Daily Word of God & Prayer_September 30, 2015

Title: Is Now the Favorable Time for You?

Text:

Isaiah 49:8 (ESV) 

8  Thus says the LORD: "In a time of favor I have answered you; in a day of salvation I have helped you; I will keep you and give you as a covenant to the people, to establish the land, to apportion the desolate heritages, 

2 Corinthians 6:1-2 (ESV) 

1  Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 

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. 

Observation:

I never cease to be amazed about the reality of God. Last week I wrote about Jesus being our living hope, and the Word of God being our living hope.

Then, that same day the Lord directed my bible study to the living presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of God's children. That study led me to the passage that is today's focal passage.

I said to myself, "This is the topic I'm going to use for next Wednesday". What a way to celebrate my birthday; with the thought of "Now is the favorable time".

Here is another passage that the Lord spoke into my heart during another bible study a few weeks ago.

Ephesians 5:15-16 (HCSB) 

15  Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise— 

16  making the most of the time, because the days are evil. 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, I am so thankful for your provisions, power, and peace that I have because of your love, grace, and mercy that has been given to me all of the days of my life.

Father, I look forward to continue the walk on this journey from my earthly residence to my home in glory. Father, thank You for the reminder that now is the favorable time.

Father, I am ready and the door of my life is open for You to fill my life with the divine presence of the triune God. Father, I pray that this will be a prayer that all of Your children can join with me, and say, Amen.

--

Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)
¹¹  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 

Read the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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Daily Word of God & Prayer_September 29, 2015

Title: Do You Have Inner Peace?

Text:

John 8:12 (HCSB) 

Then Jesus spoke to them again: "I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life."

Observation:

I woke up this morning with the word peace on my mind. I turned my thoughts toward the Lord; then I looked to God's Word for a word from the Lord. This is what I was prompted to read.

1 Corinthians 9:26 (HCSB) 

26  Therefore I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air. 

This verse was the focal verse for a devotional that I read on my iPad that I had near my bed. The topic for that devotional was, "Make Godly Goals".

I am encouraged by the first portion of the verse which says, "Therefore I do not run like one who runs aimlessly". Notice how the Apostle Paul viewed his body as he talked about the goal of his life.

1 Corinthians 9:26-27 (HCSB) 

26  Therefore I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air. 

27  Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified. 

There are three things that Paul said about how he lived his life so that he might achieve the goal of being pleasing in the eyes of his heavenly Father, and fulfill his purpose for being alive in this present world.

1 Corinthians 9:19 (ESV) 

19  For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 

1 Corinthians 9:25 (ESV) 

25  Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 

1 Corinthians 9:12 (ESV) 

12  If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. 

These three things are worth remembering, and becoming.

1. Servant
2. Self-Control
3. Endure

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, help each one of us to set godly goals for our life on the earth. Father, help us to be the person that You purposed us to be.

Father, I pray that every person who hears this message will know You, and will have the power of the Holy Spirit living in them that will give them the power to know and do the will of God. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

1 John 5:14-15 (ESV) 

14  And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 

15  And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. 

--

Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)
¹¹  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 

Read the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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Daily Word of God & Prayer_September 28, 2015

Title: The Power of the Encouraging Word

Text:

Ephesians 4:29 (ESV) 

29  Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 

Observation:

I read this quote recently, "People will respond much more to your words of encouragement than words of criticism".

I'm reminded of a song that goes back to the early years of my life. I looked it up, and found that the earliest version is attributed to Dr. Brewster M. Higley, and written in 1870.

"Oh, give me a home where the Buffalo roam

Where the Deer and the Antelope play;

Where seldom is heard a discouraging word,

And the sky is not cloudy all day."

There is nothing more effective in personal communications than the power of an encouraging word. 

I remember reading this quote from the author of the One Minute Manager. It said, "Catch your employee doing something right, and praise them".

I am reminded of another english proverb: "You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar". 

Think about this: It's easier to persuade others with polite requests and a positive attitude rather than with rude demands and negativity.

Notice these encouraging words from the Apostle Paul to the church at Ephesus.

Ephesians 4:1-3 (ESV) 

1  I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 

2  with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 

3  eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, thank You for loving us with an everlasting love that is full of grace, mercy, and forgiveness.

Father, help us to be demonstrations of love for You, and love for others. Father, help us to speak words of love; words of encouragement to build up those who we encounter in our daily walk. Father, help us to walk worthy of our calling as sons and daughters of God. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

--

Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)
¹¹  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 

Read the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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Daily Word of God & Prayer_September 25, 2015

Title: How Sure Is Your Hope?

Text:

1 Peter 1:22-25 (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, 

23  since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; 

24  for "All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, 

25  but the word of the Lord remains forever." And this word is the good news that was preached to you. 

Observation:

Do you have a hope that fades away or dies like grass and flowers? Or, do you have a living hope?

This is what a living hope looks like.

1 Peter 1:3 (ESV) 

3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 

The people of God have a living hope, and a living Savior.  Additionally, we have the living Word of God, and that Word will stand forever.

Isaiah 40:6-8 (ESV) 

6  A voice says, "Cry!" And I said, "What shall I cry?" All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. 

7  The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the LORD blows on it; surely the people are grass. 

8  The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. 

I am so grateful that we can sing this song every day, and He is a forever God.

"I serve a risen Savior

  He's in the world today.

I know that He is living,

  Whatever men may say.

I see His hand of mercy;

  I hear His voice of cheer;

And just the time I need Him

  He's always near."

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, I delight to join with Your children in expressing our gratitude for all that You do for us.

Father, we are so thankful that we have a living hope, a living Word, and a living Savior. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

--

Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)
¹¹  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 

Read the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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Daily Word of God & Prayer_September 24, 2015

Title: The Lord Is A Great Shepherd

Text:

Psalm 23:1-4 (HCSB) 

1 The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. 

2  He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 

3  He renews my life; He leads me along the right paths for His name's sake. 

4  Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff—they comfort me. 

Observation:

I recently found a track while going through a downsizing project in my home. The topic was Psalm 23. This Psalm has brought comfort to the saints of the ages. There is nothing that drives out fear like the knowledge that the Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.

This verse from the song by Bill Gaither, "The Longer I Serve Him" reminds us of the love and care of God for His children.

"Ev'ry need He is supplying,

Plenteous grace He bestows;

Ev'ry day my way gets brighter,

The longer I serve Him,

The sweeter He grows."

One of the leap off the pages, and into my heart moments for me came when I read this portion, "He renews my life", in verse 3. 

Allow these words from the Psalm and Proverb to encourage you; then show your appreciation by using it as a moment to offer thanksgiving to the Lord for being such a Great Shepherd.

Psalm 19:7 (HCSB) 

7  The instruction of the LORD is perfect, renewing one's life; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise. 

Proverbs 9:10 (HCSB) 

10  "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 

Proverbs 1:7 (HCSB) 

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

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Thy name; the name that is above every name; there is no god like You.

Father, from the depths of our heart, we offer with our lips and pen a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to You; the Great Shepherd of the sheep.

Psalm 100:1-3 (HCSB) 

1 Shout triumphantly to the LORD, all the earth. 

2  Serve the LORD with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. 

3  Acknowledge that Yahweh is God. He made us, and we are His — His people, the sheep of His pasture. 

Father, accept our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving; we offer it up to you in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

--

Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)
¹¹  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 

Read the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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Daily Word of God & Prayer_September 23, 2015

Title: What Is The Better Way?

Text:

Proverbs 17:9 (ESV) 

9  Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends. 

Observation:

Today I continue to meditate upon what I was reminded of in the 90 minutes that I spent in the Word while I was presented with a change in my plans for the day; I found myself with a 90 minute wait. It reminded me of something a friend told me that he told his daughter. He said,"Things don't happen by coincidence.

I recently read this quote attributed to Dr. Martin Luther King, "I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear".

The bible speaks clearly about the superiority of love over hate. Notice what it says here:

Proverbs 10:12 (ESV) 

12  Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses. 

Proverbs 16:28 (ESV) 

28  A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends. 

What is the better way for God's people to live in a fallen world? What is the better way; love or hate? Are you willing to follow the Jesus way?

Romans 12:16-18 (ESV) 

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. 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, I am so grateful that those of us who are Christ followers have a wonderful example to follow. We have one who knows the way, and one who will show us the way, and lead us along the way.

Father, help us by your almighty power to be examples of a people who walk lovingly and joyfully in this fallen world; always following the one who is the way. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

--

Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)
¹¹  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 

Read the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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Daily Word of God & Prayer_September 22, 2015

Title: The Importance of Our Heart

Text:

Proverbs 16:1-9 (NLT) 

1  We can make our own plans, but the LORD gives the right answer. 

2  People may be pure in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their motives. 

3  Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed. 

4  The LORD has made everything for his own purposes, even the wicked for a day of disaster. 

5  The LORD detests the proud; they will surely be punished. 

6  Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin. By fearing the LORD, people avoid evil. 

7  When people's lives please the LORD, even their enemies are at peace with them. 

8  Better to have little, with godliness, than to be rich and dishonest. 

9  We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps. 

Observation:

I spent quite a bit of time last Thursday focusing on our focal passage. I allowed the message of this passage to find a place in my heart.

Today, I want to focus on two truths I find in this passage; it is the connection between what's in our hearts, and our actions; how we behave. What we say with our mouths, what we do with our hands, and where we go with our feet matter. Notice the connection in these two verses:

Proverbs 16:1 (NLT) 

1  We can make our own plans, but the LORD gives the right answer. 

Proverbs 16:9 (NLT) 

9  We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps. 

O how we need the words of this hymn to be a reality in the way we live our lives. We can't know and do God's will unless we spend time with Him in His Word, and in prayer.

"O the pure delight of a single hour

  That before Thy throne I spend,

When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God,

  I commune as friend with friend!"

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Thy most holy and righteous name; the name that is above every name on earth and in heaven.

Father, O how grateful I am to know that my times are in Your hands; that as one of your children I have access to the throne room where you rule and reign, and where needy souls can find direction for our life, and peace for our troubled hearts.

Father, draw us closer to you so that we may experience your presence, and receive your wisdom and power to live our lives, and to live them more abundantly. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

--

Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)
¹¹  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 

Read the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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Daily Word of God & Prayer_September 21, 2015

Title: Who Has the Better Plan?

Text:

Proverbs 16:1 (ESV) 

1  The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. 

Observation:

Last week I had ninety minutes of wait time so I went to a nearby restaurant where I could find a place to get out of the heat, and wait. However, while I was waiting I wanted to redeem the time. I already had breakfast so I decided to get a cup or coffee and apple juice. I had one side of the restaurant to myself for most of the time.

I turned to my phone where I had my bible and other resources, but discovered that my battery was low, and I did not have my charger. However, I had my New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs so I turned to the Proverb for that day; Proverbs 17. I used the only paper I had available; the receipt and the placemat. I read and took notes on Proverbs 16-18.

Today's focal verse is so appropriate for what is in my heart as I write this. Notice what Solomon says, "The plans of the heart belong to man". I had a plan when I left home, but God had another plan. He wanted me to spend 90 minutes with Him in His Word.

What will it take to convince us that God's plans are so much better than our plans?

Matthew 10:19-20 (ESV) 

19  When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. 

20  For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 

What problems are you facing today as you read these words from the Word of God?

There is nothing that you are currently facing that is too difficult for God. Why not use some of your time to spend time with God in prayer. You will be amazed at what He will put into your heart, and what will come out of your mouth. The more time you spend in the presence of the Lord, the more you become like Jesus.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be your most holy and righteous name. Father, I am so thankful that we have a God who delights to spend time alone with us in prayer.

Father, when we open our hearts you are so faithful to fill our hearts with your Word and Spirit. Then, when we open our mouth to speak we are able to speak the wonderful and wondrous words that you speak into our hearts. Father, fill us with power, and stir our hearts to pray with faith and with fire. Father, set our souls afire. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

--

Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)
¹¹  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 

Read the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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Daily Word of God & Prayer_September 18, 2015

Title: Where Are You in Your Relationship with God?

Text:

Isaiah 55:1-3 (ESV) 

1  "Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 

2  Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. 

3  Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David. 

James 4:8 (ESV) 

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

Observation:

When people are having problems in their life it should be a bright light that you need to examine your relationship with the Lord. A friend's comment recently prompted me to think about this topic. This is my attempt to ask some thoughtful questions for us to consider:

1. Do you know the Lord?
2. Does He know me as His blood purchased daughter or son?
3. Am I as close to God as I once was?
4. When is the last time I had a conversation with Him where I told Him how much I love Him?
5. How often do I read the Bible?
6. How often do I pray?
7. How regularly do I gather with the Household of Faith to worship the Lord?
8. How often do I ask a person a question, and then listen for their response giving them my complete attention?

This is not an exhaustive list of questions, but a few that are designed to draw us closer to God.

When we are close to the Lord we may have downcast days, but we will not be defeated. It is because we have an anchor; it is built on the solid rock of Jesus Christ, and not on sinking sand.

Deuteronomy 33:27 (NLT) 

27  The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you. He drives out the enemy before you; he cries out, 'Destroy them!' 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Thy most holy and righteous name. Father, I plead mercy and grace for those who have drifted from You, and for those who have never known You.

Father, I cry out for the Holy Spirit of God to open their eyes to their need that only You can fill. Father, have mercy on all of us, and I make this my supplication in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

--

Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)
¹¹  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 

Read the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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Daily Word of God & Prayer_September 17, 2015

Title: Do You Know the Key to Abundant Living?

Text:

Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV)
6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,
7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. 

Observation:

The one word focus for today is the word live or referred to in our text passage as walk.

Living in the world is not easy and it is not for cowards. As I was thinking of this topic this song popped into my head.

"O soul, are you weary and troubled?

No light in the darkness you see?

There's light for a look at the Savior,

And life more abundant and free".

Yes, life is hard, but God is so good to His people; no one ever cared for you and me like Jesus.

The key to living for Jesus is to live in Him; to walk with Him each day of your life. Here are two words to think about, and to remember to make them a vital part of your life and your daily walk. The words are trust and thankfulness.

Proverbs 3:5 (ESV)
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)
18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 

Yes, troubles will come, but you don't have to allow them to dominate your whole life. The prescription for worry is faith in the Lord. Here is the way to rise above your circumstances, trouble and worry.

Hebrews 12:2 (AMP)
2 Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Here is the chorus to the hymn that I am singing in my heart:

"Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,  In the light of His glory and grace".

Prayer:

Father God, I pray that You would stir up in the lives of Your people a burning desire to live in Christ; to daily practice the disciplines of trust and thankfulness, and to constantly look up to Jesus.

Dear God, please give us the grace that we need to trust You more, and above all to be thankful for Your presence and power in our lives. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

--

Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)
¹¹  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 

Read the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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Daily Word of God & Prayer_September 16, 2015

Title: How To Deal With Temptations

Text:

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (ESV) 

12  Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 

13  No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 

Observation:

We must admit that we all face temptations; if you are human, you will face temptations. However, temptation is not a sin; it's the yielding to temptation that is the sin.

Next, we must acknowledge that we need the help of the Lord in every step that we take. We need to heed the warning of verse twelve.

1 Corinthians 10:12 (ESV) 

12  Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 

Jesus gave us the pattern we should use in our daily prayers. We need to ask the Father for His help in dealing with the temptations that we will face; this is how Jesus taught us to pray:

Matthew 6:13 (ESV) 

13  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 

Don't make the mistake of misunderstanding this verse; God does not tempt anyone. Our prayer should be Lord; you know what I'm made of, and how much I can bear, so lead me around the temptations you know I will not have the faith to take the way of escape. I know the Lord does not lead us into temptation; He will fill our hearts with His Holy Spirit if we will walk with the Lord in His way.

James 1:13-14 (ESV) 

13  Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 

14  But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, You are holy and righteous in all Your ways. Father, lead and guide us, and give us sufficient faith to lean upon you, and not upon our own understanding.

Father, fill our hearts with the Holy Spirit of God, and give us sufficient grace and mercy to walk in the way of the Lord, In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

--

Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)
¹¹  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 

Read the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

https://soundcloud.com/praying-for-you-ministry

 

Daily Word of God & Prayer_September 15, 2015

Title: What To Do When God Speaks To You

Text:

Ezekiel 1:28 (ESV) 

28  Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking. 

Observation:

What do you do when God visit you in a vision or in a dream? The thing that Ezekiel did is what God's people of every age have done, "I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking".

Notice that what came after the vision was the voice of God. We should follow this pattern,  and go to the most reliable source for what God has said; it is the eternal Word of God. In His Word God will speak into your heart like He spoke to Ezekiel. 

Ezekiel 2:1-2 (ESV) 

1  And he said to me, "Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak with you." 

2  And as he spoke to me, the Spirit entered into me and set me on my feet, and I heard him speaking to me. 

Is your heart prepared to hear from God when you read, meditate, and study the Word of God? This is the prayer that David prayed.

Psalm 119:18 (ESV) 

18  Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. 

After, you have heard from God; then, go and do what He tells you to do. Don't just hear the word; do it.

Psalm 119:103 (ESV) 

103  How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 

Psalm 119:105 (ESV) 

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

Prayer:

Father, hallowed by Your name. I'm so grateful that You are still speaking to Your people through visions, and through the Word of God. Father, may we all have open hearts to receive what You want to say to us. Father, may we be hearers and doers of the Word of God. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

--

Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)
¹¹  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 

Read the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

https://soundcloud.com/praying-for-you-ministry

 

Daily Word of God & Prayer_September 14, 2015

Title: What Is Your Greatest Need?

Text:

Proverbs 16:16 (ESV) 

16  How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. 

Observation:

A few days ago I was reading this scripture, and an amazing series of things happened. While I was meditating upon this thought, and focusing on the word "wisdom"; the song started playing on my iPad was this, "Take Your Burden to the Lord".

"1 If the world from you withhold of its silver and gold,

And you have to get along with meager fare,

Just remember, in His Word, how He feeds the little bird -

Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there."

Then I thought of this verse:

Matthew 6:25-26 (ESV) 

25  "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 

26  Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 

I am persuaded and convinced that God wanted me to share this message of the high value of getting wisdom.

Proverbs 4:5-8 (ESV) 

5  Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. 

6  Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you. 

7  The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. 

8  Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Lord, I am so thankful that You know our needs, and that You have promised that You would take care of our needs. O, Father, help us to learn to lean totally upon you for all of our needs.

Father, give us a heart that would desire to seek wisdom and insight above gold and silver. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

--

Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)
¹¹  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 

Read the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

https://soundcloud.com/praying-for-you-ministry

 

Daily Word of God & Prayer_September 11, 2015

Title: What Is Most Important In Your Life?

Text:

Colossians 1:16 (ESV) 

16  For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 

Observation:

The trigger that birthed today's topic is a question that I was asked yesterday by a friend. Her question caused me to ask another question, and that question I took to God in prayer. I woke up this morning with the answer to my prayer.

Today, I ask a question for each of us to ask God. The question of the day is this, "What Is Most Important In My Life?"

Now, that we have each asked a question in search of God's will, the next step is to see if God has already spoken to us about what we have asked of Him. For the answer to that we look to God's eternal Word.

Matthew 22:36-38 (ESV) 

36  "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" 

37  And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 

38  This is the great and first commandment. 

Here is another verse that God spoke into my heart this morning in answer to my prayer of yesterday afternoon.

Romans 11:36 (ESV) 

36  For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, I am convinced that it's not about me, but that it is about You. It's not about anything that the world puts first. It's not about pleasure, possessions, power, prominence, or politics.

Father, my prayer for all of Your children is that we will get hold of what You have said, and do the first and greatest thing that we can do to bring glory to God.

Father, I am persuaded that You are the most important person in my life; it's about You; knowing You and loving You. Father, I'm all in for this life long journey, and I pray that others will join me. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Matthew 6:33 (ESV) 

33  But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 

--

Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)
¹¹  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 

Read the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

https://soundcloud.com/praying-for-you-ministry

 

Daily Word of God & Prayer_September 10, 2015

Title: Why I Read & Rely on the Bible

Text:

Isaiah 40:6-8 (ESV) 

6  A voice says, "Cry!" And I said, "What shall I cry?" All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. 

7  The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the LORD blows on it; surely the people are grass. 

8  The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. 

Observation:

This word settles it and nails it for me, "the word of our God will stand forever".

It is through the word of God that we get to know the God of the word. O, the love of God; the grace and mercy of God for people like you and me. Think about the greatness and goodness of God.

Ephesians 1:3-6 (ESV) 

3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 

4  even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 

5  he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 

6  to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 

When the fierce winds of adversity blow into our lives the redeemed of the Lord have an anchor that is sure, steadfast, and secure; we have a forever God in whom we can trust to deliver us. Notice how David called upon the Lord in his time of trouble.

Psalm 57:1 (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. 

Mary the mother of Jesus found God to be able in the season of life that was most difficulty for a young woman; what she found in God you can find to be true also.

Luke 1:37-38 (ESV) 

37  For nothing will be impossible with God." 

38  And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her. 

 Why not call upon Him, and experience God's power to deliver for yourself?

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, I am so thankful for the word of God, and the God of the word. Father, I am so grateful that the God of the word, and the word of God are forever. 

O, how blessed are the children of God that when adversity comes into our lives we can take refuge in the shadow of the wings of our dear Father in heaven. Father, I'm praying for a mighty move of the faithful turning to God in these perilous last days. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

--

Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)
¹¹  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 

Read the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

https://soundcloud.com/praying-for-you-ministry