#listenandobeyGOD – herbcotton.org

God Speaks – Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 26:27 (NLT)

If you set a trap for others, you will get caught in it yourself. If you roll a boulder down on others, it will crush you instead.

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 104:33-34 (NLT)

I will sing to the LORD as long as I live. I will praise my God to my last breath!

May all my thoughts be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the LORD.

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Psalm 104:31 (NLT)

May the glory of the LORD continue forever! The LORD takes pleasure in all he has made!

Psalm 104:35 (NLT)

Let all sinners vanish from the face of the earth; let the wicked disappear forever. Let all that I am praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!

The Gospel Message:

Hebrews 4:1-3 (NLT)

God’s promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it.

For this good news—that God has prepared this rest—has been announced to us just as it was to them. But it did them no good because they didn’t share the faith of those who listened to God.

For only we who believe can enter his rest. As for the others, God said, “In my anger I took an oath: ‘They will never enter my place of rest,'” even though this rest has been ready since he made the world.

Observation:

My first reflection after selecting today’s focal passages were the lyrics of the hymn by Cleland McAfee, “Near to the Heart of God.”

There is a place of quiet rest,

Near to the heart of God;

A place where sin cannot molest,

Near to the heart of God.

? Refrain:

? O Jesus, blest Redeemer,

? Sent from the heart of God;

? Hold us, who wait before Thee,

? Near to the heart of God.

In this troubled filled world, I am so glad that God has provided a way for us to have a place of quiet rest, not just now, but to live forever in His presence.

Hebrews 4:3 (NLT)

For only we who believe can enter his rest. As for the others, God said, “In my anger, I took an oath: ‘They will never enter my place of rest,'” even though this rest has been ready since he made the world.

Prayer:

Father God, our dear Father, we join with David and the Saints of the ages in singing, “Let all that I am praise the Lord.”

—

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:

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God Speaks – Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 25:21-22 (NLT)

If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them water to drink.

You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads, and the LORD will reward you.

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 88:1-3 (NLT)

O LORD, God of my salvation, I cry out to you by day. I come to you at night.

Now hear my prayer; listen to my cry.

For my life is full of troubles, and death draws near.

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Jeremiah 31:31 (NLT)

“The day is coming,” says the LORD, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah.

Jeremiah 31:33 (NLT)

“But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day,” says the LORD. “I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.

The Gospel Message:

1 Timothy 3:1 (NLT)

This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be an elder, he desires an honorable position.”

Observation:

The Psalm for today contains this prayer, “God, you’re my last chance.”

This desperate cry for hope and help is in the heart of every living being. It was placed there by our creator. But, we need to know the truth because it is the truth that will make you free. Notice what Jesus, our creator, said to the first-century followers.

John 14:6 (NLT)

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.

In His wisdom, God has chosen to use the Church as His means to communicate and connect people with the Kingdom of God.

1 Timothy 3:14-16 (NLT)

I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon,

so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.

Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith: Christ was revealed in a human body and vindicated by the Spirit. He was seen by angels and announced to the nations. He was believed in throughout the world and taken to heaven in glory.

Prayer:

Father God, thank You for Jesus who is the source of our salvation. Father, we thank You for the pastors and teachers that You have called to proclaim the Gospel of 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.”

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God Speaks – Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 22:26-27 (NLT)

26 Don’t agree to guarantee another person’s debt or put up security for someone else.

27 If you can’t pay it, even your bed will be snatched from under you.

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 52:8-9 (NLT)

8 But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I will always trust in God’s unfailing love.

9 I will praise you forever, O God, for what you have done. I will trust in your good name in the presence of your faithful people.

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Isaiah 1:18-20 (NLT)

18 “Come now, let’s settle this,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.

19 If you will only obey me, you will have plenty to eat.

20 But if you turn away and refuse to listen, you will be devoured by the sword of your enemies. I, the LORD, have spoken!”

The Gospel Message:

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (NLT)

4 We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.

5 We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.

Observation:

O how we need to turn our minds from personal preferences and turn our hearts to God. Why have so many turned from God, and depend solely upon human flesh for deliverance?

John 3:20 (NLT)

20 All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed.

We need to meditate and activate the teaching of the Apostle Paul encouraged in his letter to the church at Corinth.

2 Corinthians 10:5 (NLT)

5 We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.

The only hope for our world is not a man, but God. The change that we need will come when God’s people decide to make Jesus the Lord of their life.

“Christ is either Lord of all, or he is not Lord at all.”

James Hudson Taylor

Prayer:

Father, help us by the power of the Holy Spirit of God to give our all to You and receive Your all to enable us to live the overcoming life that You intend for us to live in this fallen world.

O, that the Body of Christ will pray it down, lift Christ up, and live out the will of God in our daily walk in this world.

—

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:

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God Speaks – Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 14:10 (NLT)

10 Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can fully share its joy.

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 45:6-7 (NLT)

6 Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. You rule with a scepter of justice.

7 You love justice and hate evil. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else.

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Job 40:1-5 (NLT)

1 Then the LORD said to Job,

2 “Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers?”

3 Then Job replied to the LORD,

4 “I am nothing—how could I ever find the answers? I will cover my mouth with my hand.

5 I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say.”

The Gospel Message:

2 Corinthians 5:17-21 (ESV)

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;

19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.

20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Observation:

What is your motivation for serving the Lord? The Apostle Paul had a lofty goal. He aimed to please the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:9 (ESV)

9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.

In our selected passage for today, Paul states two spiritual motivations that drove Him to serve the Lord and His people. One was the power of the gospel, and the second was the commission of the Lord.

Prayer:

Father God, we thank You that we don’t have to serve You in our human strength because You have given us the gift of the Holy Spirit of God to provide us with the power for service. Father, we are so thankful for all of the members of the Body of Christ who faithfully serve You.

Romans 8:9 (NLT)

9 But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)

—

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:

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God Speaks – Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 22:24-25 (NLT)

24 Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people,

25 or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 44:8 (NLT)

8 O God, we give glory to you all day long and constantly praise your name. Interlude

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Job 34:2-4 (NLT)

2 “Listen to me, you wise men. Pay attention, you who have knowledge.

3 Job said, ‘The ear tests the words it hears just as the mouth distinguishes between foods.’

4 So let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good.

The Gospel Message:

2 Corinthians 4:1-2 (NLT)

1 Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us this new way, we never give up.

2 We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods. We don’t try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this.

2 Corinthians 4:4 (NLT)

4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

Observation:

Job’s friend said to him, “Listen to me.”Jesus is our friend, and we need to listen when He speaks to us.

I find life to be so much richer when I spend time in the presence of the Lord, hear His voice, and pay attention to Him. We need to recognize this truth, “You have not listened until you have obeyed.”

When we align our hearts with the heart of God, our prayer life is so much more effective. We can pray as Nehemiah prayed, and get the results that he got when we bring the needs of others, and ourselves to the Lord in prayer. It pays in so many ways to listen when God speaks.

Prayer:

Nehemiah 1:10-11 (NLT)

10 “The people you rescued by your great power and strong hand are your servants.

11 O Lord, please hear my prayer! Listen to the prayers of those of us who delight in honoring you. Please grant me success today by making the king favorable to me. Put it into his heart to be kind to me.” In those days I was the king’s cup-bearer.

—

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 22:1 (NLT)

1 Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 40:1 (NLT)

1 I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Job 19:25-27 (NLT)

25 “But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last.

26 And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God!

27 I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!

The Gospel Message:

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NLT)

13 Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.

14 And do everything with love.

Observation:

What did God say to you when you read these scriptures?

Often in our lives, we try to change the things on the outside. They may result in us looking better to ourselves, and to others. However, God does not look on the outside. What God looks at is our hearts.

Because of this, what is God saying to you today that speaks to your heart? What will you do with what you heard God say to your heart?

Prayer:

Ephesians 1:16-18 (NLT)

16 I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly,

17 asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God.

18 I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.

—

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:

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What Would It Take to Get You to Listen?

Text:

Numbers 22:28 (NLT)

28 Then the LORD gave the donkey the ability to speak. “What have I done to you that deserves your beating me three times?” it asked Balaam.

Observation:

This morning I read the following passage from a friend, who recently started reading through the One Year Bible Reading Plan. We are friends on the YouVersion Bible App.

Numbers 22:29-31 (NLT)

29 “You have made me look like a fool!” Balaam shouted. “If I had a sword with me, I would kill you!”

30 “But I am the same donkey you have ridden all your life,” the donkey answered. “Have I ever done anything like this before?” “No,” Balaam admitted.

31 Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the roadway with a drawn sword in his hand. Balaam bowed his head and fell face down on the ground before him.

It is such a privilege to read God’s Word and have friends who read God’s Word. There is a blessing in listening to what God is saying because God has something to say to you.

When you listen to what God has to say to you, He will give you something to say to somebody else who needs to hear from God. If God can use a donkey to speak to Balaam, He can surely use you to speak to somebody who needs to hear what God has to say to that person.

The more you listen to God speak, the more God will use you to speak into the lives of others. Are you ready to do God’s will and work?

Prayer:

Father God, hallowed be Your name. Father, I am so grateful that You are still speaking to Your people today. Father, we need so much to hear a word from You.

Father, give us a burning desire in our heart to position ourselves to hear You speak to us from Your Word and to be willing to open our mouths to speak what we hear from You to others.

Father, thank You for loving us and placing within us the ability to love others with the love of the Lord. We pray this prayer together, and we join together in saying, 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:

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God is Speaking – – Are You Listening?

Text:

Psalm 107:1 (KJV)

1 O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Observation:

Today is a blank page. Yesterday is gone; looking in the rear view mirror will not allow you to go back. And, tomorrow is not promised. Today is the day of freedom for you to walk it out in your daily living.

What kind of day do you expect? Today has the potential, and the possibility of being your best day ever.

Why not decide, you have the freedom, to make this day the best day ever. For a new look, take the upward look.

Psalm 19:1-3 (KJV)

1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.

3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

Prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, my dear Father, we offer up to You today the praise, honor, and glory that You alone deserve. Father, You are God all by yourself; there is none like You, no not one.

We come into Your presence this morning and we say the words that Jesus said when He taught His disciples how to pray.

Matthew 6:9 (ESV)

9 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.

Father, help us, and empower us to do some act of lovingkindness to someone today that will advance the kingdom of God.

Matthew 6:10 (KJV)

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Matthew 6:13 (KJV)

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for 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:

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Invitation – Come and Listen

Text:

Psalm 66:16-20 (HCSB)

16 Come and listen, all who fear God, and I will tell what He has done for me.

17 I cried out to Him with my mouth, and praise was on my tongue.

18 If I had been aware of malice in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.

19 However, God has listened; He has paid attention to the sound of my prayer.

20 May God be praised! He has not turned away my prayer or turned His faithful love from me.

Observation:

Last Friday we completed the first half of the year. This Monday morning we begin our devotional writing for the second half of the year.

I read the focal passage for today on Saturday, July 1. As I look back on the first six months of the year I can surely give testimony to the fact that I have experienced the presence, and power of God in my life, my family, and many that I have had the privilege of praying with, and praying for. I can agree with David, and the words of this Psalm.

Psalm 66:19 (HCSB)

19 However, God has listened; He has paid attention to the sound of my prayer.

Have you had the blessing of coming to God, and listening to Him? Did you experience the joy of having your prayers answered? Did you respond in worship by giving the Lord the praise and the thanks from a grateful heart?

Did you turn your worship into witness? David said, “I will tell what He has done for me”.

I invite you to not only be a receiver, but to also be a giver. Let’s give some glory to God for all our blessings, and joyfully tell others about His goodness.

Psalm 66:20 (HCSB)

20 May God be praised! He has not turned away my prayer or turned His faithful love from me.

Prayer:

Father God, we worship you, and we offer up to you our deep, and heart felt appreciation for hearing, and answering the prayers of your people.

Father, your love for us is so compassionate, constant, and complete. Lord, there is no God like You. We bow low, and stand amazed in Your presence. 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:

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