Tag: trustingod

Where Do You Turn When You Cannot Sleep?

A Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton

God Speaks:

Psalm 4

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by stringed instruments.

1 

Answer me when I call to you,

    O God who declares me innocent.

Free me from my troubles.

    Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

Listen to God Speak & Obey:

The Psalmist, David, has a right answer of where to turn when you can’t sleep. There are times when we all face difficulty in getting a good night of sleep. It is good to know that we don’t have to turn to medicine first. Instead, we can turn to God.

Psalm 3

A Psalm of David, regarding the time David fled from his son Absalom.

1 

O Lord, I have so many enemies;

    so many are against me.

2 

So many are saying,

    “God will never rescue him!” 

3 

But you, O Lord, are a shield around me;

    you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.

4 

I cried out to the Lord,

    and he answered me from his holy mountain. 

Through all of his troubles, David was able to say:

Psalm 3:8

In peace I will lie down and sleep,

    for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.

The people of God have an always present helper that we can call upon when we cannot sleep because of worry, anxieties, and trouble within and without.

David gives us a first response to getting help for the thing are within us that results in worry, anxiety and inner turmoil.

Psalm 4:4-5

4 Don’t sin by letting anger control you.

    Think about it overnight and remain silent. Interlude

5 Offer sacrifices in the right spirit,

    and trust the Lord.

Why worry when you can pray? If you are going to pray, don’t worry. Words I was taught by wise women in my family from my childhood.

Prayer:

Our Father, hallowed by Your name. Father, thank You for a God who is always present in the lives of Your people.

Father, help us to remember to pray first; taking all of our worries, anxieties, and troubles to You in prayer. Amen! 

— 

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

How Do You Determine the Truth?

A Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton

God Speaks:

John 14:6 King James Version (KJV)

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

King James Version (KJV)

Public Domain

Listen to God Speak & Obey:

What is your go-to source for the truth? What do you believe? Who do you believe? These are three questions we need to examine if we want to know the truth or subscribe to the lies, and to know the difference.

John 17:17 King James Version (KJV)

17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

The God of the Bible has something more to say to us about the source of truth. However, it begins and ends with our focal verse for today; John 14:6. Jesus is the truth.

Numbers 23:19 King James Version (KJV)

19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

John 8:32 King James Version (KJV)

32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Romans 3:4 King James Version (KJV)

4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

As for me, here is what I believe: “God said it, and that settles it; whether anybody else believes it or not.”

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Father, I exalt Your name above every name on earth and in heaven.

Father, speak to hearts that are open to knowing and doing the will of God and walking in the footprints of Jesus. We offer up to You our prayers in the name of Jesus, Amen.

—

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

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.
 

Who Has Your Eyes and Ears?

Today’s Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton 

Bible Text for Today’s Meditation and Application:

2 Chronicles 16:9 King James Version (KJV)

9 For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

My Reflections on the Word of God Today:

Do you wonder why you are having so many unresolved problems in your life? It seems like the devil is after you all the time. What are the issues in your life that are presenting themselves as a mission impossible?

What may be impossible in your eyes are possible with God because nothing is too complicated for the Lord.

Have you not heard the invitation of Jesus to give your problems to Him?

Matthew 11:28-30 King James Version (KJV)

28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Are you willing to surrender the heavy load that you are carrying and receive the yoke that Jesus wants to exchange for your heavy yoke not intended for you? The devil is a liar and thief; reject him, and believe that Jesus is the way and the truth.

1 Peter 5:6-7 King James Version (KJV)

6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

How can I overcome the troubles I have faced all of my life?

Turn from your old ways, and turn to Jesus. Give Him all of you, and He will give you all of Him. Nothing less will do what Jesus wants to do for you. It’s only one step to your deliverance. Why not take it today? 

Hebrews 11:6 King James Version (KJV)

6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Prayer Offered to Our Father in Heaven:

Father, I pray and ask others to join with me in praying that burdens are being lifted right now all across the length and breadth of the earth as people release the heavy yokes on their backs and replace them with yokes that Jesus offers that are easy and burdens that are light.

Lord Jesus, we thank You for lifting our burdens on the cross at Calvary. Now, we can say with joy in our hearts, “I am a child of God.”

And a host of God’s children all over the world, united and together we say, thank God, Amen.

— 

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

Where Do You Turn During the Hard Times of Your Life?

Today’s Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton

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:

What a way to start a Monday Morning! Reading Psalm 23, and having the focal verse for today leap off the page and into my heart.

I have had the experience in recent years, and especially this year, of seeing so many people that I know who are going through a dark valley in their life or the life of a loved one.

Life in this world is hard, but the encouraging news and its goodnews are that our troubles don’t last always.

Additionally, the people of God have this blessed assurance from Our Father in heaven, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and it is this ironclad promise.

The psalmist, David King of Israel, was able to say, “God is with me.” Are you ready to say that based on your faith and trust in the Lord?

God rewards those who have faith in Him, and those who trust in God with their whole heart; mind, soul, and body. Are you counted with the faithful of the ages?

Hebrews 11:1 King James Version (KJV)

11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:6 King James Version (KJV)

6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Proverbs 3:5-6 King James Version (KJV)

5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Prayer Offered to Our Father in Heaven:

Father God, we pray together and urge one another to cling to the things that are eternal in these dark and dangerous times that we live in today.

Father, we are comforted by Your promise that You will be with us; not just today, but forever.

Hebrews 13:5 King James Version (KJV)

5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Father, we rest in the comfort and security of living in the everlasting arms of our creator and our redeemer. In the might name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

Deuteronomy 33:27 King James Version (KJV)

27 The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.

What Is Posing In Your Life Today As Mission Impossible?

Text:

Matthew 19:26 (NLT)

26  Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”

Observation:

It is so amazing this year to be engaged with my church family in reading the One Year Bible Reading Plan.

I was thinking of writing something from that plan this morning, but God had another plan. I remember when I was a kid growing up in Louisiana I would go to the neighborhood grocery store to buy a nickel’s worthy of Moon Cakes.

The owner would give me a lagniappe, which is a small gift that the merchant would add to the purchase. Well, God gave me a little extra this morning, and it is our focal verse for today.

God is speaking into my heart about the things that we say to ourselves that we can’t do. I don’t believe I am isolated when it comes to thinking like this.

Rather than listen to myself say, I can’t, I’m going to listen to what God says. God says, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.

The world has not seen what you can do until you stop saying I can’t, and begin to have faith in God, and put your trust in Him.

The key to overcoming the impossible is to trust in God for the need. What is your problem? What is your lack? What is your need? What do you believe? I heard Jesus say, “But with God everything is possible”.

I encourage you to change what you believe about the impossible and reap the results of what God can do in you and through you.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, I thank You for speaking this good word to me today. Father, I have already received the fruit from putting my trust in You.

Father, now my prayer is that as I send this message out into the traffic lanes of the world, someone would hear this message coming from Your lips to their heart. Father, I pray that they will respond by trusting in You to do what is impossible for them to do humanly speaking.

Father, I’m thanking You in advance for the miracle of grace that You are pouring into the lives of the readers, hearers, and doers of the Word of God.

Finally, I pray that many in the Family of God will join with me in praying this prayer for themselves and for others. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

—

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

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

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

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

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Where Does God Fit In Your Plans?

Text:

Psalm 32:8 (NLT)

8  The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.

Observation:

There is great value in dreaming big dreams and having lofty aspirations. These are the fuel that energizes our passion. However, the time comes when we need to take action.

The goodnews for the woman and man of God is that we have a great leader, and He has a wonderful plan for our life.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

11  For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Let’s look at what God said to Jeremiah, and what Jeremiah said in response to God’s declaration.

Jeremiah 1:5-7 (NLT)

5  “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”

6  “O Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!”

7  The LORD replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you.

Do you find yourself saying, “I can’t?” You are right. You can’t but God can. Are you ready to let go, and let God have His way in your life?

Are you willing to pray the prayer that David prayed?

Psalm 119:35 (NLT)

35  Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. We exalt You and give you the praise, glory, and honor befitting our heavenly Father.

Father, we also humble ourselves before you and pray this prayer that your servant David prayed.

Psalm 73:22-24 (NLT)

22  I was so foolish and ignorant— I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.

23  Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand.

24  You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.

Father, tune our hearts to agree with Your heart and give us the desire to know your will and to do it by the strength that you provide. We pray together in the name of Jesus, Amen.

—

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

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

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

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

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

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:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

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

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

How Close Are You to the Lord?

Text:

Psalm 91:1-4 (ESV)

1  He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

2  I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

3  For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.

4  He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.

Observation:

What a difference a day makes! I’m speaking of the move from our look on Friday at Psalm 90, and our look today at Psalm 91. Its like moving from the shadows of darkness to the brightness of a sunny day.

We read words like dwells, abide, refuge, deliver, and cover. This Psalm is about security for those who trust in the Lord, abide in Him, and love Him. What is your relationship with the Lord?

Do you come to the Lord only when all other options have failed? The promises of this Psalm are for the people of God who live in the presence of the Lord everyday.

Psalm 91:1 (ESV)

1  He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalm 91:9-10 (ESV)

9  Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place— the Most High, who is my refuge—

10  no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent.

My prayer is that you are one who abides in the Lord, and that you have made Him the place in which you live your everyday life. O, how blessed are the people who live in the presence of the Lord.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for Your faithfulness, and the love and care that You provide for all who believe in, and live in You. Father, I pray that You would draw us to, and keep us close to Thee. 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/

Who Do You Fear?

Text:

Psalm 64:1-4 (ESV)

1 Hear my voice, O God, in my complaint; preserve my life from dread of the enemy.

2  Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked, from the throng of evildoers,

3  who whet their tongues like swords, who aim bitter words like arrows,

4  shooting from ambush at the blameless, shooting at him suddenly and without fear.

Observation:

David knew exactly what the enemy was up to, and we need to be aware of the enemies we face in our life.

2 Corinthians 2:11 (ESV)

11  so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.

The goodnews  for God’s people is that God will fight the battle against Satan, and his emps. He did it for David, and He will do it for us.

Psalm 64:7-10 (ESV)

7  But God shoots his arrow at them; they are wounded suddenly.

8  They are brought to ruin, with their own tongues turned against them; all who see them will wag their heads.

9  Then all mankind fears; they tell what God has brought about and ponder what he has done.

10  Let the righteous one rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in him! Let all the upright in heart exult!

The bible is filled with the admonition, “Do not fear”. Allow God’s Word to speak into your heart, and calm your fears.

Isaiah 12:2 (ESV)

2  “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.”

Isaiah 26:4 (ESV)

4  Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.

Prayer:

Father God, I lift up, and give praise to Your name. Father, I am so glad that I know by experience that You are an able, and faithful God. Father, I know that You can, and You will hear, and answer the prayers of Your people. 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/