havefaithingod – herbcotton.org

The Gap Between Hearing and Obeying – What Is Your Status?

Today Somebody Prayed for You

Today’s Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton

Bible Text for Today’s Meditation and Application:

Matthew 28:16-20 King James Version (KJV)

16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

King James Version (KJV)

Public Domain

My Reflections on the Word of God Today:

I feel like God is chasing me as I write today, and He determines that He will not let me go until I write down what He says, align my life to make it of first importance, and then go and make disciples as I have commanded you. Notice, Herb, and all who reads this message, that it’s a command and not a suggestion.

Allow me to repeat it to you just like I have spoken it to the writer of the Gospel of Matthew 28:16-20, our focal text for today.

If you fail the test of being obedient to what you read and heard the Word of God speak, what is your dilemma that prevents you from being obedient to God? There is no middle ground in God’s eyes between obedience and disobedience? God does not accept as obedience, “I will do it when I get around to it. I’m too busy for that type of commitment right now.”

What then is the test for pleasing God in the matter of doing the will of God? My friends, it is to do God’s will and to do it His way. He gets to have the final word in the matter, and God has spoken, and let the people of God hear and obey.

James 1:22 King James Version (KJV)

22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

1 John 2:4 King James Version (KJV)

4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

Now that you have heard God speak I ask you to reconsider. I encourage you to listen and obey the commandment of the Lord. We are useful to God when we surrender our whole life to Him. He is Lord, and we are not.

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.

Prayer Offered to Our Father in Heaven:

Father, I pray that everyone who reads or hears this Word of God, that comes from the heart of God, receive, believe and do the will of God in the ways God has commanded His people of every age. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, and in faith, we join our hearts in agreement by saying, Amen.

How to Have Joy in Your Life Every Day?

Text:

Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Observation:

To have joy in your life every day is possible because God’s Word shows us the way to receive this blessing in our lives.

Philippians 3:1 (KJV)

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.

Philippians 4:4-5 (KJV)

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

It will take you less than ten minutes (10) to read The Letter of Paul To The Philippians. I recommend that you read it today and that you read it often because it reveals the truth that you can have joy in your life every day.

Now, allow me to encourage you in your daily walk by reminding you of this right word from The Letter of Paul To The Galatians.

Galatians 5:25 (KJV)

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, help each of the readers, hearers, and doers of these encouraging and useful words to also share these words with others. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

—

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Title: 31 Days of Hearing God Speak

God Speaks – Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 28:4 (NLT)

To reject the law is to praise the wicked; to obey the law is to fight them.

Proverbs 28:9 (NLT)

God detests the prayers of a person who ignores the law.

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 119:27-28 (NLT)

Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds.

I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word.

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Psalm 119:27-32 (NLT)

Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds.

I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word.

Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions.

I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your regulations.

I cling to your laws. LORD, don’t let me be put to shame!

I will pursue your commands, for you expand my understanding.

The Gospel Message:

1 Peter 1:3-4 (NLT)

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation,

and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.

Observation:

Are you a breaker or keeper of the law of God? When God speaks, do you listen and obey?

The Wisdom of the Proverbs verses tells us that the keeping of the law promotes righteousness, and enables God to answer our prayers.

Prayer:

Father God, as we read, listen, and meditate on Your Word today, we unite our hearts with the Psalmist in asking You to open the eyes of our hearts so that we might know Your will and do it.

Psalm 119:18 (NLT)

Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.

Father, we have so much to be grateful for, so we offer up to You the sacrifice that is pleasing to Your eyes, the surrender of our whole life to You. We give the highest praise to God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

—

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/

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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.”

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

Where Does God Fit In Your Plans?

Text:

Psalm 32:8 (NLT)

8 The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.

Observation:

There is great value in dreaming big dreams and having lofty aspirations. These are the fuel that energizes our passion. However, the time comes when we need to take action.

The goodnews for the woman and man of God is that we have a great leader, and He has a wonderful plan for our life.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Let’s look at what God said to Jeremiah, and what Jeremiah said in response to God’s declaration.

Jeremiah 1:5-7 (NLT)

5 “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”

6 “O Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!”

7 The LORD replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you.

Do you find yourself saying, “I can’t?” You are right. You can’t but God can. Are you ready to let go, and let God have His way in your life?

Are you willing to pray the prayer that David prayed?

Psalm 119:35 (NLT)

35 Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. We exalt You and give you the praise, glory, and honor befitting our heavenly Father.

Father, we also humble ourselves before you and pray this prayer that your servant David prayed.

Psalm 73:22-24 (NLT)

22 I was so foolish and ignorant— I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.

23 Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand.

24 You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.

Father, tune our hearts to agree with Your heart and give us the desire to know your will and to do it by the strength that you provide. We pray together in the name of Jesus, 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

Why Obedience Is Essential

Text:

John 14:15 (NLT)

15 “If you love me, obey my commandments.

Observation:

In this brief verse Jesus gives the key to living the abundant life as children of God. Jesus links love, and obedience.

What are God’s commandments? Let’s meditate, and consider this penetrating question.

Luke 6:46 (NLT)

46 “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?

Jesus makes a distinction between true believers, and pretenders in this clear message to those following Him.

Matthew 7:21 (NLT)

21 “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.

James 1:22 (NLT)

22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.

If you are willing, wise, and obedient, you will reap an abundant harvest of fruit. The key is to draw near to God, and to live every day in the light of His presence.

John 15:5 (NLT)

5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, hallowed be Your name; the name that is above every name in heaven, and in earth.

Father, give us each day all that we need to love you with our whole heart, and obey your commandments. 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:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

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

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What Is Hindering You In Being Satisfied?

Text:

Philippians 4:5-8 (NIV)

5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.

Observation:

This passage in on my heart today as I observe all of the anxiety, and worry that I see everywhere.

I needed the peace that floods my soul as I sat at my desk to read, reflect, and share what I hear as I listen to God speak through His Word.

Psalm 85:8 (NIV)

8 I will listen to what God the LORD will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints — but let them not return to folly.

Prayer:

Father God, hallowed be Your most holy, and righteous name. Father, we declare that You are loving, and good in all Your ways.

Father, we ask that You would bend our will, by the working of the Holy Spirit who lives in us, until Your will becomes our will. O, Holy Spirit of God, fill our hearts with love for God, and obedience to Him. 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:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

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How to Live the Abundant Life & Produce Much Fruit

Text:

Joshua 1:9 (NLT)

9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Observation:

The thought of being strong and courageous is that you may be saying to yourself, “But, I am so weak”.

Pay attention my friend, you are well positioned for a breakthrough, and a breakout.

The key to getting through this transition from weakness to strength is to change the direction of your focus.

The difference comes when we take our eyes off of the visible; our circumstances, and focus them upon the invisible; our God. The key to being strong and courageous is faith in God.

Hebrews 11:1 (AMP)

1 NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].

Everything changes when God is in it. Your life, and what you can do changes when God is in you. When you feel weak, and lacking in courage; then is the time to encourage yourself with God’s promise to you, “For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go”.

When I am weak, and discouraged, I start singing this old gospel hymn to myself.

“I woke up this morning with my mind stayed on Jesus

I woke up this morning with my mind stayed on Jesus

Hallelujah

(Thank God)

Hallelujah

(My Lord)

Hallelujah.”

Now, that you have taken the upward look, go and be strong, and courageous in the strength of the Lord.

Prayer:

Father God, my soul sings, “Hallelujah, you are God all by yourself; there is none like You.

Father, as Your people look up to You, give us the strength and the courage to live for You, and to walk in Your ways, and working out what You have put in us. 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:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

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

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

Will My Troubles and Trials Ever Go Away?

Text:

Psalm 55:1-5 (ESV)

1 Give ear to my prayer, O God, and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy!

2 Attend to me, and answer me; I am restless in my complaint and I moan,

3 because of the noise of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked. For they drop trouble upon me, and in anger they bear a grudge against me.

4 My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen upon me.

5 Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror overwhelms me.

Observation:

In this Psalm David writes about the troubles and terror that he was facing in a season of his life. The troubles were from within, and without, but they both drained him of his peace, and his joy.

Psalm 55:6-8 (ESV)

6 And I say, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest;

7 yes, I would wander far away; I would lodge in the wilderness; Selah

8 I would hurry to find a shelter from the raging wind and tempest.”

When we find ourselves feeling like this, when we think will I ever get out of this pit. This is the time to be still, and remember who we are, and whose we are. It is time to connect with our Father in heaven.

Psalm 55:16-17 (ESV)

16 But I call to God, and the LORD will save me.

17 Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice.

Yes, there is nothing in this world that will satisfy our souls, and heal our wounded hearts like the presence of the Lord. That is why David writes this near the end of his Psalm, and you can claim this promise in your season of trouble, and pain.

Psalm 55:22 (ESV)

22 Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.

The Apostle Peter draws upon this wisdom, and writes this encouragement to the first century believers, and it speaks to us today.

1 Peter 5:7 (ESV)

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

Prayer:

Father, I exalt and give praise and honor to Your name; the name that I cherish above every name on earth below, and in heaven above.

Father, hear our cry; hear our plea as we cry out to You in prayer for others, and for ourselves. Father, we declare that our hope is in You, and that our help comes from You.

Father, we know that You can, and that You will hear our prayer. We watch, and wait for Your answer to our prayers. 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:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

How to Get Answers to Prayer?

Text:

Mark 11:22-23 (ESV)

22 And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God.

23 Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.

Observation:

The answer to fear is faith in God. I woke up this morning with the Lord on my mind, and the needs that so many people have in their lives. Some of those people have asked for prayer.

God began to speak into my heart, and He led me to the passage that is our text for today. Jesus teaches His followers some important things about prayer, and getting answers to prayer.

Jesus gives the first principle of prayer, and it is this, “Have faith in God”. The object of faith is God himself. The most important thing is not your faith, but the object of your faith. It’s not the quantity of your faith that determines the results, it is God who gives the results.

Faith has no power in itself, but if the object of your faith is God, there is nothing that is impossible for Him.

Faith requires that you know the object of your faith. Do you know the God to whom you are praying? The more you know God, the more you believe in Him.

Hebrews 11:6 (ESV)

6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Do you believe in God? Do you believe that He is sovereign, and that nothing is impossible for Him? If so, then go to Him in prayer, and tell Him all about your problems. Give your problems to Him, and leave them with Him.

My heart is singing this hymn:

“Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

? Refrain:

? Leave it there, leave it there,

? Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there;

? If you trust and never doubt, He will surely bring you out—

? Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

Prayer:

Father God, I am so thankful for the privilege of prayer, and to know the God who hears, and answers prayer.

Father, I pray that each of us will be willing to bow the knee, look up to You, and take all of our burdens to you in prayer, and leave them in Your capable hands. In the mighty name of Jesus I 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