wordofgod – herbcotton.org

My Friday Morning Thoughts From My Annotations

Today Somebody Prayed for You

Today’s Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton

Bible Text for Today’s Meditation and Application:

2 Chronicles 7:14 King James Version (KJV)

14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

My Reflections on the Word of God Today:

The thought that just popped into my head is to take me back. My next idea was where did that come from, and what does it mean? Who is this speaking to me? First, I thought the devil, but then I remembered something excellent and worth going back to remember, and I decided it was the Spirit of God speaking to me because the devil has nothing truthful to say to me.

The occasion probably was in connection with the first solo led crusade by Franklin Graham in1995 in Anchorage, Alaska. I was the Chairman of the local sponsoring group of churches in Anchorage.

We were having a kickoff meeting, and I was the keynote speaker, and it was at the Greater Friendship Baptist Church. The text I used that day was 2 Chronicles 7:14.

This morning I am writing to you what today’s verse from My Gateway Online Bible prompted me to write because it was at the top of the front page listed as Verse of the Day.

I opened my Online Bible to search for the following verses that spoke to me when I explored what was inside the tab that said, “My Annotations.”

Under My Annotations, I found these verses that had been automatically put into that listing by me at some time in the past, and now the Spirit of God brought them to my mind for today.

The verses all come from the Book of Wisdom, written by King Solomon, who God describes as the wisest man of his time.

Proverbs 16:9 King James Version (KJV)

9 A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.

Proverbs 19:21 King James Version (KJV)

21 There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.

Proverbs 15:7 King James Version (KJV)

7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.

Proverbs 12:18 King James Version (KJV)

18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

Proverbs 18:21 King James Version (KJV)

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

What shall I say and what shall I do in response to this Word from the Spirit of God? The answer came in the Word from Solomon’s father, King David who was King of Israel before Solomon.

Psalm 119:130 King James Version (KJV)

130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

Prayer Offered to Our Father in Heaven:

Psalm 118:1-2 King James Version (KJV)

118 O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth forever.

2 Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth forever.

Father, thank You for continuing to speak to Your people today when we read Your Word, meditate on the Word, and do what You tell us to do.

Psalm 119:105 King James Version (KJV)

105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

Psalm 46:10 King James Version (KJV)

10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

Father, help us each day to take a long pause and spend time alone in the Word of God and Prayer. Let the whole church say, Amen.

Why Is the Bible So Different From Any Other Book?

Today’s Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton

Bible Text for Today’s Meditation and Application:

Psalm 119:130 King James Version (KJV)

130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

King James Version (KJV)

Public Domain

My Reflections on the Word of God Today:

I remember hearing the testimony of a Chinese man’s response to being exposed to the Bible; he asked, “Why is this book so different from any book I have ever read?”

Have you found that to be true in your life? The Bible is not like the textbooks we read in school. We learn by reading books, we gain information, insight and we grow intellectually.

However, the Bible is different; when we read the Bible, it changes our lives. I remember many years ago listening to the testimony of a pastor at The Gideons International Convention who gave his statement of how the Bible transformed his life.

He read our focal passage for today, and that single verse changed his life. Some of his fellow soldiers who were Navigators invited him to join them in studying and memorizing the Word of God.

What a testimony of the power of the Word of God, and the God of the Word that resulted in the transformation in the life of this soldier; from a simple man to a preacher of the Gospel of Christ.

That my friends do not happen when you read science, mathematics, physics, literature, accounting, engineering or any other textbook. The book that changes lives is the Word of God; the Bible.

Isaiah 55:11 King James Version (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.

Proverbs 3:27 King James Version (KJV)

27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.

Prayer Offered to Our Father in Heaven:

Father God, we are so grateful that we have the Bible in a language we can read and understand.

Father, we pray that everyone would have the privilege of having the Bible in their native language. Father, we know that nothing is too difficult for You to perform.

Father, we pray that we would be used to share the Word of God so that others will have their eyes opened, and lives changed by the reading of the Bible. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

God Speaks – Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 23:9 (MSG)

9 Don’t bother talking sense to fools; they’ll only poke fun at your words.

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 57:1-2 (NLT)

1 Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy! I look to you for protection. I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until the danger passes by.

2 I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me.

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Isaiah 12:5 (NLT)

5 Sing to the LORD, for he has done wonderful things. Make known his praise around the world.

The Gospel Message:

2 Corinthians 13:11 (NLT)

11 Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.

Observation:

How should believers in Christ live in the fallen world, and in these difficult days? My dear friends and fellow citizens of the planet earth, I urge you to consider the closing words that Paul gives to the church at Corinth.

Be joyful
Grow to maturity
Encourage each other
Live in harmony and peace.

Do what you can do and leave the rest in the hands of the Lord. And as Paul said, “Then the God of love and peace will be with you.”

My encouragement to you is to come to Christ Jesus and walk with Him all of the days of your life. He will see you through the troubles of the world. Jesus is the light of the world and the hope of the world.

Prayer:

Father God, I exalt Your name above every name and give You the praise, honor, and glory that You alone deserve.

Father, this is my hope and my prayer for all of the people in the earth; that they may know you and know Your power.

Romans 15:13 (NLT)

13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

—

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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How Important Is Prayer In Your Life?

Text:

Psalm 55:1-3 (HCSB)

1 God, listen to my prayer and do not ignore my plea for help.

2 Pay attention to me and answer me. I am restless and in turmoil with my complaint,

3 because of the enemy’s voice, because of the pressure of the wicked. For they bring down disaster on me and harass me in anger.

Observation:

Notice in our focal passage for today how common, and universal are the things that David prayed about.

David needed someone to listen to him.
David did not want to be ignored.
David needed someone to help him.
David wanted someone to pay attention to him.
David wanted someone to answer him.
David was restless, in turmoil, and he needed to voice his complaint.
David had enemies who were oppressing him, and he felt his life was in danger.

David expresses his frustration in these words.

Psalm 55:6 (HCSB)

6 I said, “If only I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and find rest.

Have you ever said to yourself what David said? Have you considered running away from your problems?

There is a better way than running away from your problems. The truth is that your problems will go with you. Rather, what we really need are wings like an eagle so that we can fly above our problems.

David did two things that enabled Him to fly above his problems.

First, David called upon the Lord.

Psalm 55:16 (HCSB)

16 But I call to God, and the LORD will save me.

Second, David cast all of his burdens upon the Lord.

Psalm 55:22 (HCSB)

22 Cast your burden on the LORD, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

God enabled David to overcome his problems, and He will do the same for you. God is waiting to hear from you.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for being a loving, and caring heavenly Father who knows our needs, and who cares about us personally.

Father, give us a burning desire to call upon You for all of our needs, and to cast all of our cares upon You.

1 Peter 5:6-7 (HCSB)

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time,

7 casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you.

Father, I pray that You would hear the cry of every one of Your children who calls upon You, and puts their troubles in Your hands. In the might name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

—

Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV)
¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

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

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

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How Much Do You Love the Word of God?

Text:

Psalm 119:97-104 (NLT)

97 Oh, how I love your instructions! I think about them all day long.

98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are my constant guide.

99 Yes, I have more insight than my teachers, for I am always thinking of your laws.

100 I am even wiser than my elders, for I have kept your commandments.

101 I have refused to walk on any evil path, so that I may remain obedient to your word.

102 I haven’t turned away from your regulations, for you have taught me well.

103 How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey.

104 Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life.

Observation:

How much do you love the Word of God? Are you like David; can you say what he said about the Word?

Psalm 119:97-98 (MSG)

97 Oh, how I love all you’ve revealed; I reverently ponder it all the day long.

98 Your commands give me an edge on my enemies; they never become obsolete.

Are you willing to let God be your teacher, and not man? Learn all you can from the good resources of man, but don’t neglect letting God be your teacher.

John 14:26 (NLT)

26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

John 16:13-15 (NLT)

13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.

14 He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me.

15 All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.’

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, thank You for being our teacher, and our guide through the Holy Spirit that You have poured out into our hearts.

Father, help us to always remember that knowing is not enough, we must do the will of God.

James 1:22 (NLT)

22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.

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:

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Are You Building Your Life On A Solid Foundation?

Text:

Psalm 119:89-96 (NLT)

89 Your eternal word, O LORD, stands firm in heaven.

90 Your faithfulness extends to every generation, as enduring as the earth you created.

91 Your regulations remain true to this day, for everything serves your plans.

92 If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy, I would have died in my misery.

93 I will never forget your commandments, for by them you give me life.

94 I am yours; rescue me! For I have worked hard at obeying your commandments.

95 Though the wicked hide along the way to kill me, I will quietly keep my mind on your laws.

96 Even perfection has its limits, but your commands have no limit.

Observation:

There are not many things in our lives today that we can say are solid; that they will last for our lifetime.

However, the theme of our passage today is that the eternal word of God will stand firm forever.

If you are looking for a solid foundation to build your life upon, you need look no further than the eternal Word of God.

Matthew 24:35 (KJV)

35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name, and thank You for the eternal Word of God that lives, and thrives in the hearts of Your people who read it, and heed it. Father we join with David, and make His testimony our testimony.

Psalm 119:151-152 (HCSB)

151 You are near, LORD, and all Your commands are true.

152 Long ago I learned from Your decrees that You have established them forever.

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 Do You Answer When God Speaks?

Text:

1 Samuel 3:9-10 (ESV)

9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant hears.'” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

10 And the LORD came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.”

Observation:

Does God still people to His people today? Yes, He does, and He speaks through His Word, and by the Holy Spirit. There is nothing more powerful, and more purposeful then listening to the Word of God.

Psalm 119:11 (ESV)

11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Do you know Your God given, and tailored made purpose for your life; the reason why you are still alive?

The story of the life of Samuel is the life of a person who has been called by God for a special, and unique purpose.

God has a purpose for your life, and you can discover that purpose as you read God’s Word, and do what He tells you to do.

God wants to make you holy; not happy. Are you ready to listen and obey? Hear the Word of the Lord as He speaks into your heart.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 (NLT)

3 God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin.

4 Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor—

5 not in lustful passion like the pagans who do not know God and his ways.

God is more interested in who you are than is what you do. He wants you to be holy, and happiness will follow. True happiness is being more and more like Jesus.

The hymn writer says it this way.

“When we walk with the Lord

In the light of His Word,

What a glory He sheds on our way;

While we do His good will,

He abides with us still,

And with all who will trust and obey.

Trust and obey,

For there’s no other way

To be happy in Jesus,

But to trust and obey.”

Prayer:

Father, thank You for all that You have done in us, and for us. Father, where would we be without You in our lives? Father, help us to love you more dearly, trust you more completely, and serve You more faithfully. 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/

What Governs Your Life?

Text:

Mark 7:5 (HCSB)

5 Then the Pharisees and the scribes asked Him, “Why don’t Your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders, instead of eating bread with ritually unclean hands?”

Observation:

I’m so glad that the Pharisees and the scribes asked Jesus the question that is our focal passage for today.

The believers of every age must guard against the practice of elevating rituals, and traditions above the Word of God.

Mark 7:6-9 (HCSB)

6 He answered them, “Isaiah prophesied correctly about you hypocrites, as it is written: These people honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.

7 They worship Me in vain, teaching as doctrines the commands of men.

8 Disregarding the command of God, you keep the tradition of men.”

9 He also said to them, “You completely invalidate God’s command in order to maintain your tradition!

The Pharisees and the scribes were good at cleaning up the outside with many rules, and regulations. However, their rules, and regulations could not clean the heart.

It is the Word of God, and the Holy Spirit of God doing His office work in our lives that will change the heart.

David, a man after God’s heart said this concerning his heart; a heart that needed a change.

Psalm 51:10 (HCSB)

10 God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

The Apostle Paul points the way to having a changed heart; a heart after God’s heart.

Acts 15:8-9 (HCSB)

8 And God, who knows the heart, testified to them by giving the Holy Spirit, just as He also did to us.

9 He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your most holy, and righteous name. Father, I acknowledge that You alone can change our hearts.

Father, we thank You for Your divine work in changing us on the inside, and revealing from the inside to the outside Your presence in us for a watching world to see.

Ephesians 2:10 (HCSB)

10 For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.

Father, we thank You, and praise You for the finished work of Jesus on our behalf. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (HCSB)

8 For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—

9 not from works, so that no one can boast.

—

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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What Is Your View of God, and His Word?

Text:

Psalm 12:6-8 (HCSB)

6 The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in an earthen furnace, purified seven times.

7 You, LORD, will guard us; You will protect us from this generation forever.

8 The wicked wander everywhere, and what is worthless is exalted by the human race.

Observation:

Let’s do a comparison of man and his word, and God and His Word. Think about the vast differences.

Man and his word:

Psalm 12:1-2 (HCSB)

1 Help, LORD, for no faithful one remains; the loyal have disappeared from the human race.

2 They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and deceptive hearts.

God and His Word:

Psalm 12:6-7 (HCSB)

6 The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in an earthen furnace, purified seven times.

7 You, LORD, will guard us; You will protect us from this generation forever.

When it comes to God, and His Word, I take a stance of humility, wonder, and awe. I take the position that David took in this Psalm.

Psalm 51:4 (HCSB)

4 Against You—You alone—I have sinned and done this evil in Your sight. So You are right when You pass sentence; You are blameless when You judge.

Prayer:

Father, I bow low, and look up to You in humility, and thankfulness for Your love, forgiveness, and compassion for man that You have created in Your image. Father, help us, by Your almighty power, to be who You made us to be.

Father, I am so grateful that every person can know You, and be reconciled to You. So blessed that we have the pure Word of God to draw us to You, and to keep us in You. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

—

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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How Should You Walk In Perilous Times?

Text:

2 Timothy 3:1 (ESV)

1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.

Observation:

The last days started after Jesus completed His work on earth, and returned to the Father in heaven. He alerted His disciples, and us today through His Word.

There is an encouraging word from the lips of Jesus alerting His disciples of the conditions they would face in the world, and giving them hope and a plan for living in perilous times.

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.”

One of the important things that every child of God needs to do everyday is feed the spiritual person; the inner man. There is no substitute for the Word of God, and prayer.

Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)

12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Ephesians 6:18 (HCSB)

18 Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.

You are never more like Jesus than when you are devoted to the Word of God, and prayer. Jesus was never too busy to pray, and neither should Christ followers.

Mark 1:35 (HCSB)

35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He got up, went out, and made His way to a deserted place. And He was praying there.

Colossians 4:2 (HCSB)

2 Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving.

Prayer:

Father, I lift Your name high above every name on earth, and in heaven. Father, I acknowledge You as Sovereign LORD; God Almighty.

Father, I thank You for the example of Jesus, and I ask for sufficient faith, hope, and love to walk in His steps. Father, tune my heart to desire the things that are eternal, and not temporal. I ask not just for me, but for all of Christ followers. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

—

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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