Daily Bread_June 30, 2015

Title: How Great is Your God?

Text:

Psalm 8:1 (KJV) 

1 O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.

Observation:

This Psalm is known as one of the creation Psalms. Other Psalms included in this category are these.

Psalm 19:1 (ESV) 

1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. 

Psalm 33:6 (ESV) 

6  By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host. 

Psalm 104:1-2 (ESV) 

1  Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, you are very great! You are clothed with splendor and majesty, 

2  covering yourself with light as with a garment, stretching out the heavens like a tent. 

Chris Tomlin - Lyrics "How Great is Our God"

"Age to age He stands

And time is in His hands

Beginning and the end

Beginning and the end

The Godhead Three in One

Father Spirit Son

The Lion and the Lamb

The Lion and the Lamb

Name above all names

Worthy of our praise

My heart will sing

How great is our God"

Is this God your God? Then, why not lift your voice, and give the praise and the thanks that is due to Him. I think I will memorize this verse; the address will be easy to remember; Just think about He is number one.

Psalm 111:1 (ESV) 

1   Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Thy name, Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

I extol and exalt You, my God and my Father.  O King, You are the one in whom my soul delights. Lord, I give thanks to You with my whole heart. Lord, I can't wait to leave the house today, and seek out those who are willing to give praise and thanks to You. Father, lead and guide me to the company of the upright.

Father, the sacrifice of praise I offer up to You with my lips, I pray that my family, friends, and neighbors everywhere will join me in lifting their voices in praise and thanksgiving to our Father in Heaven. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Psalm 150:6 (ESV) 

6  Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD! 

--

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_June 29, 2015

Title: What You Can Expect When You Belong to God

Text:

Jeremiah 1:8 (HCSB) 

8  Do not be afraid of anyone, for I will be with you to deliver you. {This is}the LORD's declaration. 

Observation:

When you belong to the Lord, and you give Him your whole heart, what do you lack to prevent you from fulfilling your God ordained purpose?

What do you fear? Do you fear man? Do you fear God? Listen to what God says in His Word:

Proverbs 1:7 (HCSB) 

7  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline. 

If you fear God you don't have to fear man, or any other thing that you encounter in the world. Jesus said this about living in the world.

John 16:33 (HCSB) 

33  I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world." 

Our survival and success in the world does not depend on our adequacy, but on our availability. The Apostle Paul said this.

2 Corinthians 2:16 (NLT) 

16  To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this? 

We started with Jeremiah. Let's finished with him; notice what the Lord did for Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 1:9-10 (NLT) 

9  Then the LORD reached out and touched my mouth and said, "Look, I have put my words in your mouth! 

10  Today I appoint you to stand up against nations and kingdoms. Some you must uproot and tear down, destroy and overthrow. Others you must build up and plant." 

The Lord gave Jeremiah the power and possessions he needed. The Lord gave the Apostle Paul what he needed.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NLT) 

17  For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 

18  So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. 

Child of God, when you face your day of trouble and sorrow, sing these words of hope with a confident faith in God.

"Be not dismayed whatever betide,

  God will take care of you!

Beneath His wings of love abide,

  God will take care of you!"

Prayer:

Father, I exalt Your name above every name on earth and in heaven; there is none like You, no not one.

Father, the loving touch of Your hand holding me, leading me, and guiding me on the pathway of life in this world is all I need to do Your will, and fulfill my purpose for being alive.

Father, help us to love You more dearly, trust You more completely, and serve You and others more unselfishly. 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_June 26, 2015

Title: Who Does God Want You to Be?

Text:

1 Peter 2:9-10 (ESV) 

9  But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 

10  Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 

Observation:

This week I have been asking profound questions. I'm asking these questions because I want all of us to know and do the will and work of God in our lives each day that we are left in this world.

God has something to say to us, and I am looking and listening. When I hear from Him, it is my blessed privilege to share it with you.

Our focal passage gives us some insight and inspiration of who God  wants us to be, and what He wants us to do.

First, God has chosen us to be His people. Notice how loving and compassionate God is toward us; we were not a people, but now we are God's people. Oh yes, mercy suits our case, and God has given us mercy and His amazing grace.

Second, God tells us His purpose and our work plan. It is this, "That you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called us because of His love for us". The God who loves you also loves the whole world.

John 3:16 (ESV) 

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

His love for us should compel us to love one another as He has loved us. He wants us to love others with the love of our Lord.

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, hallowed be your name. Father, your love amazes me at so many levels.

Father, I have seen in recent days how your love amazes the world when they see it demonstrated by your people in the Market Place. I have seen it in the court house in Charleston, and on the streets across America; not just in the church house, but in the Market Place.

Father, help us by the presence of the Holy Spirit of God, who lives in the hearts of your people, to be love to others. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

God wants you to be hopeful, and to be love because of this:

Romans 5:5 (HCSB) 

5  This hope will not disappoint {us}, because God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 

--

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_June 25, 2015

Title: Do You Know How to Pray Life Changing Prayers?

Text:

Jeremiah 33:3 (KJV) 

3  Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. 

Observation:

I don't know and understand everything there is to know about prayer, but I do know that God hears and answers prayer, and that prayer works exceedingly well for those who call upon the Lord.

When I lived in Anchorage, Alaska I had a prayer ministry on the Christian Radio station, and I had a guest on my program who was a musician and evangelist. She had a song, "Prayer Changes Things" that I used as my theme song for the program. The program was called, "Praying for You".

One of the lines in that song said, "God is waiting to hear from you". I know  this to be true because Jesus said it.

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. 

Let's not pray just for ourselves. Rather, let's pray for others; it will open the windows of heaven, and God will shower us with blessings from above. 

Ephesians 6:18-19 (HCSB) 

18  Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. 

19  Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name; the name that is above every name on earth and in heaven.

Father, listen to Your people as prayers from all across our world are going up to You as Your people cry out to You; casting all of their cares upon You like You invited us to do.

Father, have mercy upon our needy souls. Father, in times like these we need more amazing grace from the lover of our soul; may we hear the sweet sound of it from sea to shinning sea.  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_June 24, 2015

Title: Is Everything All Right with You and God?

Text:

John 14:1-4 (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. 

4  And you know the way to where I am going." 

Observation:

This is a profound question, and deserves the highest priority on your agenda because the way you answer has eternal consequences.

There is one person who knows the answer to this question, and this is what He has to say.

John 14:5-6 (ESV) 

5  Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?" 

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

This is the problem that every person who has a human father face in this world, and is the thing that keeps us from living in God's presence for eternity in the Father's house.

Romans 3:22-23 (ESV) 

22  the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 

23  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 

Notice it says, "For there is no distinction"; all of us are in sinking sand, and there is no way out except to be in Christ; the only person born without a human father.

However, our God loves us, and is full of grace and mercy. He has the only remedy for our separation from Him that is the result of our sinful nature. If we want to live in the presence of God forever, we need a new nature.

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. 

Our creator has placed within us a God shaped vacuum that only He can fill. Does Jesus live in you? If He doesn't He will come in if you open the door and let Him come in.

Romans 10:10 (ESV) 

10  For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 

Romans 10:13 (ESV) 

13  For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." 

The Savior is waiting to hear from you; why not say yes to His will, and yes to His way.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be your name; the name above all names, and the name that every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. 

Father, I pray that the Holy Spirit will shine His illuminating light upon the God shaped portion of anyone that does not have Your only begotten son, Jesus the Savior and Lord, living in their heart. 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_June 23, 2015

Title: How Do You Handle Unjust Suffering?

Text:

1 Peter 2:21 (ESV) 

21  For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 

Observation:

Gospel Hymn - Author: Doris Atkers

"Lead me, guide me along the way,

For if you lead me I cannot stray.

Lord let me walk each day with Thee.

Lead me, oh Lord lead me."

Singing this hymn by the beloved poet Doris Atkers is what inspired me to think about today's topic. However, it took me in a direction that was different; one that I did not have on my mind.

I did not expect that song to lead me to our focal verse, and the topic for today's mediation. However, God knows the way, and He shows the way to His people when we walk in the path that Jesus is walking and working.

We who are Christ followers will never be able to accomplish what Jesus accomplished by His sacrificial suffering for the redemption of lost souls, but we can still benefit from His example. Here are a few verses of encouragements from the scriptures.

1 Peter 2:19-20 (ESV) 

19  For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 

20  For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 

The people of Charleston, SC have shown us, when we follow Christ example, what can happen; they have been demonstrations of genuine love and forgiveness, and provided living examples of this bible truth.

1 Peter 2:15 (ESV) 

15  For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.

When the grief has subsided let's believe and pray that the examples and demonstration of love and forgiveness will not be forgotten. We need more and more love because we all have messes in our lives that requires forgiveness in order for love to abide. Our only hope is in God, who is love. God can love you without love being returned. We have hope because of this word from the Lord.

'Romans 5:5 (ESV) 

5  and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Thy name. Father, I'm praying that the attitude of love and forgiveness demonstrated by Your people in Charleston, SC will achieve the result of putting to silence the ignorance of foolish people anywhere they may be in the world.

Father, I pray that what the enemy meant for evil will turn out to be for good, and that it will bring down a Holy Spirit led, heaven sent revival in our country, and that it would spread to the ends of the earth. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Genesis 50:20 (ESV) 

20  As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. 

--

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_June 22, 2015

Title: Have You Ever Heard God Speak?

Text:

Psalm 19:1-2 (ESV) 

1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

 

2  Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. 

Observation:

What a profound and awe inspiring question! I recently read a devotional that started out with these words, "I speak to you continually".

When God speaks do you have ears to hear, and eyes to see? God speaks in so many ways. Notice what our focal passage says. Look up to the skies and you will see God speaking. Look closer to home; look into the faces and listen to the voices of people around you, and you will see the face, and hear the voice of God.

In these dark and dangerous days, it is comforting to know that our God is everywhere. 

I was not familiar with this song by Andrae Crouch, but since I found it, I love the lyrics; the song, "God is Standing By".

Everywhere you go there is trouble 

: There is trouble 

: Everywhere you go there is strife 

: There is strife 

: Everywhere you go there is something that 

: worries you, but remember 

: Our God is standing by 

: The Lord is standing by 

: No need to cry 

: God is standing near 

: No need to fear 

: Jesus will be right there 

: He's everywhere 

: He's rolling dark clouds away 

: Yes 

: He'll hear you when you pray 

: Oh yes 

: He'll hear you when you call 

: Yes 

: Catch you before you fall 

: Oh yes 

: Jesus will be your friend 

: Yes 

: Stand by you to the end just remember 

: Our God is standing by.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be your name. In our dark days and our dreary nights, it is so comforting to know that You are always there.

Father, when trouble comes my way all I need to know is that You are standing by, and that You hear and answer prayer.

Father, so many people are hurting and need a helping hand; Lord, will You do for them what no other power can do. Father, I pray that they will look up to You.

Father, please feed your people as we look up to you. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Psalm 23:1 (ESV) 

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 

--

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_June 20, 2015

Title: Do You Need Restoration in Your Life and Nation?

Text:

Psalm 126:1 (ESV) 

1 When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.

Psalm 126:4-6 (ESV) 

4  Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negeb! 

5  Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! 

6  He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him. 

Observation:

When I read this passage of scripture I see three things that we need in our lives today; we need them in our homes, and in our churches. If they begin there, we can spread them to our communities, our nation, and our world.

Those three things are:

1. Restoration
2. Repentance
3. Rejoicing

Sometimes in the life of individuals and the life of a nation we come to the point in a downward spiral that we have no where to look but up; to look to the Lord.

I'm so thankful that the Lord is God almighty; yes, He is God alone, and He is the only one who can save us from the messes we get in. He has done it before, and He is able and willing to do it again.

Job 42:10 (ESV) 

10  And the LORD restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends. And the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before. 

Psalm 14:7 (ESV) 

7  Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad. 

Oh, my friends, what the Lord did for Job and for Israel He is able and willing to do for us. Just like he restored Job, He will restore you. Just like He restored Israel, He will restore your nation.

Notice that in our text, Psalm 126:4-6, God's people prayed for restoration. If we looked to the Lord in faith and hope, we will find that He will help us. 

Why not bow your knee, lift your hands, and cry out to the Lord for your family and for your nation. We need the Lord more than we ever needed Him before. He is waiting to here from you; child of God, let's call upon the Lord.

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. 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Thy name; the name that is above every name in heaven and on earth; we bow in humility at Your feet, and ask You to look down in mercy and grace upon us.

Father, we need You now more than we ever needed You before. Father, we know that You are a faithful and on time God; so we will pray and wait patiently for You to do Your work in us and among us.

Father, in times past we have put our troubles and pain in the hands of man, and they have failed us because that lack the wisdom and the resources. Now Lord, we turn to You; the only one who is willing and able to deliver us. Lord, have mercy and restore us we pray. In the mighty name of Your darling son, Jesus, 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_June 19, 2015

Title: My Response to What I Should Do About What Happened In Charleston

Text:

Psalm 31:15 (ESV) 

15  My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors! 

Observation:

Yesterday after talking to others, reading social media, and watching the news, I decided to write a draft for today's Daily Bread. I went to bed with what I thought was something that was ready for a final review this morning, and distribution.

But God, had another plan. I went to bed last night listening to some old songs by the Gospel Legends. One of those songs was by Rev. Clay Evans of Chicago "I Know the Lord Will Make A Way Somehow". I heard him sang another song at my church in my youth "It is no secret what God can do, what He's done for others, He'll do for you".

God woke me up this morning with this song, "In Times Like These We Need A Savior".

What did I say? I sung out loud, "Yes He will, yes He will, and sure enough He will". What did I do, I prayed, and the Lord spoke to me in my spirit, and I got up from the bed, and came to my computer and started writing this devotional as my answer to the question in my title for today.

There is so much God is speaking into my heart, but I want to focus on one word, and that is "GOD".

People say, Herb, why do you pray about everything, and don't worry about anything. You need to put feet to your prayers. God says this to me, and I believe God.

Philippians 4:6 (HCSB) 

6  Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 

Like the Psalmist of old, I'm going to do like David. I'm going to keep looking to the God of my salvation; I'm going to keep trusting Him with my whole heart.

The closing words by the Psalmist are good words to close on before we pray.

Psalm 31:24 (HCSB) 

24  Be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the LORD. 

Prayer:

Father, I pray that in our times those of us who belong to God will not turn away from our first love. Lord, to whom shall we turn if not to You. We have the answer, in God we trust. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Psalm 31:19 (HCSB) 

19  How great is Your goodness that You have stored up for those who fear You and accomplished in the sight of everyone for those who take refuge in You. 

--

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_June 18, 2015

Title: Who Resides in Your Heart?

Text:

John 15:4-5 (ESV) 

4  Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 

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

John 15:7 (ESV) 

7  If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 

Observation:

The longer I live, and the longer I serve Him, I know that the principal and practice of abiding in Christ is indispensable in living the abundant life that is the gift of God to His children.

The key is to have the Lord occupying your whole heart, and to allow the presence of Jesus in you to abide.

This truth came alive for me a few days ago when I was listening to a play list of gospel songs by the Gospel Legends on my computer.

The song "Let God Abide" was playing with the solo by the late Delois Barrett Campbell. These are the lyrics that spoke to me.

"The answer to all of your problems lies deep within your soul, if you let God abide".

"He'll hear your call and God will never let you fall if you let God abide."

Prayer:

Father God, my prayer for my family, friends and my neighbors is that they each will invite Jesus to come into their heart, and allow Him to fill their whole heart.

Then Lord, they will have all they need deep within their soul to let God abide. Father, do for them what no other power can do. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Jude 1:24-25 (HCSB) 

24  Now to Him who is able to protect you from stumbling and to make you stand in the presence of His glory, blameless and with great joy, 

25  to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority before all time, now and forever. Amen. 

--

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_June 17, 2015

Title: Are You Vigilant in Guarding Your Thoughts?

Text:

Romans 8:5-6 (HCSB) 

5  For those who live according to the flesh think about the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, about the things of the Spirit. 

6  For the mind-set of the flesh is death, but the mind-set of the Spirit is life and peace. 

Observation:

One or more of our five senses are working every moment of every day, and they are active even when we are asleep. There is a battle for the control of our mind. 

This is why it is so important for us to guard our thoughts, and guard our hearts.

O how we need to learn how to live according to the Spirit; the Holy Spirit of God who lives in God's people.

Galatians 5:16 (NLT) 

16  So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves. 

What we need to do is to starve our sinful nature. We do this by guarding our minds and hearts. We need to feed our new nature with the Word of God, and the worship of God.

The saints of every age have learned the value of singing in our sorrows and our storms; when we sing our praises to God our hearts are stirred and strengthened.

Psalm 95:1-2 (HCSB) 

1  Come, let us shout joyfully to the LORD, shout triumphantly to the rock of our salvation! 

2  Let us enter His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout triumphantly to Him in song. 

Prayer:

Father God, I am so glad that Your people have access to the presence and power of God for living our daily lives in a dark and dangerous world.

Father, help us to guard our hearts and our minds so that the control of our five senses will be under the control of the Holy Spirit of God who is the way to 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_June 16, 2015

Title: Have You Eaten At This Place?

Text:

John 6:35 (HCSB) 

35  "I am the bread of life," Jesus told them. "No one who comes to Me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in Me will ever be thirsty again. 

Observation:

Have you ever asked the question, "Who Am I?"

I read something recently that challenged me to ask better questions as a pathway to getting better results. Let me try with these questions.

Who do you belong to? Do you belong to Jesus? Who is Jesus? He said no one comes to the Father except through Him.

John 14:6 (HCSB) 

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

This is what the Bible says about Jesus:

Hebrews 1:1-3 (HCSB) 

1  Long ago God spoke to the fathers by the prophets at different times and in different ways. 

2  In these last days, He has spoken to us by {His} Son. God has appointed Him heir of all things and made the universe through Him. 

3  The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact expression of His nature, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. 

Are you satisfied at the table you have been eating? Does it satisfy the deep longing of your heart? Are you hungry and thirsty for real life? Do you desire to live forever in the presence of God? Have you accepted Jesus invitation to come to Him?

John 1:12 (HCSB) 

12  But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name, 

Prayer:

Father, I thank You for the love that You have for the whole world; the declaration of Your Word that says, "God is not willing that any should perish". 

Father, I pray that those who hear the word, and have never received Jesus, would receive Him today. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Song: 

The Savior is Waiting - Lyrics by Ralph Carmichael

The Savior is waiting to enter your heart

Why don't you let Him come in

There's nothing in this world to keep you apart

What is your answer to Him.

Refrain

Time after time, He has waited before

And now He is waiting again

To see if you're willing to open the door

Oh, how He wants to come in.

If you'll take one step toward the Savior, my friend

You'll find His arms open wide

Receive Him and all of your darkness will end

With in your heart He'll abide.

--

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_June 15, 2015

Title:Why It Pays to Worship the Lord

Text:

Proverbs 15:8 (HCSB) 

8  The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight. 

Observation:

Is there anything that ever happens to us in this world that should prevent us from doing that which delights our Lord?

There are times when trouble comes in our lives that cause us to fear, and to question the reality of God. Has this ever happened to you? 

One of the truths that we must come to grips with is that in this world trouble is the experience of the righteous and the wicked. One of my friends who has seen a lot of trouble in his life says this,"We live in the world; and, it is not heaven down here. Jesus told His followers that in the world we would have trouble; to be forewarned is to be forearmed.

John 16:33 (HCSB) 

33  I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world." 

Don't let trouble rob you of the opportunity and the privilege to exchange your worries for worship; for the opportunity to draw near to God. In the midst of our troubles, the good news is that Jesus has conquered the world. We can't solve all the problems of the world, but we know one who can and who has already done it.

James 4:8 (HCSB) 

8  Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, double-minded people! 

There is nothing like worship; it draws us near to God, and God near to us. When our praises go up to God, His blessings comes down to our needy lives. O, I am so glad that our prayers when they are filled with praise and thanksgiving pleases our Lord, and blesses our souls.

Acts 16:25-26 (HCSB) 

25  About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 

26  Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the jail were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's chains came loose. 

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so grateful for the privilege of prayer.

What a blessing it is to know that even in our most trouble filled days or nights that we have access to our heavenly Father, and that You delight to hear from Your faithful and devoted children. Father, give us the strength to be courageous. 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_June 12, 2015

Title: I'm So Thankful for the Lessons I Learned from my Grandmother

Text:

Psalm 145:4 (ESV) 

4  One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. 

Observation:

The following is a poem that griped my heart when I read it a few days ago. It so griped my heart that I wanted to meditate on it, and share it with you. Here is the poem.

"My grandmother took me to church on Sunday all day long, every Sunday into the night Then Monday evening was the missionary meeting. Tuesday evening was usher board meeting. Wednesday evening was prayer meeting. Thursday evening was visit the sick. Friday evening was choir practice. I mean, and at all those gatherings, we sang."

Maya Angelou 

There is a song that I have on my playlist by Andrae Crouch that comes to mind as I think about this poem; that song is, "Take Me Back".

The thing I would like to go back too is not the good old days, but the godly old days; those are days when that generation taught us about the works of the Lord in their lives.

I'm praying for God to be real in our lives today like He was in the days that Maya Angelou wrote about, and my days as a child.  This is one of the songs I was taught as I sat on the bed of my invalid grandmother with my two cousins. Our home was filled with singing.

Chorus

            Every time I feel the spirit

            Movin' in my heart I will pray

            Every time I feel the spirit

            Movin' in my heart I will pray

    

            Up on the mountains my Lord spoke

            Out of His mouth came fire and smoke

            Looked all around me, it looked so fine

            I asked the Lord could it be mine.

    

     

            The Jordan River is chilly and cold.

            It chills the body but not the soul.

            There aint but one train upon this track.

            It runs to heaven and then right back.

      

      

            Oh, I have sorrow and I have woe

            I have heartaches here below

            But while God leads me I'll never fear

            For I know that He is near.

This was not the only lesson I learned from my grandmother. I was taught and caught so much from her in those first 13 years of my life. I shudder to think about where I would be today if it had not been for my grandmother Susie Harris Thomas. We called her "Suh Suh" because all the relatives called her that.

We might have been considered poor in material things, but I am so thankful that we were rich in spiritual things; I would choose the latter any day. I am a witness that this verse is true, and it has been real in my life; then and now.

Philippians 4:19 (ESV) 

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

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven. Father, I pray that in our generation that we will be faithful to commend your works to the next generation.  Father, I pray that they will not turn away from such a rich heritage. 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/

 

--

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/