Tag: #goodnews

How Close Are You to God?

Today Somebody Prayed for You

Today’s Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton

Bible Text for Today’s Meditation and Application:

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 King James Version (KJV)

16 Rejoice evermore.

17 Pray without ceasing.

18 In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

King James Version (KJV)

Public Domain

My Reflections on the Word of God Today:

I cannot imagine any person I would rather be closer to than God; what about you? Have you thought genuinely about that question?

I remember as a child I did not like to go to wakes or funeral services. I had a fear of being close to dead people. Thankfully, I overcame that fear when I was thirteen years old, and my grandmother died in our home.

How shall we live in this world with all of the troubles, and deaths happening every day of our life on earth? What does the Bible say about God’s plan for our lives?

Galatians 3:26 King James Version (KJV)

26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

John 10:10 King James Version (KJV)

10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

John 1:1-2 King James Version (KJV)

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

2 The same was in the beginning with God.

John 1:14 King James Version (KJV)

14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

O, my friends and family, do you know Jesus? Is He close to you? Is Jesus alive, and you know He is because He lives in your heart? Have you been born twice? Those who are only born once will have to die twice.  Listen to what God says in the Bible, The Word of God.

John 3:6-7 King James Version (KJV)

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

Now, here is an invitation that God extends to you; it has your name written on it, and it comes with a promise from God.

Romans 10:11-13 King James Version (KJV)

11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Oh, I beg you; I plead with you to accept the gift of salvation that God offers to you; it’s the only way to know God, and be recognized by Him as His adopted children.

2 Corinthians 5:21 King James Version (KJV)

21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Prayer Offered to Our Father in Heaven:

Father God, I pray that no-one who reads this message today will leave this place of prayer lost and undone; without hope in this world, and the world to come.

Father, I pray that each will come to know Jesus and receive His invitation to come to Him and accept the gift of eternal life provided by the death of Jesus on the center cross at Calvary.

John 1:12 King James Version (KJV)

12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

The Word of God Speaks, and God’s People Listen and Obey

Today I am changing the format of the presentation of the Devotional that I have been writing for over 18 years.

I will not be writing five days a week unless that LORD gives me something more to say.  I just published my first devotional book.  Information about the book is found at the bottom of this page in the SIGNATURE BOX. I’m also writing a journal daily and will see with the unfolding of time if a second book will be the fruit of my labor together with our LORD.

I am deeply concerned about the division in my homeland; the United States of America. If you are citizens of another country, I believe that you have concerns for your homeland also. The whole world is changing, but our God remains the same.

Numbers 23:19 (NKJV) 

 “God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? 

One of my mentors in leadership and writing is John Maxwell, and he has written a book about it.

John C. Maxwell

Good Leaders Ask Great Questions

All of us are leaders, and the first person we lead is ourselves. I have started asking myself better questions, and I have talked to my family about the importance of asking themselves better questions.

How can we heal the divisions in our country among the left, the moderate, and the right?

What outcome do you have in mind for the position you know hold? Will it result in a better opportunity for everyone?

God Words Speaks:

1 Peter 5:5-7 (NKJV) 

 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” 

 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 

 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 

When God’s People Pray the Word:

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV) 

 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 

—

My new book was released on December 8, 2017, and is currently available at the following links. It is possible for your local bookstores to obtain the book from the Ingram Network, a primary distribution source for Book Stores nationwide.
Amazon
Barnes & Nobles
Xulon Press
Title: 31 Days of Hearing God Speak

God Speaks – Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 28:21 (NLT)

Showing partiality is never good, yet some will do wrong for a mere piece of bread.

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 119:130 (AMP)

The entrance and unfolding of Your words give light; their unfolding gives understanding (discernment and comprehension) to the simple.

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Daniel 6:25-27 (NLT)

Then King Darius sent this message to the people of every race and nation and language throughout the world: “Peace and prosperity to you!

“I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel. For he is the living God, and he will endure forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and his rule will never end.

He rescues and saves his people; he performs miraculous signs and wonders in the heavens and on earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.”

The Gospel Message:

2 Peter 3:14-16 (NLT)

And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight.

And remember, the Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him—

speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture. And this will result in their destruction.

Observation and Prayer:

I love to read and hear the final words of godly and wise men and women.  I commend to you the final words of Peter to the believers that were scattered to several places because of the persecution they faced for being believers in Christ and the Word of Christ.

2 Peter 3:17-18 (NLT)

I am warning you ahead of time, dear friends. Be on guard so that you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing.

Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! 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.”

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 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:

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 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:

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 25:23 (NLT)

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

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 89:1 (NLT)

I will sing of the LORD’s unfailing love forever! Young and old will hear of your faithfulness.

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Jeremiah 33:3 (NKJV)

‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’

The Gospel Message:

1 Timothy 4:1 (NLT)

Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons.

1 Timothy 4:7 (NLT)

Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly.

Observation:

The letter that Paul writes to Timothy is so timely for the times we are living in during this current season. There are truth, error, and half-truths spoken everywhere.

Where do you turn to find the truth? I’m glad you are willing to consider the question I asked. Why not turn to God, and His divine and holy word?

Psalm 119:105-106 (NLT)

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise it again: I will obey your righteous regulations.

We need the Bible, we need Godly and anointed pastors and teachers who rightly present the Word of God, and we need lives that are filled with the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth.

John 16:13 (NLT)

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.

“You must not lose confidence in God because you lost confidence in your pastor. If our confidence in God had to depend upon our confidence in any human person, we would be on shifting sand.”

Francis A. Schaeffer

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

Prayer:

Father God, we need You in our lives more than we ever needed You before. Father, make us as holy as You can. Father, help to be willing to trust and obey You, and the Word of God. Father, I ask that You would plant our feet on the solid rock, who is Christ who lives in us.

—

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 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

God Speaks – Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 23:4-5 (NLT)

4  Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit.

5  In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle.

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 55:1-2 (NLT)

1  Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help!

2  Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles.

Psalm 55:22 (NLT)

22  Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Isaiah 11:1-3 (NLT)

1  Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot— yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root.

2  And the Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.

3  He will delight in obeying the LORD. He will not judge by appearance nor make a decision based on hearsay.

The Gospel Message:

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT)

9  Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

Observation:

A Quotable Quote:

“The great King, immortal, invisible, the divine person called the Holy Ghost, it is he that quickens the soul.”

C.H. Spurgeon

Prayer:

Father God, we praise and thank You for who You are and for what You do for Your people.

Father, thank You for loving us with an everlasting love. We are so grateful for the Holy Spirit of God who quickens our soul and is the source of all we need to fulfill our purpose with passion.

—

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

The Goodnews Is Not A Secret

Text:

Colossians 1:26-28 (NLT)

26  This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people.

27  For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.

28  So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ.

Observation:

As I reflect and mediate on today’s focal passage, the lyrics of a hymn is ringing in my soul.

“It is no secret what God can do,

What he has done for others,

He’ll do for you.

With arms wide open,

He’ll pardon you

It is no secret what God can do.”

Have you been born again? The “Good Teacher” has an answer to this good question.

John 3:1-3 (ESV)

1  Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.

2  This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.”

3  Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

I highly recommend that you read the entire letter of John. This book was written for this purpose.

John 20:30-31 (ESV)

30  Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;

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

Are you a believer and receiver of Christ? The rewards are eternal life.

John 1:12-13 (ESV)

12  But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,

13  who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

John 5:24 (ESV)

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

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, I thank You, and praise You for loving us with an everlasting love, and for doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.

Father, I pray that the gospel of Christ would not be a secret to anyone. Rather, I join with my brothers and sister in Christ in asking that the eyes of the understanding will be opened so that anyone who believes can receive Christ, and the gift of eternal life. 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.

Read the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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

This Is A Good News Story

Text:

John 3:16 (ESV)

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

John 5:24 (ESV)

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

Observation:

The hymn writer expresses the desire that exits in the depths of my heart, and I have a burning desire to share it. What a story!

“I love to tell the story,

‘Twill be my theme in glory,

To tell the old, old story

Of Jesus and His love.”

The hymn says, “Some have never heard the story”. But, the writer also says, “Those who know it best seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest”.

I was reminded recently of a saying that went something like this, “If you live for the approval of other people, you will die from the rejection of other people”.

I would rather live for the approval of the one who knows me best, and loves me most. I associate myself with the Apostle Paul in his desire, and aim in life.

Philippians 1:21 (ESV)

21  For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Paul makes this appeal in his letter to the church at Rome, and to us today through the Word of God.

Romans 12:1-2 (NLT)

1  And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.

2  Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

What is your story? Everyone has a story, and I pray that God, and His love is at the center of your story.

I have a plaque on my desk that someone gave me many years ago. I just looked at it and read these words.

“Open my eyes so others may see you. Fill me, so others may find fullness in you”.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, I add my voice to the saints of the ages in singing, and shouting praises to You.

Psalm 146:1-2 (HCSB)

1  Hallelujah! My soul, praise the LORD.

2  I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing to my God as long as I live.

Father, hear our prayer, and may our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving be pleasing in your eyes. Father, fill us, and use us for your glory. 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.

Read the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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