Sunday, November 10, 2013
Have You Discovered the Joy of Serving Others?
Friday, November 8, 2013
Daily Bread_November 8, 2013
Title: Why do You Love Us so Much?
Text:
2 Corinthians 2:16 (HCSB)
16 To some we are an aroma of death leading to death, but to others, an aroma of life leading to life. And who is competent for this?
2 Corinthians 4:5-6 (HCSB)
5 For we are not proclaiming ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves because of Jesus.
6 For God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God's glory in the face of Jesus Christ.
Observation:
I have been writing this week about the believer being in Christ. There is no place I would rather be. Who am I? I'm a Christian, and it's all because of what Jesus did for me. He took me as I was, and made me a brand new person.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (HCSB)
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, [he is] a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come.
"I'm so glad to be called a Christian,
To be named with the ransomed and whole;
As the statue liberates the citizen,
So the cross liberates the soul.
Oh the cross is my Statue of Liberty,
It was there that my soul was set free;
Unashamed I'll proclaim that a rugged cross
Is my Statue of Liberty!"
Lyrics: Statue of Liberty, by Neil Enloe
It is a wonder of what God through Jesus Christ has done for us on the cross at Calvary. Jesus turned an object of shame into an object of glory. I don't know why God loves us so much, but I am so glad He did.
Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above,
To bear it to dark Calvary.
Source: http://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn.php/h/618#ixzz2k16koKHl
Prayer:
Our Father in heaven, Sovereign Lord, my dear Father, I praise and thank You for sending Jesus to die on the cross at Calvary to pay for the sin debt for the whole world. Yes Lord, in the words of the hymn writer, "I'll cherish the old rugged cross". In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
--
Proverbs 30:5 (ESV)
5 Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Psalm 119:11 (ESV)
11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Daily Bread_November 7, 2013
Title: The Kindness and Love of God for You
Text:
Titus 3:4-7 (NLT)
4 But—"When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love,
5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.
6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior.
7 Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life."
Observation:
Yesterday, I asked the question, "Are you in Christ?" This question is so important that it is still on my mind today. Also, here is another question; Is Christ the Lord of your life?
That is nothing than man can do to fit him or herself for heaven; that is a work that only God can do, and He chose to do it through Jesus. This is what the Bible says.
John 3:16-18 (KJV)
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Why is this question so important? Listen to what the Bible says about what it means to be a Christ follower. It's a narrow way, but it's the only way to heaven.
Mark 8:35-37 (HCSB)
35 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me and the gospel will save it.
36 For what does it benefit a man to gain the whole world yet lose his life?
37 What can a man give in exchange for his life?
Prayer:
Our Father in heaven, Sovereign Lord, my dear Father, I praise and thank You that there is still plenty of room at the cross for anyone who wants to receive the gift of salvation in accordance with the terms of the giver of eternal life. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
"There's room at the cross for you,
There's room at the cross for you,
Though millions have come, There's still room for one
Yes, there's room at the cross for you." - - Ira F. Stanphil
--
Proverbs 30:5 (ESV)
5 Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Psalm 119:11 (ESV)
11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Daily Bread_November 6, 2013
Title: The Privilege and Power of an Ambassador
Text:
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 (NASB)
17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
18 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation,
19 namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Observation:
The word ambassador kindles a memory from my youth; as a High School student I was among a group of youth who decided to form a group at our Church, and we called ourselves "The Ambassadors". We were a group of boys that got together on Sunday afternoon to study the Bible, and then go out to eat, and then go back to Church at 6:15pm for Church Training, and Sunday evening worship at 7:30pm; the Baptist Hour. We recruited the Youth Sunday School teacher to be our adult sponsor.
The times have changed; however, there are some things that have not changed. The words of our text are still true today for every believer in Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:20 (NASB)
20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
Think about what this passage says about God's children; "God was in Christ", and "Christ in you". What do you lack to be an ambassador for Christ? From my reading of the passage, we lack nothing; so let us go and tell the gospel of Christ to a world that God so loves. We can do this with the anointing of, and power of the Holy Spirit of God.
Acts 1:8 (NASB)
8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth."
Are you in Christ? Then, listen to the words of Jesus, and go where He sends you.
John 20:21 (NASB)
21 So Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you."
Prayer:
Our Father in heaven, I am so thankful for the privilege I have of being an ambassador for Christ. Father, I thank You for the enabling presence and power of the Holy Spirit that You provide us to accomplish this assignment. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
Lord, I would give them the Bread of Life,
The Living Water too;
My heart cries out, "Oh, here am I,
Ready, Thy will to do."
Source: http://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn.php/h/924#ixzz2jrfP3A6K
--
Proverbs 30:5 (ESV)
5 Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Psalm 119:11 (ESV)
11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Daily Bread_November 5, 2013
Title: Why the Gospel Matters
Text:
Galatians 1:6-7 (NASB)
6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel;
7 which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.
Observation:
One thing that has not changed from the 1st century to the 21st century is that false teachers are still in the business of perverting the gospel of Christ. Paul had some strong words for those false teachers.
Galatians 1:8 (NASB)
8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!
You need to read the Bible for yourself, and don't just accept as gospel truth everything you hear. Paul commended the Jews in Berea who took the time to look into what they heard; they studied the Scriptures to see whether what they heard was the truth.
Acts 17:11 (NASB)
11 Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.
Here is the gospel that Paul preached, and the gospel that I believe.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (NASB)
1 Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand,
2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain.
3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,
4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.
Paul was not ashamed of the gospel, it matter then, and it matters today. Knowing the truth is of first importance; study the Scriptures so that you will know the truth for yourself.
John 8:32 (NASB)
32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."
John 8:36 (NASB)
36 "So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.
Prayer:
Father God, Sovereign Lord, my dear Father, I am so grateful that we have the whole gospel, and that we don't have to look for a new gospel. Father, help me to share it truthfully and faithfully.
Father God, I pray that those who know the story will tell the story to those who have never heard the message of salvation from God's own holy Word. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
I love to tell the story;
'Tis pleasant to repeat
What seems each time I tell it,
More wonderfully sweet.
I love to tell the story;
For some have never heard
The message of salvation
From God's own holy Word.
Source: http://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn.php/h/1064#ixzz2jiwr5InY
--
Proverbs 30:5 (ESV)
5 Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Psalm 119:11 (ESV)
11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/
Monday, November 4, 2013
Daily Bread_November 4, 2013
Title: Reflecting on My Why
Text:
Psalm 126:5-6 (NASB)
5 Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting.
6 He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, Shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.
Observation:
I have been reflecting upon my life in a more focused way the past 19 months; it has been that long since my wife of 47 years, 9 months, and 2 days went to her eternal home with her heavenly Father, and the saints of the ages.
The Lord spoke to me very clearly in the mid 1980's while I was teaching a unit on "How to Pray for Others". The last two verses of Psalm 126 spoke deeply and powerfully into my life. I saw the answer to the prayer I prayed prompted by those verses in a huge way during the period 1998-2009.
I completed a career in 1996, and I discovered a calling in 1998; I discovered my why, and God provided the what, when, where, who and the how. It was during this period of time that the Lord took me to some places that I had not been before, and He did some things that were awesome to be a small part of. I learned that small things done exceptionally well yield huge rewards when God is in it.
Now, I'm watching and praying to hear from the Lord on what He wants me to do next. In the meantime, I continue to travel on the path that the Lord leads me one day at a time. I have learned to do what I do best, and the things that I am most passionate about. On this path I find great joy, and a peace that surpasses human understanding. I am committed to finishing strong.
If God gives you the why, He will equip you, and provide the resources to get it done. Go with God, and never give up. Be faithful to the end. Then you can say like the Apostle Paul.
2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NASB)
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;
8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.
Prayer:
Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so grateful that You have formed in each of us a "Why" for our life during this earthly journey. Father, help me to know my why, and the wisdom and strength to pursue it with passion, and the power of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Lord, I would clasp Thy hand in mine,
Nor ever murmur or repine;
Content, whatever lot I see,
Since it is Thou that leadest me.
Source: http://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn.php/h/585#ixzz2jdC6Mv4P
--
Proverbs 30:5 (ESV)
5 Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Psalm 119:11 (ESV)
11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/
Friday, November 1, 2013
Daily Bread_November 1, 2013
Title: Are You Living with a Stone in Your Heart?
Text:
Romans 12:17-21 (HCSB)
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Try to do what is honorable in everyone's eyes.
18 If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone.
19 Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath. For it is written: Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay, says the Lord.
20 But If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For in so doing you will be heaping fiery coals on his head.
21 Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.
Observation:
This passage shines a bright light on the truth about the devastating effect of resentment of another person has on us; it's a stone in the heart.
You do yourself a favor when you let go of personal resentment; it's a load that will weaken you, and has the potential to break you.
This is the bottom line:
Romans 12:19 (NLT)
19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, "I will take revenge; I will pay them back," says the LORD.
God has placed a huge STOP sign when it comes to you and me taking revenge; it's above our "pay grade". Dispensing justice and judgment is reserved for God alone; the righteous judge.
I heard the story recently of a woman who gave this testimony, "I have lived with a stone in my heart for years since my mother said something I did for her wellbeing caused her to hate me". That is the impact of holding resentment in our heart. Remove that stone from your heart, and replace it with grace.
This is the answer:
Romans 12:21 (HCSB)
21 Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.
Prayer:
Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so grateful that You will righteously take revenge of evil. Father, help me, by Your power, to be a dispenser of grace, and not revenge. Lord, I stand in need of greater grace. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
James 4:6 (HCSB)
6 But He gives greater grace. Therefore He says: God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half-done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
Our Father's full giving is only begun.
Source: http://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn.php/nt/723#ixzz2jOAsA9Ap
--
Proverbs 30:5 (ESV)
5 Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Psalm 119:11 (ESV)
11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/