#sourceofpeace – 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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What Is So Powerful About God’s Presence?

Text:

Isaiah 30:15 (NLT)

15 This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it.

Observation:

This song, by Chris Tomlin, is playing as I sat down to write today’s devotional:

“Love so amazing
Love so amazing
Chorus:
Jesus Messiah
Name above all names
Blessed Redeemer
Emmanuel
The rescue for sinners
The ransom from Heaven
Jesus Messiah
Lord of all”.

God planted in my heart a big dream last month. I took the first step three weeks ago to turning that dream into a reality.

Today I am in day six of seven of pausing before continuing the next phase of the project.

On day three I read Isaiah 30:15, which is our focal verse for today’s devotional. This verse is an affirmation that taking a pause was a good idea.

I am being so blessed by the peace, joy, rest, and refreshment I am finding in living in the presence of the LORD, and listening to Him, and reflecting upon what He is saying to me, and taking the steps He reveals to me through the Word of God

When we devote the first fruits of our time to God, He will do more in the remaining time than we could ever do if we forfeited the time we spend with God.

The song, “I am Thine, O Lord, I have Heard Thy Voice” by Fanny Crosby informs and inspires me.

“I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,

And it told Thy love to me;

But I long to rise in the arms of faith,

And be closer drawn to Thee”.

Prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, my dear Father, it is such a privilege and pleasure to abide in Your presence.

Father, Your voice is so sweet to the ears of our heart. We listen with awe in Your presence.

Father, we realize that in quietness and in trusting confidence, we shall receive the strength and courage we need to fulfill your tailored made purpose and plans for our life.

Father, I pray we will be numbered with those who will do Your will and not those who would not. 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.

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In Whom Is Your Hope and Trust?

Text:

Exodus 33:14 (ESV)

14 And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Observation:

If there is one thing I am confident of in my life, it is that I can trust the promises of God, and His Word.

I am convinced and confident of God’s presence, and the promise that He would give His people peace. You can rest in that blessed assurance that if God lives in you; that God is for you.

Psalm 29:11 (ESV)

11 May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace!

This is a scripture that bears repeating; especially in these trying and troubling days.

John 16:33 (ESV)

33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

The question for today is this: It is the title of our message today, In Whom Is Your Hope and Trust? This hymn expresses my heart.

“My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus Christ, my righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand,

All other ground is sinking sand.”

Are you standing on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ? If so, you can rest in His peace. Notice this promise of God.

Colossians 1:27 (ESV)

27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, give us today, and everyday the things we need to walk one step at a time in the Spirit of God. We offer this as our prayer of praise and thanksgiving.

Jude 1:24-25 (ESV)

24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy,

25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. 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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How Should You Walk In Perilous Times?

Text:

2 Timothy 3:1 (ESV)

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

Observation:

The last days started after Jesus completed His work on earth, and returned to the Father in heaven. He alerted His disciples, and us today through His Word.

There is an encouraging word from the lips of Jesus alerting His disciples of the conditions they would face in the world, and giving them hope and a plan for living in perilous times.

John 16:33 (ESV)

33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

One of the important things that every child of God needs to do everyday is feed the spiritual person; the inner man. There is no substitute for the Word of God, and prayer.

Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)

12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Ephesians 6:18 (HCSB)

18 Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.

You are never more like Jesus than when you are devoted to the Word of God, and prayer. Jesus was never too busy to pray, and neither should Christ followers.

Mark 1:35 (HCSB)

35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He got up, went out, and made His way to a deserted place. And He was praying there.

Colossians 4:2 (HCSB)

2 Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving.

Prayer:

Father, I lift Your name high above every name on earth, and in heaven. Father, I acknowledge You as Sovereign LORD; God Almighty.

Father, I thank You for the example of Jesus, and I ask for sufficient faith, hope, and love to walk in His steps. Father, tune my heart to desire the things that are eternal, and not temporal. I ask not just for me, but for all of Christ followers. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

—

Read the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

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