Tag: #faithandfocus

How Should You Live in the Present?

Text:

1 Peter 4:7 (NLT)

7  The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers.

Observation:

How do we spend the present? In reality, we only have the present; the past is gone, and tomorrow is not promised.

Therefore, it behooves each of us to think seriously and soberly about the present.

Life may be difficult, but we still have a charge to keep and a purpose to fulfill. The time to do that is today and not tomorrow.

We would do well to be earnest and disciplined in our prayer life. Through prayer, we are able to see God’s perspective on our problems. When we read and meditate upon God’s Word we get a new perspective on our problems.

In the midst of our problems, we take them to God in prayer. Our prayers bring us into the presence of the Lord. In God’s presence, we receive His power and His peace.

As we are more earnest in prayer we go deeper into the Word and we are able to see God’s perspective and God’s purpose begins to be revealed in the midst of our problems.

In spite of our struggles and suffering, we begin to experience the unfailing love of God and God’s sufficient grace for our current circumstances.

As we look higher and go deeper with God our pain and suffering are transformed into praise and thanksgiving to God. The Word of God and prayer changes everything, and most of all it changes you and me.

Prayer:

Father God, thank You for being the God of the present. We are so grateful that when we live in the present, and in Your presence, we get a new perspective on life.

Father, infuse our lives with a burning desire to be earnest and disciplined in our prayer life. O how we need to live in Your presence continually. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

—

1 Samuel 3:10 (NLT)
10  And the LORD came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel replied, “Speak, your servant is listening.”

Read all the Daily Devotionals by Herb Cotton; click here:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Listen to all of the Daily Devotionals by Herb Cotton; click here:

https://soundcloud.com/praying-for-you-ministry

Why Where You Look Matters?

Text:

Matthew 14:27-31 (HCSB)

27  Immediately Jesus spoke to them. “Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

28  “Lord, if it’s You,” Peter answered Him, “command me to come to You on the water.”

29  “Come!” He said. And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus.

30  But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid. And beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!”

31  Immediately Jesus reached out His hand, caught hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Observation:

What are the situations, and things that discourage you in life? Do your circumstances determine your peace of mind, and happiness?

I was reminded recently of the power of a discouraging word; it can cause us to become fearful. However, I also was reminded of the power of an encouraging word; it can cause us to have courage.

Joshua 1:9 (HCSB)

9  Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

In our focal passage I noticed that the disciples were obeying the invitation of Jesus, and they still encountered a storm.

Matthew 14:22 (HCSB)

22  Immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds.

The things that happen to us in our lives in this fallen world do not determine our destiny. The key to living in a fallen world is to have courage, and not be fearful. If we come to Jesus, have faith in Him, and stay with Him, He will lead and guide us safely to the home that He has prepared for us in heaven.

Let the word of Jesus to His disciples then be an encouragement to you today, and every day.

In the storms of life, remember to heed the words of Jesus.

Matthew 14:27 (HCSB)

27  Immediately Jesus spoke to them. “Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

Matthew 14:31 (HCSB)

31  Immediately Jesus reached out His hand, caught hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. We give You praise, and thanks for Your goodness, and tender mercies.

Father, help us to remember to have courage, and to keep our eyes upon Jesus, and to have faith in the goodness of God, and Your love for Your children. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

—

Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV)
10  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
11  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

Read all the Daily Devotionals by Herb Cotton; click here:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Listen to all of the Daily Devotionals by Herb Cotton; click here:

https://soundcloud.com/praying-for-you-ministry