eternallife – herbcotton.org

God Speaks – Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 22:20-21 (NLT)

20 I have written thirty sayings for you, filled with advice and knowledge.

21 In this way, you may know the truth and take an accurate report to those who sent you.

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 49:1-3 (NLT)

1 Listen to this, all you people! Pay attention, everyone in the world!

2 High and low, rich and poor—listen!

3 For my words are wise, and my thoughts are filled with insight.

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Ecclesiastes 1:8 (NLT)

8 Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content.

Ecclesiastes 1:14 (NLT)

14 I observed everything going on under the sun, and really, it is all meaningless—like chasing the wind.

The Gospel Message:

1 Timothy 6:6-8 (NLT)

6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.

7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it.

8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.

Observation:

A game changer is when you begin to realize that life in this world is hard. The sun shines on the good and the bad. The rain falls on the just and the unjust.

If your worldview is that this life is all there is and after death there is nothing; you are indeed facing an unhappy existence now, and no hope for life after death.

Life is hard under the sun. But, for the people of God, we don’t have to live under the sun. We can rise above the troubles of the world because of what Jesus has done for us. The following passage from the Gospel of John has some goodnews for us today.

John 16:33 (NLT)

33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

The real joy in life comes from knowing God and living in His presence every day. God will make you holy like He is holy.

Prayer:

Father, I am so thankful that there is more to life than living under the sun. Father, we look up, and we set our sights on life above the sun. Father, we live in Your presence because in Your presence we can enjoy life in the world, and have the promise of living forever in Your presence.

Father, we embrace the wisdom that Solomon shared of a better life than life under the sun. Father, although with our eyes we can’t see everything, we rest in the knowledge that You see and know everything.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NLT)

11 Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.

—

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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How Big Is Your God?

Text:

John 11:25-27 (NLT)

25 Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.

26 Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?”

27 “Yes, Lord,” she told him. “I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God.”

Observation:

The question today is what do you believe about life and death?

What is the source for your beliefs? Notice what the Bible says in the following passage.

John 20:30-31 (NLT)

30 The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book.

31 But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.

What you believe matters. If you have doubts, read the Gospel of John for yourself. The stakes are too high to get this wrong.

John 3:36 (NLT)

36 And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment.”

Prayer:

Father God, our heart aches for those who have not yet believed in the name of Jesus as the source of eternal life. Father, I pray for a Holy Spirit sent revival to sweep our country, and the world, and turn the hearts of nonbelievers to Jesus.

Father, I pray that believers everywhere will cry out to You, and share the Gospel of Christ everywhere because we are closer than ever to the end of the season of grace. God is patiently waiting for people to come to Jesus and receive eternal life.

2 Peter 3:9 (NLT)

9 The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.

—

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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Who Can Offer You More?

Text:

Romans 8:6-8 (NIV)

6 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;

7 the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.

8 Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.

Observation:

How many of you would like to have life and peace? Is that your desire? It is not an impossible dream.

Do you believe in God? Do you believe what He says is truth? What has God said about life and peace? The Bible says:

John 3:16 (NIV)

16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 14:27 (NIV)

27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Have you received God’s gifts? If you have, then you are the recipient of life and peace.

John 1:12-13 (NIV)

12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God–

13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

A gift is of no use to you unless you open it, and use it. So it is with the gifts of God; you have to receive them. God’s promises have an eternal guarantee. How wonderful!

John 10:28-30 (NIV)

28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.

29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.

30 I and the Father are one.”

Prayer:

Father, Your love and compassion amazes me. Father, I surrender my life to you, and in exchange I accept the forever gift of eternal life that is provided through Jesus; Your Son, and my Savior. In His royal and precious name 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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Who Is the Keeper of Your Soul?

Text:

Psalm 23:1 (HCSB)

1 The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.

Observation:

As I listened to the lyrics of this song early in the morning, the thoughts I share with you today were birthed in my soul.

“He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock,

That shadows a dry, thirsty land;

He hideth my life in the depths of His love,

And covers me there with His hand,

And covers me there with His hand.”

Yes, Jesus is a wonderful Savior. He’s a wonderful Savior to me. This song speaks volumes into my soul, and it thrills my soul. O the security, and the comfort of being hidden in the depths of God’s love.

Are you covered by the hand of God? There is no place I would rather be than in the hand of my God.

“He hideth my life in the depths of His love,

And covers me there with His hand.”

Listen to what the Bible says about the one who wants to be the shepherd of your soul; the keeper of your life now, and for eternity.

The Good Shepherd

John 10:11 (HCSB)

11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

The Great Shepherd

Hebrews 13:20-21 (HCSB)

20 Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus—the great Shepherd of the sheep—with the blood of the everlasting covenant,

21 equip you with all that is good to do His will, working in us what is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ. Glory [belongs] to Him forever and ever. Amen.

The Chief Shepherd

1 Peter 5:4 (HCSB)

4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, I am so thankful, and will be forever grateful for all that You have done for all of Your children.

Father, I rejoice to associate myself with Your people of every age. O, what a day that will be when we all get to heaven. Yes, we will surely sing, and shout the victory in Jesus. In the 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/

How Are You Doing?

Text:

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.”

Observation:

How many times have you been asked the question, “How Are You Doing?”. If you are like me, it is more than you can count.

Today, I received the inspiration to answer that question from my daily bible reading.

It depends on where my mind is focused. Is it focused on my temporary home; this world? Or, is it focused on my eternal home, which is in heaven.

When my focus is on Jesus, and my eternal home, my heart is joyful with delight, and peace. If my focus is on the world; then that’s another story.

The reason for the good state of my heart is Jesus. Since Jesus came into my heart I live by faith, and not by sight.

Now I believe in the Truth; not the thief. I believe in the Light; not in the darkness of this world. Now I believe in Jesus; I belong to Him, and He belongs to me.

John 10:10 (ESV)

10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Prayer:

Father, I am so thankful that this world is not my home. Father, I am so thankful that You are a loving, and good Father, and that Your children are loved by You.

Father, the prayer that Jesus prayed for His children, and Your children speaks into, and encourages my heart today.

John 17:9-11 (ESV)

9 I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours.

10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them.

11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.

—

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/

Are You Fully Alive Now and Forever?

Text:

Romans 8:1-2 (ESV)

1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.

Observation:

Today’s meditation is the last one for this year. I will resume writing in January. In 2017 I will be reading through the One Year Bible, and commenting on a portion each day. More about that in January, but today I have the longing of heaven on my mind.

Romans 8:23-25 (ESV)

23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?

25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Every believer has every reason to have a yearning for heaven. The hope of heaven is real for every child of God. When you received Christ into your life, and the Holy Spirit took up residence in your life, your destination became heaven.

I count my blessings everyday; that I have been set free from the law of sin and death. Are you fully alive in Christ Jesus? If so, you are on your way to heaven to live in God’s home forever. These are not my words, these are the words of Jesus.

John 5:24 (ESV)

24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

This is my prayer for you today; will you also pray it for me.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, I thank You for the privilege of sharing Your Word with the readers, and hearers of these devotionals I have shared in 2016. Father, I say back to You as my prayer for all of Your daughters and sons in Christ.

Romans 15:13 (ESV)

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

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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What Is the Way to Heaven?

Text:

James 4:8 (HCSB)

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

Observation:

Are you a believer in Jesus? Have you received Him into your life? Notice what the Bible says.

John 1:12-13 (HCSB)

12 But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name,

13 who were born, not of blood, or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but of God.

John 3:3 (HCSB)

3 Jesus replied, “I assure you: Unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

This is the Gospel of Christ in a nutshell.

John 3:16-18 (HCSB)

16 “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

17 For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.

18 Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the One and Only Son of God.

I appreciate straightforward talk. What has Jesus said about how to have eternal life? How can you live forever in the presence of God? How do you get from this world to heaven?

John 14:6 (HCSB)

6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

John 5:24 (HCSB)

24 “I assure you: Anyone who hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment but has passed from death to life.

These are the lyrics of a song expressing a loving invitation from the heart of Jesus to your heart; the title “Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling”.

“Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,

Calling for you and for me;

See, on the portals He’s waiting and watching,

Watching for you and for me.

? Refrain:

? Come home, come home,

? You who are weary, come home;

? Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,

? Calling, O sinner, come home!”

Prayer:

Father, I give You the highest praise that my heart can render. Father, Your love is so unconditional, Your grace so amazing, Your forgiveness so far reaching, and Your mercies so tender.

Father, I thank You that the power of the Holy Spirit of God draws people to Jesus, and I pray that He would draw any that have not received Jesus into their life to Jesus before it is to late. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

—

Read the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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The Power of Good Questions

Text:

Luke 18:18 (ESV)

18 And a ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

Observation:

There is something powerful and life changing by asking good questions. The one posed in our text is an example. However, be careful who you ask, and who you listen to. Be sure you ask the Good Teacher.

Here is another good question.

Luke 18:24-26 (ESV)

24 Jesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, “How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!

25 For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”

26 Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?”

Listen to the answer of the Good Teacher.

Luke 18:27-30 (ESV)

27 But he said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”

28 And Peter said, “See, we have left our homes and followed you.”

29 And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God,

30 who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.”

What is separating you from God’s will for your life? Do you know God, and His power? If you know God, what is separating you from His daily presence, and power in your life?

Do you realize that everything you need God is able and willing to supply? Why not come to Him, and ask Him to help you?

Luke 18:27 (ESV)

27 But he said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your most holy and righteous name. Father, we are needy people, and we need Your help to know and do your will, and to live in Your presence forever. Lord, help us is our cry. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

—

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Have You Been Made Free?

Text:

John 8:36 (KJV)

36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Observation:

Did you have a good and godly day yesterday? Our pastor spoke about “The Open Grave”. He said the open grave is a symbol of freedom. Notice what the Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Rome.

Romans 6:17-18 (NLT)

17 Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you.

18 Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living.

Have you been set free from the penalty of sin? Have you been set free from the power of sin?

Romans 6:23 (NLT)

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Yesterday was about what Jesus did for you and for me when He died on the cross that Friday afternoon. Notice what Paul writes here.

Romans 3:22-23 (NLT)

22 We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.

23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.

Here is how to be made free; how to accept the gift of love that God provides for those who believe in Jesus. Here is how to make Resurrection Sunday real and personal in your life.

Romans 10:9-10 (NLT)

9 If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.

Romans 10:13 (NLT)

13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.”

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, thank You for sending Jesus to be our sin bearer, and to do for us what we could not do for ourselves.

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NLT)

21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

Father, I thank You that when Jesus died on the cross that He was not alone. When He died on that old rugged cross at Calvary I died. And, because He was not alone then, I have the blessed assurance that I am never alone because Christ lives in me.

I pray that Christ is alive in the readers, and the hearers of this Word. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

—

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Do You Know the Living Word?

Text:

John 1:1-3 (HCSB)

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 He was with God in the beginning.

3 All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created.

John 1:14 (HCSB)

14 The Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We observed His glory, the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:18 (HCSB)

18 No one has ever seen God. The One and Only Son— the One who is at the Father’s side— He has revealed Him.

Observation:

One of the books of the Bible that I recommend that every believer reads early in their Christian walk is the Gospel of John. In fact, I recommend this book to the non-believer also. This is why I make that recommendation.

John 20:31 (HCSB)

31 But these are written so that you may believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and by believing you may have life in His name.

We need knowledge, and we can obtain that by reading the Word of God. However, more than knowledge, we need to know the Lord, and believe in Him.

Notice what else John said:

John 11:25-26 (ESV)

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,

26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

John 3:36 (ESV)

36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, I thank You for the hope that we have because You provided, in Jesus, the way for those who believe in Jesus to live in Your presence forever.

Father, I am so grateful that we are still living in the season of grace, and there is still time for needy souls to believe in Jesus, and receive eternal life. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

1 John 5:12 (ESV)

12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

—

Read the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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