Tag: faithingod

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.

Why Should We Wait on the Lord?

A Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton

God Speaks:

Isaiah 40:31 King James Version (KJV)

31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

King James Version (KJV)

Public Domain

Listen to God Speak & Obey:

Have you ever prayed and got weary in waiting on God to answer your prayer? If so, let me encourage you by saying you are not alone in feeling or thinking in this way.  Let me welcome you as a member of the human race.

2 Corinthians 12:6-9 King James Version (KJV)

6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.

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.

God Has Something to Say to You:

I don’t know what God has to say to you, but I have shared with you in the above passage what God said to the Apostle Paul.

Now, I will share with you some of the things God said to me today.

The storm comes before the glory.

The promise comes before the blessing.

The blessing comes to those who believe.

The glory belongs to God alone.

The price precedes the provision.

In my weakness, God provides His strength.

There is nothing too difficult for God.

God uses my problems as raw material for a miracle of sufficient grace for all my needs.

Philippians 4:19 King James Version (KJV)

19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:13 King James Version (KJV)

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Father, we exalt You together as we look up to You in prayer. We give You thanks for who You are, and for how much You love us; even when we were unlovely.

Father, today we ask You to teach us to pray and to wait on You. 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.

Why Do We need to Focus on the Truth?

A Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton

God Speaks:

Psalm 119:129-136 King James Version (KJV)

129 Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.

130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

131 I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.

132 Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.

133 Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

134 Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.

135 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.

136 Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.

My Opening Prayer:

Father, open my heart so that I might see the truth, and open the hearts of your people who are seeking a word from you. Father, may all who pray, ask you to sanctify them by the power of Your Word. Father, we need mercy in this world so that we will not have to face the wrath of God when the time of mercy has expired at the first death.

Father, please save the lost from the penalty of sin, and keep the redeemed from the power of sin, and we look forward to the day when Jesus will deliver us from the presence of sin. Father, may we work while it is the day because night is coming when no man can work. In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

Listen to God Speak & Obey:

Allow me to ask you a penetrating question about what I heard and received in last weekend sermons at my church. I got a double barrel of truth; Saturday night and Sunday morning. 

I heard the truth that confession purges your heart of the shame that appears when the light of the Word of God shines into the dark places of your mind, heart; this darkness affects your total body; from the crown of your head to the soles of your feet.

My family and friends, we are all imperfect people. We all miss the mark of our creator, and He gets the final word. The Bible says:

Romans 6:22-23 New Living Translation (NLT)

22 But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

It’s time for each one of us to have a real talk with God. The next step is to talk with three to five closest friends of the same sex in our circle of influence. Notice what the Bible says:

Galatians 5:16 King James Version (KJV)

16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

Prayer:

Father, I pray that men and women who are within reach of this message will surrender their hearts to You, and will surrender their shame in exchange for the deliverance of our mind, soul, and body from the darkness of death, and move into the light of the presence of God now and for eternity. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray, 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.
 

How Do You Determine the Truth?

A Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton

God Speaks:

John 14:6 King James Version (KJV)

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

King James Version (KJV)

Public Domain

Listen to God Speak & Obey:

What is your go-to source for the truth? What do you believe? Who do you believe? These are three questions we need to examine if we want to know the truth or subscribe to the lies, and to know the difference.

John 17:17 King James Version (KJV)

17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

The God of the Bible has something more to say to us about the source of truth. However, it begins and ends with our focal verse for today; John 14:6. Jesus is the truth.

Numbers 23:19 King James Version (KJV)

19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

John 8:32 King James Version (KJV)

32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Romans 3:4 King James Version (KJV)

4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

As for me, here is what I believe: “God said it, and that settles it; whether anybody else believes it or not.”

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Father, I exalt Your name above every name on earth and in heaven.

Father, speak to hearts that are open to knowing and doing the will of God and walking in the footprints of Jesus. We offer up to You our prayers in the name of Jesus, 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 Know How to Live A Worry Free Life in A Troubled World?

Today’s Bowl of Encouragement byHerb Cotton 

Somebody is Praying for You Today

Bible Text for Today’s Meditation and Application:

Psalm 23:4 King James Version (KJV)

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

My Reflections on the Word of God Today:

The Bible instructs God’s people that we should not give space to worry in our life. We were not made to bear the burdens of the world on our shoulders. Instead, the Bible encourages us to pray about everything and to trust in God for all of our needs.

Philippians 4:6-7 J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)

6-7 Don’t worry over anything whatever; tell God every detail of your needs in earnest and thankful prayer, and the peace of God which transcends human understanding, will keep constant guard over your hearts and minds as they rest in Christ Jesus.

Why not take all of the worries that are on your mind, write them down on a piece of scrap paper, and bring them to some safe spot and burn them until they are ashes. Leave your worries figuratively speaking in the ash heap, and in exchange receive the peace that comes from abiding in Christ.

John 15:7 King James Version (KJV)

7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you

John 14:27 King James Version (KJV)

27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Oh, my friends, you who are Christ followers, draw near to God, and leave your worries in the hands of your Redeemer; Jesus the Messiah of God.

Prayer Offered to Our Father in Heaven:

Our Father in heaven, we are so thankful for the privilege we have to come into your presence and to live every day and all the day long in Your presence.

Father, by faith, we put our worries in Your hands, and in exchange, we receive Your peace in our heart. We are so grateful for the blessing of being able to live worry free with trouble all around us in this world. We receive your instructions to be of good cheer because You are in charge. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

John 16:33 King James Version (KJV)

33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

—

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

Who Has Your Eyes and Ears?

Today’s Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton 

Bible Text for Today’s Meditation and Application:

2 Chronicles 16:9 King James Version (KJV)

9 For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

My Reflections on the Word of God Today:

Do you wonder why you are having so many unresolved problems in your life? It seems like the devil is after you all the time. What are the issues in your life that are presenting themselves as a mission impossible?

What may be impossible in your eyes are possible with God because nothing is too complicated for the Lord.

Have you not heard the invitation of Jesus to give your problems to Him?

Matthew 11:28-30 King James Version (KJV)

28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Are you willing to surrender the heavy load that you are carrying and receive the yoke that Jesus wants to exchange for your heavy yoke not intended for you? The devil is a liar and thief; reject him, and believe that Jesus is the way and the truth.

1 Peter 5:6-7 King James Version (KJV)

6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

How can I overcome the troubles I have faced all of my life?

Turn from your old ways, and turn to Jesus. Give Him all of you, and He will give you all of Him. Nothing less will do what Jesus wants to do for you. It’s only one step to your deliverance. Why not take it today? 

Hebrews 11:6 King James Version (KJV)

6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Prayer Offered to Our Father in Heaven:

Father, I pray and ask others to join with me in praying that burdens are being lifted right now all across the length and breadth of the earth as people release the heavy yokes on their backs and replace them with yokes that Jesus offers that are easy and burdens that are light.

Lord Jesus, we thank You for lifting our burdens on the cross at Calvary. Now, we can say with joy in our hearts, “I am a child of God.”

And a host of God’s children all over the world, united and together we say, thank God, 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 Long Will My Troubles Last?

Today’s Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton 

Bible Text for Today’s Meditation and Application:

Romans 8:18 King James Version (KJV)

18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

King James Version (KJV)

Public Domain

My Reflections on the Word of God Today:

All of us at one time or another will encounter trouble by living in the earth. That’s the way life is in the present world. God made us out of dirt, and we return to dust. But, God; O how I love the sweet sounds of those two words. Those words give the people of God hope for a bright future.

Let’s examine some of the promises of the God of the Word that is in the Word of God;

The Bible says:

1 Peter 5:10 King James Version (KJV)

10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

2 Corinthians 12:9 King James Version (KJV)

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.

John 14:1 King James Version (KJV)

14 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

My dear friends of God and Christ followers, I urge you to never give up on putting your whole life in the hands of the LORD. Our Father in heaven will never let His children down.

Proverbs 3:5-7 King James Version (KJV)

5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.

Prayer Offered to Our Father in Heaven:

Our Father in heaven, we as Your people declare and decree that we will surrender all of life to You in exchange for all of You. Father, we have seen in recent testimony by Your children that You have been Jehovah Jireh in their lives at a time of overwhelming need.

Father, we believe that You don’t have favorites and that what You have done for others, You will do for us. Father, we believe You, and can’t live without You. So, we cry for Your children, Lord, help us we pray, in the name of Jesus, and with a grateful heart, we lean hard on Thee. Let the church say, Amen.

Isaiah 41:10 King James Version (KJV)

10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Today Somebody Prayed for You

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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.
 

God Speaks – Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 27:17 (NLT)

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 112:1 (NLT)

Praise the LORD! How joyful are those who fear the LORD and delight in obeying his commands.

Psalm 112:7-8 (NLT)

They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them.

They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly.

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Ezekiel 30:6 (NLT)

“For this is what the LORD says: All of Egypt’s allies will fall, and the pride of her power will end. From Migdol to Aswan they will be slaughtered by the sword, says the Sovereign LORD.

The Gospel Message:

Hebrews 11:1 (NLT)

Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.

Observation:

Today I want to meditate on faith. Everybody needs faith if we desire to know God and be known by Him as one of His children.

Hebrews 11:6 (NLT)

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

I invite you to think of three reasons why we need faith.

  1. We need faith to worship God.

Hebrews 11:4 (NLT)

It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith.

  1. We need faith to do God’s work.

Hebrews 11:7 (NLT)

It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that had never happened before. By his faith Noah condemned the rest of the world, and he received the righteousness that comes by faith.

  1. We need faith to walk with God.

Hebrews 11:8-9 (NLT)

It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going.

And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith—for he was like a foreigner, living in tents. And so did Isaac and Jacob, who inherited the same promise.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, we know that we need faith that You have already given it to us. Father, give us the willingness and the confidence to put our faith in 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:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Listen to all of the Daily Devotionals by Herb Cotton; click here:

https://soundcloud.com/praying-for-you-ministry

God Speaks – Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 25:28 (NLT)

A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 89:46-48 (NLT)

O LORD, how long will this go on? Will you hide yourself forever? How long will your anger burn like fire?

Remember how short my life is, how empty and futile this human existence!

No one can live forever; all will die. No one can escape the power of the grave.

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Psalm 37:37-40 (NLT)

Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace.

But the rebellious will be destroyed; they have no future.

The LORD rescues the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble.

The LORD helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him.

The Gospel Message:

1 Timothy 6:2-5 (NLT)

If the masters are believers, that is no excuse for being disrespectful. Those slaves should work all the harder because their efforts are helping other believers who are well loved. Teach these things, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them.

Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life.

Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions.

These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy.

Observation:

Now and then we need to take a long pause and examine our hearts to see how close we are to becoming more holy as God is holy. The Apostle Paul is giving guidance in this passage of what the attitude of Christ-followers should look like in our daily walk.

Whose example are you following when you argue with and condemn others about the Bible? Do you think that through your arguments that you can fix people or change lives?

This admonition is intended for self-examination and not for condemnation. It’s about having the mind of Christ, and the attitude of a heart that has faith in God. I’m so glad that changing lives is above my pay grade, and that God has reserved this work for Himself.

Prayer:

Father God, we are so thankful for the privilege of being called children of God. Father, we are grateful that you provide for all of needs through Christ Jesus who lives in us and has promised that He would never leave us or forsake us. Father, help to not act like a practical atheist in our attitudes and in our obedience to your will and to your way.

—

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/

Listen to all of the Daily Devotionals by Herb Cotton; click here:

https://soundcloud.com/praying-for-you-ministry

God Speaks – Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

My child, if your heart is wise, my own heart will rejoice!

Everything in me will celebrate when you speak what is right. Proverbs 23:15-16 (NLT)

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

But you have raised a banner for those who fear you— a rallying point in the face of attack. Interlude

Now rescue your beloved people. Answer and save us by your power. Psalm 60:4-5 (NLT)

The Hope of the Old Testament:

I will give him the key to the house of David—the highest position in the royal court. When he opens doors, no one will be able to close them; when he closes doors, no one will be able to open them. Isaiah 22:22 (NLT)

The Gospel Message:

Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.” Galatians 2:16 (NLT)

Observation:

I am so thankful that when God speaks, He is consistent. In the Psalms of the Old Testament, He says, “He rescues and saves us by His power.”

In the New Testament, God says, in His holy and divine word, “We are made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law.”

Is there anybody anywhere who feels like giving praise and thanksgiving and thanks-living to the Lord?

Prayer:

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.

Has the LORD redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies. Psalm 107:1-2 (NLT)

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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/

Listen to all of the Daily Devotionals by Herb Cotton; click here:

https://soundcloud.com/praying-for-you-ministry