Tag: #Listen2God

God Speaks – Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 29:11 (NLT)

Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 121:1-2 (NLT)

I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there?

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

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Hosea 4:1 (NLT)

Hear the word of the LORD, O people of Israel! The LORD has brought charges against you, saying: “There is no faithfulness, no kindness, no knowledge of God in your land.

The Gospel Message:

2 John 1:1-3 (NLT)

This letter is from John, the elder. I am writing to the chosen lady and to her children, whom I love in the truth—as does everyone else who knows the truth—

because the truth lives in us and will be with us forever.

Grace, mercy, and peace, which come from God the Father and from Jesus Christ—the Son of the Father—will continue to be with us who live in truth and love.

Observation:

The above passages from the ” The One Year Bible” spoke deeply into my heart. I pray that they will speak deeply into Your heart and that the Holy Spirit will guide you so that you may live in truth and love.

Today will conclude my writing in this forum for 2017. It has been my practice to shut down in December and the first part of the New Year. So, I wish each of you a Merry Christmas, and a Happy and Blessed New Year.

Ephesians 6:18-19 (NLT)

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

And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike.

Prayer:

Father God, the prayer of Your servant John is the prayer that I pray for all who read, hear, and heed these words today.

3 John 1:2 (NKJV)

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

—

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 29:5-6 (NLT)

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

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

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 124:1-2 (NLT)

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

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

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Hosea 1:2 (NLT)

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

The Gospel Message:

1 John 5:1-5 (NLT)

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

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

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

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

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

Observation:

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

1 John 5:13-15 (NLT)

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

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

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

Prayer:

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

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

My Soul Sings:

Title: Take the Name of Jesus With You

Author: Lydia Odell Baxter

Oh, the precious name of Jesus,

How it thrills our souls with joy;

All the favor of the Father

In this name we may enjoy.

—

1 Samuel 3:10 (NLT)
10  And the LORD came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel replied, “Speak, your servant is listening.”

Read all the Daily Devotionals by Herb Cotton; click here:

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 29:1 (NLT)

Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be destroyed beyond recovery.

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 121:1-2 (NLT)

I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there?

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

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Daniel 10:12 (NLT)

Then he said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer.

The Gospel Message:

1 John 2:24-27 (NLT)

So you must remain faithful to what you have been taught from the beginning. If you do, you will remain in fellowship with the Son and with the Father.

And in this fellowship we enjoy the eternal life he promised us.

I am writing these things to warn you about those who want to lead you astray.

But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ.

Observation:

Why is the Gospel of Christ goodnews? Well, that is an easy question to answer if you just read and pay attention to the passage above from 1 John 2:24-27.

This passage cries out for meditation. It is comforting, uplifting, and faith building. And faith is what we need in times like these. We need God, and many of you have a testimony that you have Him living in your heart.

Are you in fellowship with Him? If you have read this far, think about what you have inside of you.

1 If you remain faithful, you have fellowship with Jesus.

2 If you remain faithful, you have fellowship with God the Father.

3 In this fellowship, you have the eternal life God promised you.

4 If you received Jesus, you have the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you.

How do you overcome the world? It is with God’s love and God’s truth.

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I feel like connecting my heart with the Apostle Paul in praying the prayer he prayed in his letter to the church at Ephesus. Father, help us to lean hard and entirely on You during these difficult times.

Ephesians 3:20-21 (NLT)

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! 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 28:25-26 (NLT)

Greed causes fighting; trusting the LORD leads to prosperity.

Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 120:1 (NLT)

I took my troubles to the LORD; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer.

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Psalm 120:2 (NLT)

Rescue me, O LORD, from liars and from all deceitful people.

The Gospel Message:

1 John 2:1-2 (NLT)

My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous.

He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.

Observation:

My one-word goal for this year is LISTEN. Today I’m going to reflect upon the first word I heard at the start of my day.

Psalm 119:9 (AMP)

How shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed and keeping watch [on himself] according to Your word [conforming his life to it].

Five months ago I started writing a book. The idea to do this was a sermon I heard on June 21, 2017. The speaker challenged the listeners to write down a bucket list of your dreams for the future. I wrote over forty things on that list that night. The next day I selected one of the items to pursue. I decided to take the first step in fulfilling my dream to write a book. Five months later the book is currently in the production phase, which is forty-five days to publication.

The title of the book, “31 Days of Hearing God Speak – How Listening to God Speak can change Your Life.”

Oh, how sweet it is to trust in Jesus with your whole heart, and to walk in His steps all of the days of your life. Think about the words of this hymn as you walk with the Lord today and every day of your life in this world.

“I come to the garden alone,

While the dew is still on the roses,

And the voice I hear falling on my ear

The Son of God discloses.

? Refrain:

? And He walks with me, and He talks with me,

? And He tells me I am His own;

? And the joy we share as we tarry there,

? None other has ever known.”  – – Charles Miles – Author

Prayer:

Father God, we, Your dearly beloved children, are so grateful for Your abiding love and presence in our lives. Father, we are so thankful that we don’t have to walk through this fallen world in our strength alone, but we can walk and live in Your presence all of the days of our 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 28:23 (NLT)

In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery.

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 119:156 (NLT)

LORD, how great is your mercy; let me be revived by following your regulations.

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Psalm 119:146-149 (NLT)

I cry out to you; rescue me, that I may obey your laws.

I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in your words.

I stay awake through the night, thinking about your promise.

In your faithful love, O LORD, hear my cry; let me be revived by following your regulations.

The Gospel Message:

1 John 1:6-9 (NLT)

So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth.

But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.

If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth.

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

Observation:

The most remarkable and fantastic thing I find as I read the Bible is how much God loves you and me. It is humbling to know that God notices and cares about His children.

I have lingered in the Psalms today because from them I find the encouragement to face life because in the Psalms I see the weaknesses of the human flesh. However, I also look at the provisions of a loving creator and heavenly Father who loves and cares for human beings that He has created in His image. I am encouraged and empowered by knowing that God takes our weaknesses and gives us His strength.

Prayer:

Psalm 119:169-174 (NLT)

O LORD, listen to my cry; give me the discerning mind you promised.

Listen to my prayer; rescue me as you promised.

Let praise flow from my lips, for you have taught me your decrees.

Let my tongue sing about your word, for all your commands are right.

Give me a helping hand, for I have chosen to follow your commandments.

O LORD, I have longed for your rescue, and your instructions are my delight.

—

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 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 28:20 (NLT)

The trustworthy person will get a rich reward, but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble.

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 119:113-114 (NLT)

I hate those with divided loyalties, but I love your instructions.

You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope.

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Daniel 5:7-8 (NLT)

The king shouted for the enchanters, astrologers, and fortune-tellers to be brought before him. He said to these wise men of Babylon, “Whoever can read this writing and tell me what it means will be dressed in purple robes of royal honor and will have a gold chain placed around his neck. He will become the third highest ruler in the kingdom!”

But when all the king’s wise men had come in, none of them could read the writing or tell him what it meant.

The Gospel Message:

2 Peter 2:1 (NLT)

But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves.

Observation:

Every generation needs to be aware of the presence of false teachers. They use the tool of deception. However, you can discern them by knowing the Word of God. The Holy Spirit of God will guide you and give you discernment to recognize error when you see it.

You will be able to spot their lies and promises that they have no intention or ability to fulfill.

2 Peter 2:18-19 (NLT)

They brag about themselves with empty, foolish boasting. With an appeal to twisted sexual desires, they lure back into sin those who have barely escaped from a lifestyle of deception.

They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, help us to discern truth from error, and help us to see, and come under the covering and care of the Good Shepherd.

John 10:27-28 (KJV)

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

—

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 28:14 (NLT)

Blessed are those who fear to do wrong, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble.

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 119:65-68 (NLT)

You have done many good things for me, LORD, just as you promised.

I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge.

I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word.

You are good and do only good; teach me your decrees.

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Psalm 119:71-72 (NLT)

My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.

Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver.

The Gospel Message:

1 Peter 3:8-12 (NLT)

Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.

Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it.

For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.

Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.

The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”

Observation:

It is interesting to note in the New Testament reading for today that Peter had to remind the first-century believers how that should behave. In the twenty-first century, we still need that reminder.

We need to learn to love others first; it’s the example of Jesus. I’m singing in my spirit now this old hymn of the Church, “O how I love Jesus because He first loved me.”

We would do well to read and heed the admonition and encouragement of Peter to the first-century Church. We need to show and say the Gospel of Christ to the whole world as Jesus commanded us. We are most effective when we show and tell.

Prayer:

Father God, hallowed be Your name. Father, we ask that You would bind each member of the Body of Christ together in love so that we can be demonstrations to a watching world of what the love of God looks like in the human flesh.

1 Peter 3:8 (NLT)

Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.

—

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 28:11 (NLT)

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

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 119:33-34 (NLT)

Teach me your decrees, O LORD; I will keep them to the end.

Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart.

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Psalm 119:35-40 (NLT)

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

Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money!

Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.

Reassure me of your promise, made to those who fear you.

Help me abandon my shameful ways; for your regulations are good.

I long to obey your commandments! Renew my life with your goodness.

The Gospel Message:

1 Peter 2:1-3 (NLT)

So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech.

Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment,

now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.

Observation:

The following verse describes the experience I had last night before going to bed.

Psalm 119:130 (KJV)

The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

Then, this morning the first thing I saw was a Facebook notification from a friend who is in the hospital preparing for surgery this afternoon. He posted the following message that was a handwritten note in his Bible next to Psalm 139.

“God is honored best when we give our worst moments to Him.”

He believes this was said by Joe Atkinson, guest speaker at FBC Valdez in the fall of 1994.

Psalm 139:5-7 (NLT)

You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!

I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence!

Prayer:

Father, we are so thankful that You are always with Your children. Father, it comforts us to know that in our worst moments You are with us and that it is in those moments You get the most glory.

Romans 8:39 (NLT)

No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

O, how blessed are the people who trust in the Lord with their whole heart, and lean not on their own understanding declares the Word of God and all who agree let’s say together, 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 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/

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

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