Daily Word of God & Prayer_January 29, 2016

Title: Who Do You Say Yes To?

Text:

Exodus 20:20 (HCSB) 

20  Moses responded to the people, "Don't be afraid, for God has come to test you, so that you will fear Him and will not sin." 

Observation:

Who has the most power in your life; God or Satan? When faced with temptation or testing, who do you say yes to? Who do you say no to?

To be sure, Satan is the enemy of your soul. The Bible says this about him, and it behooves all us to be aware of his schemes.

1 Peter 5:8 (HCSB) 

8  Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. 

However, we don't have to yield to Him. The Bible says to resist Him; he is not God.

1 Peter 5:9 (HCSB) 

9  Resist him and be firm in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world. 

Let's do what Moses told God's people to do, and that is to fear God, and He will help us to overcome the enemy of our soul. Allow your reverence for God to drive you to obedience. Then you will be able to say yes to God, and no to the Devil.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your most holy and righteous name. Father, I exalt You above every name in heaven, and on earth. Father, to You belongs all the honor, and the glory that I can offer to the one who is so great and so good.

Father, grant to Your people the desire, and the means to say yes to Your will, and yes toYour 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:

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Daily Word of God & Prayer_January 28, 2016

Title: The Power of Elevation

Text:

John 12:32 (NLT) 

32  And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself." 

Observation:

This morning as I opened my eyes I looked up to my heavenly Father, and called upon Him in prayer. When we look up to our Father in heaven, and draw near to Him we experience His divine presence in our heart.

As I reflect upon what I experience, the words of this hymn helped me to identify, and savor these precious moments with the Father.

I come to the garden alone,

While the dew is still on the roses,

And the voice I hear falling on my ear

The Son of God discloses.

◦ Refrain:

◦ And He walks with me, and He talks with me,

◦ And He tells me I am His own;

◦ And the joy we share as we tarry there,

◦ None other has ever known.

So, as I sat down at my desk in my computer hutch space, I continue to bask in the glow of my wakeup experience with the Father this morning.

My one word for today will be elevation. I will seek to lift the precious Savior up this morning, and I will begin by sharing what I have experience with my family and my friends. It is no secret what God can do, what He's done for others He will do for you. I invite you to join with me in lifting the Savior up today, and everyday.

John 12:32 (AMP) 

32  And I, if and when I am lifted up from the earth [on the cross], will draw and attract all men [Gentiles as well as Jews] to Myself.

Prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, Abba Father, I delight to have the privilege of spending time alone withYou.

Father, I delight to give honor, praise, and glory to Your most holy and righteous name.

Father, the desire You have planted in my heart today is to lift the precious Savior up; to point people to the cross where Jesus paid the sin debt for every living being because there is none righteous; no not one.

Father, draw us near to the cross so that we can see Jesus, and receive Him into our heart, and exchange our unrighteousness for His righteousness. 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_January 27, 2016

Title: Are You Using the Riches You Have?

Text:

Galatians 4:6 (HCSB) 

6  And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba, Father!" 

Observation:

I was reading Romans 8 recently, and I was gripped by the revelation of an amazing truth that leaped off the page, and into my heart.

The verse that leaped off the page, and into my heart was this one.

Romans 8:15 (HCSB) 

15  For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father!" 

What an amazing thing God has done for us when He provided the means of our redemption through Jesus.

Romans 5:1 (HCSB) 

1  Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Every believer has the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit of God living in our heart.

'Romans 8:9 (HCSB) 

9  You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God lives in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. 

Do you know where you learned how to cry out to God, "Abba Father?" I tell you where; you heard it from the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 4:6 (HCSB) 

6  And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba, Father!" 

Hallelujah! Its prayer time.

Prayer:

Father God, Abba Father, I am so thankful that the Holy Spirit spoke into my heart the words "Abba Father", and now I am able to speak them to you in prayer.

Father, thank You that the Holy Spirit enables us to yield our will to the will of God, and that He guides us on the pathway of righteousness all of the days of our life. 

Father, we express our gratitude to You for all Your blessings. In the mighty name of Jesus we 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_January 26, 2016

Title: How Do You Have Hope in Hard Times and in Hard Places?

Text:

Romans 12:12 (HCSB) 
Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.

Observation:

No matter how hard life gets in this world, and yes, life in the world is hard, but the good news is that God is good, and the best is yet to come. In fact, Christ followers should "Rejoice in hope".

Psalm 46:1 (NLT) 
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.

When things get hard in our life we can rest in the blessed assurance that, "God is our refuge and strength".

We are weak but our God is strong. When trouble knocks on your door, ask the Lord to answer the door; the battle is not yours, but the Lord's; and He is willing and able to help you.

1 Peter 5:7 (HCSB) 
casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you.

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.

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I acknowledge that I am weak, but you are strong. Father, I am grateful that the battle is yours, and not mines.

"Father, I stretch my hands to Thee;
No other help I know;
If Thou withdraw Thyself from me,
Ah, wither shall I go?"

So, I ask for your help; Father, with You as my protection, I can walk in the way that leads to victory over all the powers that oppose You, and your people.

Father, bind Your people together as we together with courage overcome the enemy of our soul. 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

 

--

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_January 25, 2016

Title: What to Do When You Run Out of Energy?

Text:

Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV) 

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

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

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

Observation:

Living in this world exposes us to constantly changing circumstances. Things happen to us suddenly, and without any warning of them coming. We never know when trouble will knock at our door.

Life is hard, and we all have issues that can be overwhelming if we allow them to linger and grow.

Why not make a list of your problems, needs, concerns, and anything else that causes you to fret and worry; things that rob you of your energy, and passion for God.

The answers to our problems and concerns are found in a person. It requires getting our focus off our situation, and placing it in the hands of our Savior.

Listen to the words of His invitation, "Come to me".  He will take the load that is too heavy for us, and exchange it for His yoke, which is well suited for us.

The promise of Jesus is this, "I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

Let's examine the rest that Jesus provides to His people. First, He provides peace with God.

Romans 5:1 (ESV) 

1  Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Second, He provides us with the peace of God.

Philippians 4:6-8 (HCSB) 

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

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

8  Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things. 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. I am so thankful for the unfiltered access we have to You. We acknowledge that You are holy and righteous in all Your ways.

Father, we need Your help so that we can know your will, and have the power to do it.

Father, grant us the peace that only You can provide. 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_January 22, 2016

Title: Have You Received the Invitation?

Text:

Isaiah 55:1-3 (HCSB) 

1  "Come, everyone who is thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost! 

2  Why do you spend money on what is not food, and your wages on what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and you will enjoy the choicest of foods. 

3  Pay attention and come to Me; listen, so that you will live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, the promises assured to David. 

Observation:

This is the universal invitation to everyone to come and be a part of God's family. Notice that the invitation is to everyone who is thirsty; but, no one is excluded from coming.

Who is the prophet writing about in our focal passage? Let's look at another passage from Isaiah.

Isaiah 53:7-8 (HCSB) 

7  He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. Like a lamb led to the slaughter and like a sheep silent before her shearers, He did not open His mouth. 

8  He was taken away because of oppression and judgment; and who considered His fate? For He was cut off from the land of the living; He was struck because of my people's rebellion. 

Here is an account of Phillip having a divine appointment with a man who was reading the Book of Isaiah; I have cited a portion of what he was reading above.

Now, we come to this conversation between the Ethiopian official and Phillip.

Acts 8:34-35 (HCSB) 

34  The eunuch replied to Philip, "I ask you, who is the prophet saying this about—himself or another person?" 

35  So Philip proceeded to tell him the good news about Jesus, beginning from that Scripture. 

The eunuch was thirsty, so Phillip did what every one of us should do when we meet someone who is thirsty for the water of life. He shared with him the good news about Jesus.

Acts 8:36-38 (HCSB) 

36  As they were traveling down the road, they came to some water. The eunuch said, "Look, there's water! What would keep me from being baptized?" [ 37  And Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart you may." And he replied, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."] 

38  Then he ordered the chariot to stop, and both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. 

Prayer:

Father, the bible says that the Spirit caught Phillip away, and the eunuch when on his way rejoicing.

Father, I thank You for the thirst that is created in us when we read the Word of God, and when the Holy Spirit does His office work in our heart. Yes, Lord, please give those who have not yet accepted the invitation to come to the Savior,that they will have a thirst for You. 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_January 21, 2016

Title: The Word of God - Spirit and Life

Text:

John 6:63 (ESV) 

63  It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 

Observation:

The lyrics of this song is in my head as I read the focal passage for today. It is "Wonderful Words of Life".

"Sing them over again to me,

Wonderful words of life,

Let me more of their beauty see,

Wonderful words of life;

Words of life and beauty

Teach me faith and duty.

◦ Refrain:

◦ Beautiful words, wonderful words,

◦ Wonderful words of life;

◦ Beautiful words, wonderful words,

◦ Wonderful words of life."

If our spiritual life is to grow we need to feast on the Word of God; not just one day a week, but every day.

These are the final words of Peter to the first century believers who were facing persecution because of their faith in Jesus, and the Gospel of Christ.

2 Peter 3:17-18 (NLT) 

17  I am warning you ahead of time, dear friends. Be on guard so that you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing. 

18  Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen. 

These are the words of Jesus:

John 17:17 (HCSB) 

17  Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth. 

Are you willing to fast from the words of the world, and feast on the Word of God?

Prayer:

Father, I pray that You will stir the hearts of Your people until we have a burning desire to seek You, and abide in You with our whole heart in this New Year.

Father, thank You for the promise that if we trust You with our whole heart, and walk in Your ways that nothing will be impossible.

Father, I pray that Your people will never forget the hope we have because of the wonderful gift of love that You have given to each of us who belongs to Jesus. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Psalm 40:8 (NLT) 

8  I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart." 

--

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_January 20, 2016

Title: The Reason Why Perspective Is So Important

Text:

Genesis 45:3-8 (ESV) 

3  And Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?" But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence. 

4  So Joseph said to his brothers, "Come near to me, please." And they came near. And he said, "I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. 

5  And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. 

6  For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are yet five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. 

7  And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. 

8  So it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. 

Observation:

This passage is one I read yesterday in my Daily Bible Reading of reading through the Bible in one year.

As I read this passage I felt the anguish that the brothers much have felt in their heart. They must have been terrified thinking what Joseph might do to them because of the wrong that they had done to him.

But, Joseph had another attitude about them. Joseph had taken the upward look, and He saw the hand of God in what they had done. This is what Joseph said to his brothers.

Genesis 45:5 (ESV) 

5  And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. 

Joseph was able to take the upward look, and he was able to see the purpose of God. He was able to take his eyes off of the circumstances, and place his faith in his heavenly Father.

Genesis 45:6-8 (ESV) 

6  For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are yet five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. 

7  And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. 

8  So it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. 

Prayer:

Father, I thank You that I can trust You with my whole heart, and that whatever difficulties and problems I face in life, I have the confidence that You know what I'm going through, and there is a purpose in what You permit to happen to Your children.

Father, my plea and my prayer is that You would give Your believing children a faith that will not falter or fail when we face adversity in life. 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_January 19, 2016

Title: A Prayer and Sermon by Jesus

Text:

Matthew 11:25-30 (HCSB) 

25  At that time Jesus said, "I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to infants. 

26  Yes, Father, because this was Your good pleasure. 

27  All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son desires to reveal Him. 

28  "Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 

29  All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. 

30  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." 

Observation:

These words of Jesus reveal some important truths that are of first importance. They determine where we will spend eternity. Notice what He said in verse twenty-five.

Matthew 11:25 (HCSB) 

25  At that time Jesus said, "I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to infants. 

When Jesus speaks my ears get attentive. I want to hear what my Savior says. I believe Him when He speaks this important word.

Matthew 11:27 (HCSB) 

27  All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son desires to reveal Him. 

This is very similar to what John records Jesus as saying.

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. 

People are searching for knowledge and rest.Today's text is a powerful message on this topic. It behooves each of us to listen to what Jesus said, and take any concerns we have to the Father in prayer.

Matthew 11:25 (NLT) 

25  At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: "O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. 

Prayer:

Father, I thank You for the love and compassion You have for Your children. Lord of heaven and earth, I bow low at Your feet, and give You the honor, and the glory that You alone deserve.

Father, I thank You for these words of truth concerning knowledge and rest that Jesus teaches in His prayer to You, and His sermon to the people. Lord, give us ears to hear, and a heart to obey. 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_January 18, 2016

Title: Do You Know Why It Pays to Pray?

Text:

Luke 11:1-2 (ESV) 

1  Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples." 

2  And he said to them, "When you pray, say: "Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. 

Observation:

I frequently hear people say, "We need to do more than pray". I never receive those words.

I heard something recently that  reflect more accurately what the Word of God says about prayer.

"We can do more than pray after we pray, but we cannot do more than pray until we pray."

Notice that Jesus said to His disciples "When you pray". He did not say, "If you pray". Without God we cannot do the work of God.

The disciples asked Jesus, "Lord, teach us to pray". I don't know about you, but I need the practice in knowing how to pray. However, there is so much more that we get when we pray.

When we pray, we are brought into the presence of  the Almighty and All Knowing God. We get to spend time alone with Him in prayer. We get to communicate (listen and talk); we also get to connect our heart with His heart.

Additionally, we get to exchange gifts. What we have to offer Him is our highest praise, and our most sincere gratitude for who He is, and for what He does.

What we receive from Him are the blessings from His storehouse. Our Father is rich; His resources are unlimited.

Our gifts of praise and thanksgiving offered to Him creates an atmosphere that positions our hearts to be stirred with love, joy, and peace that comes from being in the presence of the LORD.

Our hearts are prepared, and are conditioned by His desires; they become our desires. Then we are strategically positioned and ready to Ask and receive everything we need.

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. 

Psalm 37:4 (ESV) 

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

Are you ready to spend some time with the Father in prayer so that His desires will become your desires? It pays richly to pray regularly.

Prayer:

Father, I am so grateful for the privilege on being able to enter into Your throne room, and to have the privilege of having a private audience with You.

Father, smile on Your people as they meet with You face to face. Father, we offer up to You our sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving. In the mighty name of Jesus we 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_January 15, 2016

Title: The Pathway to Health and Life

Text:

Proverbs 4:20-23 (HCSB) 

20  My son, pay attention to my words; listen closely to my sayings. 

21  Don't lose sight of them; keep them within your heart. 

22  For they are life to those who find them, and health to one's whole body. 

23  Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life. 

Observation:

A choice verse in our focal passage for today is verse twenty. When I think of first things, my one word goal this year is FIRST, this verse will be one that I will refer to often.

There is great reward in paying attention to the Word of God. Solomon encourages us to pay attention to words, listen closely to sayings, don't lose sight of them, and to keep them within our heart.

Solomon's father, David, the writer of the Psalms said this:

Psalm 119:11 (HCSB) 

11  I have treasured Your word in my heart so that I may not sin against You. 

Psalm 119:105 (HCSB) 

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

There is great reward in keeping the word of God within our heart. Don't ever forget that it is the source of life.

Proverbs 6:23 (HCSB) 

23  For a command is a lamp, teaching is a light, and corrective discipline is the way to life. 

However, hearing is not enough, we must obey the Word of God.

James 1:22-25 (HCSB) 

22  But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 

23  Because if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his own face in a mirror. 

24  For he looks at himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 

25  But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but one who does ⌊good⌋ works—this person will be blessed in what he does. 

Prayer:

Father, I pray that Your people will realize the surpassing value of spending time each day in the Word of God.

Father, I pray that in this New Year we will each dedicate ourselves to feasting on the Word of God.

Father, I pray that we might all agree with the Psalmist when he said in

"Psalm 119:11 (HCSB) 

11  I have treasured Your word in my heart so that I may not sin against You. "

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_January 14, 2016

Title: Jesus - The Healer & Helper

Text:

Matthew 8:16-17 (HCSB) 

16  When evening came, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. He drove out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick, 

17  so that what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: He Himself took our weaknesses and carried our diseases. 

Observation:

Today's focal passage reminds us of the greatness and the power of Jesus to meet all of the needs of His people.

In this world, we face obstacles and oppression; sickness and disease; trials and tribulations. However, there is nothing that is too difficult for Jesus.

Jeremiah 32:17 (HCSB) 

17  Oh, Lord GOD! You Yourself made the heavens and earth by Your great power and with Your outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You! 

Who is this Jesus?

John 1:1 (HCSB) 

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

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. 

The reason why I will look to the Lord for all of my needs is because of this eternal truth.

Luke 1:37 (NLT) 

37  For nothing is impossible with God." 

So today, I will do like the people did in our text, I will bring those who are sick and have all kinds of diseases to Jesus. I will ask the greatest helper and healer I know to touch them, and make them whole and well.

Prayer:

Father, I stretch my hand to You because there is no one who can do for us what You can do.

Father, I am comforted, and encouraged by the Word, which says that nothing in impossible with God.

Father, I pray that You would touch the sick with Your divine healing hands, and restore their bodies to divine health. Father, I believe that every need You can and will supply when we bring our needs to You. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

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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_January 13, 2016

Title: The Power of God to Help You In Every Circumstance

Text:

Matthew 8:23-27 (HCSB) 

23  As He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. 

24  Suddenly, a violent storm arose on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves. But He was sleeping. 

25  So the disciples came and woke Him up, saying, "Lord, save ⌊us⌋! We're going to die!" 

26  But He said to them, "Why are you fearful, you of little faith?" Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea. And there was a great calm. 

27  The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this?—even the winds and the sea obey Him!" 

Observation:

One of the things that I observe about this incident, and I have experienced this is life, is that you can be doing what God told you to do, and you can still experience trouble. Luke points this out for us in the account he gives of this event.

Luke 8:22-23 (NLT) 

22  One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's cross to the other side of the lake." So they got into a boat and started out. 

23  As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger. 

We can live our lives with a great deal of confidence when Jesus is in the boat.

There is nothing that we will ever face in our life that is too big for the Lord to handle. Is Jesus living in your heart? Have you received 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, 

When Jesus takes up residence in your life He gives the ironclad promise that He will never leave you or forsake you.

Hebrews 13:5 (ESV) 

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

When you trust in Jesus with your whole heart, you can say this with confidence, and assurance that Jesus will help you in all things; and all the time.

Hebrews 13:6 (NLT) 

6  So we can say with confidence, "The LORD is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?" 

Prayer:

Father, I am so thankful for the promise of Jesus that He will never leave or forsake us.

Father, I am so grateful for the amazing grace of God that saves, and keeps sinners like me.

Father, I believe in Jesus, and I thank You for giving us the gift of faith that gives us access to the divine Godhead; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

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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