Daily Prayer_February 16, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 16:5 (MSG)
God can't stomach arrogance or pretense; believe me, he'll put those upstarts in their place.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 145:9 (ESV)
The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.

The Word for encouragement:

Luke 18:9 (ESV)
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt:

My observation:

Today we complete our look at this introductory verse to the Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican. In this parable Jesus gives traits of three types of people that will not get their prayers answered. We have seen in the previous two days that the self-sufficient and the self-righteous will not get their prayers answered. Today we will see that those who treat others with contempt are also included in that number.

These three attitudes of heart have no place in our hearts or in the language that we use in talking to our heavenly Father. The prayers of the arrogant will never reach the ears of our heavenly Father. He hears and blesses the humble.

James 4:6 (HCSB)
But He gives greater grace. Therefore He says: God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

We need to be careful of how we treat others. I don't know about you but I want to avoid the things that God is opposed to, and embrace the things that he blesses. God gives grace to the humble, and that graces enables us to love others rather than looking down at them.

Romans 14:3 (HCSB)
One who eats must not look down on one who does not eat, and one who does not eat must not criticize one who does, because God has accepted him.

Romans 14:10 (HCSB)
But you, why do you criticize your brother? Or you, why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before the tribunal of God.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so thankful that you give greater grace to your needy children.

Father God, I thank you that the grace that you give is a sufficient grace, and that it is a sustaining grace. I am so thankful that I can trust in the grace of God to get me, not part of the way, but all the way through whatever trials and difficulties I may face in my earthly journey. Father, keep me humble, and always trusting in you. Grant your needy people the grace to love you, and to love others.

My song:

Let Others See Jesus in You (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://home.fuse.net/rust/189.html

--

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://www.herbcotton.org
To receive via email: Send request to me at: herb@herbcotton.org

Psalm 37:23 (HCSB)
A man's steps are established by the Lord, and He takes pleasure in his way.

Psalm 103:14 (HCSB)
For He knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust.

 





 

Daily Prayer_February 15, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 15:8 (MSG)
God can't stand pious poses, but he delights in genuine prayers.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 145:8 (AMP)
The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and abounding in mercy and loving-kindness.

The Word for encouragement:

Luke 18:9 (HCSB)
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and looked down on everyone else:

My observation:

Today we will look at the second of the three types of people that Jesus addresses in his parable of the Pharisee and the Publican. Yesterday we looked at the self-sufficient, and today we will examine the self-righteous.

The self-righteous person feels like they are already good enough to be acceptable to God. They are different then the self-sufficient in that they believe in God, and in righteousness, but they believe that God will accept the righteousness that they have.

Proverbs 21:2 (ESV)
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.

There is another way that characterizes the self-righteous person. This type of person believes that they can please God by doing good works. These people strive within themselves to do as much as they can for as many people as they can in order to gain the favor of God.

If people could please God in this fashion, why did God feel the necessity to sacrifice his only begotten Son for the salvation of the human race?

John 3:16 (HCSB)
"For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

Galatians 2:16 (HCSB)
know that no one is justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ. And we have believed in Christ Jesus so that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no human being will be justified.

My prayer:

Father God, I acknowledge that you are holy and righteous in all your ways. Father, I thank you that you love the whole world, and sent your son to die for each one of us so that we would not have to die for our own sins. Father, I trust your wisdom above my wisdom.

Father God, I pray that you will help each one of us to see ourselves in the mirror of the law, and cry out woe is me. Father, by the power of the Holy Spirit, I pray that you will show us the folly of being self-sufficient, and self-righteous. Grant those who trust in themselves the faith to trust in Jesus.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (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.

My song:

Just As I Am (Click on link below to listen to this song by David Phelps):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7X7FbYILM9o

--

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://www.herbcotton.org
To receive via email: Send request to me at: herb@herbcotton.org

Psalm 37:23 (HCSB)
A man's steps are established by the Lord, and He takes pleasure in his way.

Psalm 103:14 (HCSB)
For He knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust.

 





 

Daily Prayer_February 14, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 14:1 (MSG)
Lady Wisdom builds a lovely home; Sir Fool comes along and tears it down brick by brick.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 145:3 (MSG)
God is magnificent; he can never be praised enough. There are no boundaries to his greatness.

The Word for encouragement:

Luke 18:9 (HCSB)
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and looked down on everyone else:

My observation:

Today we continue our walk through the gospel of Luke in search of what Luke recorded in his gospel about the subject of prayer.

Our focus this week will be on the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican. In this parable Jesus gives a warning to three kinds of people. A little self-examination is in order as we mediate upon these words of Jesus.

The first of the three that Jesus mentions is the people who trust in themselves. These are the people who believe that everything they need is within, and they don't need God or anyone else in their life. This is an unwise and dangerous position to be in.

Isaiah 5:21 (HCSB)
Woe to those who are wise in their own opinion and clever in their own sight.

1 Corinthians 8:2 (HCSB)
If anyone thinks he knows anything, he does not yet know it as he ought to know it.

Galatians 6:3 (HCSB)
For if anyone considers himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

My prayer:

God, our Father in heaven, I bow low at your feet, and exalt your name above every other name in the earth below and in the heavens above.  Father, you are great and greatly to be praised.

Father God, give me a heart that is pure and acceptable in your eyes, and the wisdom to know that I am not self-sufficient. Father, I am not too proud to say I need you in my life.

My song:

I Need Thee Every Hour (Click on link below for lyrics and to listen to this song):

http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/I_Need_Thee_Every_Hour/midi/

--

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://www.herbcotton.org
To receive via email: Send request to me at: herb@herbcotton.org

Psalm 37:23 (HCSB)
A man's steps are established by the Lord, and He takes pleasure in his way.

Psalm 103:14 (HCSB)
For He knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust.

 





 

Sunday Morning Reflections_February 13, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 13:13-14 (ESV)
¹³ Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded. ¹⁴ The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 73:28 (NLT)
But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.

The Word for encouragement:

Matthew 5:13-16 (HCSB)
¹³ "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It's no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men. ¹⁴ "You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. 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.

My prayer:

Holy Father, Sovereign Lord, I am so grateful for your great and mighty power displayed in creation. However, I have greater joy in knowing that you live in, and empower your people to be salt for this decaying world, and light to drive out the darkness in this world. Father, shine in me, and through me so that others may honor, praise, and glorify your precious name.

My song:

Jesus the Light of the World (Click on link below to watch video of this song led by Jessy Dixon and Guy Penrod from the Gaither Homecoming series in South Africa):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0LVhdZfJKg

--

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://www.herbcotton.org
To receive via email: Send request to me at: herb@herbcotton.org

Psalm 37:23 (HCSB)
A man's steps are established by the Lord, and He takes pleasure in his way.

Psalm 103:14 (HCSB)
For He knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust.

 





 

Daily Prayer_February 11, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 11:4 (MSG)
A thick bankroll is no help when life falls apart, but a principled life can stand up to the worst.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 143:7-8 (MSG)
⁷ Hurry with your answer, God! I'm nearly at the end of my rope. Don't turn away; don't ignore me! That would be certain death. ⁸ If you wake me each morning with the sound of your loving voice, I'll go to sleep each night trusting in you. Point out the road I must travel; I'm all ears, all eyes before you.

The Word for encouragement:

Luke 18:1-8 (HCSB)
¹ He then told them a parable on the need for them to pray always and not become discouraged: ² "There was a judge in a certain town who didn't fear God or respect man. ³ And a widow in that town kept coming to him, saying, 'Give me justice against my adversary.' ⁴ "For a while he was unwilling, but later he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or respect man, ⁵ yet because this widow keeps pestering me, I will give her justice, so she doesn't wear me out by her persistent coming.'" ⁶ Then the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. ⁷ Will not God grant justice to His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He delay ⌊to help⌋ them? ⁸ I tell you that He will swiftly grant them justice. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find that faith on earth?"

My observation:

Today we look at the parable of the persistent widow in its entirety. This parable is a comparison of the lesser to the greater. The case is that if the lesser is true, then how much more is the greater true. Jesus used this method of teaching on other occasions so it was not new to his disciples.

Luke 11:11-13 (HCSB)
¹¹ What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead of a fish? ¹² Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? ¹³ If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?"

We conclude our focus this week with this thought for you to ponder. If you are a member of God's elect, consider the question that Jesus asked his disciples, "Will not God grant justice to His elect who cry out to Him day and night?"

My prayer:

Our heavenly Father, I am so thankful that you love us with an everlasting love and that you delight to spend time with your people in prayer. Father, quicken within your people a passion to be devoted to prayer that is consistent with the way that Jesus taught his disciples to pray.

Father God, I pray that you will work through the office of the Holy Spirit to unleash a bombardment of prayer from your people during these last days. I pray that when Jesus comes again he would find a multitude of your people with the faith that will persist in prayer.

My song:

Michael W. Smith – The Lord's Prayer (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7LJEUcmtw8&feature=related

--

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://www.herbcotton.org
To receive via email: Send request to me at: herb@herbcotton.org

Start the Day Concentrating On:

1. Our power instead of our problems.

2. Our faith instead of our fears.

3. Our Savior instead of our sins.

4. Our triumphs instead of our troubles.

5. Our home instead of our house.

 





 

Daily Prayer_February 10, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 10:25 (MSG)
When the storm is over, there's nothing left of the wicked; good people, firm on their rock foundation, aren't even fazed.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 143:1 (HCSB)
Lord, hear my prayer. In Your faithfulness listen to my plea, and in Your righteousness answer me.

The Word for encouragement:

Luke 18:8 (HCSB)
I tell you that He will swiftly grant them justice. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find that faith on earth?"

My observation:

I am always interested when I see the word nevertheless in the scripture. It gets my attention for what will follow. In our focal verse for today I was not disappointed to hear the encouraging words that Jesus spoke to his disciples to conclude his explanation of the parable of the widow and the unjust judge.

Jesus is speaking of his second coming, and he asks his disciples that when he comes again will he find people who have faith. Of course there will be people of faith, but the question is personal. Will he find you among those who have the faith to persist in prayer?

The last days will be difficult times, and the way to deal with these days is to expect them to be dangerous and difficult to deal with. That is the admonition that the Apostle Paul gave to his son in the faith near the end of his departure from this world.

2 Timothy 3:1 (HCSB)
But know this: Difficult times will come in the last days.

The way for the people of God to live in these times, the time between the departure of Jesus from this world and his return, is to have faith in God, and remain faithful in prayer. God is able to see you through any difficult you will ever encounter in this world.

We need to remember his promises, believe in him and his promises, and ask him to meet our needs. It pays to pray, and then watch and wait on God.

Romans 5:1-2 (HCSB)
¹ Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. ² We have also obtained access through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so glad of the encouragement that you gave to your disciples to be among those who have the faith that persist in prayer for God to show up. Father, I thank you that you always show up, and that you show up on time.

Father, I thank you that through prayer we have access to your treasury, to your riches in glory through Christ Jesus our Lord.

My song:

I'm A Child of the King (Click on link below to listen to this song):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjhKrwYvrD0&feature=related

--

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://www.herbcotton.org
To receive via email: Send request to me at: herb@herbcotton.org

Start the Day Concentrating On:

1. Our power instead of our problems.

2. Our faith instead of our fears.

3. Our Savior instead of our sins.

4. Our triumphs instead of our troubles.

5. Our home instead of our house.

 





 

Daily Prayer_February 9, 2011

The Word for wisdom:

Proverbs 9:7-9 (HCSB)
⁷ The one who corrects a mocker will bring dishonor on himself; the one who rebukes a wicked man will get hurt. ⁸ Don't rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. ⁹ Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will learn more.

The Word for inspiration:

Psalm 142:5-7 (MSG)
⁵ I cry out, God, call out: 'You're my last chance, my only hope for life!' ⁶ Oh listen, please listen; I've never been this low. Rescue me from those who are hunting me down; I'm no match for them. ⁷ Get me out of this dungeon so I can thank you in public. Your people will form a circle around me and you'll bring me showers of blessing!"

The Word for encouragement:

Luke 18:6-8 (HCSB)
⁶ Then the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. ⁷ Will not God grant justice to His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He delay ⌊to help⌋ them? ⁸ I tell you that He will swiftly grant them justice. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find that faith on earth?"

My observation:

In today's passage from Luke Jesus gives his disciples the explanation of the parable he had just told them (Luke 18:2-5).

Jesus used the example of the unjust judge, and compared him to a loving, caring, and just heavenly Father. Jesus invites his disciples to make the comparison. The unjust judge had no respect for God or the widow woman, yet she wore him down with her persistence, and he responded to her cry for help.

Now Jesus makes the point to his disciples about prayer. The lesson for the disciples then and for us today is that we can come to our heavenly Father and know that he delights to answer our prayers. He waits for us to come to him in prayer. He is not unjust and uncaring like the crooked judge in the parable. You don't have to bribe or beg God to hear and answer your prayers.

The words from the lips of Jesus convince me that God will not only help us, but that his help will be at the right time and on time. Jesus said, "I tell you that He will swiftly grant them justice". God will hear and answer your prayers. However, you must come to him, and ask him to help you. He is your Father and you can come to him anytime of the day or night.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so grateful that you are able to meet every need, and keep every promise that you make to your people. I am so glad that the answer to my need is just a prayer away.

Father, I am so grateful that you are a just God, and that you love, care, and provide for your people. Father, I pray that my first instinct will be to run to you in prayer whenever I have needs in my life. Why should I try everything else before I come to the one who loves me best?

--

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://www.herbcotton.org
To receive via email: Send request to me at: herb@herbcotton.org

Start the Day Concentrating On:

1. Our power instead of our problems.

2. Our faith instead of our fears.

3. Our Savior instead of our sins.

4. Our triumphs instead of our troubles.

5. Our home instead of our house.