Daily Word of God & Prayer_May 31, 2016

Title: A Closing Greeting & Prayer - Philippians

Text:

Philippians 4:20-23 (HCSB) 

20  Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. 

21  Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. Those brothers who are with me greet you. 

22  All the saints greet you, but especially those from Caesar's household. 

23  The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 

Observation:

I have enjoyed this walk through Paul's letter to the church at Philippi. One thing I take away from this reading and meditation is that Paul was always involved in carrying out the mission the Lord gave him.

I also notice that he didn't do the work of the Lord alone. The Lord does not expect his saints to be lone rangers. We would do well to follow the example of Paul by working together with one another.

We all need the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul started with this theme, and he ended with it.

Philippians 1:2 (HCSB) 

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

Philippians 4:23 (HCSB) 

23  The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, I thank You for being a God who gives Your people grace; a grace that is amazing, and sufficient for all our needs.

Father, strengthen Your people so that we will be dispensers of grace to others in the same measure that we have received grace from 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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Daily Word of God & Prayer_May 30, 2016

Title: The Sufficiency of God's Provisions

Text:

Philippians 4:18-19 (HCSB) 

18  But I have received everything in full, and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you provided—a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 

19  And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 

Observation:

The partnership of God with His people to provide for our needs is an amazing thing to participate in and receive.

What an amazing gift from God that Paul, and the saints of the ages have received from God's partnership with His people in serving one another.

Paul was able to say, "God provides for all of my needs". Further, he was able to say, "I have received everything in full, and I have an abundance".

Who do you think received the greatest benefit; Paul or Epaphroditus? I say it was Epaphroditus, and I believe Paul would agree.

Philippians 4:17 (HCSB) 

17  Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that is increasing to your account. 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, I thank You for providing for us our daily bread; that we lack nothing. So, we conclude this prayer of praise and thanksgiving with the prayer of Paul.

Philippians 4:20 (HCSB) 

20  Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. 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_May 27, 2016

Title: Helping Others Who Are Going Through Hardships

Text:

Philippians 4:14-17 (HCSB) 

14  Still, you did well by sharing with me in my hardship. 

15  And you Philippians know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone. 

16  For even in Thessalonica you sent ⌊gifts⌋ for my need several times. 

17  Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that is increasing to your account. 

Observation:

The church at Philippi was one of the churches that voluntarily and sacrificially gave of themselves in what Paul described as, "My hardship".

They were willing to help out in giving to meet the pressing needs of Paul and his ministry. Notice that Paul mentioned that at one time they were the only one.

They were doing for Paul what he had encouraged them to do for others. Notice what Paul said to them here.

Philippians 2:3-4 (HCSB) 

3  Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. 

4  Everyone should look out not ⌊only⌋ for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. 

When we give to others and support their kingdom building ministry we are making an investment that will be rewarded in this life and in eternity.

Philippians 4:17 (HCSB) 

17  Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that is increasing to your account. 

When you give to others you are making an investment that results in blessings that keep on giving. Are you investing in the lives of others? Think about the profit that is increasing to your account in the Bank of Heaven.

Prayer:

Father, I exalt Your name, and give You praise and thanksgiving for who You are, and for Your grace and mercy to Your people. Father, give us willing hearts to serve others by sharing from what you have given to us.

Father, thank You for being Jehovah Jireh; the God who provides for His people. 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_May 26, 2016

Title: How to Get Through Your Circumstances

Text:

Philippians 4:10-13 (HCSB) 

10  I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that once again you renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity ⌊to show it⌋. 

11  I don't say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 

12  I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret ⌊of being content⌋—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. 

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

Observation:

Have you noticed how Paul was able to get through a troubled filled life and not lose his joy?

He gives us three of the reasons in today's focal passage. The first thing were the people who loved him and cared about him. In verse ten he talks about the care and the concern for him that the recipients of his letter had for him.

The other two things that got him through was something that was present within him. It's that ability to rejoice in the Lord always. Our circumstances may change, but our God never changes.

Therefore, Paul could say these two things. First, he said I can accept all things.

Philippians 4:11 (HCSB) 

11  I don't say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 

Contentment comes from the Christ who lives in us, and not from the circumstances that comes from the outside.

Finally, Paul was able to say, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".

Philippians 4:13 (HCSB) 

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

The God who lives in you is greater than any circumstances you will ever face in your life. There is no one who has more care and concern for you, and who is more able to help you.

Luke 1:37 (HCSB) 

37  For nothing will be impossible with God." 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, I am so glad that I can rest in the blessed assurance that You are Master over all things.

Father, I am so thankful that I can say what David, a man after Your own heart said; a man who was flawed just like me.

Psalm 23:1 (HCSB) 

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

Father, I pray a prayer of deliverance for all who are facing difficult circumstances in their life. Holy Spirit of God, I ask that You open their eyes so that they may see Jesus, and find joy in Him.  In His precious name 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_May 25, 2016

Title: Do You Desire to Have the Peace of God in Your Life?

Text:

Philippians 4:7-9 (HCSB) 

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. 

9  Do what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. 

Observation: 

I realize that some people don't have any interest in God. There are some who believe there is no God. However, I associate myself with those who believe in God. This God loves and cares for people like you and me.

One of the things that this good God gives to His people is the peace of God. Notice what Paul says about this peace, "The peace of God … will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus".

Isaiah 26:3 (HCSB) 

3  You will keep the mind ⌊that is⌋ dependent ⌊on You⌋ in perfect peace, for it is trusting in You. 

Paul writes to the church at Corinth this encouragement concerning what we can do to cooperate with God's work in our hearts and minds.

2 Corinthians 10:5 (HCSB) 

5  and every high-minded thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, taking every thought captive to obey Christ. 

How are you doing, with the aid and assistance of the Holy Spirit, in taking every thought captive to obey Christ?

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, I am so thankful for the office work of the Holy Spirit of God in helping us to win the battle against the forces that would rob us of our joy and peace. Father, I pray that the God of peace will be in each of us. 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_May 24, 2016

Title: The Keys to Living A Worry Free Life

Text:

Philippians 4:4-6 (HCSB) 

4  Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 

5  Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 

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

Observation:

The Word of God states there is power in demonstrating graciousness in our lives to everyone.

There is no substitute for living in a close relationship with the Lord. We may not be able to rejoice in things, circumstances, or other people, but we can always rejoice in the Lord. Joy is the one word theme of Paul's letter to the church at Philippi.

Think about this profound assertion, "The Lord is near". That's the difference maker for the joy filled life.

Following this bold assertion of the nearness of God the Apostle Paul warns the readers of the greatest of the joy stealers, which he identifies as worry. Worry will tear you apart. It will affect your mind, heart, and peace.

Then Paul gives this encouragement. The keys to living the worry free life are these.

• Draw near to God.
• Pray
• Have faith in God.

This is what the Lord will do in you; He will do for you what you cannot do for yourself.

Philippians 4:7 (HCSB) 

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

Prayer:

Father, help us to rejoice in You always, and to have an attitude of gratitude in all of our relationships. Father, grant Your people the inner peace that will guard our minds and hearts from worry. Father, tune our hearts to be people who pray. 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_May 23, 2016

Title: How Are You Handling Disagreements with Christ Followers?

Text:

Philippians 4:1-3 (HCSB) 

1  So then, my brothers, ⌊you are⌋ dearly loved and longed for—my joy and crown. In this manner stand firm in the Lord, dear friends. 

2  I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 

3  Yes, I also ask you, true partner, to help these women who have contended for the gospel at my side, along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers whose names are in the book of life. 

Observation: 

The leap off the page revelation for me is this passage is this, "My coworkers whose names are in the book of life".

What is true then is also true today. You can be a brother or sister in Christ, and have disagreements. That is life, and being human in a fallen world.

The goodnews is that when we find ourselves at odds with coworkers in the work of Christ, we have the wisdom and power within us to stand firm in the Lord.

The key to standing firm and in unity is communication. Paul urged these two women; Euodia and Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Also, he urged one of his coworkers, who he called a true partner, to help these women who were faithful servants of the Lord. My friends, we are called to be peacemakers.

Are you making every effort, in the love and wisdom of God,  to do your part to live in unity with Your brothers and sisters in the Lord?

Prayer: 

Father, help us to learn to love others in the same manner that we have been loved by 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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Daily Word of God & Prayer_May 20, 2016

Title: Where Are You Looking?

Text:

Philippians 3:20-21 (ESV) 

20  But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 

21  who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. 

Observation:

The Apostle Paul took the upward look. He was able to take the upward look because of his relationship with Jesus; Paul was looking up because he was a citizen of heaven.

He did not have to spend a lot of time looking back because Jesus had taken care of the past.

Philippians 3:13 (ESV) 

13  Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 

God is able to take care of the past, present, and future. Do you believe in a God who is able; Paul believed in such a God.

Philippians 3:21 (NLT) 

21  He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control. 

Prayer: 

Father, I lift up and exalt Your name above every name on earth and in heaven. Father, I agree that You are able, and I give You the praise, glory, and honor that You alone deserve.

Ephesians 3:20-21 (HCSB) 

20  Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us— 

21  to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. 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_May 19, 2016

Title: What Causes You To Weep?

Text:

Philippians 3:18-19 (KJV) 

18  (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 

19  Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) 

Observation:

Today's focal passage reveals the reality of living in a fallen world. The letter of Philippians is mostly about joy. However, even when you experience joy in your life, it is sometimes mixed with things that make you weep.

The things that caused the Apostle Paul to weep were people who put their self-serving interest above the interest of others.

I remind you that Paul was addressing this letter to people identifying themselves as Christ followers. However, they were demonstrating by their actions that they did not have the mind of Christ concerning being a servant.

What is the mind of Christ? Paul wrote to them earlier in the letter; this is what he wrote.

Philippians 2:5-8 (KJV) 

5   Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 

6  Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 

7  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 

8  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 

Are you willing to link your life with believers of like mind in sacrifice and service on behalf of others? It's the Christlike thing to do.

Prayer:

Father, help all of us to be more like Christ in the attitude we demonstrate in our daily walk. Father, keep us in step with Christ, as we walk in His steps. 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_May 18, 2016

Title: Are You Running to Reach the Goal?

Text:

Philippians 3:12-16 (HCSB) 

12  Not that I have already reached ⌊the goal⌋ or am already fully mature, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. 

13  Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, 

14  I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God's heavenly call in Christ Jesus. 

15  Therefore, all who are mature should think this way. And if you think differently about anything, God will reveal this also to you. 

16  In any case, we should live up to whatever ⌊truth⌋ we have attained. 

Observation:

Where is the focus of your life? What is your attitude about circumstances, people, and things? Are these things hindering your spiritual growth?

Ephesians 2:4-5 (HCSB) 

4  But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us, 

5  made us alive with the Messiah even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! 

Do you realize who you are if you are in fact in Christ? You were dead in your sins, but now you are alive in Christ.

Romans 6:3-5 (HCSB) 

3  Or are you unaware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 

4  Therefore we were buried with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in a new way of life. 

5  For if we have been joined with Him in the likeness of His death, we will certainly also be in the likeness of His resurrection. 

So, I encourage every believer to dress everyday covered with the robe of righteousness of Christ, and to adopt the Apostle Paul's goal, "I press on". You have victory in Jesus.

Prayer: 

Father, I am so grateful for what Jesus has done for us. For those who can say, "I am redeemed".

Father, I pray that in the good times and in the hard times that I will be able to say, "I have started with Jesus, and I'm going on to see what the end will be like". Father, my faith looks up to You because You alone are forever faithful. 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_May 17, 2016

Title: What Is Most Important In Your Life?

Text:

Philippians 3:7-11 (HCSB) 

7  But everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ. 

8  More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of Him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them filth, so that I may gain Christ 

9  and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law, but one that is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God based on faith. 

10  ⌊My goal⌋ is to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 

11  assuming that I will somehow reach the resurrection from among the dead. 

Observation: 

In today's focal passage the Apostle Paul looks back at his life. He considered what he had given up from his past in order to be wholly devoted to Christ.

Paul was willing to cut the ties with his past, and be devoted to Christ in the present, and the future. Notice how decisive he was in being willing to leave the past in the past.

Philippians 3:8-9 (NLT) 

8  Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 

9  and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith. 

Prayer:

Father, I am so grateful for the life that I have from knowing Christ, and Him being in me, and I in Him.

Father, I pray for a growing faith for myself, and for all of Your beloved children. 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_May 16, 2016

Title: Are Things Robbing You of Your Joy?

Text:

Philippians 3:1 (HCSB) 

1  Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write to you again about this is no trouble for me and is a protection for you. 

Philippians 3:7-9 (HCSB) 

7  But everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ. 

8  More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of Him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them filth, so that I may gain Christ 

9  and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law, but one that is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God based on faith. 

Observation:

Things can rob us of our joy. Earlier in the letter Paul said that circumstances, and people can also be joy stealers.

However, the antidote for these joy stealers is to not depend upon circumstances, people, and things as our source for joy. While you cannot rely upon things to give you joy, you can rely upon the Lord to give you joy. That is the message of our focal passage for today.

This is a message that is worth repeating, and Paul did just that later on in his letter.

Philippians 4:4 (HCSB) 

4  Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, I praise and thank You for the joy that You give to Your people. Father, I am so grateful that this is a joy that circumstances, people, and things cannot steal from us. 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_May 13, 2016

Title: How Much Value Do You Place on Serving Others?

Text:

Philippians 2:17-24 (HCSB) 

17  But even if I am poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 

18  In the same way you should also be glad and rejoice with me. 

19  Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon so that I also may be encouraged when I hear news about you. 

20  For I have no one else like-minded who will genuinely care about your interests; 

21  all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 

22  But you know his proven character, because he has served with me in the gospel ministry like a son with a father. 

23  Therefore, I hope to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 

24  I am convinced in the Lord that I myself will also come quickly. 

Observation:

Today the phrase that is resonating with me is "poured out". As I read the concluding verses of chapter two; our focal passage, and the remainder of this chapter I am encouraged by the example of the three men mentioned.

Notice what Paul says about himself in verse seventeen. What he said about himself he could also say about Timothy in verse twenty. Then he said this about Epaphroditus.

Philippians 2:25 (KJV) 

25  Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellow soldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. 

Philippians 2:28-30 (HCSB) 

28  For this reason, I am very eager to send him so that you may rejoice when you see him again and I may be less anxious. 

29  Therefore, welcome him in the Lord with all joy and hold men like him in honor, 

30  because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up what was lacking in your ministry to me. 

These three men were willing to give themselves in the sacrificial service of others. What is your attitude about serving others? Are you willing to be a servant? It's the Jesus way.

Philippians 2:3-4 (HCSB) 

3  Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. 

4  Everyone should look out not ⌊only⌋ for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. 

Prayer:

Father, thank You for pouring into our hearts Your love that enables us to be Your servant. Father, help us by the enabling power of the Holy Spirit to pour out our hearts in loving and sacrificial service to others for the glory of Your name. 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/

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Daily Word of God & Prayer_May 12, 2016

Title: What Does It Mean to Work Out Your Salvation?

Text:

Philippians 2:12-16 (HCSB) 

12  So then, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 

13  For it is God who is working in you, ⌊enabling you⌋ both to desire and to work out His good purpose. 

14  Do everything without grumbling and arguing, 

15  so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world. 

16  Hold firmly to the message of life. Then I can boast in the day of Christ that I didn't run or labor for nothing. 

Observation:

The beginning point for the believer is to yield our whole life to the Lord, and allow Him to work in us. It is no secret of God's desire to inhabit His people. He wants to work in us so that we will have the ability to fulfill our purpose by working out  what He has deposited in us.

Ephesians 2:10 (KJV) 

10  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 

One of the key words I notice when reading today's passage is the word obedience. We are called as believers in Christ to live a life of obedience as children of God. 

What a wonderful world it would be if God's children could live out what God has deposited in us, and to do it in this manner.

Philippians 2:14-15 (HCSB) 

14  Do everything without grumbling and arguing, 

15  so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world. 

If you are willing, God is able to enable us to live in this manner.

Prayer:

Father, I praise and thank You for loving Your children with an everlasting love, and for loving us first.

Father, help us to learn obedience, and to work out what You have worked into us. 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. 

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