Daily Word of God & Prayer_July 29, 2016

Title: How Huge Are Your Burdens?

Introduction:

Does God ever allow us to experience burdens that are too heavy for us to bear? If so, how do you handle them?

Text:

2 Corinthians 1:8-11 (ESV) 

8  For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 

9  Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. 

10  He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. 

11  You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many. 

Observation: 

The Apostle Paul had an experience of having an affliction that was beyond his ability to handle.

2 Corinthians 1:8 (ESV) 

8  For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 

Paul did not give-up or worry about his affliction. Notice that Paul did not trust his feelings. Rather, he trusted in His God.

2 Corinthians 1:9-10 (ESV) 

9  Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. 

10  He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. 

Additionally, Paul had friends who knew his God, and they prayed for him. God works for His children when we pray for one another.

2 Corinthians 1:11 (ESV) 

11  You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many. 

Conclusion:

2 Corinthians 1:10 (ESV) 

10  He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. 

Prayer:

Father, I am so grateful that in this dark and dangerous world that even though we are sometimes faced with burdens too large for us to bear; we have a God who loves and cares for His children.

Father, I pray that all who know You will not hesitate to cast our burdens upon You because there is no one who cares for us more than You. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

1 Peter 5:7 (NLT) 

7  Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 

--

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

Read the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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Daily Word of God & Prayer_July 28, 2016

Title: Do You Desire These 3 Traits?

Text:

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (HCSB) 

13  Be alert, stand firm in the faith, act like a man, be strong. 

14  Your every ⌊action⌋ must be done with love. 

Observation:

Today I have three things that Paul said to the Corinthians in his letter to them on my mind. I conclude from reading this letter that our problems may be big, but our God is bigger.

Do you desire to become more of these three things?

1. Be Alert

Mark 13:33 (HCSB) 

33  Watch! Be alert! For you don't know when the time is ⌊coming⌋. 

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. 

2.  Be Strong

Joshua 1:9 (HCSB) 

9  Haven't I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." 

Ephesians 6:10 (HCSB) 

10  Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. 

3.  Be Love

1 John 4:7-8 (HCSB) 

7  Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 

8  The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 

Prayer:

Father, I exalt Your name and Your Word. Father, we need You, and can't make it without You.

Father, help us, who are called Christ followers, to be alert, to be strong, and to be love. Father, draw us closer to You in righteousness, and in truth. 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_July 27, 2016

Title: Do You Know the Power of Small Things?

Text:

Colossians 3:12-14 (HCSB) 

12  Therefore, God's chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 

13  accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also ⌊forgive⌋. 

14  Above all, ⌊put on⌋ love—the perfect bond of unity. 

Observation: 

Almost everyone wants big results, and they want them now. However, let me remind you that when God wanted to do something really HUGE, He sent help in the form of one little baby boy; His only begotten son.

John 3:16 (KJV) 

16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 

We should never lose sight of the power of one. Also, we should also remember the principle that one plus one equals three or more. It is the power of synergy.

If we do our part, surely God will do His part. Let the Word of God speak to your heart, apply it with acts of loving-kindness, and see what God will do in us and through us.

Ephesians 4:32 (HCSB) 

32  And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ. 

Also, it helps to build a wall around your heart and your mouth.

Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) 

23  Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. 

James 3:10 (NLT) 

10  And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, forgive us when we falter and fail to be lovers of people, and become lovers of things. Father, forgive us, and help us, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to love others with undeserved kindness. 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_July 26, 2016

Title: Do You Know the Key to Changing Hearts?

Text:

Ruth 3:10-11 (HCSB) 

10  Then he said, "May the LORD bless you, my daughter. You have shown more kindness now than before, because you have not pursued younger men, whether rich or poor. 

11  Now don't be afraid, my daughter. I will do for you whatever you say, since all the people in my town know that you are a woman of noble character. 

Observation:

We have an example of the power of love demonstrated in our focal passage for today. The Hebrew word is hesed, and is translated as kindness.

This hebrew word is also described this way:

• Steadfast love
• Loyal love
• Undeserved kindness
• Generosity
• Faithful

What does this mean to Christ followers today? I believe that it means that we must embrace the truth that love is not a feeling, but an action. Let's make it our goal to be kind, and to be demonstrations of God's love, which is underserved kindness, and generosity.

Ephesians 2:10 (HCSB) 

10  For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them. 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, I give my pen and my voice to praying the prayer of David, a man after Your own heart.

Psalm 44:26 (AMP) 

26  Rise up! Come to our help, and deliver us for Your mercy's sake and because of Your steadfast love! 

Father, may steadfast love that has been poured into our hearts, by the Holy Spirit that You have given us, flow from us in acts of loving-kindness, and tender mercies. 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_July 25, 2016

Title: The Power of Praying for Others

Text:

1 Samuel 12:22-24 (ESV) 

22  For the LORD will not forsake his people, for his great name's sake, because it has pleased the LORD to make you a people for himself. 

23  Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way. 

24  Only fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you. 

Observation:

One of the saddest experiences in life is to look back at the decisions we make in life and say, "If only".

King Saul experienced moments like this, and they were avoidable. If only King Saul would have obeyed God's Word, and maintained his friendship with Samuel things would have been different in his life.

O how we underestimate the reach and power of prayer. When we pray for others that is the most we can do for them. We can eliminate the if only with prayer. If my people would pray. Let's depend on God's help, and pray.

Romans 8:26-27 (ESV) 

26  Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 

27  And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 

However, there is more. Our Savior, the Lord Jesus, is praying for us in heaven. The writer of Hebrews speaking of Jesus tells of His intercession for God's children.

Hebrews 7:25 (HCSB) 

25  Therefore, He is always able to save those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them. 

The Apostle Paul was not too proud to ask others to pray for him because he knew the reach and power of prayer. Be humble enough to ask others to pray for you.

Ephesians 6:19 (HCSB) 

19  Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. 

Prayer:

Father, I am so awed that the triune God-head in heaven, and in us prays for us. Father, I am thankful that in Your wisdom, you have told us to pray for one another. Father, hear us when we pray.

Acts 4:31 (ESV) 

31  And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. 

Father, may the power of God fall upon us whenever we unite our hearts and voices in prayer. 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_July 22, 2016

Title: Who Has Your Back?

Text:

Psalm 31:1-5 (ESV) 

1  In you, O LORD, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me! 

2  Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily! Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me! 

3  For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name's sake you lead me and guide me; 

4  you take me out of the net they have hidden for me, for you are my refuge. 

5  Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God. 

Observation:

In the good times, and especially in bad times, it is good to know that you have someone reliable who has your back; someone that you can depend upon to be trustworthy, and faithful.

In the case of David his source of help was in his God. David was a man who was accustomed to calling upon the Lord.

What did David do? He cried out to God in prayer. He took refuge in the Lord. He did what he could do, and he asked the Lord to do the rest.

• Let me not be put to shame.
• Deliver me.
• Incline your ear to me.
• Rescue me, and do it speedily.
• Be my rock and strong fortress.
• Take me out of the trap the enemy has set for me.

David had faith in God. He was confident that God was righteous in all His ways, and that He was able to deliver him.

Do you have any problems in your life that you have not been able to resolve? Do you have any enemies that you can't defeat in your strength alone?

Psalm 31:5 (ESV) 

5  Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God. 

Not only did David trust in the Lord, but Solomon, his son, also trusted in the God of his father. Solomon asked God for wisdom, and He gave him wisdom. He also gave him faith; the kind of faith his father David had.

Proverbs 3:5 (ESV) 

5  Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 

Prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, I believe in You; I believe that You are a God who is righteous, and faithful in all Your ways.

Father, I acknowledge that in desperate times we need desperate faith. O God, I ask that You would stir the hearts of Your people, by the Holy Spirit, to cause us to run to Your throne room of grace and mercy, and cry out to You in desperate prayer to heal our land, and meet all of our needs. In the precious 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_July 21, 2016

Title: 3 Reasons to Give God Glory

Text:

Psalm 28:6-9 (ESV) 

6  Blessed be the LORD! For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy. 

7  The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. 

8  The LORD is the strength of his people; he is the saving refuge of his anointed. 

9  Oh, save your people and bless your heritage! Be their shepherd and carry them forever. 

Observation:

Psalm 29:2 (ESV) 

2  Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness. 

In our focal passage for today the Psalmist gives three reasons to bless the Lord.

Let's add our voices to this Psalm of praise, and bless the Lord for His goodness to us.

1. The Lord is my savior.
2. The Lord is my strength.
3. The Lord is my shield.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, I give honor and glory to Your most holy and righteous name. 

Father, the song of the Psalmist is my song, and I delight to give You praise and thanks for being my savior, my strength, and my shield. Lord, I trust in You, and in You I find refuge in times of trial and trouble. Lord, I bless You, and I am blessed by You.

Let all who agree, say Amen, and join in singing praise to the Lord.

Psalm 103:1 (KJV) 

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

--

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

Read the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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

 

Daily Word of God & Prayer_July 20, 2016

Title: What Will It Take for Us to Become One?

Text:

Acts 4:32 (ESV) 

32  Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 

Observation:

As I read God's Word, and fellowship with God's people, I am convinced that we can become one when we are united in purpose, soul, and mind.

It's amazing what can be accomplished when a community of God's people are united in heart and soul. These first century believers, as a result of their unity, voluntarily gave to one another.

We see that the generosity of the first Christ followers recorded in Acts was also found among other believers as Paul wrote about in his second letter to the Corinthians.

2 Corinthians 8:1-5 (ESV) 

1  We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 

2  for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 

3  For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 

4  begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— 

5  and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. 

What is the key to being generous to others? The answer is found in this verse.

2 Corinthians 8:5 (ESV) 

5  and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. 

Notice this important truth,  "They gave themselves first to the Lord, and then by the will of God to us".

Why not decide to become a generous and cheerful giver, and a gracious and thankful receiver. Then watch and see what God will do as you love God, and love one another. What God has done for others, He will do for you.

Prayer: 

Father, I feel compelled to pray this prayer; that You would unite husbands and wives, families, prayer partners (two or more), and small groups, to come together, and begin to love God, and love one another in words and deeds.

We can do this if we pray. God will work in us, and through us. As we give glory to Him, He will shower all of us with blessings from above. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Philippians 4:19 (ESV) 

19  And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 

--

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_July 19, 2016

Title: Why Do Believers Need to Pray?

Text:

1 Timothy 2:1-4 (ESV) 

1  First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 

2  for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 

3  This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 

4  who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 

Observation:

The Apostle Paul is saying to the church that it is impossible to do the work of God in the world unless we make prayer the number one priority. He gets right to the point when he said, "First of all". 

Is prayer of first importance in your church? Notice the breath and length of Paul's exhortation to pray.

• First of all pray.
• Pray all kinds of prayer (supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving).
• Pray for all people.

Paul admonishes and encourages the believers to pray for kings and all who are in high positions. Make a list of the people in high positions that you are complaining about, and begin to pray for them.

My brothers and sisters it is high time that we name the enemy that we face, and his motive.

1 Peter 5:8-9 (KJV) 

8  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 

9  Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 

This is why God's people should pray, and the results we get when we pray without ceasing.

Psalm 34:17-19 (ESV) 

17  When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. 

18  The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. 

19  Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. 

Prayer:

Father, I cry out to You and ask You to enable us who are believers to be obedient in doing our part. Lord, we acknowledge that those in high positions are accountable to You for how they exercise their authority.

Father, we cry out for grace and mercy that will be sufficient to see us through these difficult days. Father, give us faith to trust You more, and to never give up.

Father, give us courage to continue to do what is good and pleasing in Your eyes. 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_July 18, 2016

Title: What Would Victory Look Like to You?

Text:

Psalm 126:1-3 (ESV) 

1 When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. 

2  Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." 

3  The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad. 

Observation:

This passage speaks of something God had done for His people. He had delivered them from Babylonian slavery, and returned them to Jerusalem. It was a time of great rejoicing.

Psalm 14:7 (ESV) 

7  Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad. 

Let's go a little further in this Psalm.

Psalm 126:4 (ESV) 

4  Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negeb! 

Deliverance was a great victory for God's people, but in time they desired more so they cried out to the Lord.

In your distress, don't get depressed. Why not do like the people of God of every age?

Psalm 120:1 (ESV) 

1 In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. 

The people were looking to the future. Notice they looked to the Lord who had provided their deliverance. This is what victory would look like for them. They had a vision of peace and prosperity.

Psalm 122:6-7 (ESV) 

6  Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! "May they be secure who love you! 

7  Peace be within your walls and security within your towers!" 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, there is none like You, no not one. Father, we lift our eyes and hearts toward the heavens for hope and help in this difficult season.

Father, I stretch my hands to Thee, no other help I know. Father this I also know that the God who has brought us thus far; Our God will see us through. So, we ask for an outpouring of Your amazing grace, and tender mercies to flood our hearts, souls and minds. Father, stir our hearts to run to You.

Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV) 

20  Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 

21  to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout 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:

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_July 15, 2016

Title: How to Overcome Difficult Times?

Text:

2 Corinthians 4:8-12 (HCSB) 

8  We are pressured in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; 

9  we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but not destroyed. 

10  We always carry the death of Jesus in our body, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 

11  For we who live are always given over to death because of Jesus, so that Jesus' life may also be revealed in our mortal flesh. 

12  So death works in us, but life in you. 

Observation:

I was in a meeting of seasoned adults yesterday, and our speaker at the end of the meeting asked four people to lead in prayer in these four areas.

• Nation
• Community
• Families
• Individuals

As I read and meditate on our text for today I note the human frailty that the Apostle Paul writes about to the church at Corinth. He mentions these areas. Are these relevant to us today?

• Pressured
• Perplexed
• Persecuted
• Struck Down

The hope and the promise is that for each of these four frailties of humanity there is evidence of God's power to overcome the frailty. The God of yesterday is the same God today. What He did for the Corinthians, He will do for us.

• Pressured but not crushed.
• Perplexed but not in despair.
• Persecuted but not abandoned.
• Struck down but not destroyed.

God is the Sovereign God, and He is an on-time God. His promise is that He would never leave or forsake His people. Jeremiah was called to do a tough job, but He served a great God who provided for him and protected him. He'll do the same for You. Do like Jeremiah, call upon Your God.

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! 

Prayer: 

Father God, Sovereign Lord, my dear Father, I am so grateful that no matter what difficulties and dangers we may face in our journey through this world that we have the promise of Your presence, power, and provisions.

Father, I thank You for being a good and gracious Father, and for providing so abundantly for Your children. Father, help us to never forget or forsake the need to pray; its what Jesus did. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Mark 1:35 (HCSB) 

35  Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He got up, went out, and made His way to a deserted place. And He was praying there. 

--

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_July 14, 2016

Title: Are You Lifting Up or Putting Others Down?

Text:

Colossians 3:17 (HCSB) 

17  And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. 

Colossians 3:23-25 (HCSB) 

23  Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men, 

24  knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ. 

25  For the wrongdoer will be paid back for whatever wrong he has done, and there is no favoritism. 

Observation:

I read something this morning that planted the seed for today's devotional. It involved words that people had written, and for the most part they were words that lifted up others. 

What I read was an encouragement to me; especially the one that found in the ordinary things of life a reason to give glory to God.

It got me to thinking about the power of words to bring glory to God, and be a blessing in the lives of those who hear our words that uplift rather than tear down.

What are you thinking, saying, and doing? Are your words and deeds bringing glory to God, and uplifting others?

Philippians 4:8 (HCSB) 

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, help us to be more and more like Jesus in things we think, say, and do. Father, help each of us to be builders, and not destroyers of others.

Father, I pray that You will hasten the day when more and more of us would know Jesus, and be more like Him. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

"More about Jesus would I know,

More of His grace to others show;

More of His saving fulness see,

More of His love who died for me."

Eliza Edmunds Hewitt 

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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