Blog Archives - Toni Writing for The Master

DAILY DEVOTION

2/12/2021

An Attitude of Gratitude

Scripture Reading for the day: Micah 7:13-20

Scripture Quote: “I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” Psalms 40:1b-2 (NIV)

Since the day we accepted Jesus as our Savior, we no longer fear eternal separation from God. He lives inside us now through His indwelling Spirit. It was for our benefit that Jesus suffered tremendous anguish, so that when we call to God for help, He hears and He cares. We are miraculously transformed by the sacrifice Jesus made to save us from our sins.
Are we now able to purposely sin and still be covered by Christ’s blood? Absolutely not! This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. Jesus is an atoning sacrifice for all the sins of those who believe in Him, but we now must deliberately turn from all evil.
God’s love for us compels us to a higher standard of living. Gratitude is the appropriate response to what He has accomplished in our lives, despite our prideful wills. Thankfulness fills our days with His peace and joy.

Today’s meditation: Be appreciative for God’s precious gift of eternal life.

Memory Verse: “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1John 4:10 (NIV)

DAILY DEVOTION

2/11/2021

Always Honor Christ

Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 3:1-7

Scripture Quote: Above all else, you must live in a way that brings honor to the good news about Christ. Then, whether I visit you or not, I will hear that all of you think alike. I will know that you are working together and that you are struggling side by side to get others to believe the good news. (Philippians 1:27)

We must consider our true citizenship to be in the kingdom of heaven, along with all our brothers and sisters who also belong to the church of Christ here on earth. We are all called to defend and enlarge the Gospel Message. We wrestle together against the enemies of God to bring as many alongside us as we can. We stand strong in our faith and we testify to the unification of our spirits through Christ.

It seems suitable that those of us who profess the Gospel should strive for it. There is so much negativity in our world that stands against faith in God that we must have our voices heard. As we speak out for the truth found in God's Word, we can demonstrate to an unbelieving culture a oneness of heart and affection among Christians. We can stand fast with one spirit and one mind. The Bible tells us that we are blessed when men persecute us, for great is our reward in heaven. Opposition to God has always existed in every generation, yet His Word is the most read book in history - His truth will prevail.

Today’s meditation: Faith worth anything, is faith worth everything!

Memory Verse: “I trust you to save me, LORD God, and I won't be afraid. My power and my strength come from you, and you have saved me." (Isaiah 12:2)

DAILY DEVOTION

2/10/2021

Acting Any Way We Want

Scripture Reading: Psalms 101:1-4

Scripture Quote: “Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.” Romans 6:13 (NIV)

Prosperous providence is great and we are certainly grateful for God's provision when our cookie jars are full. Adverse circumstances, however, often bring very different reactions from us. Our praise and worship might not be quite as loud or joyful in tough times. It takes discipline and maturity to have faith that difficult circumstances are in some way beneficial to our walk with God. So, once we have salvation as our reality, how can we deviate from that joy, regardless of our circumstances? Don't we still need to model the conduct of Jesus?

God's law illustrates a joyous, perfect lifestyle - We need the wisdom to desire to walk in it, to feel and know the indwelling Spirit of God who is with us to guide us. God does favor those who choose His will over their own. How closely does your will align with God's? Do your family and friends see that your life is centered around God's example, which is Jesus? Believers don't get to act any way we want because we are saved. We are saved to act any way God wants.

Today’s meditation: Cherish God’s gift of salvation and walk in it.

Memory Verse: “For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.” Romans 6:6 (NIV)

DAILY DEVOTION

2/9/2021

Accuse No One

BY TONI SMOTHERS

Scripture Reading: Matthew 7:1-6 (All Scripture quoted is CEV)

Scripture Quote: Some of you accuse others of doing wrong. But there is no excuse for what you do. When you judge others, you condemn yourselves, because you are guilty of doing the very same things. (Romans 2:1)

The Jews thought that they were more righteous than the Gentiles. However, they were guilty of the same things they accused the Gentiles of doing. So like the Jews, whenever we accuse others, we condemn
ourselves because we are also guilty of the same behaviors. God will be as hard on us as we are on others. Can we really think that God won't punish us when we behave exactly like the people we accuse?

The the incident about the woman who slept with someone other than her husband is another uncomfortable example of questionable piety. All the people wanted to stone her to death. They may not have all been guilty of committing the same sin as the woman, but they were all sinners. Jesus asked the one who never sinned to throw the first stone. Eventually, all the people left without throwing any stones. It’s a good lesson because we must always remember that we are all guilty of sinning against God and have no right to condemn anyone else. Christians must be willing to forgive each other, just as our Almighty God has forgiven and continues to forgive us.

Today’s meditation: Be wise and accuse no one, even in the face of dispute.

Memory Verse: Sharp words cut like a sword, but words of wisdom heal. (Proverbs 12:18)

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DAILY DEVOTION

2/8/2021

Acceptance and Obedience

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 1:1-9

Scripture Quote: “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” Romans 8:29 (NIV)

All Believers are called to be the visible Church and are entitled to all the privileges of the children of God, once we believe the Gospel. Believers of Christ are blessed with the continual watchful care of God and the salvation and inheritance promised by the Father that He guards for us. We are kept in fortified places within the Holy Spirit, who comforts us and helps us endure our hardships until we are united with Christ forever in our resurrected bodies. All that is involved with being called by God is a gift, but it does also rely on our acceptance of it and our obedience to it.

Think of Christ's obedience to His calling as Messiah - Through beatings, shameful jeers, rocks thrown, yet willingly He was nailed to a cross. Imagine the torturous pain he endured out of obedience to the Will of God. He could have silenced that crowd and refused those nails. He could have turned that vicious group on themselves, if He had just let his situation prevail over obedience - He had the power to stop His abuse, but He also had the power to choose the greatest love this world has ever known. He chose to be the very intentional Savior of all who would understand His sacrifice and believe.

Today’s meditation: Because He lives, we also live – Forever!

Memory Verse: 1 Thessalonians 1:4 (NIV) “For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you,”

DAILY DEVOTION

2/5/2021

Abide in Him
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+91%2CPsalm+1-16&version=NIV

Scripture Reading: Psalms 91:1-16

Scripture Quote: “For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.” Psalms 27:5 (NIV)

God is our refuge and our security. There are tremendous blessings awaiting our faithfulness. If we put all our trust and love in Him, there is no limit to His protection and affection. Believers are privileged to enter the very Spirit of God, where by the blood of Jesus, we are safe from the evil one. Deeply rooted faith shows us how important it is to abide in Him. There can be no fence-sitting when it comes to our allegiance to our God. We must be all-out-crazy-in-love with Jesus.

Satan can only prey on the vulnerable. Since we are bound to live in this decadent world, we need a reliable plan to keep us free from worldly temptation’s influence. Yet, we are called to be salt and light to the world and to reach out to the unsaved with the good news of the gospel. Knowing God's Word is imperative to our success. His truth teaches His directives and promises that cover solutions for all circumstances. God's Word will be invariably fulfilled to those who trust in Him. To quote my pastor, “Read the book!”

Today’s meditation: He who lives nearest to God suffers least from temptation.

Memory Verse: “The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalms 27:1 (NIV)

DAILY DEVOTION

2/3/2021

God Consoles and Renews

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 16:19-22 (All scripture quoted is MSG)

Scripture Quote: Don't panic. I'm with you. There's no need to fear for I'm your God. I'll give you strength. I'll help you. I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you. (Isaiah 41:10)

This verse is pretty plain in its meaning. It is full of consolation for the Believer - It was addressed primarily to the exiled Jews during their long and painful captivity in Babylon. The idea is that they who had been selected by God to be his special people had nothing to fear. But the promise is one that may be understood as addressed to all God's people in similar circumstances - It is as true now as it was then. Those followers whom God has chosen have nothing to fear. God is our protector, so nothing can ultimately take us from our eternal destiny with Him.

What greater assurance could we possibly desire than the knowledge that our Heavenly Father will protect us as we live out His ultimate purposes, which are always for our eventual good? We can rest so comfortably in this truth, if we will. So often we forget to simply disown worry and rely on God's promises. The creator of the cosmos has claimed to always protect and be with us. We may all believe in God, but do we also believe what God has promised His people? God doesn't lie. Choose truth and rest in the comfort of God's Word.

Today’s meditation: When we are fearful, we forget God’s promise.

Memory Verse: That's right. Because I, your GOD, have a firm grip on you and I'm not letting go. I'm telling you, 'Don't panic. I'm right here to help you.’ (Isaiah 41:13)

DAILY DEVOTION

2/2/2021

Giving

Scripture Reading for the day: Malachi 3:9-12

Scripture Quote: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Mat 6:19-21(NIV)

The bible says that we are under God's displeasure if we neglect His church by being stingy with our time and/or finances. Has God been stingy with His blessings and provision to you? What you give to God will not lessen your security. When you give as you should, see if God doesn't increase His provision to you. His rewards may not be in cash directly, but new opportunities will be presented to you. In God's economy, when one door closes, another becomes available. Your efforts will bear fruit as you learn to be a joyful giver.

A heart designed for God and eternity is degraded when focused on material possessions. When we look for the needy, rather than looking away from obvious poverty, the compassion meant to guide the Christian's heart will strengthen. Jesus said that when we do good to the poor, it is the same as doing good to Him.

Today’s meditation: Give back generously from God's provision.

Memory Verse: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” Malachi 3:10 (NIV)

DAILY DEVOTION

2/2/2021

"A Plea to Escape or Lesson of Endurance?"2 Corinthians 12:8
Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.

Thoughts for Today:In our previous passage, Paul spoke of a "thorn in the flesh". What was the thorn that caused him so much discomfort? We don't know for certain; however Bible commentators have speculated that it might have been some sort of eye disease, malaria, or possibly the long term implications of a previous injury. Paul traveled extensively, so he may have contracted a foreign illness, not to mention he was beaten several times, stoned, robbed, and shipwrecked. His "thorn" could have come from any one (or a combination) of these incidents.

There is one thing we do know for certain -- the thorn he speaks of was no small matter. According to Strong's Lexicon, the Greek word SKOLOPS (translated as "thorn"), is the same term used for tent stakes -- those eighteen-inch long spikes of wood used to anchor tents against the strong desert winds. So the "thorn" Paul speaks of was more like walking around with a large butcher knife sticking out of his side, rather than a splinter stuck in the palm of his hand. I think the significance of Paul's physical distress was lost in the translation.

Questions to Ponder:It is interesting to me that Paul prayed three times for the Lord to take away his pain/discomfort. The average Christian has no idea how many times he or she has prayed about something. In fact, we will usually pray incessantly over the same issue. On the other hand, it seems as if three times was a lot for Paul. Why? Perhaps Paul found the Lord's answer in learning how to endure, rather than escape. What relief have you been seeking from the Lord? Has He already provided His answer? Have you accepted His comfort and will -- and not your own?

DAILY DEVOTION

2/1/2021

Forgiveness And Renewal

Scripture Reading for the day: Psalms 51:10-17

Scripture Quote: “I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” Psalms 40:1–2 (NIV)

To create means to start from sratch were there is nothing, and from that nothing, bring something into being. Our hearts are sometimes very black and void of goodness. We loose sight of the things we believe. We act out of anger, or fear, or pride. We need God's touch as we plead to be something better than we are. Only God's devine power can restore love in a fearful or angry heart.

Some versions of the bible say, "renew a right spirit within me." Others say, "a steadfast spirit." They both mean the kind of sprit that is upright, sincere and constant. We all want to be the child of God who has a willingness to yeild to that which is good. But, we also all share that inherant bent toward disobedience. We want to do things our way. So, again and again, we yeild to temptation and find ourselves begging for forgiveness and cleansing. In His mercy, he allows us to repent. We start fresh, with God's blessing. No matter what we've done, His faithfulness to us never wavers.

Today’s meditation: We serve an awesome God who is always willing to forgive.

Memory Verse: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
Psalms 18:2 (NIV)

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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