God Speaks - Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 26:24-26 (NLT) 

 People may cover their hatred with pleasant words, but they're deceiving you. 

 They pretend to be kind, but don't believe them. Their hearts are full of many evils. 

 While their hatred may be concealed by trickery, their wrongdoing will be exposed in public. 

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 104:31 (NLT) 

 May the glory of the LORD continue forever! The LORD takes pleasure in all he has made! 

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Ezekiel 1:1 (NLT) 

 On July 31 of my thirtieth year, while I was with the Judean exiles beside the Kebar River in Babylon, the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God. 

Ezekiel 1:28 (NLT) 

 All around him was a glowing halo, like a rainbow shining in the clouds on a rainy day. This is what the glory of the LORD looked like to me. When I saw it, I fell face down on the ground, and I heard someone's voice speaking to me. 

Ezekiel 2:1-2 (NLT) 

 "Stand up, son of man," said the voice. "I want to speak with you." 

 The Spirit came into me as he spoke, and he set me on my feet. I listened carefully to his words. 

The Gospel Message:

Hebrews 2:1-4 (NLT) 

 So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. 

 For the message God delivered through angels has always stood firm, and every violation of the law and every act of disobedience was punished. 

 So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus himself and then delivered to us by those who heard him speak? 

 And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose. 

Observation:

One of the things I observed while reading the passage from Ezekiel is the importance of being in the presence of God. It is impossible to do the work of God without being connected to the power of God.

"Power in the Christian life depends upon our connection with the source of power."

L. Nelson Bell

Key Word Commentary: Thoughts on Every Chapter of the Bible.

To be pleasing to God and to fulfill the purpose for which we were born, we must know God and live in His presence.  Ezekiel's ministry shows us the importance of listening to God and obeying God.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I pray that You will draw Your people closer to You and that we would seek the truth, and abide in You.

--

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

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God Speaks - Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 26:21-22 (NLT) 

 A quarrelsome person starts fights as easily as hot embers light charcoal or fire lights wood. 

 Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one's heart. 

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 102:1 (NLT) 

LORD, hear my prayer! Listen to my plea! 

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Lamentations 3:22-23 (NLT) 

 The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. 

 Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. 

The Gospel Message:

Hebrews 1:3 (NLT) 

 The Son radiates God's own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven. 

Observation:

If you want to know God, you can find Him when you look for Him in the Word of God. In the Bible, He speaks with finality through the author of the Book of Hebrews.

Hebrews 1:1-2 (NLT) 

 Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. 

 And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. 

The thing that God desires for His people is to have a relationship with Him. We can know God through His Word, and we can connect with God through prayer.

When I look at the greatest human needs the one that rises to the top for me is love; to love and be loved. In today's reading from the Bible, I find comfort, significance, growth, contribution, belonging, and everything I need God will provide.

Lamentations 3:22-23 (NLT) 

 The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. 

 Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.

Prayer:

Father God, my heart rejoices that I am so loved by You and that You provide abundantly, continuously, faithfully, and eternally for all of my needs through Your almighty power.

Psalm 103:1-2 (NLT) 

 Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. 

 Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me. 

--

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:

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God Speaks - Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 26:18-19 (NLT) 

 Just as damaging as a madman shooting a deadly weapon 

 is someone who lies to a friend and then says, "I was only joking." 

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 100:3 (NLT) 

 Acknowledge that the LORD is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Psalm 100:4-5 (NLT) 

 Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. 

 For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation. 

The Gospel Message:

Titus 3:4-7 (NLT) 

 But—"When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 

 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 

 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 

 Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life." 

Observation:

Do you know someone who is having a hard time right now? Do you know someone who is down, and feels that there is no way open for them in this world as they see it?

We should not be surprised by the troubles and the problems that we face in this world. Nothing that the hand of sinful man touches will ever be perfect. That is a domain that is reserved for God alone.

We need to go to the Bible and see what our Maker has said. Jesus has spoken to us about the trouble that we will face in this world in the following verse from the Bible.

John 16:33 (NLT) 

 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." 

When you are down and think that there is no way out, consider what God has said. He sent Jesus to be the Savior of the world, and Jesus has already paid the price for your sins and provided the means for you to have eternal life.

Prayer:

Father God, we are so grateful that You have revealed to the whole world Your goodness and kindness that you have for the man, male and female, who You created in Your image. Father, thank You for doing for us what we could not do for ourselves by providing the means that we could receive eternal life.

Father, I pray that everyone will hear Your sweet voice that offers to all the gift of eternal life through Jesus, Your only begotten son.

John 3:16 (NLT) 

 "For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 

--

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:

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God Speaks - Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 26:17 (NLT) 

 Interfering in someone else's argument is as foolish as yanking a dog's ears. 

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 99:1 (NLT) 

 The LORD is king! Let the nations tremble! He sits on his throne between the cherubim. Let the whole earth quake! 

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Psalm 99:9 (NLT) 

 Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy mountain in Jerusalem, for the LORD our God is holy! 

The Gospel Message:

Titus 2:1-3 (NLT) 

 As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching. 

 Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience. 

 Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. 

Observation:

Today is a glorious day to give praise and thanksgiving to God. What a difference we could make in influencing others if we would learn the wisdom revealed in the Proverb featured today by staying out of someone else's argument.

Instead, exalting the Lord our God and giving glory and honor to His most holy and righteous name is not just better, but the best use of our time. God does not need our praise, but it sure does wonders for us when we have an attitude of gratitude.

I am so blessed, encouraged, and fired up by the following encouragement to Titus. O, to be like Titus and be blessed with a mentor like Paul.

Titus 2:11-14 (NLT) 

 For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. 

 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 

 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. 

 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, we give You the highest praise our hearts can conceive, and we speak it with our mouths with joy and appreciation for the love and grace of God that You have so lavishly given to Your children. Holy is the Lord; You are God all by yourself; there is none like You.

--

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:

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God Speaks - Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 26:14 (NLT) 

 As a door swings back and forth on its hinges, so the lazy person turns over in bed. 

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 97:11-12 (NLT) 

 Light shines on the godly, and joy on those whose hearts are right. 

 May all who are godly rejoice in the LORD and praise his holy name! 

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Jeremiah 50:1-3 (NLT) 

 The LORD gave Jeremiah the prophet this message concerning Babylon and the land of the Babylonians. 

 This is what the LORD says: "Tell the whole world, and keep nothing back. Raise a signal flag to tell everyone that Babylon will fall! Her images and idols will be shattered. Her gods Bel and Marduk will be utterly disgraced. 

 For a nation will attack her from the north and bring such destruction that no one will live there again. Everything will be gone; both people and animals will flee. 

The Gospel Message:

Titus 1:1-3 (NLT) 

 This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives. 

 This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began. 

 And now at just the right time he has revealed this message, which we announce to everyone. It is by the command of God our Savior that I have been entrusted with this work for him. 

Observation:

The letter that the Apostle Paul wrote to Titus is one that is very helpful when you find yourself in a strenuous position and are tempted to quit or seek a new assignment.

Paul reminded Titus that he has been called by God to a worthy ministry and that the God who called him will equip him to fulfill his mission.

Paul reminded Titus of the reason that he sent him to Crete. There were problems in this Church, and Paul sent Timothy there to appoint new leadership.

We should never forget that when we are on a mission for God, and the ministry of the Gospel of Christ, that we are never alone. When things get hard, look up to the source of your help and strength.

Titus 1:4 (NLT) 

 I am writing to Titus, my true son in the faith that we share. May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior give you grace and peace. 

Prayer:

Father God, we are so thankful for your unfailing love, and for the grace and peace, you give to your people. Father, we are so grateful that nothing is too difficult for you. Father, help us, by your power, to be strong and very courageous in all we do in serving you.

--

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:

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God Speaks - Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 26:12 (MSG) 

 See that man who thinks he's so smart? You can expect far more from a fool than from him. 

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 96:9-10 (NLT) 

 Worship the LORD in all his holy splendor. Let all the earth tremble before him. 

 Tell all the nations, "The LORD reigns!" The world stands firm and cannot be shaken. He will judge all peoples fairly. 

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Psalm 95:1-3 (NLT) 

 Come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. 

 Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him. 

 For the LORD is a great God, a great King above all gods. 

The Gospel Message:

2 Timothy 4:2 (NLT) 

 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. 

2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NLT) 

 As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. 

 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 

 And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. 

Observation:

Paul gives Timothy the calling and charge of the servant of God. Know your purpose and pursue it with passion and the power of the God who called you to do His work and will.

Never give up and never give in to those who oppose the work. The God who called you is higher than any opposition you will encounter.

Be willing to bear the cross, endure the pain. For those who finish the race will receive the prize; the crown of righteousness which the Lord will give you. 

Prayer:

Father God, we delight to worship you. We acknowledge your holy splendor. Father, we come into your presence with thanksgiving, and we sing with joy for you are a great God and the King above all gods.

--

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:

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God Speaks - Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 26:7 (MSG) 

 A proverb quoted by fools is limp as a wet noodle. 

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 94:11-14 (NLT) 

 The LORD knows people's thoughts; he knows they are worthless! 

 Joyful are those you discipline, LORD, those you teach with your instructions. 

 You give them relief from troubled times until a pit is dug to capture the wicked. 

 The LORD will not reject his people; he will not abandon his special possession. 

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Jeremiah 45:4-5 (NLT) 

 "Baruch, this is what the LORD says: 'I will destroy this nation that I built. I will uproot what I planted. 

 Are you seeking great things for yourself? Don't do it! I will bring great disaster upon all these people; but I will give you your life as a reward wherever you go. I, the LORD, have spoken!'" 

The Gospel Message:

2 Timothy 2:21-22 (NLT) 

 If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. 

 Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. 

Observation:

The message that I hear God speaking to my heart today is that God is sovereign. He knows our circumstances, and He takes care of His people. All who trust in the Lord have nothing to fear.

Paul, the mentor, encouraged Timothy, the mentee, to have the attitude that he had while serving others in his ministry.

2 Timothy 2:10 (NLT) 

 So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. 

Prayer:

Father God, we are so grateful that You are God and we are not. Father, we rest in the blessed assurance that you are the potter and we are the clay. Father, make and mold us into the people that will be pleasing in your sight.

--

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:

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God Speaks - Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 25:28 (NLT) 

 A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls. 

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 89:46-48 (NLT) 

 O LORD, how long will this go on? Will you hide yourself forever? How long will your anger burn like fire? 

 Remember how short my life is, how empty and futile this human existence! 

 No one can live forever; all will die. No one can escape the power of the grave.

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Psalm 37:37-40 (NLT) 

 Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace. 

 But the rebellious will be destroyed; they have no future. 

 The LORD rescues the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble. 

 The LORD helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him. 

The Gospel Message:

1 Timothy 6:2-5 (NLT) 

 If the masters are believers, that is no excuse for being disrespectful. Those slaves should work all the harder because their efforts are helping other believers who are well loved. Teach these things, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them. 

 Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life. 

 Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. 

 These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy. 

Observation:

Now and then we need to take a long pause and examine our hearts to see how close we are to becoming more holy as God is holy. The Apostle Paul is giving guidance in this passage of what the attitude of Christ-followers should look like in our daily walk.

Whose example are you following when you argue with and condemn others about the Bible? Do you think that through your arguments that you can fix people or change lives?

This admonition is intended for self-examination and not for condemnation. It's about having the mind of Christ, and the attitude of a heart that has faith in God. I'm so glad that changing lives is above my pay grade, and that God has reserved this work for Himself.

Prayer:

Father God, we are so thankful for the privilege of being called children of God. Father, we are grateful that you provide for all of needs through Christ Jesus who lives in us and has promised that He would never leave us or forsake us. Father, help to not act like a practical atheist in our attitudes and in our obedience to your will and to your way.

--

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:

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God Speaks - Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 25:26 (NLT) 

 If the godly give in to the wicked, it's like polluting a fountain or muddying a spring. 

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 89:15-17 (NLT) 

 Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, LORD. 

 They rejoice all day long in your wonderful reputation. They exult in your righteousness. 

 You are their glorious strength. It pleases you to make us strong. 

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Jeremiah 35:13 (NLT) 

 "This is what the LORD of Heaven's Armies, the God of Israel, says: Go and say to the people in Judah and Jerusalem, 'Come and learn a lesson about how to obey me. 

Jeremiah 35:15 (NLT) 

 Time after time I sent you prophets, who told you, "Turn from your wicked ways, and start doing things right. Stop worshiping other gods so that you might live in peace here in the land I have given to you and your ancestors." But you would not listen to me or obey me. 

The Gospel Message:

1 Timothy 5:1-3 (NLT) 

 Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as you would to your own father. Talk to younger men as you would to your own brothers. 

 Treat older women as you would your mother, and treat younger women with all purity as you would your own sisters. 

 Take care of any widow who has no one else to care for her. 

1 Timothy 5:7 (NLT) 

 Give these instructions to the church so that no one will be open to criticism. 

Observation:

What is the biggest challenge of the Church? I see hope and encouragement found in our Bible reading for today. The word obedience is the theme I see in the Old Testament and the New Testament reading.

In our world today, we see mostly darkness reported in the media. We find gloom on the lips of the world, and many in the Church. But, if we take another look, we see lots of light. So many acts of loving-kindness go unnoticed and untold,

If you are a Christ follower, you have goodness and graciousness alive on the inside of you. Do you pass the test? Does Christ live in you, and is He alive or dead? Are you being obedient to God in your daily talk and walk?

Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT) 

 "You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 

 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 

 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. 

Prayer:

Father God, I thank You for the light of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit of God that you have deposited in the hearts of your people. Father, I pray that we will release the light that is within us into a world of darkness that is all around us.

Father, I pray that the light of the world will flow from the hearts of your people, and a mighty move of the Holy Spirit of God will unleash a mighty revival that would change the world as we know it.

--

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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