Why You Can Never Show Too Much Kindness to Others

Text:

Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT) 

 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 

 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! 

Observation:

I am so glad that the Bible says, "There is no law against kindness." Is there anyone that will let me know if you agree with what the Bible says, and have found this to be real in your life?

Let's examine and meditate on more of what the Bible says about this fruit of the Spirit, which is kindness (NLT) and gentleness in the (KJV).

Genesis 21:23 (KJV) 

 Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son: but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned. 

Isaiah 54:10 (KJV) 

 For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee. 

Colossians 3:12 (NLT) 

 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 

Ephesians 4:31-32 (NLT) 

 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 

 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. 

I am so grateful to God, Our Father in heaven, that He has poured into our hearts the Holy Spirit, and through His mighty power we can receive kindness and be kind to others.

Prayer:

Father God, we thank You for showering us with an abundance of the fruits of the Spirit.

Father, we pray that we will always remember that there is no law against being patient with others and ourselves. In the power and assistance of the Holy Spirit of God, we pray, with a heart filled with thanksgiving, Amen.

Announcement

Today will be my last Daily Devotional for now, but I'm not finished sharing God's Word.

I have a new assignment, and it will unfold on Resurrection Sunday, which is April 1, 2018.

In the meantime, this will be my focus, as the Lord directs my steps.

Today

Not 

Tomorrow

I have a new assignment I could not refuse. However, I will be reporting in many forums what I'm doing so you will hear from me with updates as the Holy Spirit gives me something to say to you.

--

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

https://www.amazon.com/author/herbcotton

 

Praying for You

Good Evening

This is Herb Cotton, I just want to let you know that today, Thursday, February 22, 2018, that I am Praying for You.

Pastoral Prayer For You

Ephesians 3:14-21 (KJV) 

 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 

 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 

 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 

 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 

 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. 

 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 

 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. 

Ephesians 6:18-19 (NLT) 

 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. 

 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God's mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. 

Herb Cotton,

Praying for You

--

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

https://www.amazon.com/author/herbcotton

 

Why Having Patience Pays Richly

Text:

Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT) 

 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 

 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! 

Observation:

The word described as patience in the NLT; the KJV uses longsuffering. When I read this, I see patience as having a long fuse. However, we see so many people today, and especially on social media, are displaying that they have a short fuse.

In my desire to ask better questions in 2018, I have this question for you. Get ready to take a 10-second pause, before you speak or write a word on social media. Selah.

How much of an abundance of patience, which against such things there is no law, do you have that is a fruit of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of God's people?

Are you interested in knowing what the God of the Word says about patience in the Word of God?

Listening to God and His Word can change your life. Have faith in God, and in His Word; we must be hearers and doers of Word if we are to bear an abundance of fruit.

Psalm 37:7-8 (NLT) 

 Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. 

 Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper— it only leads to harm.

Galatians 6:9 (AMP) 

 And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint. 

Prayer:

Father God, we pray that You will draw us closer to You by the convicting office work of the Holy Spirit.

Father, we pray that if we are not willing, that You will make us ready to be made willing by the Word of God, and the power of the Holy Spirit. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

--

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

https://www.amazon.com/author/herbcotton

 

Is the Peace of God Ruling & Reigning In Your Life?

Text:

Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV) 

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 

 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 

Observation:

What does the Bible have to say about the fruit of the Spirit which is peace? Oh, how hearts yearn for the peace that God gives to His people.  Hear what the God of the Word has to say in The Word of God.

Genesis 3:15 (KJV) 

 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. 

Isaiah 26:3 (KJV) 

 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. 

Isaiah 57:21 (KJV) 

 There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked. 

Jesus is the source of peace.

Mark 4:39 (KJV) 

 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 

Philippians 4:7 (KJV) 

 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

Prayer:

Father God, we ask that You would grant to us, and we would receive the gift you have poured into our hearts by Your divine presence in our hearts.

John 14:27 (KJV) 

 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. 

--

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

https://www.amazon.com/author/herbcotton

 

How to Have Joy in Your Life Every Day?

Text:

Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV) 

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 

 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 

Observation:

To have joy in your life every day is possible because God's Word shows us the way to receive this blessing in our lives.

Philippians 3:1 (KJV) 

 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. 

Philippians 4:4-5 (KJV) 

 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. 

 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 

It will take you less than ten minutes (10) to read The Letter of Paul To The Philippians. I recommend that you read it today and that you read it often because it reveals the truth that you can have joy in your life every day.

Now, allow me to encourage you in your daily walk by reminding you of this right word from The Letter of Paul To The Galatians.

Galatians 5:25 (KJV) 

 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, help each of the readers, hearers, and doers of these encouraging and useful words to also share these words with others. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

--

My new book was released on December 8, 2017, and is currently available at the following links. It is possible for your local bookstores to obtain it from the Ingram Network, a primary distribution source for Book Stores nationwide.

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/

Barnes & Nobles

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/

Xulon Press

htpps://www.xulon.com/

Title: 31 Days of Hearing God Speak

 

What Fruits Are Hanging on the Tree of Your Life?

Text:

Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV) 

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 

 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 

Observation:

Do you know that you were born again to bear much fruit? Why not take a long look at your life for a day, and examine whether you are yielding much fruit?

God has something to say about the topic of fruit in the lives of His children. Do you have a moment to read this devotional that I received from the mouth of the Lord, written with my pen, and now typing them to send them to you?

The Bible says:

John 15:4 (KJV) 

 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 

The Bible says about the gift of love; the first fruit mentioned in Galatians 5:22.

Romans 5:5 (NKJV) 

 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 

God has spoken to us, and He gets the final word, and the Bible says this about love.

1 John 4:7-8 (NKJV) 

 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 

 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 

Prayer:

Father God, we thank You for the privilege of living in Your presence every hour of every day, and all the day and night long. We have Your iron-clad promise that You would never leave us.

Hebrews 13:5 (NKJV) 

 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." 

Father, help us to always remember Your abiding presence with us, and that we would draw near to You when we feel we cannot love others as we love ourselves.

Father, help us to love others first with the love that was poured into our hearts when we received the gift of the Holy Spirit.  In mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

--

My new book was released on December 8, 2017, and is currently available at the following links. It is possible for your local bookstores to obtain it from the Ingram Network, a primary distribution source for Book Stores nationwide.

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/

Barnes & Nobles

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/

Xulon Press

htpps://www.xulon.com/

Title: 31 Days of Hearing God Speak

 

The Power of One Person Empowered By God

Text:

Romans 12:1-2 (KJV) 

 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 

 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 

Observation:

Have you ever felt alone, and that you were in this thing all by yourself? That is a lie. When you think in anxious ways, let that be a sign to you that you have drifted away from the presence, power, and peace of God.

During times of loss of peace is the time for a reset; it's the time to draw closer to God.If you listen and obey, you will find the release of your anxiety and fear and the restoration of the peace of God.

James 4:8 (KJV) 

 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 

Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV) 

 Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 

 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

Oh, my dear and beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, I urge and encourage you to live in the presence of God. It is in God's presence where you will find provisions, power and the peace of God.

John 14:27 (KJV) 

 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.

Prayer:

Father God, we praise and thank You for being a great and good Father, who provides generously for all of the needs of Your beloved children.

Father, draw us and keep us close to You, and help us to be willing, and if we are not ready, make us willing to be made willing by the power of the Holy Spirit of God who lives in our hearts forever. We offer this prayer in the name of Jesus, Amen.

--

My new book was released on December 8, 2017, and is currently available at the following links. It is possible for your local bookstores to obtain the book from the Ingram Network, a primary distribution source for Book Stores nationwide.

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/

Barnes & Nobles

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/

Xulon Press

htpps://www.xulon.com/

Title: 31 Days of Hearing God Speak

 

Where Are You Living Your Life?

Text:

Psalm 91:1-2 (NLT) 

 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 

 This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. 

Observation:

How do you respond when someone asks you, "How are you doing?" I regret to say that at times in the past I have said, "Pretty good under the circumstances." Now I say to myself, "Herb, why are you living under the circumstances?"

My hope and prayer for you today is that you would not speak the words I used to say. Now, I know better, and when you know better, you should do better.

All of us who know Christ, and know His Word, we know that we don't have to live under the circumstances. In our text verses, the Psalmist shows us the way that we should live in this world; we should find our rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 

Are you ready to get out from under the circumstances, and get under the shelter of your Christ, who is the Lord and Savior of your soul now and forevermore?

Let's all who have faith in God say with our whole heart the words of the Psalmist in the verse that follows.

Psalm 91:2 (NLT) 

 This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. 

Is there anyone reading or hearing this word that is willing to share this goodnews with someone today? Ask the Lord to lead you to someone today that you can deposit love and goodnews in their life.

Prayer:

Father God, we praise and thank You for Your abiding presence on which we can stand all of the days of our life. Father, grant us the gift of sufficient faith that we can live in Your presence, and not be burdened down by the circumstances of life that are common in this fallen world. Lord, help to live every day and all our days in Your presence, Amen.

--

My new book was released on December 8, 2017, and is currently available at the following links. It is possible for your local bookstores to obtain the book from the Ingram Network, a primary distribution source for Book Stores nationwide.

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/

Barnes & Nobles

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/

Xulon Press

htpps://www.xulon.com/

Title: 31 Days of Hearing God Speak

 

Whose Team Are You On?

There is a fierce battle going on in our world today; it is battle of the devil and his imps making their last futile attack on the children of God. Do you recognize the enemy? Do you realize that this world is not a playground, but a battleground?

It behooves all of God's people to be alert, and to put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand firm in these tumultuous times.

Ephesians 6:10-12 (NLT) 

 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 

 Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 

 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 

My brothers and my sisters I urge you read the remainder of [Eph 6:14-18], and don't take this warning lightly. The devil is not your friend; he is a liar, and lying is his native language.

Beware of the devil; it is fatal to put your trust in this enemy of God, and the enemy of God's children.

Luke 22:31 (NLT) 

 "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. 

 Jesus described Satan; the enemy of your mortal soul in the following fashion:

John 8:44 (NLT) 

 For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. 

 I encourage you to run to Jesus and live under the shelter of His protectives arms. And, don't leave home without being dressed for spiritual warfare.

My dear beloved friends of Jesus, we need to live always in the presence of Jesus. He loves you and cares for you. He prays for you and will lead you on the path that leads to our Father's home in heaven.

Finally, don't ever underestimate the power and provisions of prayer. Our prayer life should be as healthy as breathing; when you stop, you are pronounced dead.

Ephesians 6:18 (NLT) 

 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. 

When God's People Pray for One Another:

Acts 4:31 (NKJV) 

 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. 

Father God, Abba Father, we ask You on bended knees to pour out Your mighty power in our dark and dirty world. Father, we know that you will take those in the gutter-most, and lift them to the uttermost, and there live in Your presence now and forever. We give praise, and thanks to our God for Your lovingkindness, amazing grace, and tender mercies, Amen.

--

My new book was released on December 8, 2017, and is currently available at the following links. It is possible for your local bookstores to obtain the book from the Ingram Network, a primary distribution source for Book Stores nationwide.

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/

Barnes & Nobles

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/

Xulon Press

htpps://www.xulon.com/

Title: 31 Days of Hearing God Speak

 

The Word of God Speaks, and God’s People Listen and Obey

Today I am changing the format of the presentation of the Devotional that I have been writing for over 18 years.

I will not be writing five days a week unless that LORD gives me something more to say.  I just published my first devotional book.  Information about the book is found at the bottom of this page in the SIGNATURE BOX. I'm also writing a journal daily and will see with the unfolding of time if a second book will be the fruit of my labor together with our LORD.

I am deeply concerned about the division in my homeland; the United States of America. If you are citizens of another country, I believe that you have concerns for your homeland also. The whole world is changing, but our God remains the same.

Numbers 23:19 (NKJV) 

 "God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? 

One of my mentors in leadership and writing is John Maxwell, and he has written a book about it.

John C. Maxwell

Good Leaders Ask Great Questions

All of us are leaders, and the first person we lead is ourselves. I have started asking myself better questions, and I have talked to my family about the importance of asking themselves better questions.

How can we heal the divisions in our country among the left, the moderate, and the right?

What outcome do you have in mind for the position you know hold? Will it result in a better opportunity for everyone?

God Words Speaks:

1 Peter 5:5-7 (NKJV) 

 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." 

 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 

 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 

When God's People Pray the Word:

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV) 

 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 

--

My new book was released on December 8, 2017, and is currently available at the following links. It is possible for your local bookstores to obtain the book from the Ingram Network, a primary distribution source for Book Stores nationwide.

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/

Barnes & Nobles

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/

Xulon Press

htpps://www.xulon.com/

Title: 31 Days of Hearing God Speak

 

Saturday Special - Who Appointed You Judge?

Before you make accusations about an object in the eye of another, it would be wise to examine your eyes to see if you have a toothpick, or for your sake, you don't have a utility pole in your eyes.  #wisdom  #fool

Matthew 7:1-5 (NKJV) 

 "Judge not, that you be not judged. 

 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 

 And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 

 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye? 

 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. 

James 1:19-20 (NKJV) 

 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 

 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 

--

My new book was released on December 8, 2017, and is currently available at the following links. It is possible for your local bookstores to obtain the book from the Ingram Network, a primary distribution source for Book Stores nationwide.

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/

Barnes & Nobles

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/

Xulon Press

htpps://www.xulon.com/

Title: 31 Days of Hearing God Speak

​Author: Herb Cotton​