Tag: obedience

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.

 

God Speaks – Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 25:28 (NLT)

A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 89:46-48 (NLT)

O LORD, how long will this go on? Will you hide yourself forever? How long will your anger burn like fire?

Remember how short my life is, how empty and futile this human existence!

No one can live forever; all will die. No one can escape the power of the grave.

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Psalm 37:37-40 (NLT)

Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace.

But the rebellious will be destroyed; they have no future.

The LORD rescues the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble.

The LORD helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him.

The Gospel Message:

1 Timothy 6:2-5 (NLT)

If the masters are believers, that is no excuse for being disrespectful. Those slaves should work all the harder because their efforts are helping other believers who are well loved. Teach these things, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them.

Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life.

Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions.

These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy.

Observation:

Now and then we need to take a long pause and examine our hearts to see how close we are to becoming more holy as God is holy. The Apostle Paul is giving guidance in this passage of what the attitude of Christ-followers should look like in our daily walk.

Whose example are you following when you argue with and condemn others about the Bible? Do you think that through your arguments that you can fix people or change lives?

This admonition is intended for self-examination and not for condemnation. It’s about having the mind of Christ, and the attitude of a heart that has faith in God. I’m so glad that changing lives is above my pay grade, and that God has reserved this work for Himself.

Prayer:

Father God, we are so thankful for the privilege of being called children of God. Father, we are grateful that you provide for all of needs through Christ Jesus who lives in us and has promised that He would never leave us or forsake us. Father, help to not act like a practical atheist in our attitudes and in our obedience to your will and to your way.

—

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 25:26 (NLT)

If the godly give in to the wicked, it’s like polluting a fountain or muddying a spring.

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 89:15-17 (NLT)

Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, LORD.

They rejoice all day long in your wonderful reputation. They exult in your righteousness.

You are their glorious strength. It pleases you to make us strong.

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Jeremiah 35:13 (NLT)

“This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: Go and say to the people in Judah and Jerusalem, ‘Come and learn a lesson about how to obey me.

Jeremiah 35:15 (NLT)

Time after time I sent you prophets, who told you, “Turn from your wicked ways, and start doing things right. Stop worshiping other gods so that you might live in peace here in the land I have given to you and your ancestors.” But you would not listen to me or obey me.

The Gospel Message:

1 Timothy 5:1-3 (NLT)

Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as you would to your own father. Talk to younger men as you would to your own brothers.

Treat older women as you would your mother, and treat younger women with all purity as you would your own sisters.

Take care of any widow who has no one else to care for her.

1 Timothy 5:7 (NLT)

Give these instructions to the church so that no one will be open to criticism.

Observation:

What is the biggest challenge of the Church? I see hope and encouragement found in our Bible reading for today. The word obedience is the theme I see in the Old Testament and the New Testament reading.

In our world today, we see mostly darkness reported in the media. We find gloom on the lips of the world, and many in the Church. But, if we take another look, we see lots of light. So many acts of loving-kindness go unnoticed and untold,

If you are a Christ follower, you have goodness and graciousness alive on the inside of you. Do you pass the test? Does Christ live in you, and is He alive or dead? Are you being obedient to God in your daily talk and walk?

Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT)

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.

No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.

In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Prayer:

Father God, I thank You for the light of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit of God that you have deposited in the hearts of your people. Father, I pray that we will release the light that is within us into a world of darkness that is all around us.

Father, I pray that the light of the world will flow from the hearts of your people, and a mighty move of the Holy Spirit of God will unleash a mighty revival that would change the world as we know it.

—

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:

Listen to your father, who gave you life, and don’t despise your mother when she is old. Proverbs 23:22 (NLT)

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water.

I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. Psalm 63:1-2 (NLT)

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and suffering for drink, he will still be with you to teach you. You will see your teacher with your own eyes.

Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left. Isaiah 30:20-21 (NLT)

The Gospel Message:

Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do.

“Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise:

If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.”

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. Ephesians 6:1-4 (NLT)

Observation:

O how we need to read and heed the Word of the Lord when God speaks about the family.

Notice God’s Word to Fathers:

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 (NLT)

Notice God’s Word to Children:

Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do.

“Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise:

If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.” Ephesians 6:1-3 (NLT)

Children never get too old to listen to their parents. When your earthly parents don’t know God or listen to Him, you can still listen to Your heavenly Father. You can always trust Him, and you should always listen to and obey Him.

Prayer:

Father God, I pray a prayer for favor over families today. Father, I pray for parents; fathers, and mothers, and I pray for children. Father, I pray that all of us would hear Your voice saying, “This is the way you should go.”

Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you!

I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. Psalm 63:3-4 (NLT)

—

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

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

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

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Wisdom Is Indispensable for God’s People

Text:

Proverbs 17:27-28 (HCSB)

27  The intelligent person restrains his words, and one who keeps a cool head is a man of understanding.

28  Even a fool is considered wise when he keeps silent, discerning when he seals his lips.

Observation:

Today I woke up with wisdom on my mind. So, my meditation and my prayer this morning is that our heavenly Father would give us an abundance of wisdom in these difficult days.

The Word of God speaks to the topic of wisdom. So today let’s seek God’s face, and listen as He speaks to us through His Word, and by the Holy Spirit. If we listen, and obey I know that the result will be good for today, and for our future.

James 1:5 (HCSB)

5  Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him.

James 3:17 (HCSB)

17  But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy.

There are times when we don’t know what to do or say. In these situations the wisest thing we can do is to pray, and not say anything until we have heard from God.

Proverbs 17:28 (HCSB)

28  Even a fool is considered wise when he keeps silent, discerning when he seals his lips.

Job 13:5 (HCSB)

5  If only you would shut up and let that be your wisdom!

Prayer:

Father God, we exalt Your name, and give You the glory that You alone deserve.

Father, we ask that You would grant to us the wisdom that comes from above. Father, we need wisdom to know Your will, to understand Your will, and the obedience to do Your will. 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.

Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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What Does It Mean to Work Out Your Salvation?

 

Text:

Philippians 2:12-16 (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.

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

14  Do everything without grumbling and arguing,

15  so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world.

16  Hold firmly to the message of life. Then I can boast in the day of Christ that I didn’t run or labor for nothing.

Observation:

The beginning point for the believer is to yield our whole life to the Lord, and allow Him to work in us. It is no secret of God’s desire to inhabit His people. He wants to work in us so that we will have the ability to fulfill our purpose by working out  what He has deposited in us.

Ephesians 2:10 (KJV)

10  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

One of the key words I notice when reading today’s passage is the word obedience. We are called as believers in Christ to live a life of obedience as children of God.

What a wonderful world it would be if God’s children could live out what God has deposited in us, and to do it in this manner.

Philippians 2:14-15 (HCSB)

14  Do everything without grumbling and arguing,

15  so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world.

If you are willing, God is able to enable us to live in this manner.

Prayer:

Father, I praise and thank You for loving Your children with an everlasting love, and for loving us first.

Father, help us to learn obedience, and to work out what You have worked into us. 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:

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Do You Know Your Why?

 

Text:

John 12:44-50 (HCSB)

44  Then Jesus cried out, “The one who believes in Me believes not in Me, but in Him who sent Me.

45  And the one who sees Me sees Him who sent Me.

46  I have come as a light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me would not remain in darkness.

47  If anyone hears My words and doesn’t keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.

48  The one who rejects Me and doesn’t accept My sayings has this as his judge: The word I have spoken will judge him on the last day.

49  For I have not spoken on My own, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a command as to what I should say and what I should speak.

50  I know that His command is eternal life. So the things that I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me.”

Observation:

This passage from my daily bible reading for today is speaking into my heart, and especially the portion I have chosen for our focal passage.

This passage is a concise, and powerful summary of the calling of Jesus, and His purpose for coming into the world.

What say you about Jesus? Do you know Him? Have you received Him into your life to be your Savior, and the Lord of your life?

John 1:12-13 (KJV)

12  But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

13  Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Every child of God has a purpose for being alive. Do you know your calling, and your purpose? Hear and receive what Jesus says to you. This is the prayer that Jesus prayed for you.

John 17:17-19 (HCSB)

17  Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.

18  As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.

19  I sanctify Myself for them, so they also may be sanctified by the truth.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, thank You for loving us with an everlasting love.

Father, we are humbled by the prayer that Jesus prayed for us, and the provisions He made for us, and the power that is His gift to us.

Father, help us to receive all that You give us, and be obedient children of God; our Father in heaven. 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/

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Who Is Willing To Go The Distance?

 

Text:

Joshua 14:6-11 (HCSB)

6  The descendants of Judah approached Joshua at Gilgal, and Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, “You know what the LORD promised Moses the man of God at Kadesh-barnea about you and me.

7  I was 40 years old when Moses the LORD’s servant sent me from Kadesh-barnea to scout the land, and I brought back an honest report.

8  My brothers who went with me caused the people’s hearts to melt with fear, but I remained loyal to the LORD my God.

9  On that day Moses promised me: ‘The land where you have set foot will be an inheritance for you and your descendants forever, because you have remained loyal to the LORD my God.’

10  “As you see, the LORD has kept me alive ?these? 45 years as He promised, since the LORD spoke this word to Moses while Israel was journeying in the wilderness. Here I am today, 85 years old.

11  I am still as strong today as I was the day Moses sent me out. My strength for battle and for daily tasks is now as it was then.

Observation:

Today I am focused on Caleb. What an inspiration, and an encouragement for all of God’s children of the blessing of being faithful to God in the hard times of our journey through this world.

There is a blessing for being faithful to God. For the unbelieving, there is no hope, and because of this, they died in the wilderness. However, for Caleb, he had faith, and he was faithful. He had a living hope, and he lived to enter the promised land.

Numbers 14:24 (HCSB)

24  But since My servant Caleb has a different spirit and has followed Me completely, I will bring him into the land where he has gone, and his descendants will inherit it.

Prayer:

Father, I extol You, and give praise, and thanksgiving to You for who You are, and for Your mighty works.

Father, I pray that You will find me to be a faithful servant, and that I will be faithful to the end.

Father, my heart’s desire is to be united with others who are willing to believe in You, and are willing to be faithful to the end; to go with me to the Promised Land. 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:

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3 Things You Can Do to Be Happy Everyday

 

Text:

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (HCSB)

18  Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Observation:

When I think about all the things I have to be grateful for, there is none more important than this one that I read this morning.

Ephesians 1:7 (HCSB)

7  We have redemption in Him through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.

As I mediated upon this scripture I begin to thank and praise God for His amazing grace that I have freely been given at great cost to Him.

Then, I begin to think about how the attitude of gratefulness can be such a blessing in our life if we would learn to practice it daily in our walk.

Our focal verse tells us that this is God’s will for our life in Christ Jesus. Do you really want God’s will to be done in your life?

Here are 3 things I find that the child of God can give thanks for everyday.

  1.  Christ Jesus is with you.

Isaiah 41:10 (HCSB)

10  Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.

Matthew 28:20 (HCSB)

20  teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

  1. Christ Jesus is in you.

Colossians 1:27 (HCSB)

27  God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

  1. Christ Jesus is for you.

Romans 8:31-32 (HCSB)

31  What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?

32  He did not even spare His own Son but offered Him up for us all; how will He not also with Him grant us everything?

Prayer:

Father God, I exalt Your name above every name. Father, I thank You for providing the means for our salvation.

Father, thank You for sending Jesus to be our deliverer. Father, I am so grateful and thankful to You that Christ Jesus is with us, in us, and for us, and it is because we have been redeemed by His precious and royal blood. 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:

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Who Is The Director of Your Life?

 

Text:

Jeremiah 10:23 (ESV)

23  I know, O LORD, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps.

Observation:

If it is not within our ability to direct our lives; who then should we turn to for direction? Why not do what Jeremiah did; he looked to the Lord. He is not very far from you if you belong to Him; He lives in your heart. Listen to what He says to you in His Word.

Proverbs 23:26 (ESV)

26  My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.

Romans 12:1 (NLT)

1  And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.

O, how blessed we would be, and what heavy loads would be lifted from our lives if we would learn how to surrender our will to the will of God. O for a faith that would trust in God, and the will to surrender our will to His will.

What would Jesus do? That’s a good question, and God has answered that question in His Word.

Philippians 2:5-8 (ESV)

5  Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,

6  who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,

7  but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

8  And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Prayer:

Father, you have taught your people how we ought to pray about these matters; give us the faith to pray according this pattern that Jesus taught His followers to pray.

Matthew 6:9-13 (ESV)

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

10  Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

11  Give us this day our daily bread,

12  and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

13  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Father, give us the faith and the strength to live and pray the Jesus 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