Daily Word of God & Prayer_November 30, 2015

Title: Every Gift from God is Good

Text:

Romans 11:33-36 (ESV) 

33  Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! 

34  "For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?" 

35  "Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?" 

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

Observation:

It is impossible with my limited vocabulary to describe the depths of the generosity, wisdom, and power of God.

Psalm 139:6 (HCSB) 

6  [This] extraordinary knowledge is beyond me. It is lofty; I am unable to [reach] it. 

 However, I am a recipient of His love, grace, and mercy; so, I rejoice and I am so grateful to God, and for God in my life.

James 1:17 (ESV) 

17  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 

I will gladly bend my will to God, and give Him the glory that is due to Him alone.

Colossians 2:3 (HCSB) 

3  All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Him. 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your most holy and righteous name. Father, I delight to lift up and exalt Your name above every name on earth, and in heaven.

Father, I thank You for being a good God, and for being a generous God. Father, there is none like You, no not one.

Psalm 145:3 (KJV) 

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

Psalm 145:21 (HCSB) 

21  My mouth will declare Yahweh's praise; let every living thing praise His holy name forever and ever. 

Let the people of God who agree join together in one voice, 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:

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_November 27, 2015

Title: What to Do When You Face Troubles?

Text:

2 Peter 3:14-18 (ESV)
14 Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. 

15 And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, 

16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. 

17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability.
18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Observation:

Peter's closing remarks have some great advice for the people in the first century. However, it is also very good advice for people of the twenty-first century.

Notice two encouragements; in verse fourteen he said, "be diligent", and in verse seventeen he said, "take care".

No matter how difficult things get in this world, don't allow anyone to take from you the hope that you have in God's word.

We live in a dark and dangerous world, but there are many open doors to share the gospel of Christ. God is still waiting patiently for the lost to trust in Jesus. He has chosen you, if you are one of his children, to participate in sharing the gospel.

2 Peter 3:15 (HCSB)
15 Also, regard the patience of our Lord as [an opportunity for] salvation, just as our dear brother Paul has written to you according to the wisdom given to him.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so grateful for the opportunity to participate in the sharing of the gospel of Christ. Father, most of all, I am grateful that the door of opportunity is open for the lost to come to Christ, and receive the gift of salvation.

Father, I thank you for loving and caring about those who are outside of your sheepfold. Father, I'm praying that you would speak into the life of someone today, and that they would yield to the patience of the Lord, and accept the gift of salvation. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

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. 

--

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_November 26, 2015

Title: How to Have Gratitude That is Independent of Circumstances

Text:

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (HCSB) 

18  Give thanks in everything, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 

Observation:

On this Thanksgiving Day I am so thankful that I have a gratitude that abides in my life regardless of the changing circumstances that I have encountered in my journey.

In this life there are seasons when pleasant things happen, and for these I am grateful. However, there are seasons in my life when unpleasant and painful things happen, and in these circumstances I have found the ability to also be grateful.

I have found that the latter kind of gratefulness does not depend upon right things happening because there is a source that resides inside of me that provides a stability. In the inner man there is an inexhaustible source of light, life, and love; it is the divine presence of Christ in me; the hope of glory.

I can be grateful and give thanks in everything because within me is a place where the Son is always present, and He is providing, in addition to the things mentioned above, He is also providing me with provisions, power, and peace.

Psalm 23:6 (ESV) 

6  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. 

Prayer:

Father God, I am so thankful that my gratitude does not depend upon just the things that are pleasant because these things don't last forever; they are transient, and can be lost in a moment.

However, I am grateful every day for the blessings that reside in my inner life that are not shaken by the storms of living in a fallen world.

Father, on this Thanksgiving Day, I am so thankful for my family and my friends. I'm grateful for the presence, power, and provisions I receive daily; the power that provides the stability, serenity, and the security in my life now, and forever. 

Father, I pray that Your divine favor will be enjoyed by all, who by faith, will look to You, and with grateful hearts will receive all that You desire to give them. 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_November 25, 2015

Title: How Can I Fulfill the Priority of Glorifying God Today?

Text:

John 17:1-5 (HCSB)
1 Jesus spoke these things, looked up to heaven, and said: Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son so that the Son may glorify You, 

2 for You gave Him authority over all flesh; so He may give eternal life to all You have given Him. 

3 This is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and the One You have sent—Jesus Christ. 

4 I have glorified You on the earth by completing the work You gave Me to do.
5 Now, Father, glorify Me in Your presence with that glory I had with You before the world existed.

Observation:

I'm at a season in my life where I can really appreciate, and I'm learning to apply the following Proverb to my everyday life.

Proverbs 27:1 (HCSB)
1 Don't boast about tomorrow, for you don't know what a day might bring.

I have had a few recent life events happen in the life of loved ones, and in my own life which are a reminder to me that today matters. The words of this passage come to mind to remind me of this truth.

James 4:13-14 (HCSB)  
13 Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will travel to such and such a city and spend a year there and do business and make a profit."
14 You don't even know what tomorrow will bring—what your life will be! For you are [like] smoke that appears for a little while, then vanishes.

Today I will focus on the priority that Jesus focused on, "Glorify Your Son so that the Son may glorify You". I will make the prayer of Jesus my prayer today; not tomorrow because today matters.

Psalm 95:7-8 (HCSB)
7 For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, the sheep under His care. Today, if you hear His voice:
8 Do not harden your hearts as at Meribah, as on that day at Massah in the wilderness .

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so grateful that I can pray to the same Father, and to the same God that my Savior Jesus prayed to.

Father God, I am so thankful that I can pray the prayer that Jesus prayed, and know that You will answer my prayer just like You answered the prayer of Jesus.

Father God, I pray that Your adopted sons and daughters will bring glory to You today, and every day that You give us life and breathe in this world. In the name that is above every name, Jesus the Christ, I offer this prayer, 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_November 24, 2015

Title: Where Do You Turn When Money Fails?

Text:

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

Observation:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, I praise and thank You for being a faithful God in whom we can trust with our whole heart. Father, hallowed be your most holy and righteous name. Father, give us a hunger and thirst for the things of heaven, and not of this world. 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_November 23, 2015

Title: Are You Redeemed or Rejected?

Text:

Acts 13:38-39 (ESV) 

38  Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, 

39  and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. 

Observation:

What an amazing thing Jesus has done for lawbreakers; He has paid our sin debt. It is marked "Paid in Full". This has to be at the top of the list of things I am thankful for.

Romans 3:20 (ESV) 

20  For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. 

Jesus has done for the sinner what the Law of Moses could never do for you and me.

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. 

When you want to know how much God loves you consider what God the Father, and Jesus has done for all human flesh. It is all summed up in these verses.

John 3:16-18 (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. 

17  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 

18  Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your most holy and righteous name. Father, as we have Thanksgiving Day on our mind this week I am reminded that every day is a day of thanksgiving when you have Jesus living on the inside of you.

Father, I pray that this verse will be our song every day. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Psalm 103:1 (ESV) 

1 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! 

--

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_November 20, 2015

Title: How Much Does God Care About You?

Text:

Psalm 23:1-6 (ESV)
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 

3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Observation:

Yesterday I was looking for a song in Google Search, and I came across a devotional I wrote on this text  two years ago.  It fit in so well with the topic I wrote about yesterday so I decided to use it today.

Yesterday I wrote about suffering. Isn't it wonderful to know that the Lord watches over His children; that He is with them all of the days of our life. God knows what we are going through, and He cares.

There is never a time that the Lord is not present; He is always leading His people wherever we go; in whatever circumstance we may be going through.

The Lord is a mighty good shepherd; in fact, He is a great shepherd. He will lead you, care for you, restore you, and walk daily with you; in life and in death. Even your enemies cannot harm you when the Lord is for you.

Do you know Him? Is the Lord your leader; your company keeper; is He your protector and provider? God is all right; He's amazing.

What about you? Are you a Christ follower; are you a child of God? If so, this is His gift to you; don't leave it unopened. Is there room in your heart for the Savior and Shepherd? If you are His, this is His promise to you.

Psalm 23:6 (ESV)
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I praise and thank You for being a God who loves and cares for Your children.

Father God, I am so glad that You belong to me, and that I belong to You. Lord, I am grateful that Jesus is my Savior and my Shepherd. 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_November 19, 20915

Title: The Source of Hope and Help for God's People

Text:

Psalm 119:49-56 (ESV) 

49 Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope. 

50  This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life. 

51  The insolent utterly deride me, but I do not turn away from your law. 

52  When I think of your rules from of old, I take comfort, O LORD. 

53  Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked, who forsake your law. 

54  Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my sojourning. 

55  I remember your name in the night, O LORD, and keep your law. 

56  This blessing has fallen to me, that I have kept your precepts. 

Observation:

The word that leaped off the page and into my heart when I read today's focal passage was suffering.

When you take your focus off of yourself, and fix your eyes upon others, you see the pain and the suffering that they are going through. However, sometimes that suffering is buried behind a wall that has been put up to shield them from the fiery darts of insensitive people.

The psalmist offers hope for all who are dealing with pain and suffering. The people of God are never without hope.

In our pain we should not abandon our praise of God, and our gratefulness to Him for His deliverance, and His present help that is just a prayer away. Think about and meditate upon these verses.

Psalm 119:50 (ESV) 

50  This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life. 

Psalm 119:54-55 (ESV) 

54  Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my sojourning. 

55  I remember your name in the night, O LORD, and keep your law. 

Remembering to praise God in our pain and suffering will lift our spirits, and bring hope and healing into our life. It was when the Psalmist changed his focus from his problems, and looked to the Lord that he found hope and help.

Why not take the upward look today in the midst of your circumstances that are masquerading as mission impossible? Our problems are God's raw material for a miracle.

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. 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, I pray that in the midst of our pain and suffering that we will remember that we can always look up, and give praise and thanksgiving to Your precious name. 

Father, I am so grateful that Your ears are always attentive to the cries of Your people. Father, give us grateful and thankful hearts. 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_November 18, 2015

Title: Who Am I?

Text:

1 Peter 2:9 (KJV) 

9  But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 

Observation:

"I am resolved to follow the Savior,

Faithful and true each day;

Heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth,

He is the living way.

Chorus:

I will hasten to Him, hasten so glad and free;

Jesus, greatest, highest, I will come to Thee."

Periodically I ask myself the question, "Who Am I?" The focal passage for today answers this question for you if you are a child of God. The Word of God says:  "You are … a royal priesthood".

What does it mean to be a royal priesthood? It means to have access to God; to offer to Him our praise and prayers. What a privilege to offer to God our spiritual sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving.

We also have the privilege as ambassadors for Christ of being serviceable in equipping and encouraging others because of the gifts and graces we receive from God.

However, none of this is possible without Jesus Christ. This thought is what brought into my spirit from the depths of my heart the song, "I Am Resolved".

Who Am I? I belong to Jesus, and Jesus belongs to me. With Him and by Him I can do anything; not in my strength, but in His strength. This is the promise to those who live in the presence of God, and obey Him, and who use their gifts and graces received from God in service to others.

Philippians 4:13 (KJV) 

13  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, I delight to unite my voice with the Saints of the ages in giving You the glory, and the praise that You alone deserve.

Psalm 145:1-3 (ESV) 

1 I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. 

2  Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. 

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

Father, because of Jesus, all of Your children can lift our hands in praise, and sing with a loud voice, "I am Redeemed". Father, accept our praise, and our prayers because we offer them 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:

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_November 17, 2015

Title: What Is My Purpose for Being Alive?

Text:

Philippians 2:9-11 (ESV) 

9  Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 

10  so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 

11  and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 

Observation:

Jesus had a special name; an exalted name, the name that is above every name. His name also revealed His purpose for coming into the world.

Matthew 1:21 (ESV) 

21  She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." 

The word that is stuck in my head today is purpose. When I think about Jesus the next word that comes into my mind today is others. These words leap off the page, "He will save his people from their sins".

O, that Christ followers today would learn from His example of having compassion and concern for others. Think about what Jesus did for you; He had us always on His mind.

Philippians 2:5-8 (ESV) 

5  Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 

6  who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 

7  but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 

8  And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, we rejoice to exalt the name of Your darling son, Jesus.

Father, thank You for sending Him into the world so that we would not have to die for our own sins.

Father, help us to learn from His example, and be more others centered as we fulfill the purpose for which we are still alive today. 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_November 16, 2015

Title: Do You Know the Living Word?

Text:

John 1:1-3 (HCSB) 

1  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 

2  He was with God in the beginning. 

3  All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created. 

John 1:14 (HCSB) 

14  The Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We observed His glory, the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 

John 1:18 (HCSB) 

18  No one has ever seen God. The One and Only Son— the One who is at the Father's side— He has revealed Him. 

Observation:

One of the books of the Bible that I recommend that every believer reads early in their Christian walk is the Gospel of John.  In fact, I recommend this book to the non-believer also. This is why I make that recommendation.

John 20:31 (HCSB) 

31  But these are written so that you may believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and by believing you may have life in His name. 

We need knowledge, and we can obtain that by reading the Word of God. However, more than knowledge, we need to know the Lord, and believe in Him.

Notice what else John said:

John 11:25-26 (ESV) 

25  Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 

26  and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" 

John 3:36 (ESV) 

36  Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, I thank You for the hope that we have because You provided, in Jesus, the way for those who believe in Jesus to live in Your presence forever. 

Father, I am so grateful that we are still living in the season of grace, and there is still time for needy souls to believe in Jesus, and receive eternal life. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

1 John 5:12 (ESV) 

12  Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 

--

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_November 13, 2015

Title: Do You Know the Reason Why You Can't?

Text:

Ephesians 1:19-20 (NLT) 

19  I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power 

20  that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. 

Observation:

Where did we ever get the idea or notion that we could do the work of God in our own strength? If you have tried, you know by experience that it is not possible.

However, there is goodnews: we don't have to do the work of God in our strength alone. The answer to the source of our strength is found in the Apostle Paul's prayer that is our focal passage for today.

Here are some other scriptures that illustrate this truth.

Genesis 41:16 (ESV) 

16  Joseph answered Pharaoh, "It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer." 

I remember hearing a preacher say words similar to this, "I can't but God can, He never said that I could. But, He always said that He would".  O, that we would learn to trust in the Lord with our whole heart, and serve the Lord relying upon the power of God.

2 Corinthians 3:5 (ESV) 

5  Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, 

Acts 3:12 (ESV) 

12  And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: "Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk? 

If God assigns you to it, He will give you the power to accomplish it if you will look to Him, and trust in Him to do it.

Philippians 1:6 (ESV) 

6  And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 

Let God's Word be true, and pray for the skeptics and the doubters to have their blinded eyes opened to the truth of God's Word.

1 Corinthians 2:14 (ESV) 

14  The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, I pray that you would hasten the day when an increasing number of your people would know the power of God, and would rely upon Your strength to do the work of the Kingdom. 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_November 12, 2015

Title: How To Be A True and Trusted Friend?

Text:

Proverbs 27:5-6 (ESV) 

5 Better is open rebuke than hidden love. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

Observation:

This Proverb presents a contrast between the actions of an enemy and a friend. The goal of the enemy is to hurt you, and the friend wants to help you.

Proverbs 17:17 (NLT) 

A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.

A friend will tell you the truth, and sometimes the truth will wound you, and wounds may hurt for a while, but they will help you in the long run. The friend will tell you the truth, but they will do it in love.

Ephesians 4:15 (ESV) 

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,

Would you like to have friends who have this quality? Why not take the initiative, and be a friend who has this essential characteristic of friendship.

Proverbs 18:24 (NLT) 

There are "friends" who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 27:17 (NLT) 

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

Prayer:

Father God, I pray that You will give each of us the faith to release the love that is within us to love others as You have loved us. Lord, help us to speak truth into their lives gently and lovingly. 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_November 11, 2015

Title: The Delight Comes Before the Desires of the Heart

Text:

Psalm 37:4 (ESV) 

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

Observation:

I'm glad the delight comes before the desires of my heart. When the delight comes first, we experience the power of God to change our worldly desires into His godly desires.

How does this happen? It is by putting God first in our life. The challenge is to make this real in our lives by drawing near to God. Are you willing to take that step, and spend daily time in the presence of the one who loves you the most?

Matthew 6:33 (ESV) 

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

When we put God first we do not neglect spending time alone with Him. It's during these times that our worldly desires begin to be transformed, and our desires begin to become like His desires. It's a setup for our cup being filled, and running over with the favor of our God. Its at this point that God becomes your Great Shepherd; your provider and protector.

Psalm 23:1 (HCSB) 

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

Why not delight yourself in the Lord, and see if He will give you the desires of your heart.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed by Your most holy and righteous name. Father, I am so thankful that You are a God who delights to spend time alone with Your people.

Father, forgive us for not making it of first importance in our life to spend time alone with You.

Father, I ask You to create in us a hunger and thirst for being with You, and that we would be willing to draw near to You; to seek You first, and then be ready for the showers of blessing to fill our heats. 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