Daily Prayer_January 9, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 2:6 (NLT)
⁶ For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 2:20-22 (NLT)
²⁰ Follow the steps of good men instead, and stay on the paths of the righteous.
²¹ For only the godly will live in the land, and those with integrity will remain in it.
²² But the wicked will be removed from the land, and the treacherous will be uprooted.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 9:1-2 (NLT)
¹ I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done.
² I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High.

Psalm 9:10 (NLT)
¹⁰ Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O LORD, do not abandon those who search for you.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Psalm 119:18 (HCSB)
¹⁸ Open my eyes so that I may contemplate wonderful things from Your instruction.

 My observation:

This week I will meditate on five scriptures that I highlighted in my prayer journal last year. One of the things I value about reading and studying the bible is that the author is present with me. I have in Jesus the companionship of His presence. I believe these scriptures will show you the way to have a Happy and Blessed New Year.

David was a man who knew what it was to have the presence of God in his life. He understood that a man is a stranger on the earth, and that he needed a road map to help you to know the way. The bible was the road map for David.

Psalm 119:19 (HCSB)
¹⁹ I am a stranger on earth; do not hide Your commands from me.

In this New Year I will continue to keep uppermost in my mind and heart our focal verse for today, Psalm 119.18. My goal and my prayer will be that the Lord would open my eyes every day, and that He would keep me on the straight and narrow way.

Psalm 119:21 (HCSB)
²¹ You rebuke the proud, the ones under a curse, who wander from Your commands.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, my prayer today and every day is that you would open my eyes to see what you have to say to me from your word. Father, I need your guidance to make it through this world. Father, I desire and need the blessings that you give to those who look to you for hope and help. Father, my hands are open to receive your blessings.

Psalm 119:1-3 (MSG)
¹ You're blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by GOD.
² You're blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him.
³ That's right—you don't go off on your own; you walk straight along the road he set.

 
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My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

1 Peter 2:2-3 (ESV)
² Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— ³ if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

 





 

Sunday Morning Reflections_January 8, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 2:6-10 (NLT)
⁶ For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
⁷ He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.
⁸ He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him.
⁹ Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go.
¹⁰ For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 8:1 (NLT)
¹ O LORD, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens.

Psalm 8:4-5 (NLT)
⁴ what are people that you should think about them, mere mortals that you should care for them?
⁵ Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Psalm 34:19 (HCSB)
¹⁹ Many adversities come to the one who is righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all.

Galatians 5:22-23 (HCSB)
²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,
²³ gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:25 (HCSB)
²⁵ Since we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit.

My observation:

The standard for living the Christian life should be the same for our worship and our work. In fact, our worship and our work should be indistinguishable.

Colossians 3:23 (HCSB)
²³ Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men,

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so grateful that I don't have to live the Christian life in my strength alone. Father, I thank you for being the source for my worship and work to be indistinguishable. Father, I thank you for the gift of the fruit of the Spirit of God.

Philippians 2:12-13 (HCSB)
¹² So then, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
¹³ For it is God who is working in you, [enabling you} both to desire and to work out His good purpose.

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My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

1 Peter 2:2-3 (ESV)
² Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— ³ if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

 





 

Daily Prayer_January 6, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 1:29-31 (NLT)
²⁹ For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the LORD.
³⁰ They rejected my advice and paid no attention when I corrected them.
³¹ Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way, choking on their own schemes.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 6:8-9 (NLT)
⁸ Go away, all you who do evil, for the LORD has heard my weeping.
⁹ The LORD has heard my plea; the LORD will answer my prayer.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Isaiah 40:25-26 (HCSB)
²⁵ "Who will you compare Me to, or who is My equal?" asks the Holy One.
²⁶ Look up and see: who created these? He brings out the starry host by number; He calls all of them by name. Because of His great power and strength, not one of them is missing.

Ephesians 3:20 (HCSB)
²⁰ Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us—

My observation:

Today is the last in a series of five reflections on "How We Can Live Our Lives Without Fear in the New Year". Today's topic is, "The Command of His Power".

We can face whatever this New Year has in store for us if we place our hope and trust in the mighty hands of the Lord. Every Sunday we sing in our church the hymn, "Father, I stretch my hands to Thee, no other help I know. If Thou withdraw Thyself from me, where shall I go"?

In our focal passage for today, the prophet Isaiah and the Apostle Paul answers the question to my satisfaction and delight. As for me and my house, we will go with God.

I know that in Him and in Him alone I can find these five things:

I.                    The Contentment of His Provisions.

II.                  The Companionship of His Presence.

III.                The Confidence of His Promises.

IV.                The Comfort of His Protection.

V.                  The Command of His Power.

My prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, Abba, Father, I am so thankful that I serve a God in whom I can place my life in your capable and unchanging hands. I am so glad that I can rest in the blessed assurance that I belong to God, and He belongs to me. Without the Lord in my life, I am nothing. But, with the Lord in my life, I have everything I need to live well, and finish strong. I have decided to follow Jesus, and I am too close to heaven to turn around now. Hallelujah! Amen!

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My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

1 Peter 2:2-3 (ESV)
² Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— ³ if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

 





 

Daily Prayer_January 5, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 1:24-26 (NLT)
²⁴ "I called you so often, but you wouldn't come. I reached out to you, but you paid no attention.
²⁵ You ignored my advice and rejected the correction I offered.
²⁶ So I will laugh when you are in trouble! I will mock you when disaster overtakes you—

Proverbs 1:33 (NLT)
³³ But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm."

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 5:1-3 (NLT)
¹ O LORD, hear me as I pray; pay attention to my groaning.
² Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for I pray to no one but you.
³ Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Hebrews 13:5-6 (ESV)
⁵ Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
⁶ So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?"

My observation:

Today we come to the fourth of five reasons why we who look to God for answers need not fear as we face the New Year.

Today's topic is "The Comfort of His Power". I am so thankful for the provisions, the presence, the promises, and the protection of the Lord in my life. The poet spoke for me in the words of the familiar hymn, "Where would I be without the Lord on my side".

The words of the writer of Hebrews should give us not only comfort, but it should also give us confidence. The answer to greed and fear is trust in the Lord. When you know that God is in control you don't have to fear. The antidote for fear is to change your focus. If you focus on your circumstances you will tend to fear. However, if you focus on the Lord, and His promises, you will have no reason to fear. God has always been faithful to His people.

Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV)
⁶ Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."

Hebrews 13:6 (ESV)
⁶ So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?"

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so grateful for the comfort and confidence I enjoy when I live my life with the focus upon my God, and not upon my circumstances. Father, when the circumstances of my life go south this year, I will look to the Lord, who is the source of my help. Father God, by faith, I will rely upon Your faithfulness to protect me, and to deliver me from all my fears.

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My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

1 Peter 2:2-3 (ESV)
² Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— ³ if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

 





 

Daily Prayer_January 4, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 1:20-23 (ESV)
²⁰ Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice;
²¹ at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:
²² "How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?
²³ If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 4:6-8 (HCSB)
⁶ Many are saying, "Who can show us anything good?" Look on us with favor, LORD.
⁷ You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and new wine abound.
⁸ I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, LORD, make me live in safety.

The Word of God for encouragement:

Hebrews 13:5 (HCSB)
⁵ Your life should be free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for He Himself has said, I will never leave you or forsake you.

My observation:

Today is the third in a series of five devotionals in which I reflect upon five reasons why we should have nothing to fear in the New Year.

Let's review the first two:

1.       The Contentment of His Provisions.

2.       The Companionship of His Presence.

Today's topic is "The Confidence of His Promises".  Our text for this meditation is a portion of our focal verse from Hebrews 13:5. These four words are the sweetest and most reassuring words that a child of God could ever hear spoken of about our Savior, "He Himself has said".

I read a passage recently that reinforced this truth for me. As I recalled it this morning I explored it further, and here is what I found that blessed my soul.

John 16:20 (ESV)
²⁰ Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.

The death of Jesus resulted in sorrow in the heart of the followers of Christ. However, that sorrow was only for the night because joy came in the morning. What made the difference was another promise of Jesus to his disciples.

John 16:13 (ESV)
¹³ When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.

Now, let's look at how the disciples looked at the death of Jesus after the office work of the Holy Spirit in their hearts. What you see here is joy without any sorrow.

1 Corinthians 1:23-24 (ESV)
²³ but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles,
²⁴ but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so grateful and comforted by the promises of God. Father, I am acutely aware that life is hard down here, but I also know that life is a journey and not a destination. I may have sorrow today, but there is joy coming in my future. I am so glad that weeping only last for a night, but that joy comes in the morning. Father, I thank you that if Jesus says it, then that settles it. Praise the Lord!

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My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

1 Peter 2:2-3 (ESV)
² Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— ³ if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

 





 

Daily Prayer_January 3, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 1:10 (NLT)
¹⁰ My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them!

Proverbs 1:17-19 (NLT)
¹⁷ If a bird sees a trap being set, it knows to stay away.
¹⁸ But these people set an ambush for themselves; they are trying to get themselves killed.
¹⁹ Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money; it robs them of life.

The Word of God for inspiration:

Psalm 3:3-4 (NLT)
³ But you, O LORD, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.
⁴ I cried out to the LORD, and he answered me from his holy mountain. Interlude

Psalm 3:8 (NLT)
⁸ Victory comes from you, O LORD. May you bless your people. Interlude

The Word of God for encouragement:

1 Timothy 6:6 (HCSB)
⁶ But godliness with contentment is a great gain.

My observation:

This week we are meditating on five reasons why we should have nothing to fear in the New Year. Yesterday's topic was "The Contentment of His Provisions".

Today's topic is "The Companionship of His Presence". There is nothing that is sweeter than to be able to enjoy the constant company and the enduring friendship of the Lord Jesus in our life. The bible makes a wonderful promise that should give us peace for not only 2012, but for every day that the Lord remembers to wake us up, and start us out on a new day.

Hebrews 13:5 (HCSB)
⁵ Your life should be free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for He Himself has said, I will never leave you or forsake you.

My prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so thankful for the companionship of Jesus in my life. Father, I thank you that you woke me up this morning to see another beautiful day that You have made. Yes, I will rejoice and be glad in it because I know that Jesus will be with me in every move I make, every word I speak, and every life I touch. God, you are so awesome.

My song:

Surely the Presence of the Lord is in this Place (Click on link below to listen to this song):

Surely the Presence of the Lord is in this Place - Tanica Campbell - YouTube

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My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

1 Peter 2:2-3 (ESV)
² Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— ³ if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

 





 

Daily Prayer_January 2, 2012

The Word of God for wisdom:

Proverbs 1:7 (NLT)
⁷ Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

The Word of God inspiration:

Psalm 2:1-3 (NLT)
¹ Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans?
² The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the LORD and against his anointed one.
³ "Let us break their chains," they cry, "and free ourselves from slavery to God."

Psalm 2:8 (NLT)
⁸ Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, the whole earth as your possession.

The Word of God for encouragement:

1 Timothy 6:6-8 (HCSB)
⁶ But godliness with contentment is a great gain.
⁷ For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out.
⁸ But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.

My observation:

This week I want to put some meat on an outline I read a few weeks ago. I will be reflecting on five reasons why we should have nothing to fear in the New Year.

How unnecessary it is that anyone should spend their lives living in constant fear. The arms of the Lord are open to all who look to him for deliverance. The psalmist reminds us that the answers to our problems are just a prayer away. Our Father is waiting to hear from us if we "only ask".

Today we look at the first reason why we who look to God for answers need not fear as we face the New Year.

The Contentment of His Provisions

 

What a blessing it is to know that God is able and willing to meet our needs. In our focal passage from 1 Timothy the Apostle Paul reminds us of the peace that comes from the recognition of the things we do have. As the hymn writer says, "Count you many blessings, and name them one by one and it will surprise you what the Lord has done".

1 Timothy 6:17 (HCSB)
¹⁷ Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant or to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God, who richly provides us with all things to enjoy.

My prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so grateful for the contentment that comes from knowing that you love me so much that you will provide for all of my needs. Father, I ask that you will stir up within me an attitude of gratitude for all of your gracious provisions.

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My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily
http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

1 Peter 2:2-3 (ESV)
² Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— ³ if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.