worry – herbcotton.org

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.

—

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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;)

—

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

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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.

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How to Be Calm In the Midst of Stress?

Text:

Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)

6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Observation:

Today my message is two-fold. For those in Christ Jesus, and identify Him as being Lord of Your life, I speak to you first.

There is a place where we can find the peace of God, and have it as a present possession; even in the midst of our storm tossed lives. That place is to live in the presence of God.

Ephesians 2:6 (NLT)

6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.

If God the Father has exalted you, who or what on earth can pull you down, or put you down. He paid the ultimate price for the purchase of your freedom from sin, death, and the grave.

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NLT)

21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

Listen to the calming and reassuring words of Jesus to the first century believers, and to us today from the Word of God.

John 16:33 (NLT)

33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

If you are not a Christ follower, I encourage you to consider the benefits of becoming one. The cost has been pre-paid, and the benefits are eternal.

2 Corinthians 5:19-21 (HCSB)

19 That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed the message of reconciliation to us.

20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, certain that God is appealing through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.”

21 He made the One who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Prayer:

Father, with grateful hearts, we give thanks to You for loving us so much, and doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.

Father, draw Your people closer to You, and may we willingly, and joyfully live in Your presence in the heavenly realms because of what Christ did for us. 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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Are You Willing To Do These 2 Things?

Text:

Proverbs 12:25-26 (NLT)

25 Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.

26 The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray.

Observation:

Do you realize that you have within you the resources to bring joy to many people?

There are people in your circle of influence, and circle of concern who are dealing with worry.

These are the two things that Solomon says the godly can do to help others.

Give an encouraging word.
Give good advice.

You have the power within you to be an agent of healing to hurting people. You can bring joy, and a turnaround to others by loving acts of kindness, and godly words of wisdom.

Proverbs 17:22 (NLT)

22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.

The Holy Spirit of God will guide you, and empower you to do God’s will, and work. Don’t forfeit the opportunity to be a blessing, and to be blessed.

Proverbs 3:27 (NLT)

27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.

Prayer:

Father, we are so grateful that You equip Your people to be instruments to speak healing, and helpful words to people we encounter who are hurting.

Father, we are so grateful that it is You that provides the opportunity, and that You provide the healing. Father, we acknowledge that You are the Master, and that we are Your servants.

Father, I pray that our service will be motivated by love, and that in Your eyes, You would see us as faithful servants. 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 I Learned About Worrying, and How to Overcome It

Text:

Matthew 6:25-34 (NLT)

25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?

26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?

27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing,

29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.

30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’

32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.

33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Observation:

Most people know that worry is destructive. However, we seem to lack the ability to resist the temptation to worry when we face difficulties in life. We know better, but we do it anyway.

I have a thorn in the flesh to remind me of the consequence of worrying. It happened about 45 years ago. I was at home recovering from surgery because of a gastric ulcer, and a pastor came to my home, and shared today’s text with me.

I cannot say that I have not worried a day since then. However, I can say that when throughs of worry come into my head, I replace them with faith in God. The antidote for worry is to trust in God. God loves you, and will provide for your needs.

Matthew 6:33 (NLT)

33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

Prayer:

Father, I praise and thank You for being a God who cares, and provides for Your people.

Matthew 6:27 (NLT)

27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

Father, we know better than to worry; Father, remind us ,like You reminded Your servant Abraham, over and over about Your promises. Father, give us sufficient faith to trust You today, and leave all of our tomorrows in Your trusted, and faithful hands. 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.

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How to Live in Victory in a Trouble Filled World?

Text:

Psalm 3:3-6 (ESV)

3 But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.

4 I cried aloud to the LORD, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah

5 I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the LORD sustained me.

6 I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.

Observation:

When I see the word but in the bible it gets my attention. I want to know what went before, and what comes after. I want to know what the but is there for.

This is what comes before:

Psalm 3:1-2 (ESV)

1 O LORD, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me;

2 many are saying of my soul, there is no salvation for him in God. Selah

In this Psalm David laments over his son Absalom, who has risen up against his father. You don’t have to be downcast, and defeated when you know the Lord. You can do what David did.

In his anguish, David cried out to the God of his salvation. And, in the Lord he found hope and help. When your faith is activated, your fears have to go. The Lord can turn sleepless nights into restful sleep, and He can turn strife into peace.

Psalm 3:3 (HCSB)

3 But You, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts up my head.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be You name. Father, I am so thankful to be able to call You, our Father, and know that You hear and answer the prayers of Your beloved people. Father, in times like these, I look to You; I seek Your face.

Psalm 46:1 (ESV)

1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Father, I pray that any who are facing defeat, adversity, or trouble in their lives; that they would cry out to You in the manner that David cried out to You, and find in You hope and help. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

—

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How to Live In A Fallen World

Text:

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.

Observation:

Are your circumstances, and the cares that you have weighing you down, and causing you to have anxiety in your mind and soul?

Do you have trials and temptations in your life that are wearing you down? Are the trouble within you, and the circumstances surrounding you robbing you of your peace and security?

Are there things, and people that are robbing you of your peace and joy? There is song that is ringing in my heart, and it provides the answer to all of our cares and circumstances.

“There is a place of full release,

near to the heart of God,

a place where all is joy and peace,

near to the heart of God”,

Author: Cleland Boyd McAfee, Near to the Heart of God

The place that I go, and the person who I turn to when troubles vex my mind and soul is to my God; the Father of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

When doubts, discouragement, disappointment, and the devil knocks on my door, I go to God. I open my Bible, and begin to pray. Do you realize that you have in your hands TNT (The New Testament), and that TNT is dynamite?

When troubles come knocking at the door of your heart, use dynamite to knock the devil, and his devices out of your life.

You don’t have to live under the circumstances in the world. You can rise up, look up, speak up to God, and watch the Lord as He fight the battle against all of your foes and cares.

Don’t forfeit your peace or your joy. Cast all your cares on the one who is able to help you, strengthen you, and keep you.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be your name. Father, help us to remember to always take all of our cares to You in prayer. Why try to fight the battle in our strength when we can hold in our hands TNT to destroy the enemy of our minds, body, and soul. Jesus used prayer and the Word, and so should we. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

—

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Is Your Cup Running Near Empty Today?

Text:

1 Peter 5:6-7 (ESV)

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

7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Observation:

My community has been through a tough time with the floods claiming the lives of a few, and over 20,000 have been displaced from their homes because of the water that is filling the neighborhoods, and homes.

In times like this we need strength, but for many their strength is almost gone. You may be in that position, and I have good news for you.

The Lord put this thought into my heart this morning. I heard the Lord speak into my heart in His still small voice saying, “Be humble” and “Be still”.

Psalm 46:10-11 (ESV)

10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

It times like these we need a wisdom that is greater than ours, we need a strength that is stronger than ours, and we need a deliverer who has the power to make something out of nothing. Now is the time to look to God.

If we will come to God, in faith, with the expectation that He is able and willing to help us; He will do it. If we lift up to Him our empty cups of needs, He will fill them with blessings from above.

Think about this promise from the Word of God. I’m praying for you, and believe that God has a blessing with your name on it.

James 1:17 (ESV)

17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

Prayer:

Father, I lift up and exalt Your name today above every name on earth, and in heaven.

Father, we come with humble, and still hearts to Your throne room of grace and mercy. Father, we lift up our cup that is near empty, and we ask You to fill our cup with an abundance of what our lives need the most.

Father, we come in faith, and our hearts are tuned to say, “Yes, Lord”. We come in humility and faith trusting in You, and saying yes to your will, and yes to your way. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

—

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The Keys to Living A Worry Free Life

Text:

Philippians 4:4-6 (HCSB)

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

5 Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.

6 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

Observation:

The Word of God states there is power in demonstrating graciousness in our lives to everyone.

There is no substitute for living in a close relationship with the Lord. We may not be able to rejoice in things, circumstances, or other people, but we can always rejoice in the Lord. Joy is the one word theme of Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi.

Think about this profound assertion, “The Lord is near”. That’s the difference maker for the joy filled life.

Following this bold assertion of the nearness of God the Apostle Paul warns the readers of the greatest of the joy stealers, which he identifies as worry. Worry will tear you apart. It will affect your mind, heart, and peace.

Then Paul gives this encouragement. The keys to living the worry free life are these.

Draw near to God.
Pray
Have faith in God.

This is what the Lord will do in you; He will do for you what you cannot do for yourself.

Philippians 4:7 (HCSB)

7 And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Prayer:

Father, help us to rejoice in You always, and to have an attitude of gratitude in all of our relationships. Father, grant Your people the inner peace that will guard our minds and hearts from worry. Father, tune our hearts to be people who pray. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

—

Read the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

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