Daily Bread_May 29, 2015

Title: How Do You Know If There Is a God?

Text:

1 Timothy 6:15-16 (ESV) 

15  which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 

16  who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen. 

Observation:

How are you conducting your search for God? Are you looking for him through the limited capabilities of your eyes and your mind? Do you think that you can find God in this feeble manner?

There are some things that have been settled a long time ago. One of the oldest books of the bible gives us an understanding of how to approach and enter the presence of the only true God who dwells in unapproachable light.

Job 42:1-6 (ESV) 

1  Then Job answered the LORD and said: 

2  "I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. 

3  'Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?' Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. 

4  'Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you make it known to me.' 

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." 

One of the amazing truths of the ages is that if sinful man draws near to God that God will draw near to you. The next move to knowing God is for you to turn from the direction you are walking, and turn to the Lord. Why not follow the example of Job? When you see yourself in the light of God's greatness, you are closer to God than you will ever be. Why not take that step today?

2 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV) 

2  For he says, "In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 

"Faith is trusting what the eye can't see.

Eyes see the prowling lion. Faith sees Daniel's angel.

Eyes see storms. Faith sees Noah's rainbow.

Eyes see giants. Faith sees Canaan.

Your eyes see your faults. Your faith sees your Savior.

Your eyes see your guilt. Your faith sees his blood."

Unknown

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I pray that we may decrease so that You may increase. Father, the greatest need we have in our life is to know You, and be known by You. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

John 3:30 (ESV) 

30  He must increase, but I must decrease." 

--

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_May 28, 2015

Title: How to Test if Your Love is Genuine?

Text:

1 Timothy 1:5 (ESV) 

5  The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 

1 Peter 1:22 (ESV) 

22  Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, 

Observation:

Today the one word that I have on my heart is cooperation. The word comes from my prayer, which was the prayer of Jesus for His followers.

John 17:21 (ESV) 

21  that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 

If this was a need that Jesus saw in His people, and was moved to pray for us; then, certainly this is a need that I should be concerned about, and make a matter of prayer. This I know; God will answer the prayer of Jesus.

How can we be a part of God's answer to prayer for God's people of the first century, and God's people today?

Galatians 5:6 (ESV) 

6  For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love. 

Cooperation is birthed and grows in a relationship of loving one another. Here are some ways that we test if our love for one another is genuine.

Romans 12:9-19 (ESV) 

9  Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 

10  Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 

11  Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 

12  Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 

13  Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. 

14  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 

15  Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 

16  Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 

17  Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 

18  If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 

19  Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." 

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I pray that You would give Your people a love like Peter and Paul described; please answer the prayer that Jesus prayed in John 17:21 in our hearts. 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_May 27, 2015

Title: Who Is Jesus?

Text:

Revelation 1:3-8 (ESV) 

3  Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. 

4  John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 

5  and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 

6  and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 

7  Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen. 

8  "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." 

Observation:

I came to my computer this morning with Jesus on my mind. Then, this scripture was presented to me.

Revelation 22:13 (ESV) 

13  I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." 

Reading the above verse resulted in me going next to the passage I have selected as the text for today's meditation. 

Then, I asked the question, "Who is Jesus?" As I read I came to this verse.

Revelation 1:8 (ESV) 

8  "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." 

I have a song on my playlist that says why you need to know the Jesus as revealed in God's Word. The song is written and sung by Andrae Crouch.

Chorus:

Jesus is the answer, for the world today,

Above Him there's no other,

Jesus is the way.

Verse One:

If you have some questions

In the corners of your mind,

Traces of discouragement,

The peace you cannot find,

Reflections of your past,

Seem to face you everyday,

But this one thing I do know,

That Jesus is the way.

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so thankful for Jesus, and for the revelation that You gave to John so that over 2,000 years later we can know the answer to the question, "Who is Jesus?".

Father God, I thank You that before Jesus finished His earthly ministry He told His disciples, and all who would read His word this about himself. Father God, thank You for Jesus. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

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. 

--

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_May 26, 2015

Title: What to Do While You Wait for God to Act?

Text:

Psalm 37:7 (ESV) 

7  Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! 

Observation:

Yesterday we wrote on the topic, "God Will Act", and this was our focal verse.

Psalm 37:5 (ESV) 

5  Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. 

Do we really trust in the Lord when we are not patient enough to wait for Him to act? Their ought to be a peace that indwells us when we have trusted in the Lord, and committed our way to Him. Genuine faith produces the fruit of resting in the Lord, and enjoying the peace of God while we wait on God to act.

Philippians 4:7 (ESV) 

7  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

"'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,

Just to take Him at His word;

Just to rest upon His promise;

Just to know, Thus saith the Lord."

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I pray that You would grant to You believing people a faith that will not falter or complain; Lord, give us a faith that will trust in You, and will enjoy the peace of God in our hearts while we wait for You to act.

Father God, help us to see that even while You wait to answer our prayer that You are working for our good and Your glory; You are strengthening our faith and our patience. Father, thank You for Your work of grace in our lives. 

Lord God Almighty, giver of faith, give us faith to trust You more. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

"Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him,

How I've proved Him o'er and o'er,

Jesus, Jesus, Precious Jesus!

  O for grace to trust Him more."

Source of hymn: "Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus

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/

 

Daily Bread_May 25, 2015

Title: God Will Act

Text:

Psalm 37:5 (ESV) 

5  Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. 

Observation:

What a powerful truth; "God will act". If there was ever a motive to turn to the Lord, surely this statement should cause us to commit our lives to the Lord, and to trust in Him. Here is an example of David doing that; asking the Lord to help him.

Psalm 57:1-3 (ESV) 

1 Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. 

2  I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. 

3  He will send from heaven and save me; he will put to shame him who tramples on me. Selah God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness! 

David was all in; he was willing to trust in the Lord with his whole heart, and he delighted in the Lord. He believed that nothing was beyond the reach of prayer.

Psalm 37:1-4 (ESV) 

1 Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! 

2  For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. 

3  Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. 

4  Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I pray that we will learn to trust in You with our whole heart, and to commit all of our ways to You in prayer. Father, guide our steps, and give us the wisdom and the will to rely upon You for all of our needs. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Philippians 4:19 (ESV) 

19  And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 

--

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_May 22, 2015

Title: Why the Child of God Should Pray

Text:

Psalm 107:1-6 (ESV) 

1  Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! 

2  Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble 

3  and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south. 

4  Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to a city to dwell in; 

5  hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them. 

6  Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. 

Observation:

There is so much in our focal passage for today, but the thought I want to focus on is the power of prayer. God answers prayer; we see that in verse six. However, I find something to shout about when I see in verse two that the Lord answers prayer on the basis of redemption.

Why do we spend so much of our precious time worrying when just a little talk with the Lord would fix our problems. The hymn writer recognized this truth when he wrote these words.

"O what peace we often forfeit,

  O what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry

  Everything to God in prayer!"

Notice what it took for God's people to cry out to Him in prayer in the day of the Psalmist.

Psalm 107:5-6 (ESV) 

5  hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them. 

6  Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. 

Don't be like the people of God then; and, like so many of us today. Why don't you forfeit your burdens, and take all of your cares to the Lord in prayer. If you have been redeemed by the Lord, you have access to Him all the time. He is waiting to hear from you.

Matthew 7:7-8 (ESV) 

7  "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 

8  For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so grateful that You hear and answer prayer based on the redemption we have because Jesus shed His precious and royal blood so that we wouldn't have to die for our own sins.

Father God, I ask that You would stir the hearts of Your people to pray, and when they pray that You would open the windows of heaven and shower us with blessings from above.

Lord, I'm getting out my umbrella waiting for the showers of blessings; I 'm praying for a Louisiana size thunderstorm.  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_May 21, 2015

Title: How God Provides for the Needs of His People

Text:

Romans 8:26-30 (HCSB)
²⁶ In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings. ²⁷ And He who searches the hearts knows the Spirit's mind-set, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. ²⁸ We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose. ²⁹ For those He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. ³⁰ And those He predestined, He also called; and those He called, He also justified; and those He justified, He also glorified.

Observation:

How hungry and thirsty are you for God? How much value do you place on prayer? How big is Your God? How awesome is the knowledge that He helps us to pray? What a partnership; God and you! Notice that our text says God finishes what He starts. What a God!

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

Do you have a God size need in your life today? Why not do what the Psalmist did?

Psalm 77:1-3 (HCSB)
¹ I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and He will hear me. ² I sought the Lord in my day of trouble. My hands were continually lifted up all night long; I refused to be comforted. ³ I think of God; I groan; I meditate; my spirit becomes weak. Selah

Asaph was in a hard place; however, he served a great God, and Asaph cried out to God as his first option, and not his last. Asaph's faith was not in vain; God hears and answers the prayers of His people. David said this about his prayer. God will do it for you, if you ask Him.

Psalm 6:9 (HCSB)
The Lord has heard my plea for help; the Lord accepts my prayer.

We are not alone when we pray. Don't ever forget that God is for you, in You, and the Holy Spirit is your helper when you pray.

Romans 8:31 (HCSB)
What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so grateful for your love, guidance and support that you give to your people. Father, forgive me for the peace I forfeit when I fail to bring everything to you in prayer. Father, with the aid and assistance of the Holy Spirit, I will learn to carry everything to You in 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_May 20, 2015

Title: What Do We Need to Do Now?

Text:

Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV) 

8  For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. 

9  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. 

Observation:

Sometimes the answer to our questions are right in front of us. We can look back, we can look around, we can look without and we can look within. However, there is another option, and it is not original with me; it comes from above, and I believe it is time for us to look up.

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. 

Why not put a hold on our thoughts and our preferences, and come to the Lord? He is the only one that can help us, He is able, and He is willing. Why not come to Him now?

The burdens you are bearing were not made for your shoulders. Why not take the upward look, and come to the Lord? Why not take your burdens to the Lord, and leave them with Him?

Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV) 

28  Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 

29  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 

30  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." 

God loves and cares for you; He said He would, and I know He will. Are there any witnesses who will agree?

1 Peter 5:6-7 (ESV) 

6  Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 

7  casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I pray that in these trying times that people everywhere would realize that now is the time to look to the Lord, and to accept Your loving invitation to come to You.

Lord, I know that You care, and I am not too proud to say I need You now.  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_May 19, 2015

Title: How Close Are You to God?

Text:

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. 

Observation:

There is never a time in the lives of God's people that we should not be in His presence. God has promised that He would never leave us.

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." 

Are there times in your life that you don't feel the nearness of God? If so, think about this; who moved? God has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you". Have you left Him; have you forsaken Him?

2 Chronicles 15:1-2 (ESV) 

1  The Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded, 

2  and he went out to meet Asa and said to him, "Hear me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: The LORD is with you while you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you. 

Luke 15:20 (ESV) 

20  And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 

God is a great God, and He is a gracious God; He waits patiently for His wayward children to come to Him.

The choice is between the world and the Lord. Who will you choose?

Matthew 6:24 (ESV) 

24  "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. 

Joshua 24:15-16 (ESV) 

15  And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." 

16  Then the people answered, "Far be it from us that we should forsake the LORD to serve other gods, 

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I pray that we will not fail the faith test when we are confronted with choosing between the world; pleasures, possessions, positions and philosophy; and the LORD.

Father God, give us the grace to choose You, and the faith and faithfulness to stand firm in the Lord. 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_May 18, 2015

Title: The Amazing Grace of God

 

Text:

 Titus 2:11-13 (ESV) 

11  For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 

12  training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 

13  waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 

Observation:

One of the great truths of the bible is the universal availability of salvation for all people. The bible says that God loves you, and he proved that by sending His son to be the atoning sacrifice for your sins.

 

2 Peter 3:9 (ESV) 

9  The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 

The Apostle Paul gives us tremendous insight into how we can benefit from the grace of God. God's grace allowed us to receive the gift of salvation.

This grace of God is not a permit to sin. Rather, it is a demand for godly living, and it comes with the enabling power to live an obedient Christ-like life.

 

Paul gives God's set apart people all that we need to know to build that brick wall that keeps us from falling over the edge. The grace of God will teach you how to overcome the forces that are pushing you to the edge of the cliff.

 

Titus 2:12 (AMP)

It has trained us to reject and renounce all ungodliness (irreligion)

and worldly (passionate) desires, to live discreet (temperate,

self-controlled), upright, devout (spiritually whole) lives in this present

world,

 

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I pray that the grace of God will train me to say, "No" to ungodliness and worldly desires, and "Yes" to living a sensible, righteous, and godly life in this world.  Father, I acknowledge that in the flesh I can't, but in You I can do all things. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Psalm 51:10-12 (ESV) 

10  Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. 

11  Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. 

12  Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. 

--

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_May 15, 2015

Title: The Joy of Walking with the Lord

Text:

Ephesians 4:1-6 (KJV) 

¹ I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, ² With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; ³ Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ⁴ There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; ⁵ One Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶ One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Observation:

The enemy's goal is to create disunity in the Body of Christ. Conversely, God's goal is for His people to walk in unity. Who is winning the battle in your walk?

We have to make an effort to have unity, and that requires being aware and alert. We need to shut the door to keep out the deceiver and the destroyer of unity.

Ephesians 4:27 (KJV) 

Neither give place to the devil.

Satan uses us to divide one another. He does this by tempting us to assert our preferences as demands for others to be like us. Satan tells the big lie that unity requires uniformity. However, the God who made us different in the first birth has made us one in the second birth.

Diversity is a good thing when Christ lives in you. Why not let others see Jesus in you. Demonstrate in your walk and talk that you belong to Christ, and that He belongs to you.

Galatians 3:28 (KJV) 

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

It takes effort, patience and humility for people who are different to walk in unity. If you will humble yourself, God will exalt you. He did it for Jesus; let's make every effort to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. Let's put to death disunity among those who are in Christ.

Philippians 2:8-9 (KJV) 

⁸ And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. ⁹ Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

How are you doing in endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace? If God expects us to do it, He will provide the means to do it.

John 13:35 (KJV) 

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Ephesians 4:1 (KJV) 

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so grateful that You divinely arranged my life so that the word I share today was brought to my attention from something that I wrote over twelve months ago. Then, Lord You reinforced it three times.

Father, I thank You for the Word that was shared with our Prime Timers group yesterday, "I see the glory coming". Lord, I want to say to You that I am available to be a part of what You are going to do through Your humble and available servants during these last days. O, lead me to others that You are calling and sending so thai I can unite with 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_May 14, 2015

Title: What is Your View of God?

Text:

1 Chronicles 17:23-26 (KJV) 

23  Therefore now, LORD, let the thing that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant and concerning his house be established for ever, and do as thou hast said. 

24  Let it even be established, that thy name may be magnified for ever, saying, The LORD of hosts is the God of Israel, even a God to Israel: and let the house of David thy servant be established before thee. 

25  For thou, O my God, hast told thy servant that thou wilt build him an house: therefore thy servant hath found in his heart to pray before thee. 

26  And now, LORD, thou art God, and hast promised this goodness unto thy servant: 

Observation:

David is the person in our focal passage, and He is having a conversation with the Lord.

Notice that in this conversation David is repeating to God what God had promised.

Notice something else David said to God; it reflects the high view that he had of God. 

1 Chronicles 17:26 (KJV) 

26  And now, LORD, thou art God, and hast promised this goodness unto thy servant: 

Yesterday, I started a new devotional reading plan, and this was one of the key verses that got my attention. It speaks of how highly we should value God, and the priority He should have in our prayer life. How exalted is your view of God?

Matthew 6:9 (KJV) 

9  After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 

This is one of my favorites verse, and it was written by David; He lived his life in surrender and submission to the God whom he trusted with his whole heart.

Psalm 37:23 (KJV) 

23  The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. 

As I begin writing this devotional I received a text message on my phone from a dear friend who sends me an encouraging message every morning. This is what he said.

"God is a great God".

Isn't God amazing? Doesn't He direct the paths of His people? As my Mother-in-Love would say, "Yes, indeed". Let's give Him the praise that only He is due.

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I delight in giving praise to You because You are a great God, and greatly to be praised. I agree with Your servant David when he said this about You.

Psalm 145:3 (KJV) 

3  Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable. 

Father God, I ask that You would order the steps of Your people as they look up to You this day; may they recognize You for who You are, and claim Your promises. 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_May 13, 2015

Title: Living Faith is Proven By Our Actions

Text:

James 2:25-26 (ESV) 

25  And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 

26  For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. 

Observation:

This topic has been on my mind since Sunday when our pastor spoke on this topic in our walk through the book of James.

Some people get confused when they read in James, "And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works". They wonder if this conflicts with what Paul wrote here.

Romans 3:28 (ESV) 

28  For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. 

Paul was speaking in Romans about the Mosaic Law. But, James was speaking of the Law of Liberty. When James speaks of works he is speaking of good deeds.

James 2:12 (ESV) 

12  So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. 

James 2:8 (ESV) 

8  If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well. 

There is no daylight between what Paul said and what James said; they both agree that saving faith produces good works.

Ephesians 4:32 (ESV) 

32  Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. 

What action will you take today to demonstrate that you have been set free by the Law of Liberty? 

John 13:34-35 (ESV) 

34  A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 

35  By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." 

Prayer:

Father God, I pray that the love of God that resides in the hearts of Your people though the Holy Spirit that You have given to us will flow from our lives in loving actions to others. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Romans 5:5 (NLT) 

5  And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. 

Action Point:

Love others with the love of the Lord. Be love.

--

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_May 12, 2015

Title: God is Good

Text:

Psalm 136:1 (KJV) 

1  O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. 

Observation:

Today's one word is God. As I opened my electronic bible this morning I paused when I noticed the above verse.

As I read this verse I read each sentence slowly:

"Give thanks unto the LORD"   Gratitude to God

"He is good" Goodness of God

"His mercy endureth forever" Grace of God

Today I just feel like giving praise and thanksgiving to God; I am so grateful for Him and to Him; for who He is, and for what He does for His people.

Psalm 107:1 (KJV) 

1  O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. 

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, I am so glad that I can call you Our Father; my Father. I delight to join with Your people who will read this prayer, and will unite their voice together in giving You the praise, honor, and glory that You alone deserve.

Father God, we acknowledge together that You are good, and that Your mercy endureth forever. Father God, Your love, grace, and mercy are what we need. Lord, thank You that we have them in abundance and forever. 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_May 11, 2015

Title: How Do You Know If Your Faith Is Real?

Text:

James 2:17 (KJV) 

17  Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 

James 2:26 (KJV) 

26  For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. 

Observation:

The choice word for today is love. The seed for today's focus on love is what I experienced yesterday, and was reminded of with the first prayer I prayed this morning.

I listened to a one minute prayer for mothers that was on my notification list of my phone. It cited this verse.

Proverbs 31:28 (ESV) 

28  Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 

The text for today came from a weekly memory verse card that was on my night stand. I picked it up after I listen to the prayer for mothers on my phone app.

Then I picked up the sermon notes from yesterday, and read the verse that I am using for today's text. I said, "Wow, God is speaking to me; this is what I'm going to write about today.

Quote from the message:

"Love is the tangible evidence of a genuine faith".

Then I begin to sing this song in my spirit:

"Love is the theme, love is supreme; 

Sweeter it grows, glory bestows; 

Bright as the sun ever it glows! 

Love is the theme, eternal theme!"

Truly love is supreme, and it is the evidence of genuine faith.

1 Corinthians 13:13 (ESV) 

13  So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 

For the children of God love is not a suggestion; it's a command.

John 15:12 (ESV) 

12  "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 

Why not do yourself a favor by doing this:

2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV) 

5  Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! 

Prayer:

Father God, I pray that each of us will examine ourselves to see if we have genuine faith.

Father God, if we pass the test, I pray that we will daily demonstrate it in our life by the way we love; because we realize it is not enough to trust in you, we must also obey. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

John 13:35 (NLT) 

35  Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." 

--

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/