Tag: jesus

Where Do You Turn When Life Gets Hard?

A Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton

God Speaks:

Psalm 116:1-2 King James Version (KJV)

116 I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.

2 Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.

Listen to God Speak & Obey:

Do you know the God of the Bible? In whom do you trust? Where is your God? To love the Lord, you must know Him.

Psalm 115:1-3 King James Version (KJV)

115 Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.

2 Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God?

3 But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.

The following conversation of Jesus with a Gentile woman informs my understanding of the God of the Bible.

John 4:21-26 King James Version (KJV)

21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.

22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.

23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messiah cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.

26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.

The Bible describes God in human terms that we can understand. He has eyes that can see us, ears that can hear us, and hands that can touch us. God is a great God and a loving heavenly Father.

There is no place I would rather be than in the hands of God.

Psalm 31:15 King James Version (KJV)

15 My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.

There is nothing beyond the reach of God, and there is nothing too difficult for our Father in heaven.

Luke 1:37 King James Version (KJV)

37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, we offer up to you our prayers of praise and thanksgiving. Father, we acknowledge that You are God, and we are not.

Father, we are so grateful that You have eyes to see us, ears to hear us, and hands that can reach down and touch us.

Father, we rest in the knowledge that nothing is too difficult for You. Father, we stretch our hands and surrender our lives to You. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

— 

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

Why Should We Wait on the Lord?

A Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton

God Speaks:

Isaiah 40:31 King James Version (KJV)

31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

King James Version (KJV)

Public Domain

Listen to God Speak & Obey:

Have you ever prayed and got weary in waiting on God to answer your prayer? If so, let me encourage you by saying you are not alone in feeling or thinking in this way.  Let me welcome you as a member of the human race.

2 Corinthians 12:6-9 King James Version (KJV)

6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

God Has Something to Say to You:

I don’t know what God has to say to you, but I have shared with you in the above passage what God said to the Apostle Paul.

Now, I will share with you some of the things God said to me today.

The storm comes before the glory.

The promise comes before the blessing.

The blessing comes to those who believe.

The glory belongs to God alone.

The price precedes the provision.

In my weakness, God provides His strength.

There is nothing too difficult for God.

God uses my problems as raw material for a miracle of sufficient grace for all my needs.

Philippians 4:19 King James Version (KJV)

19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:13 King James Version (KJV)

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Father, we exalt You together as we look up to You in prayer. We give You thanks for who You are, and for how much You love us; even when we were unlovely.

Father, today we ask You to teach us to pray and to wait on You. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

— 

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

Who are Your Maker and Deliverer?

A Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton

God Speaks:

Psalm 32:1-2 King James Version (KJV)

32 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.

2 Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.

King James Version (KJV)

Public Domain

Listen to God Speak & Obey:

I’m glad that God chose David to be in the lineage of Jesus coming into the world. He was a man who in his past committed adultery and covered it up with murder. David found redemption and so can you and me.

Today I want you to look for the way out of whatever you are covering up in your life that you would let it go and give it to God. The problem goes back to the Garden of Eden, and Adam and Eve failed the obedience test, and so have we.

Today’s devotional will be longer because I am going to be sharing just one serving of encouragement weekly, but I’m using a larger bowl. Taste and see that the Lord is good. I will be distributing a fresh bowl of encouragement every Friday.

Let me encourage you with the thought that God knows your weaknesses and that we can’t live with total obedience even in perfect conditions. God loves us so much that He made us in His image, and that includes having choices. But, when the first man and woman failed the faith and obedience test, God provided a covering.

Let me remind you that we have the freedom to choose, but we can’t select the consequences of our decisions.

Romans 6:23 King James Version (KJV)

23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

God provided the covering for the sins of the first Adam. However, that was just a sign of what was to come in the fullness of time.

Genesis 3:21 King James Version (KJV)

21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them.

Notice what the Bible says about Adam and Jesus. In Adam, all died, but in Christ, all have the opportunity to choose everlasting life.

1 Corinthians 15:22 King James Version (KJV)

22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

The Old Testament:

Isaiah 9:6-7 King James Version (KJV)

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

The thing I cherish about the Bible is that God keeps all of His promises. God is able and willing; He is God all by Himself.

The New Testament:

John 3:16-18 King James Version (KJV)

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Father, thank You for loving us so dearly that You paid the supreme price of love by giving Your only son to pay the blood sacrifice for our sin.

Father, thank You for doing for us what we could not do for ourselves. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

— 

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

 

Who Has Your Eyes and Ears?

Today’s Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton 

Bible Text for Today’s Meditation and Application:

2 Chronicles 16:9 King James Version (KJV)

9 For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

My Reflections on the Word of God Today:

Do you wonder why you are having so many unresolved problems in your life? It seems like the devil is after you all the time. What are the issues in your life that are presenting themselves as a mission impossible?

What may be impossible in your eyes are possible with God because nothing is too complicated for the Lord.

Have you not heard the invitation of Jesus to give your problems to Him?

Matthew 11:28-30 King James Version (KJV)

28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Are you willing to surrender the heavy load that you are carrying and receive the yoke that Jesus wants to exchange for your heavy yoke not intended for you? The devil is a liar and thief; reject him, and believe that Jesus is the way and the truth.

1 Peter 5:6-7 King James Version (KJV)

6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

How can I overcome the troubles I have faced all of my life?

Turn from your old ways, and turn to Jesus. Give Him all of you, and He will give you all of Him. Nothing less will do what Jesus wants to do for you. It’s only one step to your deliverance. Why not take it today? 

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 and ask others to join with me in praying that burdens are being lifted right now all across the length and breadth of the earth as people release the heavy yokes on their backs and replace them with yokes that Jesus offers that are easy and burdens that are light.

Lord Jesus, we thank You for lifting our burdens on the cross at Calvary. Now, we can say with joy in our hearts, “I am a child of God.”

And a host of God’s children all over the world, united and together we say, thank God, Amen.

— 

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

How Long Will My Troubles Last?

Today’s Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton 

Bible Text for Today’s Meditation and Application:

Romans 8:18 King James Version (KJV)

18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

King James Version (KJV)

Public Domain

My Reflections on the Word of God Today:

All of us at one time or another will encounter trouble by living in the earth. That’s the way life is in the present world. God made us out of dirt, and we return to dust. But, God; O how I love the sweet sounds of those two words. Those words give the people of God hope for a bright future.

Let’s examine some of the promises of the God of the Word that is in the Word of God;

The Bible says:

1 Peter 5:10 King James Version (KJV)

10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

2 Corinthians 12:9 King James Version (KJV)

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

John 14:1 King James Version (KJV)

14 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

My dear friends of God and Christ followers, I urge you to never give up on putting your whole life in the hands of the LORD. Our Father in heaven will never let His children down.

Proverbs 3:5-7 King James Version (KJV)

5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.

Prayer Offered to Our Father in Heaven:

Our Father in heaven, we as Your people declare and decree that we will surrender all of life to You in exchange for all of You. Father, we have seen in recent testimony by Your children that You have been Jehovah Jireh in their lives at a time of overwhelming need.

Father, we believe that You don’t have favorites and that what You have done for others, You will do for us. Father, we believe You, and can’t live without You. So, we cry for Your children, Lord, help us we pray, in the name of Jesus, and with a grateful heart, we lean hard on Thee. Let the church say, Amen.

Isaiah 41:10 King James Version (KJV)

10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Today Somebody Prayed for You

—

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

Do You Know How to Have A Good Friday?

Today’s Cup of Friday Morning Encouragement by Herb Cotton

Today Somebody Prayed for You

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

copyright status is Public Domain

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.

Whose Team Are You On?

There is a fierce battle going on in our world today; it is battle of the devil and his imps making their last futile attack on the children of God. Do you recognize the enemy? Do you realize that this world is not a playground, but a battleground?

It behooves all of God’s people to be alert, and to put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand firm in these tumultuous times.

Ephesians 6:10-12 (NLT) 

 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 

 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 

 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 

My brothers and my sisters I urge you read the remainder of [Eph 6:14-18], and don’t take this warning lightly. The devil is not your friend; he is a liar, and lying is his native language.

Beware of the devil; it is fatal to put your trust in this enemy of God, and the enemy of God’s children.

Luke 22:31 (NLT) 

 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. 

 Jesus described Satan; the enemy of your mortal soul in the following fashion:

John 8:44 (NLT) 

 For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. 

 I encourage you to run to Jesus and live under the shelter of His protectives arms. And, don’t leave home without being dressed for spiritual warfare.

My dear beloved friends of Jesus, we need to live always in the presence of Jesus. He loves you and cares for you. He prays for you and will lead you on the path that leads to our Father’s home in heaven.

Finally, don’t ever underestimate the power and provisions of prayer. Our prayer life should be as healthy as breathing; when you stop, you are pronounced dead.

Ephesians 6:18 (NLT) 

 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. 

When God’s People Pray for One Another:

Acts 4:31 (NKJV) 

 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. 

Father God, Abba Father, we ask You on bended knees to pour out Your mighty power in our dark and dirty world. Father, we know that you will take those in the gutter-most, and lift them to the uttermost, and there live in Your presence now and forever. We give praise, and thanks to our God for Your lovingkindness, amazing grace, and tender mercies, Amen.

 

—

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
 

Do You Have A Solid Foundation?

Text:

Psalm 61:1-4 (ESV)

1 Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer;

2  from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I,

3  for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.

4  Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah

Observation:

David expresses his deep seated need to be heard; to have God listen to his cry for help.

It is comforting to know that no matter how much distance seems to separate you from God, you are never too far away that God cannot see you, and hear your cry.

Psalm 34:15 (ESV)

15  The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry.

Notice that David was feeling very low when he cried out to the Lord. You are never too low for God to reach down, and pick you up.

Psalm 61:2 (KJV)

2  From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

When I feel overwhelmed by the troubles of living in the world, the words of this song rises from my heart to my mouth, and I lean on the solid rock.

“On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;

all other ground is sinking sand,

all other ground is sinking sand.”

Have you learned to lean on Jesus? The Lord will never let you fall; He will never let you down.

“What have I to dread, what have I to fear,

Leaning on the everlasting arms?

I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,

Leaning on the everlasting arms.”

Prayer:

Father God, I am so grateful for Your abiding presence in the lives of Your people.

Father, we are so grateful that we can trust in You with our whole heart, and know with full assurance that You will never let us down. Father, we stand in faith on the promises of Your Word.

Jude 1:24-25 (KJV)

24  Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

25  To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. 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/

Why What We Do With Our Heart Is Important

Text: 

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)

5  Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.

6  Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

Observation: 

Who you have in your heart is of utmost importance. Notice what Solomon, who was called the wisest of men, said about the heart.

Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)

23  Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

We may trust in many things and people, but there is no thing or person that can compare with the Lord.  The reason why we can trust in the Lord is because He is trustworthy. There is no one that you can say this about without reservation. “The Lord cannot lie”. “It was impossible for God to lie”.

Titus 1:2 (KJV)

2  In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

Hebrews 6:18 (KJV)

18  That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

I have no difficulty in trusting in the Lord with all my heart, seeking and doing His will, and walking in His ways. I trust Him when He speaks; I listen, and obey. I believe it is impossible for Him to lie.

John 14:6 (KJV)

6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Prayer:

Father, I am so grateful, and thankful for the open door that I have to come to Your throne room of grace and mercy.

Lord, I trust in You with my whole heart, and I submit my understanding to Your will, and Your way. 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

God’s Plan for You

 

Text:

John 16:7-11 (HCSB)

7  Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send Him to you.

8  When He comes, He will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment:

9  About sin, because they do not believe in Me;

10  about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see Me;

11  and about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.

Observation:

The disciples had walked with Jesus, and had the pleasure of seeing Him do wonderful and amazing things. In their minds Jesus leaving them was the worst possible outcome.

However, God had something better, and God’s best required that Jesus must return to be with the Father, and then the Holy Spirit would come and live in them.

Jesus leaving was God’s plan for His disciples then, and for us today. It is a part of God’s plan for the redemption of fallen mankind.

God has done His part; Jesus has been lifted up, and the Holy Spirit has come down to dwell in the hearts of God’s people.

John 3:14-16 (HCSB)

14  Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,

15  so that everyone who believes in Him will have eternal life.

16  “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

John 14:16-17 (HCSB)

16  And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever.

17  He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive Him because it doesn’t see Him or know Him. But you do know Him, because He remains with you and will be in you.

God has done His part, and He has given a command to His people to do our part.

Acts 1:8 (HCSB)

8  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Mark 16:19-20 (HCSB)

19  Then after speaking to them, the Lord Jesus was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.

20  And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word by the accompanying signs.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for sending Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and Your people to be Your witnesses to the whole world that You so love. Father, may we be faithful in going, so that others will come to You and find redemption in Christ. 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