Is It Now Time for You?

Text:

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT) 

1  For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. 

Observation:

Who do you want to be? What are the goals for your life? Who do you want to be with? Where do you want to be? When will you move?

This morning I had a wonderful start to my day. I'm in the process of re-dreaming the fulfilling of my purpose for being alive.  It is so exciting, and so rewarding. God is so real in my life; He loves me, and I love Him. He loved me first.

There is so much potential that is planted within us by the God who made us. It is waiting to be unlocked, and unleashed. God has done His part; the next step is ours, and we have the freedom to take it.

Do you realize that the key is in your hands, and the door is standing before you; it is locked, but you have the key. The key is God given, and it is exercised by faith.

You have everything that you need; faith in God is the key that will unlock the door to you fulfilling your God given purpose.

What is hindering you from becoming all that God made you to be? It only takes one step of faith to move you in the direction of fulfilling your purpose. You have the freedom, and the faith to take one step. Just do it, and watch what happens.

Romans 8:31 (KJV) 

31  What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 

Are you willing to take the next step? Are you willing to pray this prayer?

Prayer:

Lord, I believe in you with my whole heart. Lord, I declare that you are able, and I submit, and say that I am willing to take the next step in becoming the person you made me to be. Lord, I believe, help my unbelief.

Father, I see now time as being my time. I believe it, and I receive it. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Luke 1:37 (KJV) 

37  For with God nothing shall be impossible. 

--

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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Who Can Offer You More?

Text:

Romans 8:6-8 (NIV) 

6  The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; 

7  the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. 

8  Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. 

Observation:

How many of you would like to have life and peace? Is that your desire? It is not an impossible dream.

Do you believe in God? Do you believe what He says is truth? What has God said about life and peace? The Bible says:

John 3:16 (NIV) 

16  "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 

John 14:27 (NIV) 

27  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. 

Have you received God's gifts? If you have, then you are the recipient of life and peace.

John 1:12-13 (NIV) 

12  Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- 

13  children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. 

A gift is of no use to you unless you open it, and use it. So it is with the gifts of God; you have to receive them. God's promises have an eternal guarantee. How wonderful!

John 10:28-30 (NIV) 

28  I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 

29  My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. 

30  I and the Father are one." 

Prayer:

Father, Your love and compassion amazes me. Father, I surrender my life to you, and in exchange I accept the forever gift of eternal life that is provided through Jesus; Your Son, and my Savior. In His royal and precious name 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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What Are Your Expectations for Your Future?

Text:

Philippians 1:20 (NIV) 

20  I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 

Observation:

Is hope alive in your life? I encourage you to not allow your current circumstances to rob you of your aspirations, and your hope to be the person that God made you to be.

I was recently motivated by a sermon I heard to re-dream the dream, and to write down on paper what my aspirations were for the remainder of my life. My attitude was that nothing is too big for God. So, I wrote down things that were impossible for me to do in my strength alone.

2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV) 

8  And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 

I stretched my faith, and wrote down some pretty big items. God is already at work. I took the first step a few days ago, and now God is working in amazing ways to fulfill one of the huge dreams.

If he did it for Paul, he will do it for you. If he did it for Job, He will do it for you. Notice what the bible says about Job, a man fully acquainted with pain, suffering, and loss.

Job 22:27-28 (NIV) 

27  You will pray to him, and he will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows. 

28  What you decide on will be done, and light will shine on your ways. 

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, we your children, are so blessed to be able to call you, our Father. We exalt your name, and give you the highest praise our lips can muster.

Father, thank You for being the one who can filled us with Your presence and power, and do mighty things in us, and through us. Father, fill us with hope, and the faith to accomplish great things in the strength, and directions that You provide.

Father, our desire is for your name to be glorified in all the earth. 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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The Reality and Rewards of Faith In God

Text:

Hebrews 11:1 (HCSB) 

1  Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. 

Hebrews 11:6 (HCSB) 

6  Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him. 

Observation:

The lyrics of this gospel hymn is ringing in my heart as I think about the greatness, and goodness of the Lord.

"Have you any rivers

That seem uncrossable?

And have you any mountain

That you cannot tunnel through?

God specializes

In things thought impossible

And He will do what no other

No other power but holy power can do".

I am so thankful for the gift of saving faith. I will never forget the day that God's love and forgiveness; God's grace, and mercy, found me.

How do you get the faith that pleases God?

Romans 10:17 (HCSB) 

17  So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ. 

Notice this illuminating verse.

Isaiah 53:1 (HCSB) 

1  Who has believed what we have heard? And who has the arm of the LORD been revealed to? 

The faith that pleases God includes three steps.

1. Hearing
2. Believing
3. Receiving

The Bible says that the Gospel of Christ was written for this reason.

John 20:31 (HCSB) 

31  But these are written so that you may believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and by believing you may have life in His name. 

Before you deny Christ, read the Gospel of John. God is speaking. Are you listening?

When we have biblical faith in God, everything changes. True belief results in change of belief and behavior.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (AMP) 

17  Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come! 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, I unite my heart and voice with all who believe in Jesus. Father, I am so thankful for the reality, and the rewards of faith in the true and living God. 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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Who or What Is the Object of Your Faith?

Text:

Hebrews 11:1-2 (ESV) 

1  Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 

2  For by it the people of old received their commendation. 

Observation:

What is faith? Who or what is the object of your faith? The dictionary defines faith as, "Strong belief or trust in someone or something". 

I see faith everywhere. I see people walk into a place they have never been before, and sit down on a chair with the belief that it will hold them. The object of faith was a thing; the chair.

Faith involves many attributes. They include trust, belief, confidence, conviction, optimism, and hope.

Today, my mind is fixed on faith, and the object of my faith is God.Therefore, I turned to the bible for insight, instruction, and inspiration. The bible says this about the meaning of faith.

Hebrews 11:1 (AMP) 

1  NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]. 

After defining faith, the bible say this about how God rewards, and honors faith.

Hebrews 11:2 (AMP) 

2  For by [faith—trust and holy fervor born of faith] the men of old had divine testimony borne to them and obtained a good report. 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, I am so grateful for the gift of faith, and I delight that my faith is in You. Father, I thank You for giving me a faith that works; a faith that turns dreams into action, and action into results.

Father, there is so much more to faith then this, and I look forward to continuing this discussion. But, I want to start this day demonstrating my faith by my works, which are also a gift from You.

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV) 

10  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. 

Father, help and empower Your children to workout what You have already worked within us. Father, I'm looking for showers of blessings as Your people trust in You. In the mighty name of Jesus I 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 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/

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

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Do You Have A Reliable Anchor?

Text:

Hebrews 10:23 (HCSB) 

23  Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 

Observation:

In this life you will have problems; you will have trouble. It's the reality of living in this present world.

John 16:33 (HCSB) 

33  I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world." 

The dictionary says, "To be forewarned is forearmed. Knowledge in advance enables one to be prepared".

Jesus warned His followers in the first century long before man came up with the english dictionary definition of our need to be prepared for trouble, and suffering in the world.

The crucified Jesus paid our sin debt; the resurrected Jesus provides us with the hope that our soul needs in a troubled, and sin sick world.

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. 

Prayer: 

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Father, our daily prayer is for the kingdom of our God to be advanced each day that we live; anchored by the resurrected Christ. 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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Why I Have Hope?

Text:

Ephesians 1:11-14 (HCSB) 

11  We have also received an inheritance in Him, predestined according to the purpose of the One who works out everything in agreement with the decision of His will, 

12  so that we who had already put our hope in the Messiah might bring praise to His glory. 

13  When you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed in Him, you were also sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. 

14  He is the down payment of our inheritance, for the redemption of the possession, to the praise of His glory. 

Observation:

There is nothing more purposeful, powerful, or perfect than what God has done for those He has chosen to make their bodies the temple in which He will live in forever.

The Gospel of Christ is the goodnews, and Jesus is the hope of the world; the Messiah of God.

John 3:16 (HCSB) 

16  "For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. 

God has spoken, the goodnews is for everyone who believes in Jesus, and receives Him; it is God's love gift to you.

Colossians 1:27 (HCSB) 

27  God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 

John 1:12-13 (HCSB) 

12  But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name, 

13  who were born, not of blood, or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but of God. 

Prayer:

Father, thank You for loving us with an everlasting love, and for doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.

Father, I associate myself with the purpose that the Apostle Paul had when He heard the goodnews, and was born again, and Jesus came to live in Him.

Colossians 1:28-29 (HCSB) 

28  We proclaim Him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 

29  I labor for this, striving with His strength that works powerfully in me. 

Father, we pray,  "Thy kingdom come", and we ask that it would come today in the lives of Your children. 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

 

Why Where You Look Matters?

Text:

Matthew 14:27-31 (HCSB) 

27  Immediately Jesus spoke to them. "Have courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." 

28  "Lord, if it's You," Peter answered Him, "command me to come to You on the water." 

29  "Come!" He said. And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus. 

30  But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid. And beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me!" 

31  Immediately Jesus reached out His hand, caught hold of him, and said to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" 

Observation:

What are the situations, and things that discourage you in life? Do your circumstances determine your peace of mind, and happiness?

I was reminded recently of the power of a discouraging word; it can cause us to become fearful. However, I also was reminded of the power of an encouraging word; it can cause us to have courage.

Joshua 1:9 (HCSB) 

9  Haven't I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." 

In our focal passage I noticed that the disciples were obeying the invitation of Jesus, and they still encountered a storm.

Matthew 14:22 (HCSB) 

22  Immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds. 

The things that happen to us in our lives in this fallen world do not determine our destiny. The key to living in a fallen world is to have courage, and not be fearful. If we come to Jesus, have faith in Him, and stay with Him, He will lead and guide us safely to the home that He has prepared for us in heaven.

Let the word of Jesus to His disciples then be an encouragement to you today, and every day.

In the storms of life, remember to heed the words of Jesus.

Matthew 14:27 (HCSB) 

27  Immediately Jesus spoke to them. "Have courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." 

Matthew 14:31 (HCSB) 

31  Immediately Jesus reached out His hand, caught hold of him, and said to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. We give You praise, and thanks for Your goodness, and tender mercies.

Father, help us to remember to have courage, and to keep our eyes upon Jesus, and to have faith in the goodness of God, and Your love for Your children. 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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How Do You Have A Good Day Every Day?

Text:

Proverbs 31:25 (NLT) 

25  She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. 

Observation:

Perhaps we should look at the woman that the book of Proverbs closes with to find the secret of having something better than a good day; it shows us the character of a godly woman.

If we focus on the circumstances that we face each day, we will be overwhelmed, and discouraged most of the time. However, if we focus on God, and His perspective, we can have a godly day; and, this is possible to have every day.

Notice that this godly woman was able to laugh without fear of the future because she was clothed with strength and dignity.

What she had each one of us can have. This woman had the presence of God in her life. This is something that is available to you today.

Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT) 

28  Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 

29  Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 

30  For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light." 

Are you willing to loosen up? Are you willing to laugh, love, and lean on the Lord for your strength and dignity?

Proverbs 17:22 (NLT) 

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

Prayer:

Father, thank You for being our Father in heaven, and thank You for being the God who lives in the hearts of Your children.

Father, we are so grateful that the God who lives in us provides rest for today, and hope for all of our tomorrows.

Psalm 62:5 (HCSB) 

5  Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from Him. 

Father, in Your presence we live our lives day by day; drawing from You rest for today, and hope for tomorrow. 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/

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

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

 

What Do We Need In Times Like These?

Text:

Psalm 133:1-3 (ESV) 

1 Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! 

2  It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! 

3  It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the LORD has commanded the blessing, life forevermore. 

Observation:

It's one thing to come together for a celebration, and have a season of brotherhood and fellowship.

But, it's another thing to live together in our families, communities, workplaces, schools, churches, and communities for days, weeks, months, and year after year.

We can manufacture or coerce uniformity, but unity much come from above. The Psalmist describes it like this.

Psalm 133:2 (NLT) 

2  For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron's head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. 

The Apostle Paul in his letter to the church at Ephesus describes unity, and how to achieve it in this passage.

Ephesians 4:1-3 (ESV) 

1  I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 

2  with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 

3  eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 

Now is the time for God's people to demonstrate to a watching world by our walk and our talk that we have God's love within us. Love is the essential in unity, and love is God's gift to His children.

Romans 5:5 (NLT) 

5  And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. 

If you have the love of God in you; why not demonstrated it to a watching world, and a loving God, by loving one another.

1 John 4:20 (ESV) 

20  If anyone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 

Prayer:

Father, help us to love one another as You have loved us. Father, I pray that unity will begin with Your beloved children, and become the shinning light in our dark world. 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