Where Do You Look When You Have A Troubled Heart?

Title: Where Do You Look When You Have A Troubled Heart?

Text:

Psalm 57:1-3 (KJV) 

1 Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. 

2  I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me. 

3  He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth. 

Observation:

This Psalm is one that speaks of David, and the fear that he faced by King Saul who had it in his heart to kill David.

You may not be facing and fleeing an enemy that is determined to kill you, but you may be facing forces in your life that are robbing you of peace in your life.

Are you facing something in your life that is causing you to flee, fret, or flounder? Why not do what David did?

Psalm 57:2 (HCSB) 

2  I call to God Most High, to God who fulfills ⌊His purpose⌋ for me. 

Yes, my friend, when you cry out to God, He will hear your cry, and He will help you. What He did for David He will do for you.

Psalm 57:3 (HCSB) 

3  He reaches down from heaven and saves me, challenging the one who tramples me.Selah God sends His faithful love and truth. 

Do we have any witnesses that God hears, and answers prayer? Yes, He will I know He will.

Psalm 116:1-2 (HCSB) 

1  I love the LORD because He has heard my appeal for mercy. 

2  Because He has turned His ear to me, I will call ⌊out to Him⌋ as long as I live. 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. O how precious it is to know that the Lord is my daily companion, my friend, and my deliverer. Lord, I trust in You, and I am so thankful that You have never failed me, and never given up on me. If the Lord has done the same for You, give Him some glory today. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

--

Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)
¹¹  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 

Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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

 

Who Do You Put Your Trust In?

Title: Who Do You Put Your Trust In?

Text:

Psalm 56:3-4 (ESV) 

3  When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 

4  In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? 

Observation:

Do you trust in man? Let's see what flesh can do.

Isaiah 2:22 (ESV) 

22  Stop regarding man in whose nostrils is breath, for of what account is he? 

Isaiah 40:6-8 (ESV) 

6  A voice says, "Cry!" And I said, "What shall I cry?" All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. 

7  The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the LORD blows on it; surely the people are grass. 

8  The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. 

Do you trust in God? Let's see what God can do.

2 Chronicles 32:8 (ESV) 

8  With him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles." And the people took confidence from the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. 

Prayer:

Father God, Sovereign Lord, my dear Father. Lord, I exalt Your name above every name on earth, and in heaven. Father God, there is none like you, no not one.

Father, I am so grateful for the privilege to know that You are my redeemer, and that I am loved by You. Father, I pray that all who believe in You will have the desire, and the strength; that You provide, to stay near to You. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray. And all who agree say, Amen.

--

Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)
¹¹  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 

Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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

 

How Are You Spending Your Time?

Text:

Ephesians 5:15-17 (HCSB) 

15  Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise— 

16  making the most of the time, because the days are evil. 

17  So don't be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 

Observation:

In the matter of the amount of time we have, all of us are equal; we have the same amount available to us. For each of us, we have 24 hours in the day, and 168 hours in the week.

I have learned that we cannot manage time, but we can manage how we use the time that is available to us.

Are you making the most of the time you have each day? I have learned that I can't do everything in one day. So, I have cultivated the habit of weekly planning. What I can do in 168 hours, rather than 24 hours works better for me.

Our focal passage for today encourages us to be careful, and consistent in the way we use time. We cannot save time, but we can use it wisely.

For encouragement I look to the Psalms, and for wisdom I look to the Proverbs. Allow these words to speak to you; may they encourage you, and give you wisdom so that you may walk wisely each day of your life.

Psalm 31:15 (ESV) 

15  My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors! 

Proverbs 16:9 (ESV) 

9  The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps. 

How much of your time each day, and each week is spent on things that contribute to building the kingdom of God?

Matthew 6:33 (ESV) 

33  But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 

Are you putting first things first in your daily use of time? The rewards for obedience is off the chart.

Prayer: 

Father, we praise You for this day that You have given us; we rejoice to bless Your name today, and everyday. Every day is a day of praise, and thanksgiving because of who You are. Father, You are Jehovah-Yahweh; the God our salvation.

Father, we ask You for the wisdom, and the power to walk consistently in our daily living for as many days as You give us. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

--

Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)
¹¹  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 

Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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

 

What Is God Saying To You?

Text:

Psalm 27:14 (HCSB) 

14  Wait for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait for the LORD. 

Observation: 

Do you realize that God is always speaking? If we are listening, God speaks into our hearts when we draw near to Him.

Romans 10:17 (ESV) 

17  So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. 

2 Corinthians 4:3-4 (ESV) 

3  And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 

4  In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 

Here are two of the primary ways that God speaks to His people:

God speaks through His Word.

2 Timothy 3:16 (NLT) 

16  All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 

God speaks through other believers. 

James 3:17 (HCSB) 

17  But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy. 

The Holy Spirit is our teacher, and helper in understanding God's Word.

1 Corinthians 2:12-13 (HCSB) 

12  Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who ⌊comes⌋ from God, so that we may understand what has been freely given to us by God. 

13  We also speak these things, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual things to spiritual people. 

Are you listening to God speak? This song by Charles Miles is speaking into my heart.

"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."

Prayer: 

Father God, we honor Your name. You are Elohim; the God of power and might. You are Adonai;  you are LORD of all, and over all. Father, we give praise, and thanksgiving to Your most holy and righteous name.

Father, I ask that You would give Your people open ears, and tender hearts so that we may hear You speaking into our hearts in the various ways that You speak to Your people. Father, may we be quick to hear, and obey. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

--

Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)
¹¹  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 

Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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

 

Do You Have Something To Be Thankful For?

Text:

Romans 12:10-12 (ESV) 

10  Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 

11  Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 

12  Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 

Observation:

Even in the midst of trials, troubles, and tribulations; there is always something to be thankful for.

It will be a blessing if you would take the time to get alone, with pen or keyboard, and make a list of the things you are grateful for.

The Bible says:

Psalm 107:1 (ESV) 

1  Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! 

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV) 

18  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 

Hebrews 12:28 (ESV) 

28  Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, 

Do you have something to thank God for? Why not show Him your gratitude by giving the Lord the praise, and the thanks for His blessings to you?

James 1:17 (HCSB) 

17  Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning. 

Prayer:

Father, I exalt Your name, and give You praise and thanks for being a good, good Father, and being the only one who is completely trustworthy.

Father, I am so grateful that Your nature is unchanging, and that Your promises are secure.

Father, we, Your people, acknowledge that You are Jehovah Jireh; our provider who never fails, and never gives up on us. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

--

Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)
¹¹  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 

Read the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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

 

What Does Your Life Say to Others?

Text:

1 Timothy 4:14-16 (HCSB) 

14  Do not neglect the gift that is in you; it was given to you through prophecy, with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. 

15  Practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all. 

16  Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; persevere in these things, for by doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers. 

Observation:

I received an email this morning that I read just before getting up, and it reminded me of the truth that people are watching us all the time. I was reminded of this often heard saying.

"You may be the only Bible some people read. You may be the only Jesus some people see."

The lyrics from the hymn written by B.B. McKinney, "Let Others See Jesus In You" is ringing in my heart.

"Your life's a book before their eyes, They're reading it thro' and thro', 

Say, does it point them to the skies, Do others see Jesus in you?"

There is something planted in the heart of every child of God that we need to grow, and release as seeds in the lives of others who see us everywhere we go. Notice what the Apostle Paul said to Timothy.

1 Timothy 4:12 (HCSB) 

12  Let no one despise your youth; instead, you should be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 

What message are people reading as they observe your life today? Do others see Jesus in you?

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am is awe of Your sovereignty, amazing grace, and tender mercies. Father, all of us stand in the need of Your love and the forgiveness of our sins.

Father, I ask for an anointing of Your people for these difficult times that we are living in. Father, unleash the power that resides in Your children as people look at the way we talk, and the way we walk.

Father, may our lives reflect that we belong to Jesus, and that Jesus lives in our hearts. Father, use us to be Kingdom builders.

Luke 11:2 (KJV) 

2  And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. 

--

Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)
¹¹  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 

Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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

 

What Is Your Response to Chaos?

Text:

Isaiah 26:8-9 (ESV) 

8  In the path of your judgments, O LORD, we wait for you; your name and remembrance are the desire of our soul. 

9  My soul yearns for you in the night; my spirit within me earnestly seeks you. For when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness. 

Observation: 

Have you  experienced an unusual amount of chaos recently? The Bible tells us that there would be days, and seasons similar to what you are experiencing.

2 Timothy 3:1 (AMP) 

1  BUT UNDERSTAND this, that in the last days will come (set in) perilous times of great stress and trouble [hard to deal with and hard to bear]. 

What should be the response of believers in times like these? I find in the reading of our text, and life experiences some guidance. It involves taking the upward look.

In verse eight of our text Isaiah says, "Your name and remembrance are the desire of our soul".

In verse nine Isaiah says, "My soul yearns for you in the night; my spirit within me earnestly seeks you".

The Lord's heart and hands are not far from His people. He longs to have His people draw near to Him.

1 Peter 3:12 (ESV) 

12  For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." 

There is nothing that comforts the soul during times of great stress, and trouble than singing praise to God. One of the songs I love to sing is this one by Valerie Boyd.

"My soul loves Jesus,

my soul loves Jesus,

my soul loves Jesus;

Bless His name.

He's a wonder in my soul,

He's a wonder in my soul,

He's a wonder in my soul;

Bless His name."

Prayer:

Father, I unite my voice with the Psalmist, and all of Your people who agree, in lifting up my voice in praise and adoration of Your most holy, and righteous name.

Father, if Your people ever needed the nearness of Your presence, the time is now. Father, you are the desire of our soul; Lord, we seek Your face, and long for Your tender heart, and strong hands to give us Your peace in exchange for the stress and chaos we are facing. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

--

Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)
¹¹  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 

Hear the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

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