Blog Archives - Toni Writing for The Master

DAILY DEVOTION

2/28/2022

Love
By, Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Matthew 22:36-40

Scripture Quote: (NIV) Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. . . 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a (NIV)

God commands that we love Him and one another in all circumstances. So, do you wake up shinning with love, or are you a bit groggy and grumpy? Maybe you are a “morning person.” So you hug your spouse and kids, maybe pet your dog. It’s easy to love your family. Still, have you never spoken a rude or cruel word to any of them?

Love satisfies us and can make us feel supremely complete. But speeding through our day, we can often throw love in the back seat while charging through the list of things we must do before we can stop long enough to realize that love is missing. That's why we were short with the lady at the cleaners. We saw some friends on the street but were too rushed to pause for any interaction, other than a smile and quick wave. "Love your neighbor as yourself." Hmmm - And where was God in your hectic day? Just saying, maybe we need to give this love thing some serious thought.

Today’s meditation: To love is a decision to obey God.

Memory Verse: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

DAILY DEVOTION

2/25/2022

Love the Unlovely
By, Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading for the day: Luke 6:27-38

Scripture Quote: “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?” Luke 6:45-46 (NIV)

Obeying Jesus’ command to love those who behave in a less than desirable way, can often be difficult. Our friends are usually like-minded Christians who don’t often challenge our ability to be gracious. It’s easy to be kind to those who appreciate our efforts done for their benefit.

But consider how well you shine in comparison to our Lord, Jesus – Now, that may just change your perspective on the subject. Jesus loved His accosters, despite their brutal actions. While he was being tortured and mocked, He prayed for those responsible, asking God to forgive them.

Jesus told His disciples, and anyone who would listen, to do good even to those who hate you. And if someone mistreats you, pray for them. So, even if it is the hardest thing you’ve ever done, do it anyway because God is pleased with those who obey God’s Word. The Christian life is all about change and loving every person is part of the deal.

Today’s meditation: If our heart’s desire is to know Jesus
and emulate Him, pray for His help loving even your enemy.

Memory Verse: “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Mat 5:44 (NIV)

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DAILY DEVOTION

2/24/2022

Love and Service
By, Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading for the day: Acts 20:18-38

Scripture Quote: For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. Rom 12:3 (NIV)

The apostle Paul served his fellow believers with joy and purpose. I’m sure the various, newly forming churches that he visited and wrote to from prison, all looked up to him as an exemplary leader. Paul could have thought himself to be special, more knowledgeable and important than those he taught, but he didn’t.

The temptation to feel superior to any other person comes directly from Satan. Such a ploy could easily steer a Christian off course. No matter how much of God’s Word we can quote, or how long we have studied it, we are not better than anyone else.

We are servants of our Lord Jesus, who loved us and lived a life of service. He died serving humanity through great pain and suffering.

We can be grateful for our redemption and respond to it by spreading His gospel and helping one another whenever possible. Our purpose is to live out the love and humility Jesus taught.

Today’s meditation: Our purpose in this world is to serve one another with love and grace, just as Jesus did.

DAILY DEVOTION

2/23/2022

Living Victoriously
Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 4:3-8

Scripture Quote: For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy. (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 NIV)

We are truly blessed whenever we are able to stand against temptations and trials. The Bible tells us that we will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. All worldly glory will only wither and perish. Also, there is a crown of righteousness for those who live the Christian life with dignity and humility, serving and loving others as Christ has taught us.

The crown of exultation is offered to us for the people we have encountered during our lives that we have influenced in some way for Christ. They truly are "our hope and our joy." When there is good purpose in our hearts, Christ uses that to welcome others into the fold. Just by opening ourselves up to be used, God blesses others with the Gospel message and draws them to the cross. To be a miniscule part of the glorious transformation of a newly saved soul has got to be better than great fame or fortune. And then, when our time here is done and we go to our true forever home, we will be privileged to lay our crowns at the foot of our Lord and our joy will truly be complete.

Today’s meditation: In everything you do, glorify Jesus.

Memory Verse: You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being. (Revelation 4:11 NIV)

DAILY DEVOTION

2/22/2022

Lion’s Den Kind of Faith
By, Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: Daniel 6:1-9

Scripture Quote: “My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty. The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.” Daniel 6:22 (NIV)

The incident with Daniel and the lions makes us see, in living color, how mighty was Daniel’s faith in God. He knew that the goodness, provision, grace and mercy of God, would all work for his protection because he believed with a steadfast faith. There was no circumstance that could place doubt in Daniel's heart. It is that kind of pure faith, which believes that God will reward those who diligently seek him, that always finds favor and the willing shelter of our Sovern God.

Our generation has the life, death and resurrection of Jesus as our faith foundation. It was for us less than brilliant ones, God made Himself totally visible, this time in the living color of His Son’s blood. There can be no doubt about how incredibly deep God’s love for us is and no doubt about how much He deserves our complete faith.

Today’s meditation: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)

Memory Verse: And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

DAILY DEVOTION

2/20/2022

Life’s Trials
By, Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12:5-11

Scripture Quote: “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfected of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.”
Hebrews 12:2-4

It is only an ever growing trust in and love for God that can enable a person to endure the temptations of life and remain content without complaint. Every one of us experiences various types of trials, and because of that, we are all candidates to either stand or fall.

The prize for enduring and overcoming our temptations will be the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to us. Our holy God desires to build our character and strength against evil temptations. However, He will always deliver us from the punishment of hell. We are to trust God for all our provision and remain steadfast in our love for Him. Our heavenly Father has sent us trials so that we may grow. He has used seemingly harsh trials to teach us to abandon the easy path and cling to truth, wisdom and justice. He is constantly refining those traits in us.

Today’s meditation: Our trials are temporary and endurable.

Memory Verse: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12 (NIV)

DAILY DEVOTION

2/18/2022

Life Lesson
By, Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 9:9-12

Scripture Quote: “All share a common destiny--the righteous and the wicked, the good and the bad, the clean and the unclean, those who offer sacrifices and those who do not. As it is with the good, so with the sinful; as it is with those who take oaths, so with those who are afraid to take them.” Ecclesiastes 9:2 (NIV)

Each day we face challenges, whether it be traffic jams, rebellious children, a seemingly endless pile up of work at the office, or illness, or any myriad of things that tax our ability to cope. We can sometimes feel like we are falling behind, like we are just not fast enough, or good enough, or smart enough. It would be prudent then, to stop and see a different, more joyfull perspective on our lives.

Instead of wondering how you will catch up with the specific demands on your life, slow down and realize that getting every last thing done doesn't make your heart any lighter. Thinking about the blessings surrounding your day can begin to show you what is and what just isn't that important.

The love of your heavenly Father, your cherished family, friends, and the simple fun you find in each day – all conspire to make life great. These are the truly important things. And while its true that we will all die some day, as beleivers, we are also destined for the throne - joint heirs with Jesus Christ, our Savior and friend. So, try spending much more time resting in simple gratitude.

Today’s meditation: Calmness flows from God.

Memory Verse: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalms 90:12 (NIV)

DAILY DEVOTION

2/17/2022

Let Your Faith Lead
Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Acts 15:7-11 (All quoted Scripture is MSG)

Scripture Quote: And that's not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise. (Romans 5:2)

Christians are not only saved by Jesus, having been given a free and full pardon from our sinful past, but our continued conversion also depends on Him and His gracious influence in our minds and hearts. Jesus also intercedes for us to the Father. It is only through Christ that we can approach and have received access to God's throne. We are privileged to remain full of His Holy Spirit. We belong to a new heavenly family, as children of the most High God, who will one day bask in His glory forever.

So, is that it? Are Believers to walk around full of faith, love and hope, only sharing our lives with like-minded brothers and sisters in Christ? That would be such a waste of grace. Have we no use for our worldly brother who is lost and destined to life apart from our great God? We were once far too weak and rebellious to do anything to get ourselves right with God. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to Him. Christ was manifested in the flesh when the world needed Him most. Can we do less? Be the ambassador God has called you to be.

Today’s meditation: It is our duty to share our faith with the lost.

Memory Verse: But now you have arrived at your destination. (Gal 3:25)

DAILY DEVOTION

2/16/2022

Let the Life of Jesus Be Manifest
By Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading for the day: 2 Corinthians 4:6-14

Scripture Quote: “ We face death every day because of Jesus. Our bodies show what his death was like, so that his life can also be seen in us.” 2 Corinthians 4:10 (CEV)

       It's easy to proclaim Christ when things are going smoothly. The challenge is in hiding solely in His arms and finding the pure joy of that even as life turns bitter or infuriating. To lay disappointments, defeats, anger and resentments, and even envy, at Christ's feet while picking up His calm, peaceful acceptance of all things, is to truly know the intimacy with which we can come to have with our loving and forgiving Savior.

       It is during adversity, in particular, that we see Him all the more clearly as we deepen our “knowing” that He lives, even in us. Trials put us and all we profess to believe to the test. When we can stand in our trials, we prove that Jesus is manifest in us. We can take courage, bear patiently, and persevere.

Meditation for the day: We can choose not to pray for “things” anymore, but to seek to know God Himself. The life of the Son of God has been reborn in us and we have the privilege to nourish that life and value it more than we value anything.

Memory Verse:   “You know that you learn to endure by having your faith tested.” James 1:3(CEV)

DAILY DEVOTION

2/16/2022

Let The Holy Spirit Teach You
Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 3:8-12

Scripture Quote: And to have knowledge of the love of Christ which is outside all knowledge, so that you may be made complete as God himself is complete. Ephesians 3:19 (BBE)

How can the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, be known? It is only through the love of Christ that we can know the love of God. The gift of Christ to man is the measure of God's love for us. We can only acknowledge that truth which is hidden in our inner-man, while it does surpass our typical ability to grasp intellectually. We can’t fully comprehend God either, but we do know that He exists and that we love and serve Him. We may not be aware of the immensity of the love of Jesus, but we do know that his love has cleansed us by His own blood.

So, it is our faith that acknowledges Christ as our Lord and Savior. In this sense, we know the love of Christ that passes knowledge - Being rooted and firmly established in love that does surpass our complete understanding, we can yet somehow grab hold of that wide, deep, unfathomable perfection of His great love for us. It is a mystery how we can know the unknowable. The influence of the Holy Spirit must teach our inner-man much more than we will ever realize intellectually in this lifetime. For now, we can lean into our faith in Jesus and be glad that we are His and He is ours!

Today’s meditation: Oh, how God lavishes His love on His own.

Memory Verse: And hope does not put to shame; because our hearts are full of the love of God through the Holy Spirit which is given to us. Romans 5:5 (BBE)

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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