The Joy of Living In the Presence of God

Text:

Zephaniah 3:17 (HCSB) 

17  Yahweh your God is among you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will bring ⌊you⌋ quietness with His love. He will delight in you with shouts of joy." 

Observation:

When I take inventory of my cup of blessings, there is none that I treasure more that what is described in our focal passage for today's meditation.

I draw strength, courage, and peace from knowing that Yahweh, my God, is with me.

But, not only is He with me, the Word says, "He will rejoice over you with gladness".

There is nothing more important to me in life than to be pleasing in the eyes of the Lord.

Therefore, I can live with the confident assurance that nothing can separate me from the love of God. This includes these schemes of the enemy of God, and our souls.

• No place can separate me from God.
• No person can separate me from God.
• No circumstance can separate me from God.

Romans 8:35 (HCSB) 

35  Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction or anguish or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 

Romans 8:37 (HCSB) 

37  No, in all these things we are more than victorious through Him who loved us. 

Prayer:

Father God, I am so grateful for the relationship that You desire to have with Your people, and the extent You went to make it possible.

Titus 3:5 (HCSB) 

5  He saved us— not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. 

Father, O the joy of knowing that our God rejoices over His children with gladness, and with love. Father, give us a burning desire in our hearts to rejoice in You, and in the victory You have given us through Jesus our Savior, and Lord. 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. 

Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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

 

Where Is God?

Text:

1 Corinthians 3:16 (HCSB) 

16  Don't you yourselves know that you are God's sanctuary and that the Spirit of God lives in you? 

Observation: 

When I read this verse it opened the eyes of my heart. I pray this prayer often; it is the desire of my heart.

Psalm 119:18 (HCSB) 

18  Open my eyes so that I may contemplate wonderful things from Your instruction. 

Here is what I'm contemplating today about our focal verse.

• God lives in a place.
• God lives in a people.
• God is always present.

God no longer lives in temples made by the hands of man. Rather, He lives in temples made by His own hands.

Ephesians 2:21 (HCSB) 

21  The whole building, being put together by Him, grows into a holy sanctuary in the Lord. 

Our God is a relational God. Do you have a relationship with Him? Have you received Jesus? Are you God's sanctuary; His living place?

John 1:12-13 (NLT) 

12  But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. 

13  They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be your name. Father, I ask you to prepare the hearts of your people so that we might be pure and holy; pleasing in your eyes, and transformed by your hands.

Father, I am so glad and grateful that I can say that God lives in me. So, because You live in us, we have everything we need. 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. 

Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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

 

Do You Know Why We Need One Another?

Text:

Ephesians 4:25 (HCSB) 

25  Since you put away lying, Speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, because we are members of one another. 

Observation:

Today I want to focus on this portion of our focal verse, "We are members of one another". 

The members of the Body of Christ come closer to being Christ-like when we are demonstrating the loving attitudes indicated in this passage.

Ephesians 4:31-32 (HCSB) 

31  All bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander must be removed from you, along with all malice. 

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

We who live in Louisiana have seen the kindness and compassion of so many members of the Body of Christ during our recent times of going through the fire, and the floods. We in Louisiana know why we need one another. 

As my pastor said yesterday in his sermon, " God is working for us, God is working in us, and God is working though us". Are there any witnesses that God is great, and so good to His people?

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, we give You the honor and the glory for all the work that You are doing through those You have sent to serve our communities during our season of destruction and distress. Father, with a grateful heart, we thank You, and we thank them. In the mighty namer 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. 

Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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

 

Who Owns the Battle You Are Facing?

Text:

Psalm 9:1-4 (HCSB) 

1  I will thank Yahweh with all my heart; I will declare all Your wonderful works. 

2  I will rejoice and boast about You; I will sing about Your name, Most High. 

3  When my enemies retreat, they stumble and perish before You. 

4  For You have upheld my just cause; You are seated on Your throne as a righteous judge. 

Observation:

This world is not a perfect place, and it can never be made perfect by man. Jesus told His disciples what they would be facing so that they would not be surprised when trouble comes.

John 16:33 (HCSB) 

33  I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world." 

The best way for the believer to live in this world is to live in Christ, walk in His will, and stay close to the Lord.

The secret to living the overcoming life in this fallen world is do the will of God, and praise and thank God with your whole heart. Our part is to be courageous, and trust in the Lord with our whole heart. The battle belongs to the Lord.

Psalm 9:4 (HCSB) 

4  For You have upheld my just cause; You are seated on Your throne as a righteous judge. 

Prayer:

Father, we give praise to You for You are righteous and just in all Your ways. Father, our hearts are filled with gratitude for Your wondrous works.

Psalm 40:5 (HCSB) 

5  LORD my God, You have done many things— Your wonderful works and Your plans for us; none can compare with You. If I were to report and speak ⌊of them⌋, they are more than can be told. 

Father, thank You for giving us perfect peace in the midst of our storm tossed lives. 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. 

Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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

 

The Benefit of Asking

Text:

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (HCSB) 

16  Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day. 

17  For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. 

18  So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 

Observation:

Today I have one word on my mind. Perhaps the seed was planted last night while I was watching a sporting event on television. A Japanese baseball player was being interviewed. He spoke to the audience through an interpreter.

However, for the final question he responded in english. He asked the announcer in the broadcast booth, "Why did you not draft me?".

That seed is prompting me to think about, and write about the topic of "Why". I asked the question, "What is My Why?"

This is how I answered the question:

• Encourage others
• Elevate others
• Empower others

This reminds me of a song that some of the most influential people in my life love to sing.

"If I can help somebody, as I pass along,

If I can cheer somebody, with a word or song,

If I can show somebody, how they're traveling wrong,

Then my living shall not be in vain."  - Mahalia Jackson, Gospel Singer

The power of asking ourselves good questions is that it provides the opportunity for us to think more deeply. It provides the opportunity to focus not just on the things that we can see, but what is unseen. I pray that it will help us to focus on God.

3 Why Questions:

• Why this?
• Why now?
• Why me?

2 Corinthians 4:18 (HCSB) 

18  So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 

Prayer:

Father, we elevate Your name above every name on earth, and in heaven. All praise and glory belong to You.

Father, help us to draw closer to You, and to learn to bring everything to You in prayer.

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. 

Father, we are encouraged, elevated, and empowered by Your promise that says, "I am with you". Father, thank You for being with us. 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. 

Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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

 

Do You Know the Value of Singing?

Text:

Psalm 149:1-4 (HCSB) 

1  Hallelujah! Sing to the LORD a new song, His praise in the assembly of the godly. 

2  Let Israel celebrate its Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King. 

3  Let them praise His name with dancing and make music to Him with tambourine and lyre. 

4  For Yahweh takes pleasure in His people; He adorns the humble with salvation. 

Observation:

There is nothing that stirs the soul, and lifts the spirits of a person like singing; especially when the object of our praise is the Lord.

The children of God have a reason to sing praise to the Lord. The focal passage for today tells us three reasons.

• God is Savior
• God is Maker
• God is King

There are also two benefits that are derived from singing praises to the Lord.

• Praise pleases God.
• Praise benefits God's people.

Psalm 149:4 (HCSB) 

4  For Yahweh takes pleasure in His people; He adorns the humble with salvation. 

If you know the Lord, and He knows You, why not open your mouth and give the Lord the praise, honor, and the glory that He alone deserves.

Psalm 35:27 (HCSB) 

27  Let those who want my vindication shout for joy and be glad; let them continually say, "The LORD be exalted. He takes pleasure in His servant's well-being." 

Prayer:

Hallelujah! Father, we rejoice to sing praises to You, and give You glory for being our Savior, Maker, and King.

Father, we are so blessed in knowing that our praises please You, and so thankful that when our praises go up to You, the blessings come down to Your people. Father, may our hearts and mouths never cease to give You praise. 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. 

Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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

 

The Power and Fruit of Cooperation

Introduction:

Does unity require that everyone must be uniform?

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: 

The Apostle Paul addresses the comments made in our focal passage to God's chosen ones; this is a message for believers in Christ.

There will always be conflict whenever you get two or more people together. It happens in our family and it happens in the church. The bridge over conflict is to learn to honor one another. O, if we could see people the way God sees them.

The unfinished work of every believer is to love God, and to love one another. No matter what your condition or circumstance may be, you have within you the ability to love God, and to love one another. Being one people does not require being uniform.

I have seen evidence in our communities that we can come through the fire, and through floods and not be consumed. Rather, we can find within us the power to honor and love those who are different from us.

Ephesians 4:1-3 (HCSB) 

1  Therefore I, the prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, 

2  with all humility and gentleness, with patience, accepting one another in love, 

3  diligently keeping the unity of the Spirit with the peace that binds ⌊us⌋. 

The God who made us different also made us to be one. Let's show the world that we love God by the way that we love one another.

John 13:34-35 (HCSB) 

34  "I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. 

35  By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." 

Prayer:

Father, we exalt Your name today above every name, and give You the honor, glory, and praise that You alone deserve.

Father, thank You that You were well pleased when You made man in Your own image. Father, help us to see others the way that You see them, and to love others the way You love them. Father, thank You for showing us how it is possible. 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. 

Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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

 

Do You Have Perfect Peace?

Text:

Isaiah 26:3 (HCSB) 

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

Observation:

The desire for peace is almost universal among the people of the world. However, we often fail to look to the only source capable of giving us lasting peace.

This Word from the Lord caused me to focus my attention on the truth that is packed into our focal verse for today's meditation. My reading caused me to focus on each word in the verse. The following is my reflection on six of those words.

• You - God is the source.
• Will -  A friend reminded me recently that he did a word study on this word, and it is absolute. Think about this: God will.
• Keep - God's promise of peace is forever; only God can make that promise, and keep it.
• Perfect - There is nothing lacking in the peace that God gives.
• Peace - This is soul peace; it is independent of circumstances.
• Mind - Where is your focus? Is it on man or God?

Living in a fallen world can sometimes get very scary. However, there is a remedy for fear, and it is faith in God.

Psalm 56:3-4 (HCSB) 

3  When I am afraid, I will trust in You. 

4  In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not fear. What can man do to me? 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, we ask that each of us would make You the object of our faith in all things.

Father, help us to trust in You; to look beyond our circumstances, and see our Christ. Father, draw us closer to You, and fill our hearts with perfect peace. Father, help us to move from self-reliant to God-dependent.

Father, I am so grateful that You are bigger than all of our problems. Father, I trust in You, and thank You for giving all who trust in You perfect peace. 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. 

Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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

 

Do You Realize the Sufficiency of God’s Grace?

Text:

2 Corinthians 12:8-9 (ESV) 

8  Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 

9  But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 

Observation:

Yesterday in the course of helping a friend with an adversity in her family I was blessed with an amazing testimony of how God works in speaking to His people.

In the midst of working on her issues she went and got a devotional book that she had read earlier that morning.  The devotional book was, "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young. O, what a timely word from the Lord.

"Expect to encounter adversity in your life, remembering that you live in a deeply fallen world. Stop trying to find a way that circumvents difficulties. The main problem with an easy life is that it masks your need for Me."

I looked down at the bottom of the page, and one of the scripture references was a Psalm I wrote about yesterday. We saw God connect a lot of dots, and He works everyday.

Psalm 91:1 (ESV) 

1  He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 

All of us who live in this fallen world will encounter adversity at some time in our earthly journey. Your adversity may be similar to some of the things that Paul experienced or that may be different. However, we all have a list of adversities that we could cite. Here is Paul's list.

2 Corinthians 12:10 (ESV) 

10  For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 

How was Paul able to boast and speak with joy and gladness about his weaknesses, and the adversities that he faced in his life? The answer is the sufficiency of the grace of God in his life.

2 Corinthians 4:7 (ESV) 

7  But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 

Don't ever lose sight of this truth, "The surpassing power belongs to God and not to us". Then, you will be able to know, and experience what Paul was able to say.

Philippians 4:13 (ESV) 

13  I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 

Prayer:

Father, we give You the honor, glory, and praise that You alone deserve. Father, we are so grateful that the amazing grace of God is sufficient for all of the needs of Your beloved children.

Father, in these days of adversity we ask that You would draw us closer to You through the office work of the Holy Spirit. Father, in times like these help us to lean hard on Thee. 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. 

Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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

 

In Times Like These We Need A Lifter

Text:

Psalm 91:1-6 (ESV) 

1  He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 

2  I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." 

3  For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. 

4  He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. 

5  You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 

6  nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. 

Observation:

Where do you turn when you need more help than man can give you? Consider the conditions described in the previous Psalm.

Psalm 90:3-6 (ESV) 

3  You return man to dust and say, "Return, O children of man!" 

4  For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night. 

5  You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning: 

6  in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers. 

What a blessing it is to turn from the darkness of reading Psalm 90, to the sunlight of Psalm 91.  We number our years, but it is much wiser to number our days because life is lived one day at a time.

There is a safe haven; there is one we can turn to for deliverance from the brevity of our days, and the darkness our nights. We can turn to God.

Psalm 91:2 (HCSB) 

2  I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." 

Is the Lord your refuge? You need to know the Lord before the day of trouble comes upon you. Notice that the Psalmist knew the Lord, and was accustomed to being in His presence. 

Psalm 91:1 (HCSB) 

1  The one who lives under the protection of the Most High dwells in the shadow of the Almighty. 

Why not make it a practice to draw near to God, and live in His presence all of the days of your life. What He did for the Psalmist, He will do for you.

Psalm 91:9-11 (HCSB) 

9  Because you have made the LORD—my refuge, the Most High—your dwelling place, 

10  no harm will come to you; no plague will come near your tent. 

11  For He will give His angels orders concerning you, to protect you in all your ways. 

Prayer:

Father, O how we love that we have the privilege of living daily in Your presence. 

Father, we delight to be able live in the security of the everlasting arms of our God. Father, teach us to number our days, to live wisely, and to walk humbling with our God. 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. 

Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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

 

Is the Aim of Your Heart to Please God?

Text:

2 Corinthians 5:9 (HCSB) 

9  Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to Him. 

Observation:

Is the aim and desire of your heart to please God? In the deepest recesses of your heart do you genuinely desire to please God? You can fool others; you can even fool yourself, but you cannot fool God.

1 Samuel 16:7 (HCSB) 

7  But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or his stature, because I have rejected him. Man does not see what the LORD sees, for man sees what is visible, but the LORD sees the heart." 

One of the things that motivates the desire to please God is this.

2 Corinthians 5:10-11 (HCSB) 

10  For we must all appear before the tribunal of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or worthless. 

11  Therefore, because we know the fear of the Lord, we seek to persuade people. We are completely open before God, and I hope we are completely open to your consciences as well. 

I read a story told by a pastor that after preaching a sermon one of the members of the congregation said to him, "Pastor that was a good sermon until you mentioned all of the 'therefores' at the end".

What we believe and how we behave must always be consistent. Whenever we see therefore in the Bible we should ask ourselves the question, " What is the therefor there for?".

What motivates you to do God's will?

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, I pray that You would stir within us a burning desire to please You. Father, mold us until what we believe, and how we behave is pleasing in Your eyes. 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. 

Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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

 

Is Your Cup Running Near Empty Today?

Text:

1 Peter 5:6-7 (ESV) 

6  Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 

7  casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 

Observation:

My community has been through a tough time with the floods claiming the lives of a few, and over 20,000 have been displaced from their homes because of the water that is filling the neighborhoods, and homes.

In times like this we need strength, but for many their strength is almost gone. You may be in that position, and I have good news for you.

The Lord put this thought into my heart this morning. I heard the Lord speak into my heart in His still small voice saying, "Be humble" and "Be still".

Psalm 46:10-11 (ESV) 

10  "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" 

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

It times like these we need a wisdom that is greater than ours, we need a  strength that is stronger than ours, and we need a deliverer who has the power to make something out of nothing. Now is the time to look to God.

If we will come to God, in faith, with the expectation that He is able and willing to help us; He will do it. If we lift up to Him our empty cups of needs,  He will fill them with blessings from above. 

Think about this promise from the Word of God. I'm praying for you, and believe that God has a blessing with your name on it.

James 1:17 (ESV) 

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

Prayer:

Father, I lift up and exalt Your name today above every name on earth, and in heaven.

Father, we come with humble, and still hearts to Your throne room of grace and mercy. Father, we lift up our cup that is near empty, and we ask You to fill our cup with an abundance of what our lives need the most.

Father, we come in faith, and our hearts are tuned to say, "Yes, Lord". We come in humility and faith trusting in You, and saying yes to your will, and yes to your way. 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. 

Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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

 

Who Is Hearing What You Say?

Text:

Psalm 19:14 (KJV) 

14  Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. 

Observation:

Is the prayer of the Psalmist your prayer? What comes out of our mouths matter. That is why we are taught from our childhood to guard our speech. I remember this song that was written for children.

" Oh, be careful little mouth, what you say, 

For the Father up above,

Is looking down in love,

So be careful little

mouth what you say."

Is the desire of the Psalmist your desire? He wanted what was in his heart, and came out of his mouth, to be acceptable to the Lord. In another Psalm he said this.

Psalm 1:1-2 (ESV) 

1  Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 

2  but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 

Oh, that we would each seek to fill our hearts with the Word of God; that we would meditate on that Word regularly eating of it as our daily spiritual bread of life.

Then, when we open our mouth, the words that come from our heart would be wonderful words of life that is worthy for the ears of our heavenly Father, who is looking from above in love for His beloved children.

Let's join the Psalmist in his desire that our words will be acceptable in the sight of God. If they are acceptable to Him, they will be life giving to others, and ourselves. Our words are heard by three audiences.

• God
• Others
• Ourselves

Psalm 89:1 (ESV) 

1  I will sing of the steadfast love of the LORD, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations. 

Prayer:

Father, I delight to join Your people of the ages in opening wide my mouth, and singing praises to You for Your steadfast love.

Father, fill our hearts with Your Word, and use our mouths to bless You, and to bless others in Your name. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

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

Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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