#GodlovesYou – herbcotton.org

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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Do You Know How to Have A Good Friday?

Today’s Cup of Friday Morning Encouragement by Herb Cotton

Bible Text for Today’s Meditation and Application:

Hebrews 12:1-4 King James Version (KJV)

12 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

King James Version (KJV)

Public Domain

My Reflections on the Word of God:

When the world appears a chaotic mess and evil is pervasive, this is not a time to allow our heart to be troubled or our minds fearing for our future. We have the promises of Jesus to lift our bowed down heads and strengthen us for the fulfillment our purpose for being alive to see another day that the Lord has made; a day for rejoicing in the Lord.

In times when we see troubles in the world, we need to remember that Jesus told us to expect to have problems but to remember what He did for us more than 2,000 years ago on another Good Friday.

Make today a Good Friday, a day of anticipation that the third day comes after Saturday; after the second day in the grave.

My Soul Sings:

“Refrain:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.”

Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus

Helen H. Lemmel, 1922

Prayer Offered to Our Father in Heaven:

Father, we never shall forget what Jesus did for us, but not just for us, but for the whole world. Father, we pray that no one will reject the gracious invitation that you offer to all who will believe in Jesus, and exchange their sinful life for the new life He offers to all who turn from the old life and receive the gift the life He purchased with His royal and precious blood. In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

God Speaks – Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 29:5-6 (NLT)

To flatter friends is to lay a trap for their feet.

Evil people are trapped by sin, but the righteous escape, shouting for joy.

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 124:1-2 (NLT)

What if the LORD had not been on our side? Let all Israel repeat:

What if the LORD had not been on our side when people attacked us?

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Hosea 1:2 (NLT)

When the LORD first began speaking to Israel through Hosea, he said to him, “Go and marry a prostitute, so that some of her children will be conceived in prostitution. This will illustrate how Israel has acted like a prostitute by turning against the LORD and worshiping other gods.”

The Gospel Message:

1 John 5:1-5 (NLT)

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has become a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too.

We know we love God’s children if we love God and obey his commandments.

Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome.

For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.

And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.

Observation:

Has God spoken to your heart through His Word? Listen to these closing words by John as he concludes the letter known as 1 John.

1 John 5:13-15 (NLT)

I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life.

And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.

And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.

Prayer:

Father, I pray that You will give us a hunger and thirst for the Word of God and that we would be men and women of prayer.

Father, help us, by faith, to ask and receive all of the love, forgiveness, grace, and mercy that You have provided for us through the sacrifice of Jesus.

My Soul Sings:

Title: Take the Name of Jesus With You

Author: Lydia Odell Baxter

Oh, the precious name of Jesus,

How it thrills our souls with joy;

All the favor of the Father

In this name we may enjoy.

—

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 28:11 (NLT)

Rich people may think they are wise, but a poor person with discernment can see right through them.

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 119:1-3 (NLT)

Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD.

Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts.

They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths.

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Psalm 119:4-8 (NLT)

You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully.

Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!

Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands.

As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should!

I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me!

The Gospel Message:

James 5:10-11 (NLT)

For examples of patience in suffering, dear brothers and sisters, look at the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy.

Observation:

There is a lot of pain, suffering, and sin in this world today. It is all around us. I am reminded of a song that says, “In times like these, you need a Savior.” Do you have an anchor on which you can build your life?

There is not one among us who is perfect. When pointing at others, three fingers are looking back at us.

Romans 3:21-23 (HCSB)

But now, apart from the law, God’s righteousness has been revealed—attested by the Law and the Prophets

—that is, God’s righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, to all who believe, since there is no distinction.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, I pray that the Holy Spirit of God will fall afresh within the hearts of Your people, and on the hearts of nonbelievers until every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Father, tune our hearts to be hearers and doers of the Word of God. Father, teach us to pray prayers like this and be quick to obey.

Psalm 119:5 (NLT)

Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!

Psalm 119:7-8 (NLT)

As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should!

I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on 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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God Speaks – Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 26:21-22 (NLT)

A quarrelsome person starts fights as easily as hot embers light charcoal or fire lights wood.

Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart.

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 102:1 (NLT)

LORD, hear my prayer! Listen to my plea!

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Lamentations 3:22-23 (NLT)

The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease.

Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.

The Gospel Message:

Hebrews 1:3 (NLT)

The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.

Observation:

If you want to know God, you can find Him when you look for Him in the Word of God. In the Bible, He speaks with finality through the author of the Book of Hebrews.

Hebrews 1:1-2 (NLT)

Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets.

And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe.

The thing that God desires for His people is to have a relationship with Him. We can know God through His Word, and we can connect with God through prayer.

When I look at the greatest human needs the one that rises to the top for me is love; to love and be loved. In today’s reading from the Bible, I find comfort, significance, growth, contribution, belonging, and everything I need God will provide.

Lamentations 3:22-23 (NLT)

The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease.

Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.

Prayer:

Father God, my heart rejoices that I am so loved by You and that You provide abundantly, continuously, faithfully, and eternally for all of my needs through Your almighty power.

Psalm 103:1-2 (NLT)

Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.

Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for 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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God Speaks – Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 26:18-19 (NLT)

Just as damaging as a madman shooting a deadly weapon

is someone who lies to a friend and then says, “I was only joking.”

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 100:3 (NLT)

Acknowledge that the LORD is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Psalm 100:4-5 (NLT)

Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

The Gospel Message:

Titus 3:4-7 (NLT)

But—”When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love,

he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.

He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior.

Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.”

Observation:

Do you know someone who is having a hard time right now? Do you know someone who is down, and feels that there is no way open for them in this world as they see it?

We should not be surprised by the troubles and the problems that we face in this world. Nothing that the hand of sinful man touches will ever be perfect. That is a domain that is reserved for God alone.

We need to go to the Bible and see what our Maker has said. Jesus has spoken to us about the trouble that we will face in this world in the following verse from the Bible.

John 16:33 (NLT)

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.”

When you are down and think that there is no way out, consider what God has said. He sent Jesus to be the Savior of the world, and Jesus has already paid the price for your sins and provided the means for you to have eternal life.

Prayer:

Father God, we are so grateful that You have revealed to the whole world Your goodness and kindness that you have for the man, male and female, who You created in Your image. Father, thank You for doing for us what we could not do for ourselves by providing the means that we could receive eternal life.

Father, I pray that everyone will hear Your sweet voice that offers to all the gift of eternal life through Jesus, Your only begotten son.

John 3:16 (NLT)

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

—

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 26:12 (MSG)

See that man who thinks he’s so smart? You can expect far more from a fool than from him.

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 96:9-10 (NLT)

Worship the LORD in all his holy splendor. Let all the earth tremble before him.

Tell all the nations, “The LORD reigns!” The world stands firm and cannot be shaken. He will judge all peoples fairly.

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Psalm 95:1-3 (NLT)

Come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.

Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him.

For the LORD is a great God, a great King above all gods.

The Gospel Message:

2 Timothy 4:2 (NLT)

Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NLT)

As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.

And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.

Observation:

Paul gives Timothy the calling and charge of the servant of God. Know your purpose and pursue it with passion and the power of the God who called you to do His work and will.

Never give up and never give in to those who oppose the work. The God who called you is higher than any opposition you will encounter.

Be willing to bear the cross, endure the pain. For those who finish the race will receive the prize; the crown of righteousness which the Lord will give you.

Prayer:

Father God, we delight to worship you. We acknowledge your holy splendor. Father, we come into your presence with thanksgiving, and we sing with joy for you are a great God and the King above all gods.

—

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 26:7 (MSG)

A proverb quoted by fools is limp as a wet noodle.

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 94:11-14 (NLT)

The LORD knows people’s thoughts; he knows they are worthless!

Joyful are those you discipline, LORD, those you teach with your instructions.

You give them relief from troubled times until a pit is dug to capture the wicked.

The LORD will not reject his people; he will not abandon his special possession.

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Jeremiah 45:4-5 (NLT)

“Baruch, this is what the LORD says: ‘I will destroy this nation that I built. I will uproot what I planted.

Are you seeking great things for yourself? Don’t do it! I will bring great disaster upon all these people; but I will give you your life as a reward wherever you go. I, the LORD, have spoken!'”

The Gospel Message:

2 Timothy 2:21-22 (NLT)

If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.

Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.

Observation:

The message that I hear God speaking to my heart today is that God is sovereign. He knows our circumstances, and He takes care of His people. All who trust in the Lord have nothing to fear.

Paul, the mentor, encouraged Timothy, the mentee, to have the attitude that he had while serving others in his ministry.

2 Timothy 2:10 (NLT)

So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.

Prayer:

Father God, we are so grateful that You are God and we are not. Father, we rest in the blessed assurance that you are the potter and we are the clay. Father, make and mold us into the people that will be pleasing in your sight.

—

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 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.”

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 24:26 (NLT)

An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship.

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 77:7-9 (NLT)

Has the Lord rejected me forever? Will he never again be kind to me?

Is his unfailing love gone forever? Have his promises permanently failed?

Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he slammed the door on his compassion? Interlude

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Psalm 77:10-14 (NLT)

And I said, “This is my fate; the Most High has turned his hand against me.”

But then I recall all you have done, O LORD; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago.

They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works.

O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as you?

You are the God of great wonders! You demonstrate your awesome power among the nations.

The Gospel Message:

Colossians 2:7-10 (NLT)

Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.

For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body.

So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.

Observation:

The Word of God is a reliable source of hope and help. I pray that the readers of these precious words from the heart of God will find an open place in your heart.

My prayer is that the written word of God will become the living word of God in your heart. The Word of God has the power to change your life. It is much more than a temporary fix. The Word of God can change you forever, and give you eternal life.

Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

Prayer:

Father, I pray that the Holy Spirit of God will do His office work in the lives of the readers, hearers, and the doers of your divine and holy word. Father, I pray that hearts will be open to receive your word, and that lives will be delivered from the troubles of this world to the glorious home that Jesus has prepared for Your children.

—

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