hope – herbcotton.org

How Bright Is Your Hope?

A Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton

God Speaks:

2 Peter 3:9 King James Version (KJV)

9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Listen to God Speak & Obey:

Colossians 3:16 King James Version (KJV)

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

One of the fruits of a bright hope is a peaceful heart. The evidence is gratitude. Why not take a few minutes to recall a few things that give you hope for your future?

My Gratitude List for Today:

Freedom

Galatians 5:1 King James Version (KJV)

5 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Galatians 5:13 King James Version (KJV)

13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

2. Transformation

2 Corinthians 5:17 King James Version (KJV)

17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

3. Growth

Philippians 1:6 King James Version (KJV)

6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be your name. Father, we have hope today because our faith is in the Rock of our Salvation.

“My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

Refrain:
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.”

Song: The Solid Rock; Author: Edward Mote

—

Link to my new devotional book Amazon Author’s Page. Everything about the book is found there with pictures, and more to come.

https://www.amazon.com/author/herbcotton

What Do You Do While You Are Waiting?

Today Somebody Prayed for You

Today’s Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton

Bible Text for Today’s Meditation and Application:

Jude 21 King James Version (KJV)

21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

King James Version (KJV)

Public Domain

My Reflections on the Word of God Today:

We tend to spend a lot of time waiting. Can you identify with the condition of waiting for something to happen?

While waiting, I want to suggest that you ask two questions. One, what am I waiting for; and two, am I expecting alone?

What does the Bible say about these two questions that I have posed for your consideration?

Deuteronomy 31:6 King James Version (KJV)

6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

John 16:33 King James Version (KJV)

33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

I believe that if we listen to God and spend time with Him in prayer, we will find that waiting can be a joy and not a burden to bear, but a season to rejoice in the God of our salvation.

We need to prepare ourselves with the knowledge that we will always face troubles in this world. That’s the way things are down here. But, we don’t have to live under the circumstances, we can look up, get up and move up to higher ground. We can live in the presence of God today and not tomorrow.

Jude 21 King James Version (KJV)

21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Prayer Offered to Our Father in Heaven:

Father God, I pray that You will stir the hearts of Your people to draw closer to You and to live in Your presence all of the days of our life in the world regardless of all of the troubles we face.

Father, give us peace and power in the knowledge and understanding of the times in which we live, and with the assurance that Jesus has overcome the world. In Jesus name, we pray, Amen.

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:

My child, if your heart is wise, my own heart will rejoice!

Everything in me will celebrate when you speak what is right. Proverbs 23:15-16 (NLT)

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

But you have raised a banner for those who fear you— a rallying point in the face of attack. Interlude

Now rescue your beloved people. Answer and save us by your power. Psalm 60:4-5 (NLT)

The Hope of the Old Testament:

I will give him the key to the house of David—the highest position in the royal court. When he opens doors, no one will be able to close them; when he closes doors, no one will be able to open them. Isaiah 22:22 (NLT)

The Gospel Message:

Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.” Galatians 2:16 (NLT)

Observation:

I am so thankful that when God speaks, He is consistent. In the Psalms of the Old Testament, He says, “He rescues and saves us by His power.”

In the New Testament, God says, in His holy and divine word, “We are made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law.”

Is there anybody anywhere who feels like giving praise and thanksgiving and thanks-living to the Lord?

Prayer:

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

Has the LORD redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies. Psalm 107:1-2 (NLT)

—

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

What Am I Hoping For?

Text:

Romans 8:25 (ESV)

25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Observation:

Do you have hopes and dreams for things you do not see? It is possible to achieve your hopes, and dreams. It takes practice and patience. It also takes 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].

Hope in God is possible through the eyes of the heart. The way to have hope, and to access the power that is within you is to have the Holy Spirit of God living in your heart. The Holy Spirit is God’s gift to His children.

Romans 5:5 (NIV)

5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

To make your hopes and dreams become reality put your trust in God, who can do anything but fail, and who will never disappoint you. Take the first step; it can be a small step, but make it a step forward; a step toward Jesus.

“Footprints of Jesus,

That make the pathway glow;

We will follow the steps of Jesus

Where’er they go.” – – Author: M.B.B. Slade (1871)

Proverbs 16:9 (ESV)

9 The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.

Prayer:

Father God, hallowed be Your name. Father, Your name is so wonderful, and it is so sweet, and wonderful to think about what the Word says about your name.

Psalm 103:2-5 (ESV)

2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,

3 who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,

4 who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,

5 who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Father, help us to open the eyes of our hearts, and surrender all of us to all of You, and allow You to establish our steps. O, we ask You to give us sufficient grace and faith to walk in the Spirit of God. 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

Who or What Is the Object of Your Faith?

Text:

Hebrews 11:1-2 (ESV)

1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

2 For by it the people of old received their commendation.

Observation:

What is faith? Who or what is the object of your faith? The dictionary defines faith as, “Strong belief or trust in someone or something”.

I see faith everywhere. I see people walk into a place they have never been before, and sit down on a chair with the belief that it will hold them. The object of faith was a thing; the chair.

Faith involves many attributes. They include trust, belief, confidence, conviction, optimism, and hope.

Today, my mind is fixed on faith, and the object of my faith is God.Therefore, I turned to the bible for insight, instruction, and inspiration. The bible says this about the meaning of faith.

Hebrews 11:1 (AMP)

After defining faith, the bible say this about how God rewards, and honors faith.

Hebrews 11:2 (AMP)

2 For by [faith—trust and holy fervor born of faith] the men of old had divine testimony borne to them and obtained a good report.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, I am so grateful for the gift of faith, and I delight that my faith is in You. Father, I thank You for giving me a faith that works; a faith that turns dreams into action, and action into results.

Father, there is so much more to faith then this, and I look forward to continuing this discussion. But, I want to start this day demonstrating my faith by my works, which are also a gift from You.

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Father, help and empower Your children to workout what You have already worked within us. Father, I’m looking for showers of blessings as Your people trust in You. In the mighty name of Jesus I 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

Where Do You Look for Help and Hope?

Text:

Psalm 41:10-13 (ESV)

10 But you, O LORD, be gracious to me, and raise me up, that I may repay them!

11 By this I know that you delight in me: my enemy will not shout in triumph over me.

12 But you have upheld me because of my integrity, and set me in your presence forever.

13 Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting! Amen and Amen.

Observation:

I love reading the Psalms because they give encouragement to my heart, and the strength I need to live one day at a time.

In the first portion of this Psalm David looked within (verses 1-3), and in the second portion he looked around (verses 7-9).

However, in our focal passage for today (verses 10-13), the Psalmist looked up. When we look up we have hope, and we get the help we need.

Psalm 121:1-2 (ESV)

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?

2 My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.

The Lord is a good shepherd, and He provides for the needs of His people. The Lord provides for all of our needs.

Psalm 23:1 (HCSB)

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

My heart is singing praises to God for His work in the hearts, and lives of His people.

“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.”

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, my faith is anchored in You. Father, with changed, and grateful hearts, we look up to You, and receive the help, and hope that we need.

Philippians 4:19-20 (HCSB)

19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. 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

Do You Desire to Have True Unity?

Text:

Ephesians 2:14 (NLT)

14 For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us.

Observation:

Yesterday I listened to what man, female and male, said about how to have unity in our nation.

This morning as I sat down to write the Lord directed my steps to turn to this passage in Ephesians. In this passage we hear of what God says about how to have true unity.

Many of you heard what man said. If you are willing, here is what God says in His Word.

Ephesians 2:11-18 (NLT)

11 Don’t forget that you Gentiles used to be outsiders. You were called “uncircumcised heathens” by the Jews, who were proud of their circumcision, even though it affected only their bodies and not their hearts.

12 In those days you were living apart from Christ. You were excluded from citizenship among the people of Israel, and you did not know the covenant promises God had made to them. You lived in this world without God and without hope.

13 But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ.

14 For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us.

15 He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups.

16 Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death.

17 He brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near.

18 Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.

Who do you believe; man or God? Who do you trust; man or God? Who do you follow; man or God?

Numbers 23:19 (NLT)

19 God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?

God has spoken. What is your response to Him?

Prayer:

Father, I exalt Your name higher the highest heavens. Father, I declare that my only hope is in You alone because all other ground is sinking sand.

Father, I pray that no one listening to the sound of my voice or reading these words would reject your invitation to come to You, and find the only way to peace and rest that endures forever. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

—

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

Where Do You Turn When You Are Desperate?

Text:

Psalm 105:1-4 (ESV)

1 Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!

2 Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!

3 Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice!

4 Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!

Observation:

If you feel that we are living in desperate times this Psalm is for you. If you live in a place where you feel you don’t have any good choices, then this Psalm is for you.

This Psalm is one of my favorites. When deciding on what to write about today, this Psalm came to my mind. It contains my life verse.

Psalm 105:4 (ESV)

4 Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!

It is from this Psalm that I reduced my mission statement to two words.

Please God.

If you are struggling with issues in your life, this Psalm is for you. If you have exhausted all of the alternatives to relieve health issues in your life, and nothing has worked, this Psalm is for you. This Psalm was written to a people who were facing extremely difficulty challenges in their life, and in their world.

The Psalmist wrote to remind them of God’s faithfulness. I want to add my voice to the voice of the Psalmist in agreeing that God is faithful. I delight to join him in singing praises to God. This Psalm will lift the burdened, and the broken by the troubles of this world. Will you join me in praise and prayer.

Psalm 105:2 (ESV)

2 Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!

My soul sings:

“Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father;

there is no shadow of turning with thee;

thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not;

as thou hast been thou forever will be.

Refrain:

Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see;

all I have needed thy hand hath provided;

Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!”

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Father, thank you for being sovereign above all, and that you look low, and value man; male and female you created them, and that you love us with an everlasting love.

Father, I declare that You are a great God, and that You are a good Father. So, my heart overflows, and my soul sings, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

—

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

In Whom Is Your Hope and Trust?

Text:

Exodus 33:14 (ESV)

14 And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Observation:

If there is one thing I am confident of in my life, it is that I can trust the promises of God, and His Word.

I am convinced and confident of God’s presence, and the promise that He would give His people peace. You can rest in that blessed assurance that if God lives in you; that God is for you.

Psalm 29:11 (ESV)

11 May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace!

This is a scripture that bears repeating; especially in these trying and troubling days.

John 16:33 (ESV)

33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

The question for today is this: It is the title of our message today, In Whom Is Your Hope and Trust? This hymn expresses my heart.

“My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus Christ, my righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand,

All other ground is sinking sand.”

Are you standing on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ? If so, you can rest in His peace. Notice this promise of God.

Colossians 1:27 (ESV)

27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, give us today, and everyday the things we need to walk one step at a time in the Spirit of God. We offer this as our prayer of praise and thanksgiving.

Jude 1:24-25 (ESV)

24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy,

25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

—

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