Tag: loveoneanother

Have You Ever Wondered, What’s Wrong With Those People?

Today Somebody Prayed for You

Today’s Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton 

Bible Text for Today’s Meditation and Application:

Philippians 2:4 King James Version (KJV)

4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

King James Version (KJV)

Public Domain

My Reflections on the Word of God Today:

Have you experienced the pain of being hurt by another person, and when you looked back at the situation you realized that it was not about you, but it was about the other person?

I often recall the words of the old school preacher, “To live above with saints we love, oh, that will be like in glory. But, to live below with saints we know, well that’s another story.”

The problem that we all have is that our words once spoken cannot be retrieved. Being sorry does not remove the power of the words spoken, and in many cases, the memory of the words spoken.

Therefore, it is incumbent upon each of us to think before we speak. We are all in the same boat, controlling the tongue is not an easy assignment. But, it is one that we need to make a priority in our lives of learning to take a position of humility and discipline ourselves to trust in the Lord with our whole heart and walking in the Spirit who will do for us what we cannot do for ourselves.

Ephesians 3:20 King James Version (KJV)

20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

In conclusion of our thoughts on this topic, let us make it our prayer and the goal of our life to be a blessing to others and not a curse, judge, jury, and executioner for others bad behavior. There is one judge of all humankind, and it is undoubtedly not you and thank God not me.

Romans 12:18 King James Version (KJV)

18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Prayer Offered to Our Father in Heaven:

Our Father in heaven, in these times in the world, we need more than ever to be like Jesus, and to see people like You see them and treat them. It is by Your grace that they are still alive, and because You have not finished with them, we should not attempt to be their judge.

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.

 

—

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

Why You Can Never Show Too Much Kindness to Others

Text:

Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

Observation:

I am so glad that the Bible says, “There is no law against kindness.” Is there anyone that will let me know if you agree with what the Bible says, and have found this to be real in your life?

Let’s examine and meditate on more of what the Bible says about this fruit of the Spirit, which is kindness (NLT) and gentleness in the (KJV).

Genesis 21:23 (KJV)

Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son’s son: but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned.

Isaiah 54:10 (KJV)

For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.

Colossians 3:12 (NLT)

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Ephesians 4:31-32 (NLT)

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.

Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

I am so grateful to God, Our Father in heaven, that He has poured into our hearts the Holy Spirit, and through His mighty power we can receive kindness and be kind to others.

Prayer:

Father God, we thank You for showering us with an abundance of the fruits of the Spirit.

Father, we pray that we will always remember that there is no law against being patient with others and ourselves. In the power and assistance of the Holy Spirit of God, we pray, with a heart filled with thanksgiving, Amen.

Announcement

Today will be my last Daily Devotional for now, but I’m not finished sharing God’s Word.

I have a new assignment, and it will unfold on Resurrection Sunday, which is April 1, 2018.

In the meantime, this will be my focus, as the Lord directs my steps.

Today

Not

Tomorrow

I have a new assignment I could not refuse. However, I will be reporting in many forums what I’m doing so you will hear from me with updates as the Holy Spirit gives me something to say to you.

—

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

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 27:22 (NLT)

You cannot separate fools from their foolishness, even though you grind them like grain with mortar and pestle.

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 115:1 (HCSB)

Not to us, Yahweh, not to us, but to Your name give glory because of Your faithful love, because of Your truth.

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Psalm 115:13-18 (NLT)

He will bless those who fear the LORD, both great and lowly.

May the LORD richly bless both you and your children.

May you be blessed by the LORD, who made heaven and earth.

The heavens belong to the LORD, but he has given the earth to all humanity.

The dead cannot sing praises to the LORD, for they have gone into the silence of the grave.

But we can praise the LORD both now and forever! Praise the LORD!

The Gospel Message:

Hebrews 13:7-8 (NLT)

Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Observation:

Being a Christian and living the Christian life was never meant to be a solo act. We need each other. We are to remember those who the Lord has appointed to lead His people.

However,  the anchor of your faith and trust should be in Jesus Christ, and not in your leaders. The reason is this, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

It is by obeying our leaders, following Jesus Christ, and loving one another with the love of the Lord that we will be able to live the abundant life, and not be led astray by false doctrine.

Hebrews 13:1 (NLT)

Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters.

Hebrews 13:9 (NLT)

So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your strength comes from God’s grace, not from rules about food, which don’t help those who follow them.

Prayer:

Father, we exalt and glorify Your name. Father, we pray that You would bind Your people together so that we will be one people in the same manner that You and Your Father are one.

Father, my heart’s desire is that we will never stop praising You and that we will never stop loving You and one another.

Hebrews 13:25 (NLT)

May God’s grace be with you 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:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

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

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

Why Love for One Another Matters?

Text:

John 13:34-35 (NLT)

34  So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.

35  Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

Observation:

It’s amazing how God works in the lives of His children. I prayed a simple prayer last night before going to bed, and again this morning when I woke up. Lord, what do you want to say through me the remainder of this week.

As I was preparing to go to my computer hutch to write today’s devotional, I received a text message from my dear friend Robert. We do this just about every day. In that brief message of encouragement were three words that leaped off the page, and into my heart.

I received those words from Robert as my instructions from the Lord of what I should write about this morning, and the next two days. This is another of those WOW moments.

This was my response to Robert:

I’m going to write about the love of two friends I talk to every morning; Jesus in heaven, and Robert in Maryland The key that binds us together are love of God, and love for one another. Man, that will preach.

Well, I’m not going to preach it here, but I do share it with you with a prayer that it will encourage you to pray continually because prayer changes things, and it changes you, and me.

Also, I want to encourage you to value your relationships; your family, friends, and neighbors.

Love begins with loving God. But for our love to be genuine, we must love one another; the people we see everyday; family, friends, and neighbors.

1 John 4:20 (NLT)

20  If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see?

Prayer:

Father hallowed be Your name. Father, we love, and adore You, and to prove that our love is genuine, I pray that we will learn how to extend our love, and forgiveness to those that we see in our everyday life. We can’t love others without forgiving them because we all mess up.

Father, forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 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

What Do We Need In Times Like These?

Text:

Psalm 133:1-3 (ESV)

1 Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!

2  It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!

3  It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the LORD has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.

Observation:

It’s one thing to come together for a celebration, and have a season of brotherhood and fellowship.

But, it’s another thing to live together in our families, communities, workplaces, schools, churches, and communities for days, weeks, months, and year after year.

We can manufacture or coerce uniformity, but unity much come from above. The Psalmist describes it like this.

Psalm 133:2 (NLT)

2  For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe.

The Apostle Paul in his letter to the church at Ephesus describes unity, and how to achieve it in this passage.

Ephesians 4:1-3 (ESV)

1  I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,

2  with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

3  eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Now is the time for God’s people to demonstrate to a watching world by our walk and our talk that we have God’s love within us. Love is the essential in unity, and love is God’s gift to His children.

Romans 5:5 (NLT)

5  And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

If you have the love of God in you; why not demonstrated it to a watching world, and a loving God, by loving one another.

1 John 4:20 (ESV)

20  If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.

Prayer:

Father, help us to love one another as You have loved us. Father, I pray that unity will begin with Your beloved children, and become the shinning light in our dark world. 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

The Power of the Human Touch

Text:

Matthew 9:20-22 (NLT)

20  Just then a woman who had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding came up behind him. She touched the fringe of his robe,

21  for she thought, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.”

22  Jesus turned around, and when he saw her he said, “Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was healed at that moment.

Observation:

In today’s focal passage we see the power of being near to God, and experiencing the nearness of His presence, and His touch.

However, there is another need that we have in our lives, and that is the need to be close to a few people where we can feel the nearness of their presence and touch. Notice this word of admonition from the bible.

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT)

24  Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.

25  And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

There is great power in friendship and fellowship with those who are of like faith in God; those who have found favor with God are made to have love for God, and one another.

Our pastor recently said that circles are better than rows; he was speaking of our small group ministry. I’m thinking of a group that I have been a member of for 47 years, and for a number of years we closed our monthly gatherings by forming a circle, holding hands, and singing this hymn.

“Blest be the tie that binds

Our hearts in Christian love;

The fellowship of kindred minds

Is like to that above.

When we asunder part,

It gives us inward pain;

But we shall still be joined in heart,

And hope to meet again.”

Matthew 18:19-20 (NLT)

19  “I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you.

20  For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”

Prayer:

Father, we recognize that we need You in our lives, and we need the closeness and touch from two or more trusted friends. We need to go to church, and we need to be the church. 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

How Are You Using Your Freedom?

Text:

Galatians 5:13 (NLT)

13  For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.

Observation:

Are you using your God given freedom in Christ to serve one another in love?

Yesterday I heard a very soul penetrating sermon by my pastor that had these three points.

  1. Look
  2. Lift
  3. Love

How can you love like this? God would not ask you to do it if He did not provide the means.

Galatians 5:17-18 (NLT)

17  The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.

18  But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.

Are you living daily by the power of the Holy Spirit of God who lives in you? Does the Holy Spirit of God, who is love, live in you?

Romans 5:5 (NLT)

5  And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

Prayer:

Father God, we have so much to be grateful and thankful for as we celebrate the freedom we have in Christ Jesus.

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.)

Father, You have provided the means for us to love others. Father, help us to appropriate the power of the Holy Spirit of God in our lives to love others. In the might 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/

Why I Need More of These Two Attributes?

Text:

Mark 6:34 (ESV)

34  When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.

Mark 6:46 (ESV)

46  And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray.

Observation:

The two attributes that I desire to have more of in my life are the two things that Jesus did during His earthly ministry. They are found in our focal passage for today.

  1. Jesus had compassion for people.
  2. Jesus spent time alone with God in prayer.

1 Peter 2:21 (ESV)

21  For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.

The hymn writer captures my heart’s desire to have more of Jesus, and to be more like Him every day.

“More about Jesus, in His Word,

Holding communion with my Lord;

Hearing His voice in every line,

Making each faithful saying mine.”

The Psalmist encourages our hearts with these words of faith and hope from David; a man after God’s heart.

Psalm 37:4-5 (ESV)

4  Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

5  Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, we are so grateful for the example of the words, and actions of Jesus that speaks into our hearts, and gives us hope, and strengthens our faith.  Father, help us to be more like Jesus every day. In the mighty name of Jesus we 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

There Is A Thief In The House

Text:

Ephesians 4:1-3 (HCSB)

1  Therefore I, the prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received,

2  with all humility and gentleness, with patience, accepting one another in love,

3  diligently keeping the unity of the Spirit with the peace that binds ?us?.

Observation:

In this passage the Apostle Paul is writing to the church at Ephesus about unity in the Body of Christ.

Paul warned the church that there is a thief that will break in, and attempt to steal your peace, and destroy your unity.

Ephesians 4:26-27 (HCSB)

26  Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger,

27  and don’t give the Devil an opportunity.

The church is not the first institution that God created. The first of God’s creation was the family.

Genesis 2:18 (HCSB)

18  Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper as his complement.”

The thief of peace and unity has been at work since the beginning, and here is his attack on the first family.

Genesis 3:1 (HCSB)

1  Now the serpent was the most cunning of all the wild animals that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You can’t eat from any tree in the garden’?”

Whether in the Body of Christ, the big church, or in the family, the little church, we must be diligent to live in unity with one another in the family, and in the church. Don’t give the Devil an opportunity to destroy your family or your church.

Galatians 3:27-28 (HCSB)

27  For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ ?like a garment?.

28  There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

How do we do this? It’s an inside, outside thing. It is Christ in you that gives you the ability to live in unity with people that are different from you.

Philippians 2:12 (HCSB)

12  So then, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Philippians 2:13 (HCSB)

13  For it is God who is working in you, ?enabling you? both to desire and to work out His good purpose.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, we praise You because we are fearfully, and wonderfully made by You.

Father, thank you for making us one, and depositing the power of Your presence in us.

Father, help us, by Your power, to workout what You have deposited in us for the glory of Your name. In Jesus name we 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.

Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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