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Daily devotion

1/31/2020

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                                                                        Christ’s Return
 Toni Smothers
 
Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:1-13 (All Scripture quoted is CEV)
 Click here to read the scripture
Scripture Quote: So be alert! You don't know when the master of the house will come back. It could be in the evening or at midnight or before dawn or in the morning. (Mark 13:35)
 
Christians can choose to keep watch for the Lord's return - If we slumber, or fall asleep, if we become lethargic, we may not be ready. No one knows the day or hour. The angels in heaven don't know and the Son Himself doesn't know. Only the Father knows. We will be extremely fortunate if Jesus comes and finds us about or Father's business because we  will be blessed by our Savior's approval. We will be His chosen Followers, always mindful of our need to stay vigilant and rooted in His Word.
 
When Jesus appears again, things will be just like they were in Noah's day. People were eating, dinking and living their lives right up until the time that the flood washed them all away. They were unprepared
and even hostile to the idea that Noah was building an ark because God told him to - Noah knew that the world was to be flooded, so he and his family were the only ones prepared. It's clear that we should take God at His Word. Will we be the faithful ones that God calls His own wise servants? Pray that we will be ready for His return.
 
Today’s meditation: Be ready for your Savior’s return.
 
Memory Verse: Remember that Christ says, "When I come, it will surprise you like a thief! But God will bless you, if you are awake and ready. Then you won't have to walk around naked and be ashamed." (Revelation 16:15)
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Daily devotion

1/30/2020

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                                                                        Christ’s Power
 Toni Smothers
 
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 40:9-14
 Click here to read the scripture
Scripture Quote: The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. (Colossians 1:15-16 NIV)  
 
Jesus is said to be the image of God, and we are said to be made in the image of God. Since God is invisible, it is reasonable to conclude that nothing of God that appeared in Jesus, or that appears in us, could be a visible image. If it could be visible in Jesus, it could also be visible in the Father. Consequently, God's image in the Son must be invisible. This is that form of unutterable glory, that inaccessible essence, which none of us created humans can possibly comprehend - That divine nature which dwells in Jesus.
 
It is almost inconceivable to grasp that by His torture and humiliation, Jesus obtained pardon and salvation for us. The all-powerful Jesus accepted the brutal punishment for our sins upon Himself on the cross. Our Lord should be praised above all human and all created beings for His incredible sacrifice. Jesus Christ is the Creator of all things visible and invisible; of all things, whether they exist in time or in eternity - Yet, He suffered and died for us. Despite our sinfulness, Jesus loves us with a pure Savior's heart!
 
Today’s meditation: Christ's power and love are infinite and eternal.
 
Memory Verse: (Philipians 2:9 NIV) Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,


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Daily devotion

1/29/2020

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​                                                             Christ’s Power Renews
Toni Smothers
 
Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 11:23-28
 click here to read the scripture
Scripture Quote: Your faith will be like gold that has been tested in a fire. And these trials will prove that your faith is worth much more than gold that can be destroyed. They will show that you will be given praise and honor and glory when Jesus Christ returns. 1Peter 1:6-7 CEV
 
The evil in our world will one day disappear like a bad dream is cut off by wakefulness. Only supernatural support will be available and only God's chosen will be renewed by Christ' power. During our journey through various joys and trials in our lifetimes, we will only truly understand how short lived it all is after we are able to compare our lifespans to eternity. Our perspectives are puny now and all we know is the short time we have experienced. But our time on earth could be compared to a minute point that is too tiny to measure, as opposed to something that has no end and can't be measured due to its enormity.
 
The Bible tells us that we may be hard pressed on every side, but we are not crushed. We may be very confused, but we need not despair. There will be an end to our suffering, no matter how hard our trials try to overcome us, we have only to endure them for a time - We will emerge matured and strengthened. In the meantime, our faith affords us wonderful blessings and more solid comforts than anything the world offers. We are Christ’s and He is ours - Our faith will be honored by Jesus when time stops and He welcomes all of His faithful home.
 
Today’s meditation: Look ahead to your forever home with Jesus.
 
Memory Verse: He will spread his wings over you and keep you secure. His faithfulness is like a shield or a city wall. Psalms 91:4 CEV


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Daily devotion

1/28/2020

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​                                                             Christ’s Indwelling Spirit
By, Toni Smothers
 
Scripture Reading: Revelations 2:9-11
Click here to read the scripture 
Scripture Quote: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Philippians 4:12 (NIV)
 
Life certainly has its ups and downs. Some of us know what it is like to be ill and seek healing, or maybe we are broke and the mortgage is due. Many of the hardships in life have taught us valuable lessons - Others still confuse us. Whatever the circumstance was, however, we can recall how powerfully the grace of Jesus supported us through it. By His mercy we are enabled to face down all our trials. By the power of the indwelling Spirit of Christ, we are strengthened.
 
God knows everything that we have ever suffered. There are times when we intimately know and feel His help. Other times, we may have Lost sight of the depth of His love and support for us. When we allow the obstacle we face to overwhelm us, stealing our certainty in Christ's mercy, we flounder and fall, receiving the full force of the trial’s consequence.  So, it comes down to one unwavering truth: God is our rock and our shield and a very present companion who extends His great arm of mercy as needed in the lives of His followers. We can stand steadfast on our Heavenly Father's promise to never leave us or forsake us.
 
Today’s meditation: Contentment survives any circumstance.
 
Memory Verse: “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.” Psalms 4:8 (NIV)
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DAILY DEVOTION

1/27/2020

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                                                               Choose the Lowly Place
By, Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: Luke 14:7-14
 CLICK HERE TO READ THE SCRIPTURE
Scripture Quote: “So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said to him, "This is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Let my people go, so that they may worship me.” Exodus 10:3 (NIV)
 
Proud people think too highly of themselves. Even if awards are given, or accolades proclaimed, humility is the only appropriate response to success because everything that we can accomplish in this life is through God's power and grace. To place oneself in the position of honor is to take honor from God in the sight of men. There is no way that a person with an attitude like that could also place God first in his life. Vanity is a creeping thing that can worm its way in, all the while zapping and depleting our desire to serve our Creator.
 
The humble and modest, as opposed to the proud, realize the true source of all that is good within themselves. Our abilities and strengths come from the Lord, our God, and we must know it. The Holy Spirit teaches us wonderful things as we yield control to Him. Being full of the Holy Spirit and being led by His directives creates for us a consistently precious lifestyle. If we truly desire a closer walk with Jesus, we need only to repent of our pride and stubborn self-reliance. So, choose to lean totally on God and be humble in His sight.
 
Today’s meditation: Pride and humility cannot coexist.
 
Memory Verse: “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2 (NIV)
 
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Daily devotion

1/24/2020

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                                                              Choose Love Over Anger
By, Toni Smothers
 
Scripture Reading: Luke 6:27-37
 click here to read the scripture
Scripture Quote: “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Matthew 5:44-45 (NIV)
 
We can mull over and over an offense that provoked our anger, or we can suffer that offense quietly, leaving ourselves in the hand of God. Anger is totally opposite to the spirit and letter of the Gospel. When we indulge wrong tempers, we wound the spirit of love and mercy within us. When we stand steadfast in our good will, however, an enemy or hurtful situation is weakened. There is no strength in anger because it robs us of our power to choose loving hearts and minds. When a thief steals from us, he obtains our goods, which are here today and gone tomorrow anyway - But if we raise up in righteous indignation, we have then given the thief our peace and joy as well.
 
When we rise above our fury, or seething resentments, we move closer to God and His grace purifies and renews our hearts. We more closely resemble our Savior who has also given us the most profound grace in human history. He died under the ignorant, brutally cruel hand of man, yet he used His last dying words to pray forgiveness over all of us.
 
Today’s meditation: Love can overwhelm anger.
 
Memory Verse: "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them.” Luke 6:32 (NIV)
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Daily devotion

1/23/2020

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Daily devotion

1/22/2020

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                                                                    Choose Love Over Anger
By, Toni Smothers
 
Scripture Reading: Luke 6:27-37
 click here to read the scripture
Scripture Quote: “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Matthew 5:44-45 (NIV)
 
We can mull over and over an offense that provoked our anger, or we can suffer that offense quietly, leaving ourselves in the hand of God. Anger is totally opposite to the spirit and letter of the Gospel. When we indulge wrong tempers, we wound the spirit of love and mercy within us. When we stand steadfast in our good will, however, an enemy or hurtful situation is weakened. There is no strength in anger because it robs us of our power to choose loving hearts and minds. When a thief steals from us, he obtains our goods, which are here today and gone tomorrow anyway - But if we raise up in righteous indignation, we have then given the thief our peace and joy as well.
 
When we rise above our fury, or seething resentments, we move closer to God and His grace purifies and renews our hearts. We more closely resemble our Savior who has also given us the most profound grace in human history. He died under the ignorant, brutally cruel hand of man, yet he used His last dying words to pray forgiveness over all of us.
 
Today’s meditation: Love can overwhelm anger.
 
Memory Verse: "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them.” Luke 6:32 (NIV)
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Daily devotion

1/21/2020

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​                                                                 Children of the Living God
 Toni Smothers
 
Scripture Reading: John 1:6-14
 click here to read the scripture
Scripture Quote:  Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God--that is, to those who had faith in his name: John 1:12 (NIV)
 
John the Baptist, was sent by God from his conception in Sara's womb, with the sole purpose to bear witness to the coming of the Messiah. God often uses plain, or even eccentric people, to speak truth to us in our own lives. John had been sent from God to deliver a message. It was John's strictness and purity of his life and doctrine that made others believe him, even without dramatic miracles, eloquent delivery of his message, or any other kind of tangible proof. 
 
Christ's light doesn't need anyone's testimony, but our current secular society does. Christians can show others the likeness of His light so that they can see Christ through us. Unlike John, who foretold His coming, we already have Christ's light within us. That precious gift is not intended to be selfishly hoarded, but shared with those who are currently asleep in the dark of night. Make a deliberate choice to live your faith out loud, trusting that God will make us sensitive to when we should share Christ and his gospel. Only God can make a heart awaken to His light, but He often uses His children to plant an opportune seed. Be open and depend on God's grace to teach you how to be ready to proclaim His message of eternal salvation.
 
Today’s meditation: Share His light with the sleeping world.
 
Memory Verse: From his full measure we have all been given grace on grace. John 1:16 (NIV)
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Daily devotion

1/20/2020

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​                                                        Children of the Living God
 Toni Smothers
 
Scripture Reading: John 1:6-14
 click to read the scripture
Scripture Quote:  Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God--that is, to those who had faith in his name: John 1:12 (NIV)
 
John the Baptist, was sent by God from his conception in Sara's womb, with the sole purpose to bear witness to the coming of the Messiah. God often uses plain, or even eccentric people, to speak truth to us in our own lives. John had been sent from God to deliver a message. It was John's strictness and purity of his life and doctrine that made others believe him, even without dramatic miracles, eloquent delivery of his message, or any other kind of tangible proof. 
 
Christ's light doesn't need anyone's testimony, but our current secular society does. Christians can show others the likeness of His light so that they can see Christ through us. Unlike John, who foretold His coming, we already have Christ's light within us. That precious gift is not intended to be selfishly hoarded, but shared with those who are currently asleep in the dark of night. Make a deliberate choice to live your faith out loud, trusting that God will make us sensitive to when we should share Christ and his gospel. Only God can make a heart awaken to His light, but He often uses His children to plant an opportune seed. Be open and depend on God's grace to teach you how to be ready to proclaim His message of eternal salvation.
 
Today’s meditation: Share His light with the sleeping world.
 
Memory Verse: From his full measure we have all been given grace on grace. John 1:16 (NIV)
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    2 Timothy 3:16-17New International Version (NIV) 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work
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    Bio: Toni Smothers has written articles for “Total Health”, “Let’s Live”, “People In Action” and “The North American Mentor” magazines.  She is a member of the Faithwriters.com writing community and was previously the editor for the teen section of their on-line magazine. She has written many programs, sermons, and skits and has edited several websites. Additionally, she has answered hundreds of questions for GotQuestions.org, a biblical resource site. Here is just one of their many testimonials: "Thank you for this insightful website! I was able to look up many questions I have asked over the years since becoming saved. The site is easy to navigate and gave me so much biblical background for answers that I feel my armor has been strengthened. You and your staff be encouraged to continue to speak the truth for God's glory." When Toni is not writing, she can usually be found cuddling with her 10 pound, furry, Morky muse, 'Sweet Pea.' Toni Smothers studied homeopathy extensively and became a proficient layman. She wrote about homeopathy for “Total Health” and “Let’s Live” magazines. Smothers describes her experience befriending a refugee family from Laos in her article published in the travel magazine, “People in Action.” Additionally, “American Mentor” magazine has published some of her poetry. Smothers drew upon her fun experiences as a youth pastor to provide the needed insight to function as the editor of the teen section of “Faithwriters” magazine and she is a member of the Faithwriters.com writer’s community. 

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