#prayfirst – herbcotton.org

Have You Experienced the Value and Power of Prayer?

Text:

1 Samuel 12:23 (HCSB)

“As for me, I vow that I will not sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you. I will teach you the good and right way.

Observation:

One of the saddest experiences in life is to look back at the decisions we make in life and say, “If only.”

O how we underestimate the reach and power of prayer. When we pray for others that is the most we can do for them. We can eliminate the if only in our lives with prayer. The Bible says in 2 Chron 7:14, “If my people would pray.” Let’s depend upon God’s help, and pray always. You are not without help when you pray; you have a helper.

Romans 8:26-27 (ESV)

26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

However, there is more. Our Savior, the Lord Jesus, is praying for us in heaven. The writer of Hebrews speaking of Jesus tells of His intercession for God’s children.

Hebrews 7:25 (HCSB)

25 Therefore, He is always able to save those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.

The Apostle Paul was not too proud to ask others to pray for him because he knew the reach and power of prayer. Be humble enough to ask others to pray for you.

Ephesians 6:19 (HCSB)

19 Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel.

Prayer:

Father, I am so awed that the triune God-head in heaven, and in us pray for us. Father, I am thankful that in Your wisdom, you have told us to pray for one another. Father, hear us when we pray.

Acts 4:31 (ESV)

31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

Father, may the power of God fall upon us whenever we unite our hearts and voices in prayer. 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.”

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God Speaks – Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 25:11 (NLT)

Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket.

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 82:5 (MSG)

Ignorant judges! Head-in-the-sand judges! They haven’t a clue to what’s going on. And now everything’s falling apart, the world’s coming unglued.

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Jeremiah 19:15 (NLT)

“This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: ‘I will bring disaster upon this city and its surrounding towns as I promised, because you have stubbornly refused to listen to me.'”

The Gospel Message:

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)

Always be joyful.

Never stop praying.

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Observation:

Are you walking in your purpose with passion? If not, why not? Is it because of your circumstances that are hindering your walk? Or, is it your lack of faith in God and His promises?

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)

Always be joyful.

Never stop praying.

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

If we do these things that the Apostle Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to do, God will help us to overcome our circumstances.

Romans 8:28 (NLT)

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Prayer:

Father, we pray that you would give us the grace to have more faith, hope, and love. Father, help us to live out our purpose with passion by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit who lives in the hearts of your people.

—

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:

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God Speaks – Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 25:15 (NLT)

Patience can persuade a prince, and soft speech can break bones.

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 82:8 (NLT)

Rise up, O God, and judge the earth, for all the nations belong to you.

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Jeremiah 19:15 (NLT)

The Gospel Message:

1 Thessalonians 5:3-6 (NLT)

When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape.

But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief.

For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night.

So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded.

Observation:

As I read and meditate upon the Bible passages for today I am more convinced than ever of what we need in times like these; we need God in our lives. The letter that the Apostle Paul writes to the church at Thessalonica needs to be read by God’s people today.

1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 (NLT)

For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us.

Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever.

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

Let us bow the knee, and lift our heads and heart to the Lord, and ask Him to be our hope and help in these last days.

Prayer:

Father God, as we bow our knees, and open our hearts, I pray that You will speak to our hearts, change our minds, and set our feet to walk in the pathway that leads from our home on earth to our home in heaven. Father, I pray that we will all commit to encouraging each other and building each other up until we become more and more like Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:28 (NLT)

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

—

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:

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God Speaks – Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 24:12 (NLT)

Don’t excuse yourself by saying, “Look, we didn’t know.” For God understands all hearts, and he sees you. He who guards your soul knows you knew. He will repay all people as their actions deserve.

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 76:1-2 (NLT) God is honored in Judah; his name is great in Israel.

Jerusalem is where he lives; Mount Zion is his home.

Psalm 76:8 (NLT)

From heaven you sentenced your enemies; the earth trembled and stood silent before you.

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Jeremiah 3:12-13 (NLT)

Therefore, go and give this message to Israel. This is what the LORD says: “O Israel, my faithless people, come home to me again, for I am merciful. I will not be angry with you forever.

Only acknowledge your guilt. Admit that you rebelled against the LORD your God and committed adultery against him by worshiping idols under every green tree. Confess that you refused to listen to my voice. I, the LORD, have spoken!

The Gospel Message:

Colossians 1:15-17 (NLT)

Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,

for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him.

He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.

Observation:

We were challenged by the sermon of Sunday to encourage our hearts this week with the following three affirmations.

1 I am loved.

2 I am a child of God.

3 God is pleased with me.

Today I am greatly encouraged and blessed by Colossians 1:15-17. It provides the confidence I need to stand firm when all around me seems to be decaying or crumbling. Yes, in the words of the hymn writer, ” On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.”

“When Christ is called the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1: 15), the expression is designed to remind us that we can have no knowledge of our salvation until we behold God in Christ.”

John Calvin

Key Word Commentary: Thoughts on Every Chapter of the Bible.

Prayer:

Colossians 1:3-6 (NLT)

We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God’s people,

which come from your confident hope of what God has reserved for you in heaven. You have had this expectation ever since you first heard the truth of the Good News.

This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace.

—

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:

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God Speaks – Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 23:24-26 (NLT)

The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure to have children who are wise.

So give your father and mother joy! May she who gave you birth be happy.

O my son, give me your heart. May your eyes take delight in following my ways.

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 66:8-9 (NLT)

Let the whole world bless our God and loudly sing his praises.

Our lives are in his hands, and he keeps our feet from stumbling.

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Isaiah 41:1 (NLT)

“Listen in silence before me, you lands beyond the sea. Bring your strongest arguments. Come now and speak. The court is ready for your case.

The Gospel Message:

Ephesians 1:4-5 (NLT)

Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.

God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.

Observation:

Are you aware and appreciative of what God has done for those He delights to call children of God?

Let me count just a few of the ways God has provided for His people.

1 He has a purpose for our life.

2 He has a plan for our life.

3 He takes pleasure in His people.

4 He provides peace to His people.

5 He gives faith to His children to believe in Him.

6 He provides the Holy Spirit to enable us to do His will.

Are you a member of God’s family? Are you one of His adopted daughters or sons? It is indescribable how much God loves you, and wants you to be a member of the family of God.

John 1:12-13 (NLT)

But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.

They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.

Prayer:

Father God, hallowed be Your name. Father, we unite our hearts in saying back to you what you have said in your word to us and recorded by the Apostle Paul.

Ephesians 1:3 (NLT)

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.

—

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/

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God Speaks – Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 14:10 (NLT)

10 Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can fully share its joy.

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 45:6-7 (NLT)

6 Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. You rule with a scepter of justice.

7 You love justice and hate evil. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else.

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Job 40:1-5 (NLT)

1 Then the LORD said to Job,

2 “Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers?”

3 Then Job replied to the LORD,

4 “I am nothing—how could I ever find the answers? I will cover my mouth with my hand.

5 I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say.”

The Gospel Message:

2 Corinthians 5:17-21 (ESV)

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;

19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.

20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Observation:

What is your motivation for serving the Lord? The Apostle Paul had a lofty goal. He aimed to please the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:9 (ESV)

9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.

In our selected passage for today, Paul states two spiritual motivations that drove Him to serve the Lord and His people. One was the power of the gospel, and the second was the commission of the Lord.

Prayer:

Father God, we thank You that we don’t have to serve You in our human strength because You have given us the gift of the Holy Spirit of God to provide us with the power for service. Father, we are so thankful for all of the members of the Body of Christ who faithfully serve You.

Romans 8:9 (NLT)

9 But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)

—

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/

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What Would Jesus Do?

Text:

Luke 5:16 (HCSB)

16 Yet He often withdrew to deserted places and prayed.

Observation:

This is the situation that Jesus faced during His earthly ministry, and it speaks into my heart about the priority, and provisions that flow from making prayer a top priority in our life, and ministry.

At this point in His ministry Jesus was going about healing many sick people, and crowds would gather needing healing, and others just to observe the miracles He performed.

Notice how popular Jesus had become, and the crowds He drew. Examine what Jesus did, and compare what He did to your life, and ministry.

Luke 5:14-15 (HCSB)

14 Then He ordered him to tell no one: “But go and show yourself to the priest, and offer what Moses prescribed for your cleansing as a testimony to them.”

15 But the news about Him spread even more, and large crowds would come together to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses.

Would you feel compelled to spend time healing and pleasing the crowds over spending time alone with the heavenly Father?

What would Jesus do? We know what Jesus did, because the bible tells what He did; and notice that He did it often.

Luke 5:16 (HCSB)

16 Yet He often withdrew to deserted places and prayed.

Prayer:

Our Father, we ask You to give us a burning desire to be men and women of prayer. Father, give us the discipline to learn to pray first. Father, help us to be more like Jesus. 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:

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Are You Willing To Do These 2 Things?

Text:

Proverbs 12:25-26 (NLT)

25 Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.

26 The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray.

Observation:

Do you realize that you have within you the resources to bring joy to many people?

There are people in your circle of influence, and circle of concern who are dealing with worry.

These are the two things that Solomon says the godly can do to help others.

Give an encouraging word.
Give good advice.

You have the power within you to be an agent of healing to hurting people. You can bring joy, and a turnaround to others by loving acts of kindness, and godly words of wisdom.

Proverbs 17:22 (NLT)

22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.

The Holy Spirit of God will guide you, and empower you to do God’s will, and work. Don’t forfeit the opportunity to be a blessing, and to be blessed.

Proverbs 3:27 (NLT)

27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.

Prayer:

Father, we are so grateful that You equip Your people to be instruments to speak healing, and helpful words to people we encounter who are hurting.

Father, we are so grateful that it is You that provides the opportunity, and that You provide the healing. Father, we acknowledge that You are the Master, and that we are Your servants.

Father, I pray that our service will be motivated by love, and that in Your eyes, You would see us as faithful servants. 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:

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Do You Need Healing for A Sickness?

Text:

Mark 5:25-26 (HCSB)

25 A woman suffering from bleeding for 12 years

26 had endured much under many doctors. She had spent everything she had and was not helped at all. On the contrary, she became worse.

Observation:

I woke up this morning and read a text message from a dear friend requesting prayer for a significant health condition that the doctors have been unable to help her with for over five years.

I was impressed to search for a healing scripture to enable me to pray a prayer of faith for her, and I was led to this passage from Mark, and to this particular verse.

Mark 5:34 (HCSB)

34 “Daughter,” He said to her, “your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be free from your affliction.”

How did this woman exercise her faith in Jesus to heal her? This is what she did.

Matthew 9:20 (HCSB)

20 Just then, a woman who had suffered from bleeding for 12 years approached from behind and touched the tassel on His robe,

What gave her the faith to reach out and touch the tassel of His robe? The bible says faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Notice what the Word of God says.

Numbers 15:37-40 (HCSB)

37 The LORD said to Moses,

38 “Speak to the Israelites and tell them that throughout their generations they are to make tassels for the corners of their garments, and put a blue cord on the tassel at ?each? corner.

39 These will serve as tassels for you to look at, so that you may remember all the LORD’s commands and obey them and not become unfaithful by following your own heart and your own eyes.

40 This way you will remember and obey all My commands and be holy to your God.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, I know that You have many daughters and sons that need a healing of sickness and diseases in their bodies.

Father, I pray that they will look up to You for the healing and the help that they need.

Father, I read in Your Word that one of the many prayers we should pray are prayers for the sick. Father, I ask that praying people who read this prayer will join with me in praying for the sick that have asked us to pray for them. Lord, I’m looking for miracles of grace to result from the prayers of Your people for the sick. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

—

Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)
¹¹ So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

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Are You Saved, Sanctified, and Sent?

Text:

John 17:14-19 (HCSB)

14 I have given them Your word. The world hated them because they are not of the world, as I am not of the world.

15 I am not praying that You take them out of the world but that You protect them from the evil one.

16 They are not of the world, as I am not of the world.

17 Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.

18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.

19 I sanctify Myself for them, so they also may be sanctified by the truth.

Observation:

If you are a child of God, do you realize what Jesus has done for you? O, how blessed to be a child of God. It is God that saves, sanctifies, and sends His people.

Notice this prayer Jesus prayed for His disciples of every age. This prayer was for you.

John 17:20-21 (HCSB)

20 I pray not only for these, but also for those who believe in Me through their message.

21 May they all be one, as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You. May they also be one in Us, so the world may believe You sent Me.

Jesus is not unaware of the trials, troubles, and temptations you will face living in this present world.

John 16:33 (HCSB)

33 I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”

In this world with all of its problems, you can still have peace in the midst of the storms of life. This is the promise of Jesus to His followers.

John 14:27 (HCSB)

27 “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful.

Prayer:

Our Father, hallowed be Your name. What a privilege to be able to call you our Father; to know that we are loved by God. Father, I am so glad I can call You my Father.

Father, my greatest desire is that You might increase, and I might decrease so that the glory may go to You, and that the growth might be seen in me. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

—

Read the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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