:

Nahum 1:7 (HCSB) 
⁷ The LORD is good, a stronghold in a day of distress; He cares for those who take refuge in Him. 

Observation:

As we think about and meditate upon this passage we need to keep in mind the context of our focal verse for today. Although God is good, that does not mean that He will tolerate wickedness.

Nahum 1:2-3 (HCSB) 
² The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD takes vengeance and is fierce in wrath. The LORD takes vengeance against His foes; He is furious with His enemies. 
³ The LORD is slow to anger but great in power; the LORD will never leave [the guilty] unpunished. His path is in the whirlwind and storm, and clouds are the dust beneath His feet. 

God is sovereign; He always does what is right, and His way is always best. You are in good hands when you are in the hands of the Lord. God is in a class of one. 

Luke 18:19 (HCSB) 
¹⁹ "Why do you call Me good?" Jesus asked him. "No one is good but One—God. 

The table of your life may be stacked with trouble; however, I encourage you to claim the promise of God that He will take care of those that take refuge in Him.

No matter what may be the test,
God will take care of you!
Lean, weary one, upon His breast,
God will take care of you!

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn.php/h/694#ixzz2h5r3BLDx

Prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, my dear Father, I extol You for Your goodness, and Your graciousness to Your believing children. Father, I am so grateful for Your love and care for all who take refuge in You.

Father, I thank You for this daily time that calms my fears, and refreshes my spirit. Father, as long as I live, and trouble rise; I'll hasten to Your throne of grace and mercy. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. 

Psalm 50:14-15 (HCSB) 
¹⁴ Sacrifice a thank offering to God, and pay your vows to the Most High. 
¹⁵ Call on Me in a day of trouble; I will rescue you, and you will honor Me." 

--

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

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

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_April 17, 2015

Title: Do You Have the Mind of Christ?

Text:

Philippians 2:5-8 (HCSB)
5 Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus,
6 who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage.
7 Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men. And when He had come as a man in His external form,
8 He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death— even to death on a cross. 

Observation:

One of my recent devotionals resulted in a friend bringing up the tropic that I have chosen for today's meditation. I did not immediately respond to the question she asked, but I did begin to give it some thoughtful consideration. I woke up this morning with this verse of my mind.

Philippians 2:5 (AMP)
5 Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:]

To have the mind of Christ we must learn to live in His presence. The amazing and awesome thing is that we have access to God. He has an open door, an open ear, and an open heart.

The secret to having the mind of Christ is to spend time with Him. Others may not have time for you, but Jesus has plenty of time for you; its quantity and quality time.

Hebrews 10:19-22 (NLT)
19 And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven's Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus.
20 By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place.
21 And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God's house,
22 let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ's blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. 

God has done His part. How will you respond? It's now time; today, not tomorrow.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, I am so thankful for the privilege of being able to live in your presence; not just in the sweet by and by, but right now we have the opportunity to walk through the open door that you offer. Lord, I pray that your believing people will not forfeit this opportunity. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Revelation 3:20 (HCSB)
20 Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and have dinner with him, and he with Me. 

Song:

"All things are ready," come to the feast!

Come for the table now is spread;

Ye famishing, ye weary, come,

And thou shalt be richly fed.

 

Hear the invitation,

Come, whosoever will;

Praise God for full salvation

  For whosoever will.

Source: https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/1330 

--

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

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

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_April 16, 2015

Title: The Ultimate Safe House in a Dangerous World

Text:

Psalm 61:1-4 (ESV)
1 

Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer;
2 from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I,
3 for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.
4 Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah 

Observation:

Have you discovered the miracle of answered prayer? I cringe when I hear people say, "Well, at least I will pray for you". My soul cries out, "That is the most that you can do for me". 

O, how often we underestimate the power of prayer, and the reach of prayer. How big is your God?

Luke 1:37 (ESV)
37 For nothing will be impossible with God." 

In our focal passage for today, the Psalmist was in a hard place. However, he was not beyond the reach of God so he cried out to God in prayer.

Wherever you are today, and in whatever circumstance you find yourself in, you are not beyond the reach of God; so cry out to Him in prayer, and ask the Lord to help you.

You need to move to a place that is higher than your circumstances, and that place is the place where the Lord lives. The welcome mat is at the door to His house. He invites you to come in; its safe in my house. If you ask Him, the Lord will lead you to the rock that is higher than your circumstances.

Psalm 61:4 (ESV)
4 Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah 

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so grateful that there is plenty of room in the house of the Lord for all that will come to you, by faith, and who will cry out to You in their time of need. Lord, lead us to the rock that is higher than us and our circumstances. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

--

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

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

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_April 15, 2015

Title: Why We Need Wisdom

Text:

James 1:1-6 (NLT) 
1 This letter is from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am writing to the "twelve tribes"—Jewish believers scattered abroad. Greetings! 
2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 
3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 
4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. 
5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 
6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 

Observation:

One of the things that I notice about this letter that gives me a lot of confidence is the man who is the author of the letter. He identified himself James.

Who is this James?

Mark 6:3 (NLT) 
3 Then they scoffed, "He's just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us." They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. 

He was the brother of Jesus, and he later became the leader of the Jerusalem church. While others knew Jesus as the carpenter, James knew him as a sibling, and after his death and resurrection, he knew him as Savior and Lord.

The text tells us who he wrote the letter to, and why he wrote it. Today, I want to focus on why he wrote it. The letter was addressed to believers who were facing trials and testings. And, like people of every age, they were faced with temptations.

Trials come from the outside, but temptations come from the inside. Trials test our faith, and temptations test our obedience. We need wisdom to handle the trials that we face in our life because when we have the right understanding of trials we will not forfeit the opportunity they present for our spiritual growth.

How can we learn how to handle trials and testings? We need wisdom, and here is how to get it.

James 1:5 (NLT) 
5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, I am so thankful for the wisdom of God. Father, we are so thankful for the invitation to ask for help. Lord, give us the gift of faith to ask for wisdom to use our trials and testings to grow spiritually. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

--

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

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

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_April 14, 2015

Title: Where Do You Turn When Money Fails?

Text:

Genesis 47:15 (HCSB)
When the money from the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan was gone, all the Egyptians came to Joseph and said, "Give us food. Why should we die here in front of you? The money is gone!"

Observation:

This verse from the Book of Genesis tells us what happened when money first failed; it gives two places where money failed, Egypt and Canaan. The thing that is noteworthy is that Egypt was the greatest nation on earth at the time of this first failure of money. So, you may be living in the most prosperous nation in the world, but that does not ensure that money will not fail in your nation. Who will you turn to when money fails?

In addition to telling us where money failed, the focal verse tells us when money failed. It was during a time when there was a crisis in the land because of a famine.

In times of trouble you need a source you can count on; a source that will not fail. It is better to put your trust in God than to put your trust in money. God never fails.

Psalm 46:1 (HCSB)
God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble.

Finally, this text teaches us why money failed.  Money is material. Everything that is material is perishing. You need something that money can't buy to meet your spiritual needs. Life is about more than the material, it is also about the spiritual.

On our money in the USA we have, "In God We Trust". I pray that we have that written on the tablet of our heart. The wise person will choose God over gold.

Psalm 49:6-7 (HCSB)
⁶ they trust in their wealth and boast of their abundant riches. ⁷ Yet these cannot redeem a person or pay his ransom to God—

Prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, I praise and thank You for being a faithful God in whom we can trust with our whole heart. Father, I thank You that You are able to help us, and that You are willing to help us. Lord, give us faith to trust You more. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

--

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

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

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_April 13, 2015

Title: The Kind of Power We Need for These Perilous Times

Text:

Luke 1:36-38 (NLT) 
36 What's more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she's now in her sixth month. 
37 For nothing is impossible with God." 
38 Mary responded, "I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true." And then the angel left her. 

Observation:

What do we need to get us through the perilous times that we are living in? Where can we turn? Who can we look to?

Sometimes the things that we need the most are not something new. Rather, it is something old. We need something that is eternal; not temporal.

When the angel spoke to Mary her mind must have wondered back to something old; to someone that you can trust. She could have been thinking about Abraham, who the bible described as the father of our faith?

Genesis 18:13-15 (NLT) 
13 Then the LORD said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh? Why did she say, 'Can an old woman like me have a baby?' 
14 Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son." 
15 Sarah was afraid, so she denied it, saying, "I didn't laugh." But the LORD said, "No, you did laugh." 

There is a song that was written in 1958 that speaks to my heart; it is a song that I can identify with in my life, and it has been proved in so many instances in my life, and in the lives of my loved ones, and friends.

It was written and recorded by the Roberta Martin Singers; a renowned gospel group of anointed Saints of the Lord. 

Whatever you are facing in your life, if you look to the Lord, you can trust in Him; He can do what no other power can do. The testimony, life, and legacy of my late wife would say:

"Through it All … God Specializes"

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, I exalt your name above every name on earth and in heaven; there is no one like You.

Father God, I am so grateful that You specialize in things thought by men to be impossible. Lord, show Your power to us in these last days so that everyone can see that You are God all by yourself. Lord, do for us what no other power can do. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Song:

Gloria Griffin singing "God Specializes"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQyEqUZx6jc 

--

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

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

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_April 10, 2015

Title: How to Handle Sorrow and Grief

Text:

Psalm 31:9-10 (NLT)
9 Have mercy on me, LORD, for I am in distress. Tears blur my eyes. My body and soul are withering away.
10 I am dying from grief; my years are shortened by sadness. Sin has drained my strength; I am wasting away from within. 

Observation:

David was experiencing a great deal of sorrow and grief in his life; he had enemies who lied about him, pursued him, and set a net to catch him. Being faced with this difficulty he faced this question. Where can I turn for help?

The inspiration of turning to this Psalm was a song I was listening to as I was driving and listing to music on my tape. The song playing was, "I Must Tell Jesus".

When I got home I looked up the history of this song. Briefly, this is what I found. The song was written by Elisha Albright Hoffman (1839-1929). He was a pastor and was visiting in the home of a woman who was experiencing much sorrow and affliction.

He tried doing everything he knew to do to comfort her, but nothing in his tool box seemed to work.  At the end of himself he said, "You must tell Jesus" After contemplation the woman said, "Yes, I must tell Jesus". 

The pastor went home, and wrote the lyrics to the hymn, "I Must Tell Jesus".

No matter what we are facing in our lives, we are always welcomed to bring all of our cares to Jesus. In Him you will find someone who loves you unconditionally, and who is ready to show you compassion. And, yes, He is able to help you.

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

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so thankful for the promise that Your presence is enough to meet all of my needs. Lord Jesus, I am so grateful for the divine presence, provisions, and power of God in the lives of His people. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Song:

I must tell Jesus all of my trials;

I cannot bear these burdens alone;

In my distress He kindly will help me;

He ever loves and cares for His own.

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

--

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

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

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/