Daily Bread_July 8, 2015

Title: The Reason Why Believers Should Not Fret

Text:

Psalm 37:1-2 (ESV) 

1 Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! 

 2  For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. 

Psalm 37:8 (ESV) 

8  Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. 

Observation:

We justify our fretting by reasoning that our circumstances or the evil people in our world deserve to be punished, and it is our job to do it.

Let's examine that premise in the light of God's Word. What does God say? What does God know?

God is aware of your circumstances, and he is aware of the wrongdoers. He says that they will soon perish. God says to us, He is on the case, and He will take care of the wrongdoers in due time.

What does God say to you and me who look at wrongdoers, and become envious of them because they seem to be getting away with their evil deeds. This is what God's Word says:

Psalm 37:8 (ESV) 

8  Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. 

God is saying that your anger and wrath accomplishes nothing. I have already decreed the fate of wrongdoers; "They will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb".

It comes down to this; do you believe God, do you trust Him to do what He says He will do.

Psalm 37:5 (ESV) 

5  Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. 

Things are not going to get better in this world by doing things man's way. We, the people of God, need to return to trusting in the Lord with our whole heart. The fruit of such trusting is the peace of God, and the joy of the Lord ruling and reigning in our hearts.

2 Timothy 3:1 (ESV) 

1  But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 

Encourage yourself with this song of faith, and the faithful who trust in the Lord.

"Take the name of Jesus with you,

Child of sorrow and of woe;

It will joy and comfort give you,

Take it then where'er you go."

Lyndia Odell Baxter

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Thy name. Father, you are Sovereign God, and whatever you say, I believe in You with my whole heart.

Father, stir our hearts, and bend our will, until we turn in faith to You, and trust in You to right the wrongs. Father, I agree to obey your command, "Do not fret", and I will open my heart and receive the gifts of peace and joy for being obedient to the word, way, and will of God. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

--

Acts 6:4 (ESV)
⁴  But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." 

Psalm 65:2 (ESV)
²  O you who hear prayer, to you shall all flesh come.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_July 7, 2015

Title: The Wisdom of God is Just a Prayer Away

Text:

1 Kings 3:9 (HCSB)
So give Your servant an obedient heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?"

Observation:

This prayer of Solomon is the best possible request from God. Many pray for health and for wealth, and these are worthy requests. However, we will still be lacking if we don't have the ability to discern between good and evil. Having wisdom is wise and necessary in whatever you do.

Proverbs 4:7 (HCSB)
Wisdom is supreme—so get wisdom. And whatever else you get, get understanding. 

Getting wisdom is not a stretch that is beyond your ability to obtain. There is nothing that is beyond the reach of the prayer of faith when the object of your faith is God.

O how we all need the wisdom of God during the days of trial and testing. Notice that Solomon also prayed for an obedient heart. If you have a divided heart the trials and troubles that you face in life will tear you apart. You need a heart that is fully devoted to God so that you will be able to experience the power of God working for your good during your day of trouble.

James 1:5 (NLT)
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, will You grant to Your people of faith the wisdom of God so that we might be able to discern between good and evil. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

--

Acts 6:4 (ESV)
⁴  But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." 

Psalm 65:2 (ESV)
²  O you who hear prayer, to you shall all flesh come.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_July 6, 2015

Title: Why Worry About Time When You Belong to the Lord?

Text:

Micah 7:7 (HCSB) 

7  But I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me. 

Observation:

While I was waiting for my computer to complete an action, I turn the page on a book I had next to my computer, and I read this sentence, "Wait patiently with Me while I bless you".

My response was, "Wow", and when I recovered I said, "Thank You Lord for all of my blessings".

Psalm 103:1-2 (ESV) 

1 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!

2  Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, 

The author went on to say, "God dwells in timelessness; I am, I was, and I will always be". The Bible says:

Revelation 1:8 (ESV) 

8  "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." 

It pays to have some time; even some extended time to get alone in the presence of God, and just to enjoy a BIG talk with the Lord.

O, how we need to watch and pray in these last days as we await the coming of our Lord.

Mark 13:33 (KJV) 

33  Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. 

Isaiah 40:31 (KJV) 

31  But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, I am so grateful that we have the privilege of having access to the throne room of our heavenly Father, where Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father.

Father, it is amazing to know that You are timeless; that you never get in a hurry, but that You are always on time; that You do everything in the fullness of time.

Father, I am so glad that my times are in Your hands. Lord, I am glad that I am the seeker, and You are the keeper. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

--

Acts 6:4 (ESV)
⁴  But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." 

Psalm 65:2 (ESV)
²  O you who hear prayer, to you shall all flesh come.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_July 4, 2015

Title: How Do You Know If There Is a God?

Text:

1 Timothy 6:15-16 (ESV) 

15  which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 

16  who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen. 

Observation:

How are you conducting your search for God? Are you looking for him through the limited capabilities of your eyes and your mind? Do you think that you can find God in this feeble manner?

There are some things that have been settled a long time ago. One of the oldest books of the bible gives us an understanding of how to approach and enter the presence of the only true God who dwells in unapproachable light.

Job 42:1-6 (ESV) 

1  Then Job answered the LORD and said: 

2  "I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. 

3  'Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?' Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. 

4  'Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you make it known to me.' 

5  I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; 

6  therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes." 

One of the amazing truths of the ages is that if sinful man draws near to God that God will draw near to you. The next move to knowing God is for you to turn from the direction you are walking, and turn to the Lord. Why not follow the example of Job? When you see yourself in the light of God's greatness, you are closer to God than you will ever be. Why not take that step today?

2 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV) 

2  For he says, "In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 

"Faith is trusting what the eye can't see.

Eyes see the prowling lion. Faith sees Daniel's angel.

Eyes see storms. Faith sees Noah's rainbow.

Eyes see giants. Faith sees Canaan.

Your eyes see your faults. Your faith sees your Savior.

Your eyes see your guilt. Your faith sees his blood."

Unknown

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I pray that we may decrease so that You may increase. Father, the greatest need we have in our life is to know You, and be known by You. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

John 3:30 (ESV) 

30  He must increase, but I must decrease." 

--

Acts 6:4 (ESV)
⁴  But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." 

Psalm 65:2 (ESV)
²  O you who hear prayer, to you shall all flesh come.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_July 3, 2015

Title: Are You Walking in the Light?

Text:

John 3:19-21 (ESV) 

19  And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 

20  For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 

21  But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God." 

Observation:

We live in a dark and dangerous world. However, we are never without hope, and without help if we are willing to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. He is the only way to get to our heavenly Father's House.

We should never forget the way to Heaven; it's a Highway to Heaven, and Jesus in the only way to get there. He said it, not me.

John 14:6 (ESV) 

6  Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 

I read our focal passage a few days ago, and it touched my heart deeply. I immediately went to my desk, and sat at my computer, and wrote these words. I didn't want to forget the words that my heavenly Father deposited into my heart. It was such a blessing that I was compelled to capture it, and share it with you.

Matthew 11:15 (ESV) 

15  He who has ears to hear, let him hear. 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name; I extol for all to hear that You are great and that You are good, and greatly to be praised.

Father, I pray that those who read this message will have ears to hear what the Spirit of God is saying to them.

Father, I pray that all who profess to know You will come to the light, walk in the light, and stay in the light. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

--

Acts 6:4 (ESV)
⁴  But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." 

Psalm 65:2 (ESV)
²  O you who hear prayer, to you shall all flesh come.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_July 2, 2015

Title: What Happens When You Give God What You Have

Text:

John 6:9 (ESV) 

9  "There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?" 

Observation:

There is nothing more encouraging to me than reading the account of what happened when the boy gave Jesus what he had.

Notice that the boy had five barley loaves, and he gave those to Jesus along with the two fish that he had. We have so little, but God can do so much with the little we have when we give it to Him.

In my reading of the Bible I discovered that barley was the common food eaten by the poor; the well off preferred wheat. Also, I found another servant of God that used barley to feed a large group of men.

2 Kings 4:42-43 (ESV) 

42  A man came from Baal-shalishah, bringing the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley and fresh ears of grain in his sack. And Elisha said, "Give to the men, that they may eat." 

43  But his servant said, "How can I set this before a hundred men?" So he repeated, "Give them to the men, that they may eat, for thus says the LORD, 'They shall eat and have some left.'" 

When we give God what we have He can do much more with it than we could ever dream. The world has yet to see what can be done with what we hold in our hands if God's people would be willing to present to God what they have, and watch as He uses it and us for His glory, and as a blessing in the lives of others.

You Can't Beat God Giving - Lyrics by Doris Akers

"You can't beat God's giving, no matter how you try.

And just as sure as you are living

and the Lord is in heaven on high.

The more you give, the more He give to you,

but keep on giving because it's really true

that you can't beat God's giving, no matter how you try."

Prayer:

Father, I bless Your name, and give You the praise, honor, and the glory that only You deserve.

Father, whatever I have belong to you, and I offer it back to You to do with it whatever You will. Father, use us for Your glory, and in Your service to others. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

The Gospel Legends Singing, "You Can't Beat God Giving"

Click here to watch video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XP_zMJXc9g 

--

Acts 6:4 (ESV)
⁴  But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." 

Psalm 65:2 (ESV)
²  O you who hear prayer, to you shall all flesh come.

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

 

Daily Bread_July 1, 2015

Title: The Best Leader Ever - - Do You Know Him?

Text:

Psalm 23:1 (HCSB) 

1 The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. 

Psalm 23:3 (HCSB) 

3  He renews my life; He leads me along the right paths for His name's sake. 

Observation:

What does the Lord do for His people?

• He cares
• He provides
• He guides
• He protects

When I think about and meditate upon the goodness of the Lord to His people; His love and concern, this song just flooded my soul. I can hear it being sung by one of my devoted prayer supporters who is now in heaven.

Chorus

The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows,

The more that I love Him, more love He bestows;

Each day is like heaven, my heart overflows,

The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows.

Ev'ry need He is supplying,

Plenteous grace He bestows;

Ev'ry day my way gets brighter,

The longer I serve Him,

The sweeter He grows.

Author: William Gaither

This is my response to all that the LORD, my Shepherd, has done for me.

"Wherever He leads I'll go,

Wherever He leads I'll go,

I'll follow my Christ who loves me so,

Wherever He leads I'll go."

Author: B.B. McKinney

Prayer:

Father, hallowed by your name. I am so glad that You sent Jesus into the world to be our sin bearer, and that He is not only our Savior and Lord, but also our friend. Father, with a grateful heart we say, "Thank You". In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

--

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/