God Speaks - Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 28:25-26 (NLT) 

 Greed causes fighting; trusting the LORD leads to prosperity. 

 Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe. 

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 120:1 (NLT) 

 I took my troubles to the LORD; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer. 

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Psalm 120:2 (NLT) 

 Rescue me, O LORD, from liars and from all deceitful people. 

The Gospel Message:

1 John 2:1-2 (NLT) 

 My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. 

 He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world. 

Observation:

My one-word goal for this year is LISTEN. Today I'm going to reflect upon the first word I heard at the start of my day.

Psalm 119:9 (AMP) 

 How shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed and keeping watch [on himself] according to Your word [conforming his life to it]. 

Five months ago I started writing a book. The idea to do this was a sermon I heard on June 21, 2017. The speaker challenged the listeners to write down a bucket list of your dreams for the future. I wrote over forty things on that list that night. The next day I selected one of the items to pursue. I decided to take the first step in fulfilling my dream to write a book. Five months later the book is currently in the production phase, which is forty-five days to publication.

The title of the book, "31 Days of Hearing God Speak - How Listening to God Speak can change Your Life."

Oh, how sweet it is to trust in Jesus with your whole heart, and to walk in His steps all of the days of your life. Think about the words of this hymn as you walk with the Lord today and every day of your life in this world.

"I come to the garden alone,

While the dew is still on the roses,

And the voice I hear falling on my ear

The Son of God discloses.

◦ Refrain:

◦ And He walks with me, and He talks with me,

◦ And He tells me I am His own;

◦ And the joy we share as we tarry there,

◦ None other has ever known."  - - Charles Miles - Author

Prayer:

Father God, we, Your dearly beloved children, are so grateful for Your abiding love and presence in our lives. Father, we are so thankful that we don't have to walk through this fallen world in our strength alone, but we can walk and live in Your presence all of the days of our 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 28:23 (NLT) 

 In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery. 

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 119:156 (NLT) 

 LORD, how great is your mercy; let me be revived by following your regulations. 

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Psalm 119:146-149 (NLT) 

 I cry out to you; rescue me, that I may obey your laws. 

 I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in your words. 

 I stay awake through the night, thinking about your promise. 

 In your faithful love, O LORD, hear my cry; let me be revived by following your regulations. 

The Gospel Message:

1 John 1:6-9 (NLT) 

 So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. 

 But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. 

 If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. 

 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 

Observation:

The most remarkable and fantastic thing I find as I read the Bible is how much God loves you and me. It is humbling to know that God notices and cares about His children.

I have lingered in the Psalms today because from them I find the encouragement to face life because in the Psalms I see the weaknesses of the human flesh. However, I also look at the provisions of a loving creator and heavenly Father who loves and cares for human beings that He has created in His image. I am encouraged and empowered by knowing that God takes our weaknesses and gives us His strength.

Prayer:

Psalm 119:169-174 (NLT) 

O LORD, listen to my cry; give me the discerning mind you promised. 

 Listen to my prayer; rescue me as you promised. 

 Let praise flow from my lips, for you have taught me your decrees. 

 Let my tongue sing about your word, for all your commands are right. 

 Give me a helping hand, for I have chosen to follow your commandments. 

 O LORD, I have longed for your rescue, and your instructions are my delight. 

--

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 28:21 (NLT) 

 Showing partiality is never good, yet some will do wrong for a mere piece of bread. 

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 119:130 (AMP) 

 The entrance and unfolding of Your words give light; their unfolding gives understanding (discernment and comprehension) to the simple. 

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Daniel 6:25-27 (NLT) 

 Then King Darius sent this message to the people of every race and nation and language throughout the world: "Peace and prosperity to you! 

 "I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel. For he is the living God, and he will endure forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and his rule will never end. 

 He rescues and saves his people; he performs miraculous signs and wonders in the heavens and on earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions." 

The Gospel Message:

2 Peter 3:14-16 (NLT) 

 And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight. 

 And remember, the Lord's patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him— 

 speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture. And this will result in their destruction. 

Observation and Prayer:

I love to read and hear the final words of godly and wise men and women.  I commend to you the final words of Peter to the believers that were scattered to several places because of the persecution they faced for being believers in Christ and the Word of Christ.

2 Peter 3:17-18 (NLT) 

 I am warning you ahead of time, dear friends. Be on guard so that you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing. 

 Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen. 

--

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

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

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

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God Speaks - Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 28:20 (NLT) 

 The trustworthy person will get a rich reward, but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble. 

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 119:113-114 (NLT) 

I hate those with divided loyalties, but I love your instructions. 

 You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope. 

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Daniel 5:7-8 (NLT) 

 The king shouted for the enchanters, astrologers, and fortune-tellers to be brought before him. He said to these wise men of Babylon, "Whoever can read this writing and tell me what it means will be dressed in purple robes of royal honor and will have a gold chain placed around his neck. He will become the third highest ruler in the kingdom!" 

 But when all the king's wise men had come in, none of them could read the writing or tell him what it meant. 

The Gospel Message:

2 Peter 2:1 (NLT) 

 But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves. 

Observation:

Every generation needs to be aware of the presence of false teachers. They use the tool of deception. However, you can discern them by knowing the Word of God. The Holy Spirit of God will guide you and give you discernment to recognize error when you see it.

You will be able to spot their lies and promises that they have no intention or ability to fulfill.

2 Peter 2:18-19 (NLT) 

 They brag about themselves with empty, foolish boasting. With an appeal to twisted sexual desires, they lure back into sin those who have barely escaped from a lifestyle of deception. 

 They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you. 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, help us to discern truth from error, and help us to see, and come under the covering and care of the Good Shepherd.

John 10:27-28 (KJV) 

 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 

 And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 

--

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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God Speaks - Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 28:14 (NLT) 

 Blessed are those who fear to do wrong, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble. 

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 119:65-68 (NLT) 

You have done many good things for me, LORD, just as you promised. 

 I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge. 

 I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word. 

 You are good and do only good; teach me your decrees. 

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Psalm 119:71-72 (NLT) 

 My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees. 

 Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver. 

The Gospel Message:

1 Peter 3:8-12 (NLT) 

 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 

 Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it. 

 For the Scriptures say, "If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. 

 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. 

 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil." 

Observation:

It is interesting to note in the New Testament reading for today that Peter had to remind the first-century believers how that should behave. In the twenty-first century, we still need that reminder.

We need to learn to love others first; it's the example of Jesus. I'm singing in my spirit now this old hymn of the Church, "O how I love Jesus because He first loved me."

We would do well to read and heed the admonition and encouragement of Peter to the first-century Church. We need to show and say the Gospel of Christ to the whole world as Jesus commanded us. We are most effective when we show and tell.

Prayer:

Father God, hallowed be Your name. Father, we ask that You would bind each member of the Body of Christ together in love so that we can be demonstrations to a watching world of what the love of God looks like in the human flesh.

1 Peter 3:8 (NLT) 

 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 

--

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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Happy Thanksgiving Day - Every Day Is A Day of Thanksgiving

Psalm 100:1-5 (NKJV) 

 Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands! 

 Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. 

 Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. 

 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. 

 For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations. 

--

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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God Speaks - Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 28:11 (NLT) 

 Rich people may think they are wise, but a poor person with discernment can see right through them. 

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 119:33-34 (NLT) 

Teach me your decrees, O LORD; I will keep them to the end. 

 Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart. 

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Psalm 119:35-40 (NLT) 

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

 Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money! 

 Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word. 

 Reassure me of your promise, made to those who fear you. 

 Help me abandon my shameful ways; for your regulations are good. 

 I long to obey your commandments! Renew my life with your goodness. 

The Gospel Message:

1 Peter 2:1-3 (NLT) 

 So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. 

 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, 

 now that you have had a taste of the Lord's kindness. 

Observation:

The following verse describes the experience I had last night before going to bed.

Psalm 119:130 (KJV) 

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

Then, this morning the first thing I saw was a Facebook notification from a friend who is in the hospital preparing for surgery this afternoon. He posted the following message that was a handwritten note in his Bible next to Psalm 139.

"God is honored best when we give our worst moments to Him."

He believes this was said by Joe Atkinson, guest speaker at FBC Valdez in the fall of 1994.

Psalm 139:5-7 (NLT) 

 You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. 

 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! 

 I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! 

Prayer:

Father, we are so thankful that You are always with Your children. Father, it comforts us to know that in our worst moments You are with us and that it is in those moments You get the most glory.

Romans 8:39 (NLT) 

 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

O, how blessed are the people who trust in the Lord with their whole heart, and lean not on their own understanding declares the Word of God and all who agree let's say together, Amen.

--

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

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

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God Speaks - Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 28:4 (NLT) 

 To reject the law is to praise the wicked; to obey the law is to fight them. 

Proverbs 28:9 (NLT) 

 God detests the prayers of a person who ignores the law. 

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 119:27-28 (NLT) 

 Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds. 

 I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word. 

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Psalm 119:27-32 (NLT) 

 Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds. 

 I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word. 

 Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions. 

 I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your regulations. 

 I cling to your laws. LORD, don't let me be put to shame! 

 I will pursue your commands, for you expand my understanding. 

The Gospel Message:

1 Peter 1:3-4 (NLT) 

 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, 

 and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. 

Observation:

Are you a breaker or keeper of the law of God? When God speaks, do you listen and obey?

The Wisdom of the Proverbs verses tells us that the keeping of the law promotes righteousness, and enables God to answer our prayers.

Prayer:

Father God, as we read, listen, and meditate on Your Word today, we unite our hearts with the Psalmist in asking You to open the eyes of our hearts so that we might know Your will and do it.

Psalm 119:18 (NLT) 

 Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. 

Father, we have so much to be grateful for, so we offer up to You the sacrifice that is pleasing to Your eyes, the surrender of our whole life to You. We give the highest praise to God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

--

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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God Speaks - Hear The Word of God

The Wisdom of the Proverbs:

Proverbs 28:11 (NLT) 

 Rich people may think they are wise, but a poor person with discernment can see right through them. 

The Encouragement of the Psalms:

Psalm 119:1-3 (NLT) 

Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD. 

 Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. 

 They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. 

The Hope of the Old Testament:

Psalm 119:4-8 (NLT) 

 You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. 

 Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! 

 Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. 

 As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! 

 I will obey your decrees. Please don't give up on me! 

The Gospel Message:

James 5:10-11 (NLT) 

 For examples of patience in suffering, dear brothers and sisters, look at the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 

 We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy. 

Observation:

There is a lot of pain, suffering, and sin in this world today. It is all around us. I am reminded of a song that says, "In times like these, you need a Savior." Do you have an anchor on which you can build your life?

There is not one among us who is perfect. When pointing at others, three fingers are looking back at us.

Romans 3:21-23 (HCSB) 

 But now, apart from the law, God's righteousness has been revealed—attested by the Law and the Prophets 

 —that is, God's righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, to all who believe, since there is no distinction. 

 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, I pray that the Holy Spirit of God will fall afresh within the hearts of Your people, and on the hearts of nonbelievers until every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Father, tune our hearts to be hearers and doers of the Word of God. Father, teach us to pray prayers like this and be quick to obey.

Psalm 119:5 (NLT) 

 Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! 

Psalm 119:7-8 (NLT) 

 As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! 

 I will obey your decrees. Please don't give up on 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:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

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

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