Do You Know the 3 Keys That Enables You to Stand Firm?

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:

Yesterday we looked at what the Bible says about the importance and value of unity. We were also warned about the devil, who wants to steal our peace, and destroy our unity. The Bible identifies the enemy of God's people.

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. 

Paul, in his letter to the church at Philippi, admonishes the believers to stand firm in the Lord.

I notice three keys that will enable us to stand firm in the Lord.

• Communicate - Verse 2 - Paul urges Euodia and Syntyche to talk about their differences,and  agree in the Lord.
• Love -  Verses 1-3. These were sisters in Christ, and their names are in the book of life, along with others in the church. So, learn to love one another.
• Help - Verse 3 - There was a peacemaker in the group, and Paul urged that person to help these women come to agreement. These women shared a common faith, and a common destiny. Live in peace with one another.

Don't allow the enemy to rob you of your peace, joy, and unity. You have available the help of the Lord, and the help of your coworkers in the gospel of Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:10-11 (NLT) 

10  I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. 

11  For some members of Chloe's household have told me about your quarrels, my dear brothers and sisters. 

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your most holy, and righteous name. Father, thank You for your Sovereignty, and for you friendship with your people.

Father, help us, by your almighty power, to address our differences in love, and show a watching world what life in heaven will look like. Thy Kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven, and let it begin in you, and me as we settle our differences in the 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

 

There Is A Thief In The House

Text:

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⌋. 

Observation:

In this passage the Apostle Paul is writing to the church at Ephesus about unity in the Body of Christ.

Paul warned the church that there is a thief that will break in, and attempt to steal your peace, and destroy your unity. 

Ephesians 4:26-27 (HCSB) 

26  Be angry and do not sin. Don't let the sun go down on your anger, 

27  and don't give the Devil an opportunity. 

The church is not the first institution that God created. The first of God's creation was the family.

Genesis 2:18 (HCSB) 

18  Then the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper as his complement." 

The thief of peace and unity has been at work since the beginning, and here is his attack on the first family.

Genesis 3:1 (HCSB) 

1  Now the serpent was the most cunning of all the wild animals that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You can't eat from any tree in the garden'?" 

Whether in the Body of Christ, the big church, or in the family, the little church, we must be diligent to live in unity with one another in the family, and in the church. Don't give the Devil an opportunity to destroy your family or your church.

Galatians 3:27-28 (HCSB) 

27  For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ ⌊like a garment⌋. 

28  There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 

How do we do this? It's an inside, outside thing. It is Christ in you that gives you the ability to live in unity with people that are different from you.

Philippians 2:12 (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. 

Philippians 2:13 (HCSB) 

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

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, we praise You because we are fearfully, and wonderfully made by You.

Father, thank you for making us one, and depositing the power of Your presence in us. 

Father, help us, by Your power, to workout what You have deposited in us for the glory of Your name. In Jesus name 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 Will Deliver Us From Our Problems?

Text:

Malachi 4:4-6 (HCSB) 

4  "Remember the instruction of Moses My servant, the statutes and ordinances I commanded him at Horeb for all Israel. 

5  Look, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome Day of the LORD comes. 

6  And he will turn the hearts of fathers to ⌊their⌋ children and the hearts of children to their fathers. Otherwise, I will come and strike the land with a curse." 

Observation:

If there ever was a time we needed leadership in this world, we surely need it now.

To whom are you looking for deliverance? May I recommend you to look to Jesus, the Messiah of God.

John 1:1-4 (HCSB) 

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

2  He was with God in the beginning. 

3  All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created. 

4  Life was in Him, and that life was the light of men. 

John 1:14 (HCSB) 

14  The Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We observed His glory, the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 

If not Jesus, then to whom shall we look? Pause for a moment, and think about that.

There are two leap off the page, and into my heart moments that I experienced when I read our text today.

The first is "look" in verse five, and the second is this verse.

Malachi 4:6 (HCSB) 

6  And he will turn the hearts of fathers to ⌊their⌋ children and the hearts of children to their fathers. Otherwise, I will come and strike the land with a curse." 

Oh, how all of God's people need to look to the Word of God, and to look to God in constant and fervent prayer.

Psalm 119:16 (HCSB) 

16  I will delight in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word. 

James 5:17 (HCSB) 

17  Elijah was a man with a nature like ours; yet he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the land. 

The most effective way to change hearts and minds is to give instruction in the Word of God, and for God's people to pray the Word.

Hebrews 4:12 (HCSB) 

12  For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the ideas and thoughts of the heart. 

Psalm 138:3 (HCSB) 

3  On the day I called, You answered me; You increased strength within me. 

Prayer:

Father, I adore you, and give you the highest praise my soul can muster. Praise God!

Father, I ask that you would birth in your people a hunger and thirst for the Word of God, and 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. 

Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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

 

What Is Truth?

Text:

2 Timothy 2:15 (HCSB) 

15  Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn't need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth. 

Observation:

Today there will be a lot of talk in the marketplace about truth as it relates to this world. That will be settled on November 8, 2016, if the Lord tarries.

I'm reflecting over my past, considering the present, and looking forward to the future. Maybe its because my birthday is Friday.

I registered to vote when I was 18 years old. I was a freshman in college, and I was working as a volunteer getting the people in my community to register to vote. Let me share a little history with you. I am an American with a skin color that is black on the outside. Last time I was tested, my blood on the inside was red.

In Louisiana you had to pass a citizenship test to vote.  I don't recall who organized our student group, but I was a part of a group of college students that met with some adult leadership to get out into the community, and help people to register to vote.

One of the requirements of the registration was to enter your age by years, months, and days. It was easy for me because I registered on my birthday. On September 30, 1958, I went to the registration office.  I completed the form by entering 18 years, 0 months, and 0 days. As I recall I had to read a paragraph from a document on the wall behind the counter where I completed the form. I believe the document was The Declaration of Independence.

After registering, we went knocking on doors in our community, and encouraging people to register. We helped them prepare by completing the form, and citizenship questions. We calculated the birthday by year, month, and day of the day they would go to register. We provided transportation for those who needed it.

Earlier in 1953 another battle was fought in our community. This was led by the pastor of my church. A compromise was reached by the black community, and the City officials. However, the bus drivers, who were all white, refused to comply. The agreement with the City was ruled unconstitutional because the law at that time was separate, but equal. However, separate was never equal. 

Not to be denied, my pastor led The First Civil Rights Bus Boycott in the United States of America in Baton Rouge, LA. in June 1953. After much struggle, the segregation was ended.

The thing I remember about the Civil Rights Movement is how closely it was connected to the Church. I share with you a song that we sang in the church, and the community.

"Verse 1: Don't be discouraged, when trouble's in your life. 

He'll bear your burdens, and move all misery and strife. 

Thank God we've…

"Refrain: 

We've come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord; 

Trusting in His Holy Word, He's never failed me yet. 

Oh, oh - -, oh - - can't turn around - - 

We've come this far by faith."

Everyone has a story. Thanks for listening to a brief portion of my story.

For me, I still have faith in God. I'm still trusting in His Holy Word. And, I have come too far to turn around. As another song from my youth says, "I'm too close to heaven to turn around now".

Luke 1:37 (HCSB) 

37  For nothing will be impossible with God."

Prayer: 

Father, I praise and thank You for the life that you have given me. Lord, my times are in your hands, and there is no place I would rather be than being in Christ.

Father, I pray for my country, and I rest in the promise of your Word that you will be with your people. Father, I pray that everyone who hears this message will know the truth, and receive the truth. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

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. 

--

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

 

A Call to Demonstrate - Results Guaranteed

Text:

Matthew 5:15-16 (HCSB) 

15  No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. 

16  In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. 

Observation: 

This call to be a light is to everyone. If you are someone, it applies to you. However, you must be connected to The Light if you desire that your light will produce the fruit of life that last forever.

Ephesians 2:8-10 (HCSB) 

8  For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift— 

9  not from works, so that no one can boast. 

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. 

This world with all of its evil is not our home. Yes, we are citizens in our homeland, but those who believe in Jesus are citizens of heaven.

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. 

Let this word from God's Word inspire you to let your light shine to dispel the darkness in this world. This is God's gift to His children who have been born from above.

Ephesians 2:10 (AMP) 

10  For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]. 

My dear brothers and sisters, allow me to encourage you to let your light so shine so that others may see Jesus in you.

Prayer: 

Father, thank you for your work of love, grace, and mercy in the lives of your people.

Father, help us, by the power of the Holy Spirit of God, to walk in the light, and to let our light shine in this dark and evil world. 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

 

How Do You Get Through Hard Times?

Text:

2 Corinthians 1:8-10 (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. 

Observation:

We should expect hard times.

John 16:33 (ESV) 

33  I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." 

We are never alone in hard times.

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. 

There is a purpose in the hard times.

James 1:2-3 (HCSB) 

2  Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, 

3  knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 

Stay close and connected to God.

Psalm 50:15 (HCSB) 

15  Call on Me in a day of trouble; I will rescue you, and you will honor Me." 

Things to remember during hard times.

Romans 8:18 (ESV) 

18  For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 

James 1:12 (ESV) 

12  Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 

Prayer: 

Father God, I am so thankful that you are the Sovereign God, and that the hard times your children face in this world are not a surprise to you.

Father, we thank you for your presence, power, peace, and provisions for your children in the good times, and in the hard times.

Father, in these difficult days, we pray that the testing of our faith will produce endurance, and joy in the Lord. We pray this prayer in the 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. 

Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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

 

What Will It Take To Prevail?

Text:

Proverbs 19:19-21 (HCSB) 

19  A person with great anger bears the penalty; if you rescue him, you'll have to do it again. 

20  Listen to counsel and receive instruction so that you may be wise later in life. 

21  Many plans are in a man's heart, but the LORD's decree will prevail. 

Observation:

The events of the last 48 hours no doubt shapes what is on my heart this morning as I sat to write today's devotional. It is also tempered by the news I received about 3 hours ago in a phone call from a life long friend that his wife had died peacefully at home after a long illness. I offered words of comfort to my friend, and I prayed for him.

Then, I listened to a devotional on our text for this morning before getting our of bed. As I read and examine this passage, the leap off the page message I take away is this, "But the LORD's decree will prevail".

I went to bed last night with the image of our nation on my mind. I received a text message this morning from a friend, with the same name of my childhood friend who's wife died this morning, that he was praying for our nation. I responded to him, so am I.

I'm dealing with and seeking a Word from the Lord on what will it take to prevail; to succeed.

Proverbs 15:22 (HCSB) 

22  Plans fail when there is no counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. 

This I know, and if you agree, I ask that you join with me in praying for our nation to find success in the counsel of one another. That is needful, but there is something that we need more than the counsel of people; we need the prescription of God for times like these.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV) 

14  If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 

What will succeed? Will protest or prayer? Will riots or revival? Will more laws or more love?

Prayer:

Father God, I pray that your people, the children of God, will humble themselves, pray, seek your face, and turn from their wicked ways.

Father, I pray that each of us will do like the evangelist of another century preached, "Draw a circle on the floor, stand in that circle, and pray for revival for the person that is standing in the circle".

Father, I'm standing in the circle and praying for revival to fall down on me. Who will join me? 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. 

Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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

 

How To Have Unity

Text:

Colossians 3:14 (HCSB) 

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

Observation:

Love is a verb. I offer the challenge to you to do one of the acts of love described in this passage.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (HCSB) 

4  Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not conceited, 

5  does not act improperly, is not selfish, is not provoked, and does not keep a record of wrongs. 

6  ⌊Love⌋ finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. 

7  ⌊It⌋ bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 

Prayer:

Father God, I ask that You would give each reader of today's devotional the courage to be a doer of the Word. 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

 

Why Is Prayer So Important?

Text:

1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 (HCSB) 

17  Pray constantly. 

18  Give thanks in everything, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 

Observation:

I received a text message from a friend this morning about the topic of prayer. He had me on his mind when he got out of bed this morning, so he prayed for me, and a family member. That message put the topic of prayer on my heart; so I read, pray, and write about that topic today.

Jesus Prays

Romans 8:34 (HCSB) 

34  Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the One who died, but even more, has been raised; He also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us. 

The Holy Spirit Prays

Romans 8:26 (HCSB) 

26  In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings. 

The Believer Prays

Ephesians 6:18 (HCSB) 

18  Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. 

God Answers Prayer

John 15:7 (HCSB) 

7  If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. 

1 John 5:14-15 (HCSB) 

14  Now this is the confidence we have before Him: Whenever we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 

15  And if we know that He hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked Him for. 

Do you believe in God? Do you believe in prayer? If so, are you willing to do what the Word of God says about praying?

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, I believe in You, I believe in the Word of God, and I believe in prayer. Father, my heart desires to pray constantly.

Father, I am blessed to know that Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and other believers are praying for me. Father, the greatest blessing is knowing that You answer prayer. Hear our prayers that we offer up to You today, and every day. 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 Importance of Identifying the Enemy

Text:

James 4:6-7 (HCSB) 

6  But He gives greater grace. Therefore He says: God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. 

7  Therefore, submit to God. But resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. 

Observation:

Who is the enemy of your soul? Who are you at war with? God's people sometimes think that God is at war with them.

God is not your enemy. God is not your problem; lawlessness is the problem; sin is the problem.

1 John 3:4-5 (HCSB) 

4  Everyone who commits sin also breaks the law; sin is the breaking of law. 

5  You know that He was revealed so that He might take away sins, and there is no sin in Him. 

Here in a nutshell is the gospel of Christ; it's the only cure for the sin problem. God is the remedy for your problem.

Romans 3:21-24 (HCSB) 

21  But now, apart from the law, God's righteousness has been revealed—attested by the Law and the Prophets 

22  —that is, God's righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, to all who believe, since there is no distinction. 

23  For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. 

24  They are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. 

Prayer:

Father, I exalt and give praise to You for Your greatness and your goodness.

Father, I am so thankful for the amazing grace of God that is available to all who believe in Jesus, and receive Him into their hearts. 

Father, I pray than any who at war with You will humble themselves, and receive the gift of eternal life that You offer to all who believe in, and receive Jesus. For those who believe, let the Church say, Amen.

"Amazing grace! how sweet the sound,

  That saved a wretch; like me!

I once was lost, but now am found,

  Was blind, but now I see."

--

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 Cure for Fear?

Text:

Isaiah 41:11-13 (HCSB) 

11  Be sure that all who are enraged against you will be ashamed and disgraced; those who contend with you will become as nothing and will perish. 

12  You will look for those who contend with you, but you will not find them. Those who war against you will become absolutely nothing. 

13  For I, Yahweh your God, hold your right hand and say to you: Do not fear, I will help you. 

Observation:

The people of Israel lacked the strength and the resources to protect themselves from their many enemies. But, notice what  the Lord says to them.

Isaiah 41:13 (HCSB) 

13  For I, Yahweh your God, hold your right hand and say to you: Do not fear, I will help you. 

This promise of God to His people of old is a promise for His people today. One analysis of the Bible says, "Do not fear or similar phase" appear 365 times. Here are a few occasions for your encouragement.

Psalm 27:1 (HCSB) 

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom should I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom should I be afraid? 

Romans 8:15 (HCSB) 

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

2 Timothy 1:7 (HCSB) 

7  For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment. 

Prayer: 

Abba Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, we lift our voices in praise, adoration, and thanksgiving to You for Your greatness, goodness, and grace to us.

Father, I am so grateful that if we fear You, we don't have to fear anybody or anything else. Father, thank You for being our hope, and our help. 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

 

How to Delight the Lord?

Text:

Psalm 51:15-17 (ESV) 

15  O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. 

16  For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. 

17  The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. 

Observation: 

There is nothing that the genuine child of God desires more than to be pleasing in the eyes of our Father in heaven.

When we delight the Lord, and are pleasing in His eyes, we are the beneficiaries of the favor, and the blessing of the Lord in our lives. That is why it is so important for God's people to sing the praises of our great and good Father in heaven. 

Psalm 51:15 (ESV) 

15  O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. 

Let's take the time to examine our hearts, open our lips and our mouths, and declare the praise of our God.

Psalm 95:1-3 (ESV) 

1  Oh come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! 

2  Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! 

3  For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. 

Psalm 95:6 (ESV) 

6  Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! 

Prayer:

Father, how blessed we are to be able to enter Your throne room, and offer up to You the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Father, You are worthy of honor, praise, and glory. We unite our hearts and voices with the Psalmist, and the saints of the ages in singing Your praise.

Psalm 145:1-2 (ESV) 

1 I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. 

2  Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. 

Let the redeemed of the Lord say so. 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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