Daily Bread_July 9, 2014

Title: How to Be Prepared for the Perilous Times in the World

Text:

Ephesians 6:10-18 (NKJV)
¹⁰ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; ¹⁶ above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. ¹⁷ And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; ¹⁸ praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints--

Observation:

One of the signs of the end times is the fierceness of the battle that God's people will face. Jesus warned His disciples and followers that life would be hard after His departure.

John 16:33 (NKJV)
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

The Apostle Paul issued a similar warning in His letter to his mentee, and co-laborer in the preaching of the Gospel of Christ.

2 Timothy 3:1 (NKJV)
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:

In our focal passage for today the Apostle Paul writes to the church at Ephesus, and gives them some instructions on how to prepare for living for the Lord and serving Him during these difficult times.

I am burden for the talk I hear in the market place by Christ followers. I fear that we have lost sight of the fact that this world is a battleground and not a playground. We need to hear and heed this message about the nature of the enemy.

Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV)
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Don't be deceived about the enemy, and fall into His scheme.

Galatians 5:15 (NKJV)
But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I pray that Your people will recognize the world is a difficult place, but Jesus has told us that He has overcome the world. Father God, I pray that Your people will identify the true enemy, and prepare for living in the world by putting on the whole armor of God. Father God, I pray that we will love one another, and not devour one another. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

John 13:35 (NKJV)
By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

--

Matthew 4:4 (HCSB)
⁴ But He answered, "It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."

Psalm 2:8 (HCSB)
⁸ Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance and the ends of the earth Your possession.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_July 8, 2014

Title: Are There Benefits to Being Thankful?

Text:

James 1:17 (HCSB)
¹⁷ Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning.

Observation:

I have learned over the course of my life that everything belongs to God, and that everything I am and have is a gift from God.

God is so good to us, and we do ourselves a favor by being grateful to Him. God didn't command us to give thanks because He needed it; it was because we needed it. When God gives us something, and we are thankful; we are the recipients of a double blessing. Try being thankful and see how it is a blessing that returns rich dividends.

So, today, I give thanks to God for all of His blessings. Thankful people are blessed and happy people. This is one way you can do God's will every day.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (HCSB)
¹⁸ Give thanks in everything, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Prayer:

Father God, I rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy because of Your grace and generosity. Lord, thank you for blessing us every day; over and over You keep blessing me in spite of me. Father, give us hearts of unceasing gratitude. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Song: Every Day is Thanksgiving

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3k9Y3ZoEcMU

--

Matthew 4:4 (HCSB)
⁴ But He answered, "It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."

Psalm 2:8 (HCSB)
⁸ Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance and the ends of the earth Your possession.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_July 7, 2014

Title: What Do You Think About Most?

Text:

Philippians 4:4-9 (NLT)
⁴ Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! ⁵ Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. ⁶ Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. ⁷ Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. ⁸ And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. ⁹ Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

Observation:

What we think about matters. What we think we become. If you want to get a preview of your future; examine what you think about most.

Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV)
For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. "Eat and drink!" he says to you, But his heart is not with you.

Romans 8:5 (NKJV)
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.

We live at a time when there is more information available and accessible than ever in our history. However, not all of this information is true; not all of the information is for our good. Think about this; what is the information you consuming doing to your mindset?

Colossians 3:1-2 (NKJV)
¹ If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. ² Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, Sovereign Lord, my dear Father, I pray that You will give me the grace to keep my mind stayed on Jesus. In His mighty name I pray, Amen.

Singing Gospel Song:

"Oh I woke up this morning with my mind
And it was
Stayed on Jesus.
Woke up this morning with my mind
And it was
Stayed on the Lord.

Hallelu hallelu
Hallelu hallelu
Hallelujah."

--

Matthew 4:4 (HCSB)
⁴ But He answered, "It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."

Psalm 2:8 (HCSB)
⁸ Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance and the ends of the earth Your possession.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_July 4, 2014

Title: How Free Are You?

Text:

Romans 8:1-4 (NKJV)
¹ There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. ² For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. ³ For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, ⁴ that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Observation:

How amazing is this passage for God's people.  To know that there is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. Where do you stand on this Independence Day?

"On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand."

On this Independence Day I have to declare that I am not independent. Rather, I am dependent upon the Lord for my deliverance.

Romans 8:2 (NKJV)
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

Prayer:

Father God, Our Father in heaven, I associate myself with all of Your believing children in giving You praise and thanksgiving for what You have done for us; something that we could not do for ourselves. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/997#ixzz36QRb0P8I

--

Matthew 4:4 (HCSB)
⁴ But He answered, "It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."

Psalm 2:8 (HCSB)
⁸ Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance and the ends of the earth Your possession.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_July 3, 2014

Title: Why Your Walk Matters

Text:

Psalm 84:10-12 (NKJV)
¹⁰ For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God Than dwell in the tents of wickedness. ¹¹ For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly. ¹² O Lord of hosts, Blessed is the man who trusts in You!

Observation:

There is nothing more wonderful that being in the presence of God in worship with God's people. If I had to name the top worship experience of my life I would say that it occurred in July 1986 in Amsterdam. I was attending the Billy Graham International Itinerate Evangelist Conference.

The service that made an indelible impression upon me was the opening service. There were about 12,000 people assembled for worship.  It was a powerful and Spirit filled worship experience. There were more countries represented than members of the United Nations at that time. The presenting of the  flags of these countries, and the congregation of 12,000 singing, "All Hail the Power of Jesus Name" was a joyous experience. The words of the song, "Let every kindred every tribe" was so real.

That experience then gives me an appreciation of how the Psalmist felt being in Jerusalem to worship in the temple.

Psalm 84:10 (ESV)
For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

That's the mountain top experience. However, I'm so glad that God is also present in the valley, and that is where we live most of our lives. Look at His provisions.

Psalm 84:11 (NKJV)
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly.

Notice that grace comes before glory. God loves you too much to leave you where you are when you professed faith in Him. Notice that He gives you grace that will enable you walk uprightly before Him. This is the part I so appreciate.

Psalm 84:12 (NKJV)
O Lord of hosts, Blessed is the man who trusts in You!

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so thankful that You give Your people sufficient grace, the faith to trust You, and the power to walk uprightly in the world. Lord, I thank You for being our provider and protector. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Singing His Praises:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8Vk59SHSWs

"Let every kindred, every tribe
on this terrestrial ball,
to Him all majesty ascribe,
and crown Him Lord of all.
To Him all majesty ascribe,
and crown Him Lord of all."

--

Matthew 4:4 (HCSB)
⁴ But He answered, "It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."

Psalm 2:8 (HCSB)
⁸ Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance and the ends of the earth Your possession.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_July 2, 2014

Title: Is There Any Rest for the Weary?

 Text:

Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)
²⁸ Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Observation:

The most significant thing that we can do when life knocks us down is to accept the invitation of Jesus to come to Him. The hymn writer expressed it this way.

"Leave it there, leave it there,
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there;
If you trust and never doubt, He will surely bring you out—
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there." - - Charles Tindley

There are some burdens we don't have to bear. There is a peace we don't have to forfeit. We have a way out. The Lord issues to us a loving and caring invitation. This is an exchange that is too good to refuse.

1 Peter 5:7 (ESV)
⁷ casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so thankful that you are a God who has a loving and compassionate heart.

Father God, thank you for being our helper and our healer when we come to you with the troubles of this world.

Father God, I ask for the wisdom to take the upward look, and bring all of my burdens to Jesus, and to leave them with Him. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)
but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

--

Matthew 4:4 (HCSB)
⁴ But He answered, "It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."

Psalm 2:8 (HCSB)
⁸ Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance and the ends of the earth Your possession.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_July 1, 2014

Title: Why I Have Hope for Today and Tomorrow

Text:

1 John 1:4-5 (ESV)
⁴ And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. ⁵ This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

Observation:

As I look at our world today what I see is a lot of darkness, and a lack of any prospect of peace. Our leaders of our institutions on earth seem to have no answers.

However, when I take the upward look I see another picture. The answer to darkness will not come from a new book; rather, it will come for the old book. Notice what the old book says, "God is light, and in him is no darkness at all". Yes, God is the only one who can give us joy that is complete.

In this changing and complex world there are some things that never change; there are some things that you can count on today and tomorrow. Do I have some witnesses of the faithfulness of God? Why not tell someone today that God is faithful.

Hebrews 13:8 (ESV)
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Jesus Christ is the answer; He is the only leader that can deliver us from this darkness that is enveloping the whole world. He knows the way because He is the way.

John 14:6 (ESV)
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

We have tried man's way, and look at what it has gotten us. You know what happens when we keep on doing what we have been doing; yes, we will keep on getting what we have been getting.

Proverbs 14:12 (ESV)
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

Why not do it God's way? There are two paths; two destinations, the way of death, and the way of life. Why not choose the way of light and life?

1 John 1:7 (ESV)
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.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so grateful that You are able and willing to provide us with the peace and the protection that the world cannot match. Father, I delight to put my faith and trust in You alone. Father God, I thank You for Your faithfulness.

O Father, I pray for a mighty Holy Spirit revival that will turn us from the way of darkness and death to the way of light and life. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/19#ixzz36DGiQ34a

--

Matthew 4:4 (HCSB)
⁴ But He answered, "It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."

Psalm 2:8 (HCSB)
⁸ Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance and the ends of the earth Your possession.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/