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Where Do You Turn During the Hard Times of Your Life?

Today’s Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton

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:

What a way to start a Monday Morning! Reading Psalm 23, and having the focal verse for today leap off the page and into my heart.

I have had the experience in recent years, and especially this year, of seeing so many people that I know who are going through a dark valley in their life or the life of a loved one.

Life in this world is hard, but the encouraging news and its goodnews are that our troubles don’t last always.

Additionally, the people of God have this blessed assurance from Our Father in heaven, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and it is this ironclad promise.

The psalmist, David King of Israel, was able to say, “God is with me.” Are you ready to say that based on your faith and trust in the Lord?

God rewards those who have faith in Him, and those who trust in God with their whole heart; mind, soul, and body. Are you counted with the faithful of the ages?

Hebrews 11:1 King James Version (KJV)

11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

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.

Proverbs 3:5-6 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.

Prayer Offered to Our Father in Heaven:

Father God, we pray together and urge one another to cling to the things that are eternal in these dark and dangerous times that we live in today.

Father, we are comforted by Your promise that You will be with us; not just today, but forever.

Hebrews 13:5 King James Version (KJV)

5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Father, we rest in the comfort and security of living in the everlasting arms of our creator and our redeemer. In the might name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

Deuteronomy 33:27 King James Version (KJV)

27 The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.

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.”

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What Do You Have To Thank God For Today?

Text:

Psalm 92:1-4 (NLT)

1 It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to the Most High.

2 It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening,

3 accompanied by the ten-stringed harp and the melody of the lyre.

4 You thrill me, LORD, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done.

Observation:

How did you feel last night? How did you feel this morning?

Do you have something that without a doubt you know that it came from the Lord because you could not do this thing in your strength alone?

I have hidden in my heart, to keep me humble, that everything comes from the Lord.

James 1:17 (NLT)

17 Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.

The following verse describes how the Psalmist felt in the morning and at night.

Psalm 92:2 (NLT)

2 It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening,

In the morning you can look up to the heavens, and praise the Lord for His unfailing love. In the evening you can look back and praise God for His faithfulness.

Psalm 106:1 (NLT)

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

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, we praise and thank You for all of our blessings. We praise You for Your unfailing love in the morning, and in the evening we praise You for Your faithfulness. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

—

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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Why We Should Greatly Delight in God’s Commandments?

Text:

Psalm 112:1 (ESV)

1 Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commandments!

Observation:

When we look at the commandments of God we see how far we fall short. Then, how can we delight in the commandments of God? I believe the reason lies in an understanding of the purpose of the law. This passage instructs, informs, and inspires me.

Galatians 3:24-26 (ESV)

24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.

25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian,

26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.

Think about this; the King James Version says it this way:

Galatians 3:24 (KJV)

24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

The law is like a mirror. We look into the mirror of God’s commandments, and we see our sins, faults, and failures. However, we don’t wash them away with the mirror.

Rather, our sins are washed away by the precious, and royal blood of Jesus when He died on the cross at Calvary.

2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)

21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

When you fear the Lord, you don’t have to fear anything else. Do you trust wholly in the Lord? Ask the Lord to give you a faith that never fears because it believes, and trust in a God who cannot, and will not fail.

Prayer:

Father, I am so grateful that I know You; that You are righteous, and good in all Your ways.

Romans 8:28 (ESV)

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Father, I am so glad to know You, and that I can depend upon You to lead, and guide me all of the days of my life, and when this life is over, to receive me in my eternal home in heaven. In the mighty 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:

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Where Is God?

Text:

1 Corinthians 3:16 (HCSB)

16 Don’t you yourselves know that you are God’s sanctuary and that the Spirit of God lives in you?

Observation:

When I read this verse it opened the eyes of my heart. I pray this prayer often; it is the desire of my heart.

Psalm 119:18 (HCSB)

18 Open my eyes so that I may contemplate wonderful things from Your instruction.

Here is what I’m contemplating today about our focal verse.

God lives in a place.
God lives in a people.
God is always present.

God no longer lives in temples made by the hands of man. Rather, He lives in temples made by His own hands.

Ephesians 2:21 (HCSB)

21 The whole building, being put together by Him, grows into a holy sanctuary in the Lord.

Our God is a relational God. Do you have a relationship with Him? Have you received Jesus? Are you God’s sanctuary; His living place?

John 1:12-13 (NLT)

12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.

13 They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be your name. Father, I ask you to prepare the hearts of your people so that we might be pure and holy; pleasing in your eyes, and transformed by your hands.

Father, I am so glad and grateful that I can say that God lives in me. So, because You live in us, we have everything we need. In the mighty 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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Every Gift from God is Good

Text:

Romans 11:33-36 (ESV)

33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?”

35 “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?”

36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

Observation:

It is impossible with my limited vocabulary to describe the depths of the generosity, wisdom, and power of God.

Psalm 139:6 (HCSB)

6 [This] extraordinary knowledge is beyond me. It is lofty; I am unable to [reach] it.

However, I am a recipient of His love, grace, and mercy; so, I rejoice and I am so grateful to God, and for God in my life.

James 1:17 (ESV)

17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

I will gladly bend my will to God, and give Him the glory that is due to Him alone.

Colossians 2:3 (HCSB)

3 All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Him.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your most holy and righteous name. Father, I delight to lift up and exalt Your name above every name on earth, and in heaven.

Father, I thank You for being a good God, and for being a generous God. Father, there is none like You, no not one.

Psalm 145:3 (KJV)

3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.

Psalm 145:21 (HCSB)

21 My mouth will declare Yahweh’s praise; let every living thing praise His holy name forever and ever.

Let the people of God who agree join together in one voice, and say, Amen.

—

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What is God’s View of His People?

Text:

Isaiah 43:1-2 (ESV)
1 But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.

Observation:

When you look at the condition of our world today you can’t help but notice the fear that many people have concerning the present and the future.

I don’t like the perspective that I see with my eyes and hear with my ears. I don’t like the messages that I hear in the media and the social networks. There are seldom any encouraging words; words that lift the spirit, bring joy to your heart, and give you hope for the future.

Today’s text offers another point of view; a higher point of view. It is the view of God of His believing people. The key word in the passage for me is “you”. This passage will drive out any fear that may be lurking in your heart.

We get tired of the grind, but our God never gets tired. We get perplexed, and we get distressed. However, God knows our condition, and He is Sovereign over our circumstances. When you get down, take the upward look.

Isaiah 40:28 (ESV)
28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.

Prayer:

Lord, I thank you that I can rest in the blessed assurance that I belong to You. Father, I thank you for creating me, forming me, redeeming me, and the promise that You will keep me.

Father, I thank you for your promise, “I will be with you”. Lord, I am so grateful for my relationship with You, and I pray that all who read or listen to this message know You, and Your power. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

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.

{Fanny Crosby – Author}

—

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What is Your View of God?

Text:

1 Chronicles 17:23-26 (KJV)

23 Therefore now, LORD, let the thing that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant and concerning his house be established for ever, and do as thou hast said.

24 Let it even be established, that thy name may be magnified for ever, saying, The LORD of hosts is the God of Israel, even a God to Israel: and let the house of David thy servant be established before thee.

25 For thou, O my God, hast told thy servant that thou wilt build him an house: therefore thy servant hath found in his heart to pray before thee.

26 And now, LORD, thou art God, and hast promised this goodness unto thy servant:

Observation:

David is the person in our focal passage, and He is having a conversation with the Lord.

Notice that in this conversation David is repeating to God what God had promised.

Notice something else David said to God; it reflects the high view that he had of God.

1 Chronicles 17:26 (KJV)

26 And now, LORD, thou art God, and hast promised this goodness unto thy servant:

Yesterday, I started a new devotional reading plan, and this was one of the key verses that got my attention. It speaks of how highly we should value God, and the priority He should have in our prayer life. How exalted is your view of God?

Matthew 6:9 (KJV)

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

This is one of my favorites verse, and it was written by David; He lived his life in surrender and submission to the God whom he trusted with his whole heart.

Psalm 37:23 (KJV)

23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

As I begin writing this devotional I received a text message on my phone from a dear friend who sends me an encouraging message every morning. This is what he said.

“God is a great God”.

Isn’t God amazing? Doesn’t He direct the paths of His people? As my Mother-in-Love would say, “Yes, indeed”. Let’s give Him the praise that only He is due.

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I delight in giving praise to You because You are a great God, and greatly to be praised. I agree with Your servant David when he said this about You.

Psalm 145:3 (KJV)

3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.

Father God, I ask that You would order the steps of Your people as they look up to You this day; may they recognize You for who You are, and claim Your promises. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

God is Good

Text:

Psalm 136:1 (KJV)

1 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Observation:

Today’s one word is God. As I opened my electronic bible this morning I paused when I noticed the above verse.

As I read this verse I read each sentence slowly:

“Give thanks unto the LORD” Gratitude to God

“He is good” Goodness of God

“His mercy endureth forever” Grace of God

Today I just feel like giving praise and thanksgiving to God; I am so grateful for Him and to Him; for who He is, and for what He does for His people.

Psalm 107:1 (KJV)

1 O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, I am so glad that I can call you Our Father; my Father. I delight to join with Your people who will read this prayer, and will unite their voice together in giving You the praise, honor, and glory that You alone deserve.

Father God, we acknowledge together that You are good, and that Your mercy endureth forever. Father God, Your love, grace, and mercy are what we need. Lord, thank You that we have them in abundance and forever. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Daily Bread

Title: God Provides for the Needs of His People

Text:

Romans 8:26-30 (HCSB)
²⁶In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings. ²⁷And He who searches the hearts knows the Spirit’s mind-set, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. ²⁸We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose. ²⁹For those He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. ³⁰And those He predestined, He also called; and those He called, He also justified; and those He justified, He also glorified.

Observation:

How hungry and thirsty are you for God? How much value do you place on prayer? Is prayer your first option, or is it your last option? Do you view prayer as the least you can do, or do you view it as the most you can do? How big is Your God?

Luke 1:37 (HCSB)
For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Do you have a God size need in your life today? Why not do what the Psalmist did?

Psalm 77:1-3 (HCSB)
¹I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and He will hear me. ²I sought the Lord in my day of trouble. My hands were continually lifted up all night long; I refused to be comforted. ³I think of God; I groan; I meditate; my spirit becomes weak. Selah

Asaph was in a hard place; however, he served a great God, and Asaph cried out to God as his first option, and not his last. Asaph’s faith was not in vain; God hears and answers the prayers of His people. David said this about his prayer. God will do it for you, if you ask Him.

Psalm 6:9 (HCSB)
The Lord has heard my plea for help; the Lord accepts my prayer.

We are not alone when we call out to God in prayer. There are times when we don’t know how to pray, but God has that covered; He provides us with the Holy Spirit to be our helper in prayer. Not only that but God works in the circumstances of our life, no matter how painful they may be, God works in them and through them for our good, and for His glory. Don’t ever forget that God is for you; He will succeed in making you like Jesus; a promise He makes, and one He will surely keep.

Romans 8:31 (HCSB)
What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so grateful for your love, guidance and support that you give to your people. Father, forgive me for the peace I forfeit when I fail to bring everything to you in prayer. Father, with the aid and assistance of the Holy Spirit, I will learn to carry everything to You in prayer. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/789#ixzz2xukKExwA