drawnear2god – herbcotton.org

How Can We Live In Peace In A Troubled World?

Text:

Psalm 15:1 (ESV)

1 O LORD, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill?

Observation:

I don’t think the answer to this question is complicated. It begins with having a right relationship with God, and having a right relationship with people.

David answers the question he asked of the Lord in the first verse of the Psalm, which is our focal verse for today. Here is what he said in today’s english.

Psalm 15:2 (NLT)

2 Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts.

I invite you to prayerfully consider the following things in your life, and see how you are doing. By so doing you may discover the secret of living in peace in a fallen, and troubled world.

Examine your walk.
Examine your works.
Examine your words.

This word from David, inspired by God, and illuminated by the Holy Spirit, speaks into my heart, and creates in me a desire to make it my aim, and prayer.

Psalm 16:1-2 (NLT)

1 Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge.

2 I said to the LORD, “You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you.”

Prayer:

Father, we come into Your presence today with gratitude in our hearts, and the attitude that we can say, “Every good thing I have comes from you”.

Father, help us to align our walk, works, and words with Your purpose and plan for our lives. Father, may our lives be more about You, and less about me. In the might name of Jesus we 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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Do You Love the Lord?

Text:

Psalm 116:1-4 (ESV)
1 I love the LORD, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy.

2 Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.

3 The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish.
4 Then I called on the name of the LORD: “O LORD, I pray, deliver my soul!”

Observation:

In this Psalm the Psalmist expresses the faith and the confidence that every child of God can identify with who has put their trust in the Lord. In this Psalm he indicates that he could not trust in himself, and that he could not trust in others.

Psalm 116:3 (ESV)
3 The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish.

Psalm 116:11 (ESV)
11 I said in my alarm, “All mankind are liars.”

Have you ever felt like the Psalmist in his view about himself and others? Yes, life is hard down here. However, in the midst of all that the Psalmist experienced in his life, he never lost hope because he trusted in the Lord. He found hope and help by trusting in God, and calling upon the Lord in prayer.

It is comforting to the heart and uplifting to the soul to know that there is a God in heaven who hears and answers prayer. I join the Psalmist, and agree that the Lord is faithful.

Psalm 116:1 (ESV)
1 I love the LORD, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy.

In view of the Lord’s faithfulness and His unconditional love, I will remember to call upon His name in prayer, and take everything to the Lord in prayer. I am so glad that I serve a God in whom I can trust.

Psalm 116:2 (ESV)
2 Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.

Prayers don’t have to be long to be effective; this is the prayer of the psalmist.

Psalm 116:4 (ESV)
4 Then I called on the name of the LORD: “O LORD, I pray, deliver my soul!”

Prayer:

Father, I exalt Your name, and delight to give praise to You and for You because You are God all by yourself. Father, there is none like You.

Father, we are blessed to enter Your throne room, and have an audience with our maker and redeemer.

Father, I have experienced Your love, forgiveness, grace, and mercy. Father, I have had more instances than I can count of receiving answers to prayers for others, and myself. With a grateful heart I say, thank You Lord for all of our blessings. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

—

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What Is God Saying To You?

Text:

Psalm 27:14 (HCSB)

14 Wait for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait for the LORD.

Observation:

Do you realize that God is always speaking? If we are listening, God speaks into our hearts when we draw near to Him.

Romans 10:17 (ESV)

17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:3-4 (ESV)

3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.

4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Here are two of the primary ways that God speaks to His people:

God speaks through His Word.

2 Timothy 3:16 (NLT)

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

God speaks through other believers.

James 3:17 (HCSB)

17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy.

The Holy Spirit is our teacher, and helper in understanding God’s Word.

1 Corinthians 2:12-13 (HCSB)

12 Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who ?comes? from God, so that we may understand what has been freely given to us by God.

13 We also speak these things, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual things to spiritual people.

Are you listening to God speak? This song by Charles Miles is speaking into my heart.

“I come to the garden alone,

While the dew is still on the roses,

And the voice I hear falling on my ear

The Son of God discloses.”

Prayer:

Father God, we honor Your name. You are Elohim; the God of power and might. You are Adonai; you are LORD of all, and over all. Father, we give praise, and thanksgiving to Your most holy and righteous name.

Father, I ask that You would give Your people open ears, and tender hearts so that we may hear You speaking into our hearts in the various ways that You speak to Your people. Father, may we be quick to hear, and obey. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

What Is Stealing Your Peace?

Text:

John 17:25-26 (HCSB)

25 Righteous Father! The world has not known You. However, I have known You, and these have known that You sent Me.

26 I made Your name known to them and will make it known, so the love You have loved Me with may be in them and I may be in them.

Observation:

The topic of today’s devotional brings to mind another question that is useful before considering the question posed by today’s title.

Do I have the peace of God living in me? This is a peace that God gives His people, and no one can take His peace from you.

Consider some of the things that cannot rob you of the peace of God:

pain
persecution
sickness
slander
hatred
lies

All of these things and more were faced by the servants of God. Additionally, they were faced by Jesus, and His disciples. Today, you may be facing one or more of these peace robbers.

Our focal passage is a portion of the prayer that Jesus prayed for His people, and that prayer includes you. I am so grateful that Jesus is praying for you and me.

John 17:20 (HCSB)

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

The peace of God is a gift from God with Your name written on it. Believe Him, and receive your blessing.

John 14:1 (HCSB)

1 “Your heart must not be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me.

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:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, thank You for loving us with the same love that You loved Jesus.

Father, I thank You for pouring out Your love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit that You have given to us (Romans 5:5).

Father, I thank You that the Son that You so loved is also alive in our hearts.

Father, draw us nearer to You, and I pray that we would always remember the precious gifts that You have given us in Christ Jesus our Lord. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

—

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Do You Desire to Have the Peace of God in Your Life?

Text:

Philippians 4:7-9 (HCSB)

7 And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things.

9 Do what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

Observation:

I realize that some people don’t have any interest in God. There are some who believe there is no God. However, I associate myself with those who believe in God. This God loves and cares for people like you and me.

One of the things that this good God gives to His people is the peace of God. Notice what Paul says about this peace, “The peace of God … will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus”.

Isaiah 26:3 (HCSB)

3 You will keep the mind ?that is? dependent ?on You? in perfect peace, for it is trusting in You.

Paul writes to the church at Corinth this encouragement concerning what we can do to cooperate with God’s work in our hearts and minds.

2 Corinthians 10:5 (HCSB)

5 and every high-minded thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, taking every thought captive to obey Christ.

How are you doing, with the aid and assistance of the Holy Spirit, in taking every thought captive to obey Christ?

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, I am so thankful for the office work of the Holy Spirit of God in helping us to win the battle against the forces that would rob us of our joy and peace. Father, I pray that the God of peace will be in each of us. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

—

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Have You Tried This Novel Way of Handling Your Weaknesses?

Text:

Psalm 84:4-5 (ESV)

4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! Selah

5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.

Observation:

Where is your heart? If we want to know where our hearts are we need to look at the contents of our heart. What are we feeding our heart by what is on our mind, and our thought life? O, how we need to guard our hearts.

Proverbs 4:23 (ESV)

23 Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

What is the source that you rely upon for knowing and doing the will of God? Are there times in your life that you feel you are incapable of doing the things you know to do, but you just don’t have the strength to do them? Have you thought about abandoning the notion of doing God’s will in your strength, and relying upon God’s strength?

Notice what this portion of our focal passage says, “Blessed are those whose strength is in you”.

The way to have the strength of the Lord, which is the only way we can overcome our weaknesses, is to draw near to God.

James 4:8-9 (ESV)

8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.

Its past the time to get serious about our sins; it’s no laughing matter. Its time to turn our laughter to mourning, and our joy in the things of the world to gloom.

Some people say they can’t believe in a God they cannot see. Well, listen to the testimony of this child of God that was blind from her childhood. It’s not the eyes in your head, but the eyes of your heart, and by faith that you are able to see God. Be blessed by the lyrics of Draw Me Nearer by Fanny Crosby.

“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.

Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,

To the cross where Thou hast died;

Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,

To Thy precious, bleeding side.”

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, I cry out to You to stir our hearts until we are willing to draw near to Your precious side, and receive Your almighty power to enable us to fulfill our purpose for being alive. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

—

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Where Are You in Your Relationship with God?

Text:

Isaiah 55:1-3 (ESV)

1 “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

2 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.

3 Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David.

James 4:8 (ESV)

8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Observation:

When people are having problems in their life it should be a bright light that you need to examine your relationship with the Lord. A friend’s comment yesterday prompted me to think about this topic. This is my attempt to ask some thoughtful questions for us to consider:

Do you know the Lord?
Does He know me as His blood purchased daughter or son?
Am I as close to God as I use to be?
When is the last time I had a conversation with Him where I told Him how much I love Him?
How often do I read the Bible?
How often do I pray?
How regularly do I gather with the Household of Faith to worship the Lord?

This is not an exhaustive list of questions, but a few that are designed to draw us closer to God.

When we are close to the Lord we may have downcast days, but we will not be defeated. It is because we have an anchor; it is built on the solid rock of Jesus Christ, and not on sinking sand.

Deuteronomy 33:27 (NLT)

27 The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you. He drives out the enemy before you; he cries out, ‘Destroy them!’

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Thy most holy and righteous name. Father, I plead mercy and grace for those who have drifted from You, and for those who have never known You.

Father, I cry our for the Holy Spirit of God to open their eyes to their need that only You can fill. Father, have mercy on all of us, and I make this my supplication in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

God Wants to Spend Time Alone With You

Text:

Ephesians 5:8-10 (HCSB)

8 For you were once darkness, but now {you are} light in the Lord. Walk as children of light—

9 for the fruit of the light {results} in all goodness, righteousness, and truth—

10 discerning what is pleasing to the Lord.

Observation:

I just finished reading a note I wrote on February 12, 2015, it was one week after I adopted my one word goal for this year. My one word is: BE.

I entitled the note, “How to Uncover God’s Word”. I said that I wanted to be focused on God for the next seven days (February 12-18).

I said to the Lord, “I desire to walk in the light. I will ask myself each day these three (3) things:

Is it good?
Is it right?
Is it true?

As I read my bible daily I will have these four (4) things on my heart:

Ask
Read
Reflect
Respond

Matthew 7:7-8 (ESV)

7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

I am so thankful that as I look back over the last six months I can see God’s hand all over not just the seven days, but the weeks and the months since I wrote that note in February. God is faithful, why not ask Him to do something new in your life that would glorify Him, and be a blessing to others.

Prayer:

Father, I am so grateful that You caused me to uncover the notes that I took on the morning of February 12.

Father, I am so thankful that I serve a God who delights to spend time with His people. The world may not have time for you, but God always has time for His people

Father, I pray that anyone who reads or listen to this message will open their hearts and their hands to receive the love and the blessings that You want to give to them if they respond to your invitation, “Come to Me”. Why not let Jesus do for you what no other power can do? Lord, hear the cry of all who call upon You. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

James 4:8 (NLT)

8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.

—

Read the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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