Tag: peaceofgod

Do You Know How to Live A Worry Free Life in A Troubled World?

Today’s Bowl of Encouragement byHerb Cotton 

Somebody is Praying for You Today

Bible Text for Today’s Meditation and Application:

Psalm 23:4 King James Version (KJV)

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

My Reflections on the Word of God Today:

The Bible instructs God’s people that we should not give space to worry in our life. We were not made to bear the burdens of the world on our shoulders. Instead, the Bible encourages us to pray about everything and to trust in God for all of our needs.

Philippians 4:6-7 J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)

6-7 Don’t worry over anything whatever; tell God every detail of your needs in earnest and thankful prayer, and the peace of God which transcends human understanding, will keep constant guard over your hearts and minds as they rest in Christ Jesus.

Why not take all of the worries that are on your mind, write them down on a piece of scrap paper, and bring them to some safe spot and burn them until they are ashes. Leave your worries figuratively speaking in the ash heap, and in exchange receive the peace that comes from abiding in Christ.

John 15:7 King James Version (KJV)

7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you

John 14:27 King James Version (KJV)

27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Oh, my friends, you who are Christ followers, draw near to God, and leave your worries in the hands of your Redeemer; Jesus the Messiah of God.

Prayer Offered to Our Father in Heaven:

Our Father in heaven, we are so thankful for the privilege we have to come into your presence and to live every day and all the day long in Your presence.

Father, by faith, we put our worries in Your hands, and in exchange, we receive Your peace in our heart. We are so grateful for the blessing of being able to live worry free with trouble all around us in this world. We receive your instructions to be of good cheer because You are in charge. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

John 16:33 King James Version (KJV)

33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

—

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

Has the Lord Ever Forsaken You?

Today Somebody Prayed for You

Today’s Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton

Bible Text for Today’s Meditation and Application:

Psalm 9:10 King James Version (KJV)

10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

King James Version (KJV)

Public Domain

My Reflections on the Word of God Today:

In the Bible, we see so many examples of how the Lord has been faithful to His people. Everyone has a story of the good times and the bad times, but the testimony of the saints of every age is that God is good, and that He never fails His people when they put their trust in Him with their whole heart.

What is your testimony? What is the story of your life and how the Lord has treated you? Are you able to sing, “He’s A Good, Good, Father? If not, why not? Is there any reason why you can’t start right now?

There are days when life gets hard that we need to pause and take the time to count our blessings and see how God has brought us through it all; yes, I say through it all. Can someone declare, “God has been mighty good to me, and I praise Him with my whole heart?”

If so, why not begin right now and sing praises to the Lord who is God all by Himself; He is sovereign over all, and He wants to be Your God.

Psalm 147:1 King James Version (KJV)

147 Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.

Prayer Offered to Our Father in Heaven:

Father God, with grateful hearts, we lift our voices together in praise and thanksgiving to You. Father, there is no one like You. We delight to be in Your presence and know Your peace in our hearts.  In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

Are You Searching for Peace? Come Let Me Show You Where to Find It

Text:

John 16:33 (NKJV)

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Observation:

My friends, the answer to the question in the title is found in the Bible in John 16:33. Read the text listed above for your convenience. Did you see it?

The answer is Jesus. He said, “In Me, you may have peace.” Do you have Jesus alive in your heart?

John 1:12 (NKJV)

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:

Are you a child of God? If you are, you have the peace of God within you. Notice what the Bible says about the peace of God.

John 14:1 (NKJV)

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.

John 14:27 (NKJV)

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Application:

Make two columns. One the World, and the other Jesus on a sheet of paper.

The World Jesus

Sickness Jesus

Sorrow Jesus

Sin Jesus

Temptation Jesus

Testing Jesus

Trial Jesus

Isolation Jesus

Your problem Jesus

The world gives us troubles, but God gives His children peace, and the world cannot take it away. The peace that God gives you will stay with you. Your responsibility is to live in the presence of God who gave you the gift of peace. God gave you this peace when Jesus came into your heart.

Prayer:

Father God, hallowed be Your name. Father, I pray that your children will never forget the source of peace and that they will live in Your presence and enjoy the peace of God all of the days of their life.

Father, I pray that Your children will decide today that the devil is a liar, and He cannot steal our peace. Our Savior and Lord have us securely in His arms, and our peace is safe and secure in Jesus. Let all of God’s children say, 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.”

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God Speaks – Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 25:18 (NLT)

Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow.

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 87:3 (NLT)

O city of God, what glorious things are said of you! Interlude

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Psalm 87:5-7 (NLT)

Regarding Jerusalem it will be said, “Everyone enjoys the rights of citizenship there.” And the Most High will personally bless this city.

When the LORD registers the nations, he will say, “They have all become citizens of Jerusalem.” Interlude

The people will play flutes and sing, “The source of my life springs from Jerusalem!”

The Gospel Message:

1 Timothy 2:5 (NLT)

For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus.

Observation:

Last week I spent time reflecting on the sermon of the previous week, and the lesson topic for my small group meeting last week. The subject was, “Guard Your Peace.”

As I read the One Year Bible passages for today, I selected the ones that spoke to my heart. As I meditated on them, the following thoughts came to my mind, and I wrote them down on paper.

Out of darkness can come light.

Out of despair hope is born.

Out of hate can come the love of God.

Only God and His love can deliver us from the troubles of this world to the glories of the City of God.

I have peace, and I rejoice with joy unspeakable when I remember these two truths from the Book of Isaiah.

Isaiah 43:1 (ESV)

But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.

Isaiah 43:5 (ESV)

Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you.

When the enemy of your life tries to steal your peace, remember these two promises, which are gifts from God to His children.

1 I have redeemed you.

2 I am with you.

Prayer:

Father God, I am so grateful for the redemption we have in Jesus, our Savior. Father God, I am so thankful and secure in knowing You are with me. What peace in knowing that God is with me always; I’m never alone.

—

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 24:10 (NLT)

If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small.

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 78:1 (KJV) Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth.

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Jeremiah 6:16 (NLT)

This is what the LORD says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. But you reply, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!’

Jeremiah 6:19 (NLT)

Listen, all the earth! I will bring disaster on my people. It is the fruit of their own schemes, because they refuse to listen to me. They have rejected my word.

The Gospel Message:

Colossians 2:8-10 (NLT)

Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.

For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body.

So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.

Observation:

How are you handling the circumstances and conditions in your environment? How are you dealing with the pressure of living in a fallen world? Do you have the strength to make it in these times of chaos and strife?

If you depend upon your strength or the strength of the world to get you through these troubling times, you will find it is too small. Where do you discover the power you need? Where can you find peace in the midst of the chaos that is happening all around the world?

Why not listen to the one who made the world and every living being? Today’s reading from the One Year Bible Reading Plan is where I started my day. Then the Lord spoke these words of comfort to my heart.

Isaiah 26:3-4 (NLT)

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

Trust in the LORD always, for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock.

John 14:27 (NLT)

“I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

Prayer:

Father, we are so thankful that even in the most chaotic of times we can find in You the strength that we need and the peace that the world cannot give us or take away from us.

Father, I pray that we, the people of God, will learn to live in prayer and receive the gift that will enable us to live in peace.

Father, we are so grateful that there is nothing that is beyond the reach of prayer when we trust in God, who can do anything but fail.

Matthew 7:7-8 (NLT)

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.

For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

—

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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What Is Hindering You In Being Satisfied?

Text:

Philippians 4:5-8 (NIV)

5  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

6  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

7  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.

Observation:

This passage in on my heart today as I observe all of the anxiety, and worry that I see everywhere.

I needed the peace that floods my soul as I sat at my desk to read, reflect, and share what I hear as I listen to God speak through His Word.

Psalm 85:8 (NIV)

8  I will listen to what God the LORD will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints — but let them not return to folly.

Prayer:

Father God, hallowed be Your most holy, and righteous name. Father, we declare that You are loving, and good in all Your ways.

Father, we ask that You would bend our will, by the working of the Holy Spirit who lives in us, until Your will becomes our will. O, Holy Spirit of God, fill our hearts with love for God, and obedience to Him. 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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The Path from Suffering to Glory

Text:

Psalm 22:1-5 (ESV)

1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?

2  O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest.

3  Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.

4  In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them.

5  To you they cried and were rescued; in you they trusted and were not put to shame.

Observation:

The goodnews for the children of God is that we can see through the words of the prophetic the description of the suffering of Christ, and His glory foretold by David, who was a prophet of God.

Acts 2:29-31 (ESV)

29  “Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.

30  Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne,

31  he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption.

Those of us who are Christ followers should not expect for the circumstances in a fallen world to ever be perfect. As a friend often reminds me when discussing the troubles of this world, Herb, this is the world, not heaven”. By the way, Jesus said this about the troubles of this world.

John 16:33 (ESV)

33  I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

As believers there is something we can do about the trouble, and darkness in the world today. Here is another word from the lips of Jesus.

Matthew 5:15-16 (ESV)

15  Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.

16  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, help us to see the purpose in our troubles, and find peace in the glory that awaits us in our eternal dwelling place. Father, help us to remember these words.

2 Corinthians 5:7-8 (NLT)

7  For we live by believing and not by seeing.

8  Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.

In the precious, and royal 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:

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What Is the Condition of Your Mind?

Text:

Isaiah 26:3-4 (HCSB)

3  You will keep the mind ?that is? dependent ?on You? in perfect peace, for it is trusting in You.

4  Trust in the LORD forever, because in Yah, the LORD, is an everlasting rock!

Observation:

The condition of you mind depends upon who you are dependent on, and who you are putting your trust in.

Notice what the Bible says. God will keep the mind that is dependent on Him in perfect peace if that person is trusting in God. That is how I read the verse. How do you read it? Have you received it?

What you believe, and who you believe in, will determine the condition of your life.

No matter what you are going through in your life, there is nothing that is impossible with God.

Romans 3:3-4 (HCSB)

3  What then? If some did not believe, will their unbelief cancel God’s faithfulness?

4  Absolutely not! God must be true, even if everyone is a liar, as it is written: That You may be justified in Your words and triumph when You judge.

This is what God said through the voice of The Prophet Isaiah.

Isaiah 26:4 (HCSB)

4  Trust in the LORD forever, because in Yah, the LORD, is an everlasting rock!

Prayer:

Father God, I praise and honor you for your greatness and your goodness. Lord, I am so glad that you loved me first.

Father, I am so grateful that your love is forever. Father, I am so thankful that you give to your people perfect peace, and that peace is forever. I trust in You, and I depend upon you with my whole heart. We, the people of God, who agree, say a hearty and full throat, 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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Do You Know the Source of Peace?

Text:

John 16:33 (KJV)

33  These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Observation:

Before saying the last words that are recorded in John 16, which is our text for today, Jesus asked his  disciples a very penetrating and pertinent question.

John 16:31 (KJV)

31  Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?

This question of Jesus to his disciples was prompted by their response to his teaching and admonition to them of what life would be like for them in the world after his departure.

John 16:30 (ESV)

30  Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.”

What do you believe about Jesus? Do you believe that He is the source of peace?

Jesus said, “That in me ye might have peace”. Do you believe this? If so, why not be an instrument in your home, church, and community by being an ambassador who spreads peace.

What a wonderful change could happen in our world if the people of God, who are filled with the peace of God, would spread that peace everywhere they went.

Let the words of this ancient song become your song.

Peace is flowing like a river,

flowing out from you and me,

flowing out into the desert,

setting all the captives free

John 7:38 (ESV)

38  Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'”

Prayer:

Holy God, our Father in heaven, we lift our voices in praise to You, and ask that You would unleash a flow of living waters from the lives of your people so that the peace of God may flow like a mighty river, and fill the whole earth with Your presence, power, and peace. 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 Take to Maintain Peace?

 

Text:

John 14:6 (HCSB)

6  Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Observation:

The question posed in today’s title prompted me to launch today’s meditation, and prayer.

When we repent of our sins it involves changing the path that we walk. We are walking one way, and we turn and walk in the way that Jesus walks. However, the new life as a Christ follower is not without difficulty.

How do you overcome the ups and downs that come after you make that initial turn to the Jesus Way?

Jesus gives the answer in our focal verse for today. Notice that Jesus said, “I am the way”.

The way to maintain the peace of God in your life is to daily walk in the pathway of Jesus. Notice the lyrics of this song.

“We’ll walk in the light, beautiful light,

Come where the dew-drops of mercy are bright;

Shine all around us by day and by night,

Jesus, the light of the world.”

There is great peace that is always present when we walk in way of Jesus; when we abide, agree, and align our walk with His walk.

Psalm 119:165 (HCSB)

165  Abundant peace belongs to those who love Your instruction; nothing makes them stumble.

Prayer:

Father, O how wonderful it is to know that Jesus is the way that leads to the blessings that You give to Your people.

Father, lead and guide our lives so that we will have the will to walk in the Way; to walk in the light of Jesus.

Father, give us the strength to not grow weary as we learn to lean on Jesus with our whole life. In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.

My Souls Sings:

“I’m learning to lean, learning to lean,

Learning to lean on Jesus.

Finding more power than I’d ever dreamed,

I’m learning to lean on Jesus.”

Read more: Wanda Jackson – Learning To Lean Lyrics | MetroLyrics

—

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