What Would Jesus Do?

Text:

Luke 5:16 (HCSB) 

16  Yet He often withdrew to deserted places and prayed. 

Observation: 

This is the situation that Jesus faced during His earthly ministry, and it speaks into my heart about the priority, and provisions that flow from making prayer a top priority in our life, and ministry.

At this point in His ministry Jesus was going about healing many sick people, and crowds would gather needing healing, and others just to observe the miracles He performed.

Notice how popular Jesus had become, and the crowds He drew. Examine what Jesus did, and compare what He did to your life, and ministry.

Luke 5:14-15 (HCSB) 

14  Then He ordered him to tell no one: "But go and show yourself to the priest, and offer what Moses prescribed for your cleansing as a testimony to them." 

15  But the news about Him spread even more, and large crowds would come together to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 

Would you feel compelled to spend time healing and pleasing the crowds over spending time alone with the heavenly Father?

What would Jesus do? We know what Jesus did, because the bible tells what He did; and notice that He did it often.

Luke 5:16 (HCSB) 

16  Yet He often withdrew to deserted places and prayed. 

Prayer:

Our Father, we ask You to give us a burning desire to be men and women of prayer. Father, give us the discipline to learn to pray first. Father, help us to be more like Jesus. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

--

Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV)
¹⁰  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
¹¹  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

Read all the Daily Devotionals by Herb Cotton; click here:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Are You Willing To Do These 2 Things?

Text:

Proverbs 12:25-26 (NLT) 

25  Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. 

26  The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray. 

Observation:

Do you realize that you have within you the resources to bring joy to many people?

There are people in your circle of influence, and circle of concern who are dealing with worry.

These are the two things that Solomon says the godly can do to help others.

1. Give an encouraging word.
2. Give good advice.

You have the power within you to be an agent of healing to hurting people. You can bring joy, and a turnaround to others by loving acts of kindness, and godly words of wisdom.

Proverbs 17:22 (NLT) 

22  A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength. 

The Holy Spirit of God will guide you, and empower you to do God's will, and work. Don't forfeit the opportunity to be a blessing, and to be blessed.

Proverbs 3:27 (NLT) 

27  Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it's in your power to help them. 

Prayer:

Father, we are so grateful that You equip Your people to be instruments to speak healing, and helpful words to people we encounter who are hurting.

Father, we are so grateful that it is You that provides the opportunity, and that You provide the healing. Father, we acknowledge that You are the Master, and that we are Your servants.

Father, I pray that our service will be motivated by love, and that in Your eyes, You would see us as faithful servants. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

--

Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV)
¹⁰  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
¹¹  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

Read all the Daily Devotionals by Herb Cotton; click here:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

What Is Our Greatest Need?

Text:

Psalm 67:1-2 (ESV) 

1 May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, Selah 

2  that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations. 

Observation:

The reading of today's Psalm reminded me of one of the greatest needs of all people.

The first two verses of this Psalms reveals the heart of the missionary, and the needs of the people of the world; the people who have not heard the Good News of the gospel of Christ.

The darkness we face in the world can only be illuminated by light. This is what the Apostle Paul writes in his letter to the church at Corinth.

2 Corinthians 4:3-6 (NLT) 

3  If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. 

4  Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don't believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don't understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. 

5  You see, we don't go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus' sake. 

6  For God, who said, "Let there be light in the darkness," has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. 

My soul sings:

"There's a call comes ringing o'er the restless wave, "Send the light! Send the light.

There are souls to rescue, there are souls to save,

Send the light! 

Send the light!"

Prayer:

Father God, I pray that the light of Your presence would shine on everyone who needs to hear the Good News of the gospel of Christ, and open their eyes that have been blinded by the enemy of their soul. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

--

Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV)
¹⁰  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
¹¹  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

Read all the Daily Devotionals by Herb Cotton; click here:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

An Invitation to the Whole World to Sing

Text:

Psalm 66:1-4 (ESV) 

1 Shout for joy to God, all the earth; 

2  sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise! 

3  Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you. 

4  All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; they sing praises to your name." Selah 

Observation:

This is an invitation to the whole world to sing joyfully to God. Why should the whole world sing praises to God?

The Psalmist gives the reason.

Psalm 66:3 (ESV) 

3  Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you. 

God has the whole world on His heart, and He loves the people of every nation.

Have you personally benefited from the love of God, and received the gift of eternal life that He offers through Jesus; the only begotten son of God?

John 3:16-18 (ESV) 

16  "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 

17  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 

18  Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Father, we delight to join our voices with the saints of the ages in joyfully singing the glory of Your name.

Father, we delight to associate ourselves with singing praises to You, who alone deserve all glory, honor, and praise that our heart can conceive, and our mouth repeat.

Psalm 66:4 (ESV) 

4  All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; they sing praises to your name."

Father, accept our praise, and our prayer in the name of Jesus, Amen.

--

Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV)
¹⁰  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
¹¹  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

Read all the Daily Devotionals by Herb Cotton; click here:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

The Power of Praise and Prayer

Text:

Psalm 65:1-4 (ESV) 

1  Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion, and to you shall vows be performed. 

2  O you who hear prayer, to you shall all flesh come. 

3  When iniquities prevail against me, you atone for our transgressions. 

4  Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple! 

Observation:

This Psalm is an example of God's people recognizing the goodness of God, and showing their gratitude by offering up to God their praise, and prayer.

When we offer out of a grateful heart our praises to God it pleases God because that is His will for His people.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV) 

16  Rejoice always, 

17  pray without ceasing, 

18  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 

Additionally, we have the benefit that when our praises go up to God, the blessings come down.

Psalm 65:4 (ESV) 

4  Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple! 

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: 

Our Father in heaven, we extol Your name, and we offer up to You the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving.

Lord God Almighty, we are so blessed, and so grateful for Your love, forgiveness, grace, and mercy.

Psalm 19:14 (HCSB) 

14  May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, LORD, my rock and my Redeemer. 

In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

--

Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV)
¹⁰  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
¹¹  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

Read all the Daily Devotionals by Herb Cotton; click here:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Who Do You Fear?

Text:

Psalm 64:1-4 (ESV) 

1 Hear my voice, O God, in my complaint; preserve my life from dread of the enemy. 

2  Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked, from the throng of evildoers, 

3  who whet their tongues like swords, who aim bitter words like arrows, 

4  shooting from ambush at the blameless, shooting at him suddenly and without fear.

Observation:

David knew exactly what the enemy was up to, and we need to be aware of the enemies we face in our life.

2 Corinthians 2:11 (ESV) 

11  so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs. 

The goodnews  for God's people is that God will fight the battle against Satan, and his emps. He did it for David, and He will do it for us.

Psalm 64:7-10 (ESV) 

7  But God shoots his arrow at them; they are wounded suddenly. 

8  They are brought to ruin, with their own tongues turned against them; all who see them will wag their heads. 

9  Then all mankind fears; they tell what God has brought about and ponder what he has done. 

10  Let the righteous one rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in him! Let all the upright in heart exult! 

The bible is filled with the admonition, "Do not fear". Allow God's Word to speak into your heart, and calm your fears.

Isaiah 12:2 (ESV) 

2  "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation." 

Isaiah 26:4 (ESV) 

4  Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock. 

Prayer:

Father God, I lift up, and give praise to Your name. Father, I am so glad that I know by experience that You are an able, and faithful God. Father, I know that You can, and You will hear, and answer the prayers of Your people. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

--

Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV)
¹⁰  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
¹¹  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

Read all the Daily Devotionals by Herb Cotton; click here:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Have You Received These 5 Blessings?

Text:

Proverbs 2:6-8 (ESV) 

6  For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; 

7  he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, 

8  guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. 

Observation:

I am so thankful to God for all of the blessings He gives to His beloved children.

When I read this Proverb recently I was so encouraged, and excited to see all of the things I have been so graciously given by the Lord.

Inventory of the Gifts of God:

1. Wisdom
2. Knowledge
3. Understanding
4. Protection
5. Direction

How often do you get that tugging in your heart that you have been so blessed in your life?

We have many things that happen to us in life that cause us to whine. However, those urges that come to us that reminds us that we have been blessed should be taken as a signal to become a worshipper, and give the giver of those blessings some praise.

Our praises please God. However, they are for the purpose of being a blessing to us. Our praises to God benefits us; it is God's means of changing our attitude, and altitude.

Philippians 4:19 (ESV) 

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

Prayer: 

Father God, we are so thankful for all of our blessings. Father, I pray that You will lift us from the circumstances we face in this world, and stir our hearts to look up to You, and live daily in Your presence.

Father, we know in the depths of our hearts that when we live in Your presence that everything changes. Father, open wide the doors of our hearts, and make us willing to be willing to surrender our all to You, and in return be filled with all of You. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

--

Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV)
¹⁰  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
¹¹  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

Read all the Daily Devotionals by Herb Cotton; click here:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Have You Considered What You Still Have?

Text:

Psalm 63:1-7 (ESV) 

1 O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. 

2  So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. 

3  Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. 

4  So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. 

5  My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, 

6  when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; 

7  for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. 

Observation:

When David wrote this Psalm he was in the wilderness of Judah. However, he was not without hope, and help.

These are three things David still had:

1. He had God (vv. 1-2).
2. He had a song (v. 4).
3. He had the joy of the Lord (v.7).

In your wilderness experience, why not do like David did. Rejoice in how God helped you in the past.

Psalm 63:6 (ESV) 

6  when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; 

Rejoice in how God is a present help, and protection of your life.

Psalm 63:7 (ESV) 

7  for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. 

Rejoice in hope that God will lead and guide you in the future.

Psalm 63:8 (ESV) 

8  My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. 

Prayer:

Father God, I praise and thank You for always being present in the lives of Your people. Wherever we look, we find You with us, and watching over us. 

Father, help us to remember that in our wilderness experiences, we are never alone. We are so blessed, and so grateful. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

--

Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV)
¹⁰  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
¹¹  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

Read all the Daily Devotionals by Herb Cotton; click here:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

What Are You Doing While You Wait on God?

Text:

Psalm 62:1-2 (ESV) 

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

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

Psalm 62:5 (ESV) 

5  For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. 

Observation:

While you wait on God it is not a time for worrying and whining. Rather, it is a time for walking with God, and joining Him in the work that He is doing as you walk in His steps.

When you walk with God you are never alone. He covers you each step that you take as you walk with the Lord.

We are in such a better place when we pray, watch, and wait, and do all in the presence of the Lord; with Him leading and guiding each step we take, and each move that we make.

1 John 1:6-7 (ESV) 

6  If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 

7  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 

Who is willing to come and walk with Jesus for the remainder of our journey in this world? Let's sing this hymn to the Lord as we walk in the footsteps of Jesus.

"Walking in sunlight all of my journey,

Over the mountains, through the deep vale;

Jesus has said, I'll never forsake thee-

Promise divine that never can fail."

Psalm 62:11-12 (HCSB) 

11  God has spoken once; I have heard this twice: strength belongs to God, 

12  and faithful love belongs to You, LORD. For You repay each according to his works. 

Prayer:

Father God, You have spoken, and we have heard, and believe Your Word. Father, we look to You for strength because it belongs to You. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

--

Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV)
¹⁰  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
¹¹  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

Read all the Daily Devotionals by Herb Cotton; click here:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Do You Have A Solid Foundation?

Text:

Psalm 61:1-4 (ESV) 

1 Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; 

2  from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, 

3  for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. 

4  Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah 

Observation:

David expresses his deep seated need to be heard; to have God listen to his cry for help.

It is comforting to know that no matter how much distance seems to separate you from God, you are never too far away that God cannot see you, and hear your cry.

Psalm 34:15 (ESV) 

15  The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry. 

Notice that David was feeling very low when he cried out to the Lord. You are never too low for God to reach down, and pick you up.

Psalm 61:2 (KJV) 

2  From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. 

When I feel overwhelmed by the troubles of living in the world, the words of this song rises from my heart to my mouth, and I lean on the solid rock.

"On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;

all other ground is sinking sand,

all other ground is sinking sand."

Have you learned to lean on Jesus? The Lord will never let you fall; He will never let you down.

"What have I to dread, what have I to fear,

Leaning on the everlasting arms?

I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,

Leaning on the everlasting arms."

Prayer:

Father God, I am so grateful for Your abiding presence in the lives of Your people.

Father, we are so grateful that we can trust in You with our whole heart, and know with full assurance that You will never let us down. Father, we stand in faith on the promises of Your Word. 

Jude 1:24-25 (KJV) 

24  Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 

25  To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. 

--

Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV)
¹⁰  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
¹¹  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

Read all the Daily Devotionals by Herb Cotton; click here:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

How to Get Victory When You Are In the Cave?

Text:

Psalm 57:1 (ESV) 

1 Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. 

Observation:

These daily bible readings in the Psalms are made to order for me during this season of my life. It seems that all around me I see people living in the cave seeking protection from the enemies of their very existence.

In this Psalm David finds himself in the cave. However, he found while in the cave a path to victory. Like David, you can turn your place of torment into a holy place; a sacred place where you can experience the presence of God.

Psalm 57:9-11 (ESV) 

9  I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations. 

10  For your steadfast love is great to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. 

11  Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth! 

God wants you to live the abundant life everyday. The abundant life is not the absence of trouble; in this world you will have trouble. Rather, the abundant life is living life continually in the presence of the Lord, and living in complete dependence upon God.

You and I have the privilege, and the benefit of living in the presence of the Lord continually. He is available if you are willing to live in His presence.

The verse of this song encourages my heart, and informs my prayer for all who are living in a cave because of the problems you are facing during these trying and difficult days.

"The Savior can lift every burden,

  The heavy as well as the light;

His strength is made perfect in weakness,

  In Him there is power and might."

O, let us all give thanks to the Lord for His amazing grace, and tender mercies to all who call upon Him.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, I exalt, and give praise to Your name. Father, thank You for being our shelter from the storms of life, and being continually present in the lives of all who come to you, trust in You, and live continually in Your presence.

Father, we acknowledge that we are weak, but You are strong. Father, we accept Your invitation to come to You, and exchange our weaknesses for Your strength. Father, we surrender our all to You, and in exchange receive Your all that You offer to all who give their lives completely to You. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

--

Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV)
¹⁰  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
¹¹  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

Read all the Daily Devotionals by Herb Cotton; click here:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/