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Are You Using the Key You Have to Unlock the Potential Within You?

Today’s Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton

Bible Text for Today’s Meditation and Application:

2 Corinthians 12:9 King James Version (KJV)

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

King James Version (KJV)

Public Domain

My Reflections on the Word of God Today:

9 but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for[My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me.

Amplified Bible (AMP)

Do you tend to focus more on your weaknesses than to use and grow based on the strengths you already have at your disposal?

If you are redeemed, why not be encouraged, uplifted and inspired by this verse from the Apostle Paul?

Galatians 2:20 King James Version (KJV)

20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Do you believe and know in your heart that God’s grace is sufficient for you? If so, then why not celebrate your weaknesses rather than worry about trying to fix them? Don’t you know that God is able and that He willing to help you complete the work that He has begun in you?

Philippians 4:13 King James Version (KJV)

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Philippians 4:19 King James Version (KJV)

19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Now is the time to take our eyes off of the temporal; the things that are dying, and fix our eyes upon Jesus and the things that are eternal.

1 Corinthians 13:13 Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

13 Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love—but the greatest of these is love.

Prayer Offered to Our Father in Heaven:

Father, hallowed be Your name; the name that is above every name on earth and in heaven. Father, we can never repay You for the grace You have given to all who believe and receive the gift of redemption we have in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:4-5 King James Version (KJV)

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

—

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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.

Why Should You Listen When God Speaks?

Text:

Psalm 33:19-22 (NLT)

19 He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine.

20 We put our hope in the LORD. He is our help and our shield.

21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.

22 Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone.

Observation:

How great is the God of the Bible? How you view the greatness of God and the reality of God will determine how much interest you will have in what He has to say to you about your life and your destiny.

The God of the Psalmist spoke, and the result was creation.

Psalm 33:6 (NLT)

6 The LORD merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born.

Who wouldn’t listen to a God like this? Yes, you can put your hope for today and tomorrow in a God like this. When God spoke in creation notice what happened.

Genesis 1:3-5 (NLT)

3 Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

4 And God saw that the light was good. Then he separated the light from the darkness.

5 God called the light “day” and the darkness “night.” And evening passed and morning came, marking the first day.

This God who spoke in creations also speaks to individuals. It pays to listen to God today. When you trust in Him, and not in yourself, you will find that things work out so much better.

It is wise to put your trust in God and obey His Word. It is folly to put your trust in yourself, and your own understanding. If God is for you, who can be against you? Trusting in yourself tends to work against you.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.

6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

Prayer:

Father God, we delight to spend time in your Word and to listen to the voice of wisdom speak to us.

Father, thank You for being a faithful God. We take comfort in your unfailing love that never fails and never gives up on us. O the blessing of being loved by our Maker and our Keeper. We pray together in the mighty name of Jesus, 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.

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Do You Know the Power Who Is Greater Than the Storm?

Text:

Psalm 29:3-4 (NLT)

3 The voice of the LORD echoes above the sea. The God of glory thunders. The LORD thunders over the mighty sea.

4 The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic.

Observation:

There is no power that is greater than the power of the Lord; when He speaks His people should listen.

Isaiah 28:23 (HCSB)

23 Listen and hear my voice. Pay attention and hear what I say.

Notice what the Psalmist says about the voice of the Lord.

Psalm 29:4 (AMP)

4 The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.

Are you listening to the voice of God? If not, why not?

John 8:47 (NLT)

47 Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don’t listen because you don’t belong to God.”

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name; the name that is above every name in heaven, and in earth. Father, we give praise and glory to You.

Father, speak to our hearts, and by faith, may we have eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts that obey. Father, may our daily plea be, less of me, and more of You. 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/

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Do You Really Know the Lord?

Text:

Exodus 33:12-14 (ESV)

12 Moses said to the LORD, “See, you say to me, ‘Bring up this people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.’

13 Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.”

14 And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Observation:

What is your purpose for being alive? What has God gifted you to do? Who is your source for help in accomplishing your purpose?

The Lord gave Moses a huge assignment. Moses talked to the Lord, and the Lord talked to Moses. Do you have a personal and intimate relationship with the Lord?

Let’s examine some of the elements of the relationship that Moses had with the Lord.

Psalm 103:7-8 (ESV)

7 He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel.

8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

Notice that the Lord made known his ways to Moses. The key for Moses was his habit of talking to the Lord, and trusting in the Lord.

If you are willing to look to the Lord, He will give you the strength you need to accomplish your purpose.

Philippians 4:13 (ESV)

13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Let’s go to the Lord in prayer; trust in Him, and ask Him to exchange our weakness for His strength. Then take the next step in doing what the Lord tells you to do. Don’t forget, that you are never alone, and you always have everything you need to do God’s will.

Hebrews 13:5-6 (ESV)

5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

6 So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”

Prayer:

Psalm 62:5-8 (ESV)

5 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.

6 He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.

7 On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God.

8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah

—

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.

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Who Is Your Source?

Text:

Isaiah 40:29 (HCSB)

29 He gives strength to the weary and strengthens the powerless.

Observation:

I have a saying in my head that I heard many years ago; this is how I remember it, “I can’t but God can. He never said you could, but He always said He would”.

Are you facing some giants in your life that are masquerading as mission impossible? If you know the Lord, and belong to Him, He gives strength to the weary, and strengthens the powerless. What you cannot do in your own strength, God will provide you with His strength.

Philippians 4:13 (HCSB)

13 I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.

O how we need to learn the lesson of dependence upon the Lord for all of our needs. Notice what the Apostle Paul said before the above verse.

Philippians 4:11-12 (HCSB)

11 I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.

12 I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret {of being content}—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.

Who is your source? Is the Lord your shepherd?

Psalm 23:1 (HCSB)

1 The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.

When the Lord is your shepherd, then you are able to be content in whatever circumstances you face in life. Do you believe that God can and will?

Philippians 4:19 (HCSB)

19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, we delight to look to You as our source for everything we need to fulfill the purpose for which You made us.

Father, we believe in Jesus, and we look to You to meet all of our needs. Father, we believe that You can, and You will. Father, I identify myself with those who know by experience because You have done it for me. Lord, we give You thanks from hearts that are grateful for all our blessings.

Philippians 4:20 (HCSB)

20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

—

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The Power to Live the Overcoming Life

Text:

Hebrews 10:15-18 (ESV)

15 And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying,

16 “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds,”

17 then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”

18 Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.

Observation:

The Holy Spirit is the witness that the new covenant is better than the old covenant. He bears witness in the Word.

Jeremiah 31:33-34 (ESV)

33 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

34 And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”

The Holy Spirit lives in the hearts of God’s people. His presence is the evidence that we are children of God.

Romans 8:9 (ESV)

9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.

If you have received Jesus as your Savior, Jesus also lives in your heart.

Romans 8:10 (ESV)

10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

This is what Jesus has done for those who believe in, and have received Jesus into their life.

Ephesians 2:13-16 (ESV)

13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility

15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace,

16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.

Prayer:

Father, I thank You for all that You have done to make us acceptable in Your eyes. Father, I am so grateful that we are never alone in this present world.

Father, I am so thankful for the office work of the Holy Spirit who works in us to empower and encourage us in our walk through this world; a world that Jesus has already overcome.

Are you able to say what the Apostle Paul said?

Galatians 2:20 (ESV)

20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Thank You Father, Amen.

—

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Are You Facing Problems Beyond Your Strength?

Text:

Matthew 19:26 (ESV)

26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Observation:

Do you ever get the feeling that life is just one problem after another? As long as we live in this fallen world we will have problems. The question then becomes how to deal with the challenges we face in living in this world.

As I focused on our text for today, I was reminded of a thought from a teaching I did many years ago on the topic of prayer.

“Our problems are God’s raw materials for a miracle”. God is bigger than any problem you will ever encounter.

Let’s look at the context in which Jesus spoke the words of our text, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible”.

Matthew 19:24-25 (ESV)

24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”

25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?”

What problems are you facing in your life today that are posing as mission impossible?

Why not give those problems to God in prayer, and have faith in Him that He can turn your problems into solutions; your defeat into victory.

What A Friend We Have in Jesus – John Scriven

“What a friend we have in Jesus,

All our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry

Everything to God in prayer!

Oh, what peace we often forfeit,

Oh, what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry

Everything to God in prayer!”

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, I praise and thank You for being a God in whom we can trust with our whole heart, and that nothing is too difficult for You.

Father, help us to learn to lean hard of You, and not try to carry on our shoulders burdens that we are not able to bear. Father, You invite us to cast all of our cares upon You.

Father, give us the faith to release our problems to you, and receive the blessings that You want to give us from Your tender heart, and powerful hands. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

—

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The Value & Blessing of Working Together

Text:

Ephesians 4:16 (HCSB)

16 From Him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building up itself in love by the proper working of each individual part.

Observation:

There is nothing more productive and enjoyable than woking together with members of the Body of Christ doing the work of God. Notice who we should keep our eyes on, and who we should follow.

Colossians 2:6-7 (HCSB)

6 Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in Him,

7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, overflowing with gratitude.

Jesus is the hope that the Body of Christ can stand upon as we work together to advance the Kingdom of God.

The hymn writer said it this way:

“My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus Christ, my righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand,

All other ground is sinking sand.”

The Word of God says it this way:

Colossians 2:6-7 (HCSB)

6 Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in Him,

7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, overflowing with gratitude.

Prayer:

Father, I am so thankful for the hope that we have in Jesus, who is the solid rock on which we can stand as we walk in the footsteps of our Savior.

Father, I thank You for the promise that in Christ alone we have all that we need to walk in the light and love of the Lord. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

—

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Who Can You Really Depend Upon?

Text:

Isaiah 43:1 (HCSB)

1 Now this is what the LORD says— the One who created you, Jacob, and the One who formed you, Israel— “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine.

Observation:

How many people or things can you really count upon in this world? As I look at history I think about what the people who first read the prophet Isaiah counted upon.

Did they depend upon the Government, Education, or the scientific communities to provide answers for them, and to give them peace? How much of what they believed in has stood the test of time?

However, notice what the Word from God says in our focal verse. What God said then still stands firm today. It has stood the test of time, and will stand the test of eternity.

This God, the One who created you, and every living being, and everything that exits has spoken to us through His Word, and by the Holy Spirit that He has poured out into the hearts of those He has redeemed.

There is only one who can redeem you, and there is only one who can give you peace. Why not accept His loving invitation?

Matthew 11:28-30 (HCSB)

28 “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

29 All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves.

30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, in this world of turmoil, noise, and confusion, I thank You that there is a place in which we can find peace, rest, and security.

Father, I ask that You would draw us closer to You so that we can find in You the hope and the help that we so desperately need. In times like these we need the one who created us to redeem us, and abide in us forever.

Father, I ask for the aid and assistance of the Holy Spirit of God to speak into our hearts to convict and convince our tired and weary hearts that God is real, and desires to fill our hearts with His presence. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

—

Read the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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