#GodCares4You – herbcotton.org

God Speaks – Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 26:28 (NLT)

A lying tongue hates its victims, and flattering words cause ruin.

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 105:1-3 (NLT)

Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.

Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.

Exult in his holy name; rejoice, you who worship the LORD.

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Psalm 105:4 (NLT)

Search for the LORD and for his strength; continually seek him.

The Gospel Message:

Hebrews 5:13-14 (NLT)

For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right.

Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.

Observation:

God’s people are expected to grow spiritually; we are to become mature in the ways of God. Notice what the writer of Hebrews wrote to the first-century believers.

Hebrews 5:12 (NLT)

You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food.

The maturity of believers is of first importance. The writer mentions it again with this encouragement to become mature in the faith.

Hebrews 6:1 (NLT)

So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God.

Prayer:

Father God, I pray that You would create within us a burning desire to grow, and a hunger and thirst to know more of the will and the ways of God by studying the scriptures. Father, I ask that You would guide us to be hearers and doers of the Word of God.

—

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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God Speaks – Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 25:23 (NLT)

As surely as a north wind brings rain, so a gossiping tongue causes anger!

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 81:1 (NLT)

Sing praises to God, our strength. Sing to the God of Jacob.

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Jeremiah 16:19 (NLT)

LORD, you are my strength and fortress, my refuge in the day of trouble! Nations from around the world will come to you and say, “Our ancestors left us a foolish heritage, for they worshiped worthless idols.

The Gospel Message:

1 Thessalonians 4:1 (NLT)

Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more.

Observation:

The Apostle sums it up well when he said these final words to the church at Thessalonica, “We urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God.” Are you living that way?

The testimony of Jeremiah in today’s Old Testament scripture is an encouragement to my heart, and I pray it will be to your heart. So, are the words of Billy Graham.

“There is no greater joy than the peace and assurance of knowing that, whatever the future may hold, you are secure in the loving arms of the Savior.”

Billy Graham

Key Word Commentary: Thoughts on Every Chapter of the Bible.

Prayer:

Father God, we are so grateful that we, the people of God, can have peace because we know that we are secure in the loving arms of our Savior.

—

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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God Speaks – Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 24:27 (NLT)

Do your planning and prepare your fields before building your house.

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 78:34-37 (KJV)

When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and enquired early after God.

And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer.

Nevertheless, they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues.

For their heart was not right with him, neither were they steadfast in his covenant.

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Jeremiah 8:8-9 (NLT)

“‘How can you say, “We are wise because we have the word of the LORD,” when your teachers have twisted it by writing lies?

These wise teachers will fall into the trap of their own foolishness, for they have rejected the word of the LORD. Are they so wise after all?

The Gospel Message:

Colossians 3:1-4 (NLT)

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.

Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.

For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.

And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

Observation:

O, how great and glorious is the love of God for His people. The love of God is undiminished by our failure to love Him.

Psalm 78:52 (NLT)

But he led his own people like a flock of sheep, guiding them safely through the wilderness.

Psalm 78:54 (NLT)

He brought them to the border of his holy land, to this land of hills he had won for them.

Has the Lord been a good leader for you? Do you remember where He has brought you from? Have you tasted the goodness of the Lord in your life?

Psalm 34:1-3 (NLT)

I will praise the LORD at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.

I will boast only in the LORD; let all who are helpless take heart.

Come, let us tell of the LORD’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.

All who are willing, let’s go to God in prayer for others. If you have been blessed, why not pray for the opportunity to be a blessing to someone today by being an answer to their prayers.

Psalm 34:4 (NLT)

I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.

Prayer:

Father God, we just want to take the time right now to exalt and praise You for who you are. Lord, there is no one like you. Father, we are so grateful that you have led us, and brought us to the place where we are today. Father, we ask that You would stir our hearts to be loving, kind, and gracious to someone today. Father, we pray that they may see Jesus in us, and give you praise and thanksgiving.

—

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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God Speaks – Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 22:24-25 (NLT)

24 Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people,

25 or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 51:1-2 (NLT)

1 Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins.

2 Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin.

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Song of Songs 5:8 (NLT)

8 Make this promise, O women of Jerusalem— If you find my lover, tell him I am weak with love.

The Gospel Message:

2 Corinthians 9:6 (NLT)

6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.

Observation:

What type of giver are you? The Apostle Paul describes two in the letter to the church at Corinth. One gives sparingly and the second gives generously.

If you want to enjoy the spiritual blessings that come from giving, you must give gladly, and not of necessity.

I have found it to be true that you really can’t beat God giving, no matter how much you give. Notice what the Bible says about the blessings of those who give gladly and generously.

2 Corinthians 9:8 (NLT)

8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

Prayer:

Father, our hearts are so thankful for the inexpressible gifts of love that we have we received from You.

Father, we ask that You would condition our hearts to give gladly and generously to others in the manner that You have given to us.

2 Corinthians 9:15 (ESV)

15 Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

—

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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God Speaks – Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 22:6 (NLT)

6 Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 40:11-12 (NLT)

11 LORD, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me. Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me.

12 For troubles surround me— too many to count! My sins pile up so high I can’t see my way out. They outnumber the hairs on my head. I have lost all courage.

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Job 21:2-3 (NLT)

2 “Listen closely to what I am saying. That’s one consolation you can give me.

3 Bear with me, and let me speak. After I have spoken, you may resume mocking me.

The Gospel Message:

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NLT)

3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.

4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

Observation:

There is so much in these passages of scriptures to chew on this morning.

But God, when we can invoke the name of our heavenly Father, there is always hope, and help is just a prayer away.

Do you have something to thank God for today? Do you have a prayer to pray to our heavenly Father? He is patiently waiting to hear from His beloved children.The lines to God are never busy, and they are toll-free.

Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)

3 ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’

Prayer:

Psalm 40:13 (NLT)

13 Please, LORD, rescue me! Come quickly, LORD, and help me.

—

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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Are You Assured of God’s Love?

Text:

Romans 8:28 (AMP)

28 We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.

Observation:

I was reintroduced to a devotional book that was given to me by a family member several years ago. I have been reading it at the breakfast table for about three months.

The first sentence I read recently said, “I am taking care of you”. There is no greater affirmation than these words of the Lord to His people.

There is nothing more comforting to the people of God than to read and receive the blessing of being God’s beloved.

In this world we will face many obstacles and oppressions, but we have the confidence in knowing that God loves us, and cares for us. Sometimes the difficulties of living in a fallen world causes us to have pain, and endure times of suffering. But God, is always near, and always working for His glory, which is always for our good; for those who love Him.

No matter what you may be going through always remember that you are never alone. Draw near to God, and call upon His name to help you. He will lead you safely through it all.

1 Peter 5:6-7 (ESV)

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,

7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, help us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus all of the days of our journey in this world.

Father, help us to never forget that every child of God has two citizenships; we are citizens of this world, but we are also citizens of heaven.

Philippians 3:20-21 (ESV)

20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Father, your presence brings heaven to earth when we draw near to You, and stay close to You. We are so grateful for your promise that we are never alone. In the mighty name of Jesus we count our blessings, and give You praise and thanksgiving. 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 Your Response to Chaos?

Text:

Isaiah 26:8-9 (ESV)

8 In the path of your judgments, O LORD, we wait for you; your name and remembrance are the desire of our soul.

9 My soul yearns for you in the night; my spirit within me earnestly seeks you. For when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.

Observation:

Have you experienced an unusual amount of chaos recently? The Bible tells us that there would be days, and seasons similar to what you are experiencing.

2 Timothy 3:1 (AMP)

1 BUT UNDERSTAND this, that in the last days will come (set in) perilous times of great stress and trouble [hard to deal with and hard to bear].

What should be the response of believers in times like these? I find in the reading of our text, and life experiences some guidance. It involves taking the upward look.

In verse eight of our text Isaiah says, “Your name and remembrance are the desire of our soul”.

In verse nine Isaiah says, “My soul yearns for you in the night; my spirit within me earnestly seeks you”.

The Lord’s heart and hands are not far from His people. He longs to have His people draw near to Him.

1 Peter 3:12 (ESV)

12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

There is nothing that comforts the soul during times of great stress, and trouble than singing praise to God. One of the songs I love to sing is this one by Valerie Boyd.

“My soul loves Jesus,

my soul loves Jesus,

my soul loves Jesus;

Bless His name.

He’s a wonder in my soul,

He’s a wonder in my soul;

Bless His name.”

Prayer:

Father, I unite my voice with the Psalmist, and all of Your people who agree, in lifting up my voice in praise and adoration of Your most holy, and righteous name.

Father, if Your people ever needed the nearness of Your presence, the time is now. Father, you are the desire of our soul; Lord, we seek Your face, and long for Your tender heart, and strong hands to give us Your peace in exchange for the stress and chaos we are facing. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

How is Everything?

Text:

Psalm 46:1 (HCSB)

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

Observation:

Today I am back in the Psalm, and today our focal verse is speaking into my heart. It fits so well for what I am going through in this season of my life, and in the lives of my loved ones.

Just yesterday I was asked this question, “How is everything?” I was prepared to answer that question because I had just read Psalm 46:1, and I had a devotional I wrote a few days ago lingering in my heart. There is nothing like hiding the word of God in your heart. It enables God’s thoughts to become your thoughts, and His desires to become your desires.

So the thoughtful answer I gave to that question was this, “Everything is perfect because I put everything in the hands of God, and God is perfect in all His ways”.

I can’t get out of my head the words of this hymn; it was one of my late wife’s favorite songs.

“O what peace we often forfeit,

O what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry

Everything to God in prayer.”

The thing that will keep us from praying is pride; don’t let pride be the obstacle of you having a fervent and daring prayer life.

1 Corinthians 10:12 (ESV)

12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.

Instead of being to proud to pray try taking the stairway downward, and humble yourself before God.

1 Peter 5:6-7 (ESV)

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,

7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Prayer:

Father God, hallowed be Your name. Father, I ask You to stir our hearts by the Holy Spirit who lives in the hearts of Your people, mold us until we are willing to be devoted to prayer.

Father, tune our hearts until our thoughts become more like Your thoughts, and our desires become more like Your desires. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

—

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How Much Does God Care About You?

Text:

Psalm 23:1-6 (ESV)
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.

3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Observation:

Yesterday I was looking for a song in Google Search, and I came across a devotional I wrote on this text two years ago. It fit in so well with the topic I wrote about yesterday so I decided to use it today.

Yesterday I wrote about suffering. Isn’t it wonderful to know that the Lord watches over His children; that He is with them all of the days of our life. God knows what we are going through, and He cares.

There is never a time that the Lord is not present; He is always leading His people wherever we go; in whatever circumstance we may be going through.

The Lord is a mighty good shepherd; in fact, He is a great shepherd. He will lead you, care for you, restore you, and walk daily with you; in life and in death. Even your enemies cannot harm you when the Lord is for you.

Do you know Him? Is the Lord your leader; your company keeper; is He your protector and provider? God is all right; He’s amazing.

What about you? Are you a Christ follower; are you a child of God? If so, this is His gift to you; don’t leave it unopened. Is there room in your heart for the Savior and Shepherd? If you are His, this is His promise to you.

Psalm 23:6 (ESV)
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I praise and thank You for being a God who loves and cares for Your children.

Father God, I am so glad that You belong to me, and that I belong to You. Lord, I am grateful that Jesus is my Savior and my Shepherd. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

—

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The Lord Is A Great Shepherd

Text:

Psalm 23:1-4 (HCSB)

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

2 He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.

3 He renews my life; He leads me along the right paths for His name’s sake.

4 Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff—they comfort me.

Observation:

I recently found a track while going through a downsizing project in my home. The topic was Psalm 23. This Psalm has brought comfort to the saints of the ages. There is nothing that drives out fear like the knowledge that the Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.

This verse from the song by Bill Gaither, “The Longer I Serve Him” reminds us of the love and care of God for His children.

“Ev’ry need He is supplying,

Plenteous grace He bestows;

Ev’ry day my way gets brighter,

The longer I serve Him,

The sweeter He grows.”

One of the leap off the pages, and into my heart moments for me came when I read this portion, “He renews my life”, in verse 3.

Allow these words from the Psalm and Proverb to encourage you; then show your appreciation by using it as a moment to offer thanksgiving to the Lord for being such a Great Shepherd.

Psalm 19:7 (HCSB)

7 The instruction of the LORD is perfect, renewing one’s life; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise.

Proverbs 9:10 (HCSB)

10 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Proverbs 1:7 (HCSB)

7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Thy name; the name that is above every name; there is no god like You.

Father, from the depths of our heart, we offer with our lips and pen a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to You; the Great Shepherd of the sheep.

Psalm 100:1-3 (HCSB)

1 Shout triumphantly to the LORD, all the earth.

2 Serve the LORD with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.

3 Acknowledge that Yahweh is God. He made us, and we are His — His people, the sheep of His pasture.

Father, accept our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving; we offer it up to you in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

—

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