Daily Word of God & Prayer_April 29, 2016

Title: Who Is Your Source of Hope and Help?

Text:

Philippians 1:12-13 (HCSB) 

12  Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has actually resulted in the advance of the gospel, 

13  so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is in ⌊the cause of⌋ Christ. 

Observation:

Today's passage reminds me of the mountain of circumstances that we face in our lives on a daily basis. The thing about circumstances is that for the most part we don't have control over them. Yet, they are the things we worry and fret about most of the time.

The Apostle Paul when he wrote this letter was in prison as a result of doing what God had called him to do.

However, Paul did not allow his circumstances to get him down. He continued to do what God had called him to do. Then he said this amazing thing, "What has happened to me has actually resulted in the advance of the gospel".

This morning I read this scripture before getting out of bed, and it spoke into my heart about how to deal with circumstances, which are out of our control.

Isaiah 41:10 (HCSB) 

10  Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand. 

Where do you turn when you face circumstances that are beyond your ability to control? Do you resort to fear, or do you rely upon your faith in God who can do anything but fail?

Psalm 46:10-11 (KJV) 

10  Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. 

11  The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. 

Prayer:

Father God, I exalt Your name above every name own earth, and in heaven. Father, thank You for being a God who is present with Your people, and for the promise that You will never leave us or forsake us.

Father, I want to be where Jesus is, and I praise and thank You that I know that my redeemer lives, and that He lives in me.

Father, I am encouraged and embolden to know that in whatever circumstances I have to face that You are present, and that You will provide me with hope and help to overcome the hard times and hard places of living in a fallen 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:

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Daily Word of God & Prayer_April 28, 2016

Title: Is this A Prayer You Would Pray?

Text:

Philippians 1:9-11 (HCSB) 

9  And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, 

10  so that you can approve the things that are superior and can be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, 

11  filled with the fruit of righteousness that ⌊comes⌋ through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God. 

Observation:

This is not only a prayer that I would pray for you, but it is a prayer that I desire that you would pray for me.

This prayer has two huge petitions. The first, in verse nine, is for a growing love. This love is agape love; the love that benefits others, and glorifies God. He prays that this love will be accompanied by growth in knowledge and discernment.

The second petition, in verse ten, is a request for a growing Christlike character.  O how I cherish  the blessing of being pure and blameless in the eyes of our heavenly Father. And, it is possible because of Christ Jesus our Savior.

Let's pray for one another that all of us who are in Christ Jesus, and He is us  would walk in love, and this verse would be evident by the fruit of our lives.

Philippians 1:11 (AMP) 

11  May you abound in and be filled with the fruits of righteousness (of right standing with God and right doing) which come through Jesus Christ (the Anointed One), to the honor and praise of God [that His glory may be both manifested and recognized]. 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, help us to work out more and more of the love of God that You have poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit that You have given to us. 

Father, we desire this so that You will be glorified, and that others will be blessed. 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_April 27, 2016

Title: The Tie That Binds Our Hearts Together in Love

Text:

Philippians 1:6-8 (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. 

7  It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 

8  For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. 

Observation:

The tie that binds the hearts of God's people together is Jesus. It's all about Jesus, and His love for us, and His love that has been deposited as a grace gift into the hearts of His people.

Can you say from the depths of your heart what the Apostle Paul said to the saints at Philippi?

Philippians 1:8 (ESV) 

8  For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. 

What is the tie binds the hearts of God's people together in fellowship and friendship? It is Christ Jesus our Lord. We have each received His grace that has been lavished upon us so abundantly. Jesus commands us to love one another.

John 15:12 (ESV) 

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

Are you willing to obey? You can't, but God can. He has poured His love into your heart.

"BIND US TOGETHER, Lord, Bind us together 

With cords that cannot be broken. 

Bind us together, Lord, 

Bind us together, 

Bind us together with love."  {Bob Gillman - Author}

Prayer:

Father, I pray that by the power of the Holy Spirit that You would unleash a flood of the love You have poured into our hearts to flow from us to others. 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_April 26, 2016

Title: The Power of Working Together

Text:

Philippians 1:3-5 (HCSB) 

3  I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, 

4  always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, 

5  because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 

Observation:

One of the things I noticed when reading this passage is how many times Jesus is mentioned in this passage. I read this chapter from a hard copy study bible, and noticed that I had underlined the occurrences of Jesus and Christ, and they appear 18 times in chapter one.

One of those 18 mentions is this one.

Philippians 1:21 (HCSB) 

21  For me, living is Christ and dying is gain. 

The heart of the Apostle Paul, and all the saints in Christ Jesus in Philippi were linked together by the love of God that had been poured into their hearts by the Holy Spirit.

The verse that is speaking into my heart today is this one.

Philippians 1:4 (NLT) 

4  Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, 

Notice that Paul prayed for all of the saints. This reminds me of what he said to another group of saints.

Ephesians 6:18 (ESV) 

18  praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 

There is power in working together, and praying together, and in praying for one another. Why not begin to practice the 4 Alls of prayer that the Apostle Paul prayed for the saints.

• Pray at all times.
• Pray with all prayer and supplication.
• Pray with all perseverance.
• Pray for all the saints.

Prayer:

Father, I lift up and exalt the name of Jesus, and give glory and honor to Your most righteous name.

Father, stir our hearts, and move us, by the Spirit of God, to be people who pray with thanksgiving to the God of our salvation. 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_April 25, 2016

Title: Do You Know the Most Powerful Reason for Being In Church?

Text:

Philippians 1:1-2 (HCSB) 

1  Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus: To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons. 

2  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Observation:

I have been thinking about writing devotionally on Philippians for quite a while, and it was sealed on the weekend when I was taking an early morning walk.

I will be walking through Philippines, and walking through life, and I will be writing about what the Lord is saying to me through His Word.

The Word that speaks into my heart today is this, "To all the saints in Christ Jesus".

Are you in Christ Jesus? You don't have to be in Philippi to be in Christ Jesus. However, wherever you are you should be associated and connected with those who are in Christ Jesus.

We need the church. Jesus loved the church, and gave Himself up for the church. What Jesus lifts up, we should not put down. Instead of being a critic of the church, why not be a model of the church. 

Hebrews 3:13 (HCSB) 

13  But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin's deception. 

There are hungry and thirsty people all around us. Why not be the church, and feed others with the love of God, and the truth of the Word of God.

Among the blessing that you will receive by being in Christ, and in His church are these two twin towers of blessings.

'Philippians 1:2 (AMP) 

2  Grace (favor and blessing) to you and [heart] peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah). 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, I am so grateful for the love that You have for the church. Father, kindle a flame of sacrificial love in our hearts for the church, and those outside the church. Father, thank You for giving us grace and peace. 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_April 22, 2016

Title: What Path Are You Walking In?

Text:

Isaiah 8:11-12 (ESV) 

11  For the LORD spoke thus to me with his strong hand upon me, and warned me not to walk in the way of this people, saying: 

12  "Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. 

Observation:

Yesterday, I found this photo with the following quotation from the late Dr. Adrain Rogers.

"A Proverb is a short sentence based on a long experience".

I believe this Proverb fits that category, and it speaks to our hearts concerning what is on my heart today.

Proverbs 14:12 (ESV) 

12  There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

Today my heart is encouraged when I think about the sovereignty of God, and how it pays to trust in God, and to walk in His way. When we walk with the Lord we are never alone.

It takes faith to trust in God, and to walk in His way. It also takes patience to wait on God's timing.

Numbers 20:12 (ESV) 

12  And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them." 

Prayer: 

Father, I exalt Your name above every other name, and give You the honor, and glory for who You are, and for the works of Your mighty hands.

Father, I offer up to You the declaration of Your servant David, who the Word calls a man after You own heart.

Psalm 62:1-2 (ESV) 

1 For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. 

2  He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. 

--

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_April 21, 2016

Title: Do You Know Your Why?

Text:

John 12:44-50 (HCSB) 

44  Then Jesus cried out, "The one who believes in Me believes not in Me, but in Him who sent Me. 

45  And the one who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. 

46  I have come as a light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me would not remain in darkness. 

47  If anyone hears My words and doesn't keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 

48  The one who rejects Me and doesn't accept My sayings has this as his judge: The word I have spoken will judge him on the last day. 

49  For I have not spoken on My own, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a command as to what I should say and what I should speak. 

50  I know that His command is eternal life. So the things that I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me." 

Observation:

This passage from my daily bible reading for today is speaking into my heart, and especially the portion I have chosen for our focal passage.

This passage is a concise, and powerful summary of the calling of Jesus, and His purpose for coming into the world.

What say you about Jesus? Do you know Him? Have you received Him into your life to be your Savior, and the Lord of your life?

John 1:12-13 (KJV) 

12  But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 

13  Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 

Every child of God has a purpose for being alive. Do you know your calling, and your purpose? Hear and receive what Jesus says to you. This is the prayer that Jesus prayed for you.

John 17:17-19 (HCSB) 

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

18  As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 

19  I sanctify Myself for them, so they also may be sanctified by the truth. 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, thank You for loving us with an everlasting love.

Father, we are humbled by the prayer that Jesus prayed for us, and the provisions He made for us, and the power that is His gift to us.

Father, help us to receive all that You give us, and be obedient children of God; our Father in heaven. 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_April 20, 2016

Title: Have You Cried Recently?

Text:

Philippians 3:18-21 (HCSB) 

18  For I have often told you, and now say again with tears, that many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 

19  Their end is destruction; their god is their stomach; their glory is in their shame. They are focused on earthly things, 

20  but our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 

21  He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of His glorious body, by the power that enables Him to subject everything to Himself. 

Observation:

Yesterday was a day that some tears were shed in my family. However, in this case it was tears of joy for the entrance of a second great grand child into our family.

The house is empty for a brief period of time, and I have a chance to get alone with my heavenly Father. 

As I read the focal passage for today I was moved when I read in verse eighteen that the Apostle Paul cried. It got me to thinking about the things that cause us to cry. What caused Paul to cry were the false teachers.

One of the ways you can distinguish between genuine Christ followers, and false teachers is how they view themselves. False teachers have an inflated view of themselves.

Philippians 3:3 (HCSB) 

3  For we are the circumcision, the ones who serve by the Spirit of God, boast in Christ Jesus, and do not put confidence in the flesh— 

We are in good company when we shed a tear; especially when is for others. Jesus cried because of the death of a friend.

John 11:35-36 (HCSB) 

35  Jesus wept. 

36  So the Jews said, "See how He loved him!" 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, I pray that You will give each of us a compassionate heart; a heart that will move us to tears for others. 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_April 18, 2016

Title: Let This Word Be An Encouragement to You

Text:

Hebrews 6:9-12 (HCSB) 

9  Even though we are speaking this way, dear friends, in your case we are confident of the better things connected with salvation. 

10  For God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you showed for His name when you served the saints—and you continue to serve them. 

11  Now we want each of you to demonstrate the same diligence for the final realization of your hope, 

12  so that you won't become lazy but will be imitators of those who inherit the promises through faith and perseverance. 

Observation:

When you start on the your walk in the Christian life you start with a lot of hope.

However, along the journey you eventually come to the hard places, to places of difficulty, and to seasons of trials, temptations, and troubles. 

How you handle those difficult days will determine how long it will take you to continue to walk in the pathway that God has called you to follow.

It takes diligence, faith, and patience to live the Christian life, and to grow toward the goal of spiritual maturity. 

A dear friend and brother in Christ offered this word of encouragement to me a few weeks ago, and today I am passing it forward to you.

Hebrews 6:10 (HCSB) 

10  For God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you showed for His name when you served the saints—and you continue to serve them. 

On a personal note, I will be out of pocket this week. We are gathered together for the birth of my first great grand-daughter scheduled for tomorrow.

Your prayers are welcomed, and we will rejoice with you in giving glory to God for all His blessings, and His abundant and sufficient grace in every circumstance. 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, I am so grateful for Your lovingkindness, grace, and tender mercies that You give Your children so graciously, and abundantly. Father, thank You that Your grace is sufficient for all our needs.

Father, I praise and thank You that You are a "Good, Good, Father". 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_April 15, 2016

Title: How Do You Feel About Your Weaknesses?

Text:

Philippians 4:13 (HCSB) 

13  I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me. 

Observation:

I was reading a blog recently, and this comment got my attention. "I tried to give my kids a better life than I had". I can relate to that comment because I believe that is the way my parents thought.

However, I can relate even more to this comment. "What I regret is taking this too far. I've tried to prevent struggle, risk, failure, and injury. But protecting them like that doesn't create a better life; it creates a fragile life.  So, I've stopped wishing for them success, and I've started wishing for their strength. In the face of whatever comes". (UnTangled - Dr. Kelly Flanagan)

The best thing we can do for our children and for others is to introduce them to the Jesus Way that we wrote about yesterday. Notice what the Apostle Paul said about his weaknesses.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (HCSB) 

9  But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may reside in me. 

Are you able to embrace and overcome your weaknesses? I would like to pray for you to have the strength that the Lord provides to His people.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, this is the prayer that I offer for my family and my friends; for all who read this word. 

Ephesians 3:16 (HCSB) 

16  ⌊I pray⌋ that He may grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power in the inner man through His Spirit, 

Father, I pray this prayer 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_April 14, 2016

Title: Are You Walking In the Footsteps of Jesus?

Text:

Matthew 7:13-14 (HCSB) 

13  "Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it. 

14  How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it. 

Observation:

Do you believe that Jesus in the Way?

John 14:6 (HCSB) 

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

This is what Jesus said about some of the people who called him Lord, but did not walk in His way.

Matthew 7:21 (HCSB) 

21  "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord!' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but ⌊only⌋ the one who does the will of My Father in heaven. 

Our focal passage tells us that the Jesus way is narrow, and that it is a difficult road. The alternate way is a broad way, and many are on that road.

1 Peter 4:3-4 (HCSB) 

3  For there has already been enough time spent in doing what the pagans choose to do: carrying on in unrestrained behavior, evil desires, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and lawless idolatry. 

4  So they are surprised that you don't plunge with them into the same flood of wild living—and they slander you. 

Which road are you traveling? Are you walking with Jesus? The one who walks in the way of God will also walk in the will of God.

The lyrics of this Andrae Crouch song is ringing in my ears as I think about the Jesus way.

"Can anybody take me, where Jesus is?

Take me to him.

I gotta know where he lives.

Take me to him.

I gotta know where he lives.

When I find you, I want you to touch me.

Find me.

Heal my mind.

Heal my ways!"

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, I thank You for providing the way for sinners like me to be found by Jesus.

Father, I delight to travel on the narrow road because that is the road that leads me to where You live, and where Your children who follow Jesus will live forever. 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_April 13, 2016

Title: Why Is Faith So Important?

Text:

Mark 11:24 (KJV) 

24  Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. 

Mark 11:24 (HCSB) 

24  Therefore I tell you, all the things you pray and ask for—believe that you have received them, and you will have them. 

Observation:

Our focal verse for today reminds us that prayer requires faith. However, the Bible goes even further and says this about faith.

Hebrews 11:6 (HCSB) 

6  Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him. 

This passage speaks into my heart about faith and prayer. It informs, and inspires me. I am reminded that prayer is desiring, asking, receiving, and believing.

1 John 5:14-15 (KJV) 

14  And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 

15  And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. 

The reason we can have confidence when we pray is because of our faith in God; the one to whom we pray. What is faith?

Hebrews 11:1 (KJV) 

1  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 

The Amplified Bible says this:

Hebrews 11:1 (AMP) 

1  NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]. 

Some may say I don't have that much faith. Be encouraged because its not the size of your faith that makes the difference, its the object of your faith that makes the difference.

Luke 1:37 (HCSB) 

37  For nothing will be impossible with God." 

Prayer:

Father, help us, and strengthen us by the enabling power of the Holy Spirit, who is alive in us, to have faith in You because nothing is impossible when You are in it. 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_April 12, 2016

Title: Do You Desire to Know God's Purpose for You?

Text:

Isaiah 61:1-3 (HCSB) 

1  The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners; 

2  to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, and the day of our God's vengeance; to comfort all who mourn, 

3  to provide for those who mourn in Zion; to give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, festive oil instead of mourning, and splendid clothes instead of despair. And they will be called righteous trees, planted by the LORD to glorify Him. 

Observation:

This thought came to me as I was taking my daily walk to work my heart out.

However, the seed was planted during my daily bible reading before I left home for my walk.

I started with the scripture from Isaiah. Then my mind was focused on the word purpose. After reading the focal passage several times, I came up with the question I'm using as a title for today's meditation.

I see the answer to the question in my title in verse three of our focal passage. This portion speaks to my heart, "And they will be called righteous trees, planted by the LORD to glorify Him".

God's purpose for His people is to be holy, and to glorify Him. Notice what Paul says here.

Ephesians 1:4 (HCSB) 

4  For He chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love.

Ephesians 1:14 (HCSB) 

14  He is the down payment of our inheritance, for the redemption of the possession, to the praise of His glory. 

Prayer:

Father, my goal is be the person You made me to be, and fulfill the purpose for which You made me, and remade me through Your sacrificial death as payment of my sin debt. Father, I embrace the goal of the Apostle Paul.

Philippians 3:12-14 (NLT) 

12  I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 

13  No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 

14  I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. 

Hallelujah! 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. 

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