The Power of the Spoken Word

Word:

Psalm 19:14 (NLT2) 

 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

Reflection:

Do you realize the power of the spoken word? Listen to what the Bible says about the speech of the disciples of Christ.

John 8:31 (NLT2) 

 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 

James 1:19 (NLT2) 

 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 

Are you able to tolerate silence in a conversation with others? It’s a discipline worthy of knowing and doing. If you need help in the doing of the will of God, support is just a prayer away.

Prayer:

Father, I am so blessed by the forever love and forgiveness, amazing grace, and tender mercies that are new every morning. 

Father, I honor you in all your generous thoughts and deeds of kindness I continually receive from you.

Father, quicken and align my life to demonstrate the life of your darling son, Jesus the Messiah of God.

— 

Link to my new devotional book Amazon Author’s Page. Everything about the book is found there with pictures, and more to come.
 

Where Do You Turn When You Cannot Sleep?

A Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton

God Speaks:

Psalm 4

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by stringed instruments.

1 

Answer me when I call to you,

    O God who declares me innocent.

Free me from my troubles.

    Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

Listen to God Speak & Obey:

The Psalmist, David, has a right answer of where to turn when you can’t sleep. There are times when we all face difficulty in getting a good night of sleep. It is good to know that we don’t have to turn to medicine first. Instead, we can turn to God.

Psalm 3

A Psalm of David, regarding the time David fled from his son Absalom.

1 

O Lord, I have so many enemies;

    so many are against me.

2 

So many are saying,

    “God will never rescue him!” 

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. 

Through all of his troubles, David was able to say:

Psalm 3:8

In peace I will lie down and sleep,

    for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.

The people of God have an always present helper that we can call upon when we cannot sleep because of worry, anxieties, and trouble within and without.

David gives us a first response to getting help for the thing are within us that results in worry, anxiety and inner turmoil.

Psalm 4:4-5

4 Don’t sin by letting anger control you.

    Think about it overnight and remain silent. Interlude

5 Offer sacrifices in the right spirit,

    and trust the Lord.

Why worry when you can pray? If you are going to pray, don’t worry. Words I was taught by wise women in my family from my childhood.

Prayer:

Our Father, hallowed by Your name. Father, thank You for a God who is always present in the lives of Your people.

Father, help us to remember to pray first; taking all of our worries, anxieties, and troubles to You in prayer. Amen! 

— 

Link to my new devotional book Amazon Author’s Page. Everything about the book is found there with pictures, and more to come.

Are You Using All That God Has Provided You?

A Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton

God Speaks:

John 15:4 King James Version (KJV)

4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

Listen to God Speak & Obey: 

The one great purpose of the life of followers of Jesus is to abide in Him. The reason is in our focal verse which says we can do nothing without Jesus.

The Lord Jesus is a great shepherd, and He provides abundantly for His flock. Today, I invite each reader of this devotional to consider these words of Jesus, “Abide in me, and I in you.”

Today’s devotional draws from two of my favorite chapters in the Bible; John 15 and Acts 4.

The Apostle Peter demonstrated being filled with the Holy Spirit.

Acts 4:8 King James Version (KJV)

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,

Are you filled with the Holy Spirit?

Romans 5:5 King James Version (KJV)

5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Romans 8:9 King James Version (KJV)

9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

The first-century church demonstrated being filled with the Holy Spirit.

Acts 4:31 King James Version (KJV)

31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

Are you abiding in Christ and is Christ alive in you? Are you filled with the Holy Spirit? Are you bearing much fruit by the power of the Holy Spirit who is alive in the lives of the people of God?

Galatians 5:22-23 King James Version (KJV)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Are you able to say the words that David said in Psalm 23?

Psalm 23

A Psalm of David.

1 

The Lord is my shepherd;

    I have all that I need.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Father, we are so grateful for Your presence, provisions and power You provide for Your people. Amen. 

— 

Link to my new devotional book Amazon Author’s Page. Everything about the book is found there with pictures, and more to come.

Seeing Beyond Our Weaknesses

A Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton

God Speaks:

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (KJV) 

7  And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 

8  For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 

9  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 

10  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 

Listen to God Speak & Obey:

When trouble, trials, difficulties, and disappointments come in our life, we should cry out to God. However, we should not lose hope when God does not give us everything we ask.

We should allow what happened in Paul’s life to inform our lives when we pray for deliverance from our thorn in the flesh. Could it be that what we are going through is for God’s glory, and for our good?

2 Corinthians 11:27-28 (NLT) 

27  I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm. 

28  Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches. 

There is something about thorns in the flesh that bends us toward humility. Additionally, the recognition of the weaknesses in our humanity turns us toward bowing the knee, looking up, and recognizing the greatness of God.

The recognition of the sovereignty and greatness of God and the goodness and grace of God gives us peace and contentment in knowing that God’s grace is sufficient for all of our needs.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, it is such a blessing to know that our weaknesses, even when they are painful, are working to bring about a higher goal and that Your amazing grace is sufficient for all of our needs.

Psalm 46:1 (HCSB) 

1  God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. 

Father, we love You, and can’t get enough of You. Father, thank You for always being present, and on time. Father, I am so glad that the things that matter are things that are eternal. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

1 Corinthians 13:13 (NLT) 

13  Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. 

— 

Link to my new devotional book Amazon Author’s Page. Everything about the book is found there with pictures, and more to come.
 

Are You Living With Eternity In Mind?

 

A Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton

God Speaks:

Psalm 145:18-19 King James Version (KJV)

18 The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.

19 He will fulfill the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.

Listen to God Speak & Obey:

When I think about the Lord, I cannot help but bow in humility at the wonder of His marvelous lovingkindness, tender mercies, and patience with His people. There is no place I would rather be than near to God, and experience the joy of living my life with the knowledge that He is always with me.

Do you desire such a relationship with God? If so, the Bible says that we can call upon Him in truth.

God made us on purpose and for His use. The Bible says that He created us to glorify His name.

1 Peter 4:11 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

11 If anyone speaks, it should be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, it should be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To Him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

What are your priorities? Where is your focus? Are you investing your time and talent in things that are temporary or eternal?

The most important thing we can do is to align our lives with the purpose and plan of God. We need wisdom and power to accomplish our mission for being alive. We need God in our life, and He needs to be our first and only source.

Proverbs 19:21 New Living Translation (NLT)

21

You can make many plans,

but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Father, help us to align our purpose in life with Your divine mission. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

Do You Know the Secret of Having A Good Day?

A Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton

God Speaks:

Matthew 16:17 King James Version (KJV)

17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

King James Version (KJV)

Public Domain

Listen to God Speak & Obey:

Simon Barjona didn’t get everything right in his earthly journey, but he gets somethings right. Simon knew who Jesus was, and he had this knowledge because God, the father of our Lord Jesus gave it to him. And, our Father in heaven will do for you and me what He did for Simon.

God still speaks to His people today. He speaks primarily to us through His Word, and with the enabling wisdom and power of the Holy Spirit.

Do you want to have a good day? 

Titus 2:11-14 King James Version (KJV)

11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

The grace of God that brought you salvation is the same grace that will allow you to live a life that will fulfill your purpose, and bring glory to God.

Romans 6:1-2 King James Version (KJV)

6 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Father, we thank You for the enabling power of God. Father, help us to live by faith in God all of the days of our life. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

— 

Link to my new devotional book Amazon Author’s Page. Everything about the book is found there with pictures, and more to come.

How to Have Peace and Victory in the Cave?

A Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton

God Speaks:

Psalm 57 King James Version (KJV)

57 Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.

2 I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.

3 He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.

Listen to God Speak & Obey:

We seldom get to live on earth without having a season of finding ourselves in a cave. In this season we lose our peace and victory.

We are not without hope when we encounter difficult times and discouragement that robs us of our peace, success and our joy.

Psalm 57 David gives us some encouraging words to help us escape the discouragement and the loss that comes when we get stuck in the caves of life. Living in a fallen world is hard, but God is good, and the future is bright for God’s people. God’s people have a merciful Father in heaven who hears and answers the prayers of His people.

Whatever you are going through and whatever your condition or circumstance may be, if you are a child of God, you have the blessed assurance that God cares about you, and He hears and answers the prayers of His people.

Psalm 56:9 King James Version (KJV)

9 When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.

Notice what David did in his time of pressing need:

  • He asked for help (verse 1).
  • He trusted in God (verse 1].
  • He took refuge in arms of God (verse 1).
  • He drew near to God and cried out to Him (verse 2).
  • David expected a miracle from God; trust Him, and you will experience the goodness and faithfulness of God (verse 3).

Psalm 56:13 King James Version (KJV)

13 For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Father, we praise and thank You for Your goodness, faithfulness, and tender mercies.

Father, we thank You for delivering our souls and giving us peace and victory when we find ourselves in the caves that we encounter in this fallen world. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

— 

Link to my new devotional book Amazon Author’s Page. Everything about the book is found there with pictures, and more to come.

How Do You Serve God With A Pure Conscience?

A Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton

God Speaks:

2 Timothy 1:5-7 King James Version (KJV)

5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Listen to God Speak & Obey:

Today I am encouraged by the letter that the Apostle Paul wrote to his son in the faith, Timothy.  Timothy was going through a difficult time serving God’s people, and he was a young man serving many who were his elders.

In this letter, Paul encouraged Timothy to continue with the work that God had called him to do and to use the gifts that God has equipped him with to fulfill his God tailored purpose for his life.

There are three things that Paul admonishes Timothy to remember.

First, Paul urged Timothy to remember the spiritual foundation of faith that he received growing up surrounded by faithful family members. Notice that Paul was able to see that Timothy was a young man who had faith in God.

Second, Paul urged Timothy to stir up the gift of God that is within him. God equips His people with spiritual gifts to carry out the purpose of their life. 

Third, Paul reminded Timothy that God had not given him the spirit of fear; but of power, love and a sound mind.

Finally, what God did for Timothy, He will do for you.

My Soul Sings:

“It is no secret, what God can do.

What He’s done for others, He’ll do for you.

With arms wide open, He’ll pardon you.

It is no secret, what God can do!”

  Stuart Hamblen – Author

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Father, we lift our voices in praise and thanksgiving for who you are, and for what you provide for your people in every generation. Father, we agree with the prayer that the Apostle Paul prayed in his pastoral prayer about the love of God and the power of God that you have deposited in our hearts. 

Ephesians 3:20-21 King James Version (KJV)

20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

— 

Link to my new devotional book Amazon Author’s Page. Everything about the book is found there with pictures, and more to come.
 

Do You Have the Distinguishing Mark of A Christ Follower?

A Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton

God Speaks:

John 13:34-35 King James Version (KJV)

34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Listen to God Speak & Obey:

What do you have and who gave it to you? What does Jesus say?

Notice the words of Jesus in the following passage:

John 10:28-30 King James Version (KJV)

28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.

30 I and my Father are one.

Do you have this gift of life from God? If so, what are you doing with the life God has given you?

Our focal passage, John 13:34-35 gives us the answer to the question, “Do You Have the Distinguishing Mark of A Christ Follower?

Notice what Jesus said, and I restate it here:

John 13:35 King James Version (KJV)

35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Do we love others in the manner that God loves us? If not, why not obey the commandment of God?

James 1:22 King James Version (KJV)

22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Prayer:

Our Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, help to be demonstrations of people who have been loved by You.

1 Corinthians 16:14 New King James Version (NKJV)

14 Let all that you do be done with love.

“Lord, help me live from day to day

In such a self-forgetful way

That even when I kneel to pray

My prayer shall be for others.

Refrain:
Yes, others, Lord, yes, others,
Let this my motto be;
Help me to live for others,
Help me to live for others,
That I may live like Thee,
That I may live like Thee.”

Hymn: “Others” by Charles D. Meigs

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Link to my new devotional book Amazon Author’s Page. Everything about the book is found there with pictures, and more to come.
 

Why Should You Pray?

A Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton

God Speaks:

Psalm 5:1-3 King James Version (KJV)

5 Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation.

2 Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.

3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

Listen to God Speak & Obey:

I don’t believe that we can do anything that will please God more than being in constant communication with him. We need the presence of the Lord in our lives every minute of every day; there is never a time when we can make it alone.

Notice what Jesus said that John records in the Gospel of John.

John 14:12-14 King James Version (KJV)

12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

14 If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.

Do you desire with all of your heart to glorify God?  Then we must stay connected to God through prayer. That is the what Jesus did during his earthly ministry, and we should follow in his steps.

Notice a couple of examples of the prayer life of Jesus.

Matthew 14:23 King James Version (KJV)

23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

Luke 6:12 King James Version (KJV)

12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

If Jesus had to pray, then surely we need to pray. Lord, teach us to pray as you taught your disciples to pray.

Prayer:

Matthew 6:9-13 King James Version (KJV)

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

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Link to my new devotional book Amazon Author’s Page. Everything about the book is found there with pictures, and more to come.